Before Your First Massage

Complete Your Intake Form

Before your appointment, you’ll complete an intake form with basic information about your health, areas of concern, and anything your massage therapist should know before beginning.

Be as specific as you can about things like:

✓ Areas that feel tight, sore, or uncomfortable
✓ Areas you would like your therapist to avoid
✓ Previous injuries or surgeries that may affect the massage
✓ Your preferred pressure
✓ Your main goal for the appointment

It’s also completely fine if your answer is simply, “I just want to relax.”

Arrive a Few Minutes Early

You don’t need to arrive excessively early, but giving yourself a few extra minutes helps keep the appointment from feeling rushed.

If your intake paperwork is already complete, you’ll typically just check in and wait for your massage therapist.

What Happens When You Meet Your Massage Therapist?

Before the massage begins, your therapist will usually ask a few questions about what brought you in.

This is a good time to mention:

✓ Where you’re feeling tension
✓ Whether you prefer lighter or firmer pressure
✓ Any areas you don’t want worked
✓ Whether you’re looking for relaxation or more focused work
✓ Anything else you’re concerned about

You don’t need to give your therapist a perfect roadmap. Part of their job is helping determine how to approach the session based on what you tell them and what they find during the massage.

What Do You Wear During a Massage?

You undress to your comfort level, but less clothing generally makes it easier for your therapist to work and allows for a better massage.

You’ll have complete privacy while getting ready, and professional draping is used throughout the massage. Only the area being worked on is uncovered.

 

Do You Have to Take Off Your Underwear?

No.

Some clients leave their underwear on. Others prefer to remove it. Either is completely normal.

The most important thing is that you are comfortable.

Your therapist should never make you feel pressured to undress beyond your comfort level.

What Happens During the Massage?

Once you’re comfortable on the table, your therapist will begin the massage based on the areas and goals you discussed beforehand.

Depending on the appointment, that might include a full-body massage or more focused time on areas like the:

• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Legs
• Feet
• Arms
• Hands

If you booked a longer appointment, your therapist generally has more time to work slowly and spend additional time on problem areas.

What If the Pressure Is Too Light or Too Deep?

Tell your therapist.

Massage pressure is not something you have to endure.

If the pressure feels too intense, uncomfortable, or simply isn’t what you were hoping for, let your therapist know. The same goes if you’d prefer firmer pressure.

You can say something as simple as:

“Could you go a little lighter?”

or

“You can use a little more pressure there.”

A good massage therapist would much rather adjust during the appointment than find out afterward that you were uncomfortable.

Is Deep Tissue Massage Supposed to Hurt?

Firm or focused massage can sometimes feel intense, particularly in an area with significant tension, but more pain does not automatically mean a better massage.

There is a difference between productive pressure and feeling like you need to tense up, hold your breath, or wait for the therapist to move on.

If something feels like too much, say so.

Massage works best when you and your therapist can communicate.

Are You Supposed to Talk During a Massage?

Only if you want to.

Some clients talk through nearly their entire appointment. Others barely say a word.

Both are completely normal.

You don’t need to entertain your therapist, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with closing your eyes and enjoying the quiet.

Your therapist may still check in occasionally about pressure or comfort.

What If I Fall Asleep?

Go right ahead.

Falling asleep during a massage is common and definitely not something you need to apologize for.

If you’re relaxed enough to drift off, we’ll consider that a compliment.

What If I Need to Move, Cough, Scratch, or Use the Bathroom?

You’re still a human being while you’re on the massage table.

If you need to adjust your position, cough, sneeze, scratch your nose, or take a bathroom break, just let your therapist know.

You aren’t expected to lie completely motionless for an hour.

When the Massage Is Over

Your therapist will let you know when the session has ended and leave the room so you can get dressed privately.

Once you’re dressed, follow the arrows in the hallway back toward the front desk. Your therapist will meet you there for checkout.

 

How Will I Feel After My First Massage?

Everyone responds a little differently.

Many people feel relaxed and loose immediately afterward. You may also notice certain areas feel different after receiving focused work.

Occasionally, people experience some temporary tenderness after massage, especially if they received firmer pressure or had an area worked more extensively than usual.

Your therapist can give you recommendations based on the massage you received.

Should You Drink Water After a Massage?

Staying normally hydrated is a good idea before and after your massage.

You don’t need to force yourself to drink an enormous amount of water just because you had a massage. Simply continue drinking fluids normally based on your needs.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

There isn’t one schedule that works for everyone.

Some people come in occasionally when they need a reset. Others schedule massage every few weeks as part of their regular routine.

The right frequency depends on things like:

• Why you’re receiving massage
• How your body responds
• Your activity level
• Your schedule
• Your budget
• Your personal preference

Your therapist can help you decide what makes sense for you without requiring a long-term commitment.

Related Guide: How Often Should You Get a Massage?

First Massage FAQs

Related Massage Resources & Services

Ready for Your First Massage?

You don’t need to know exactly what pressure you want, which muscles are tight, or what type of massage you need before you arrive.

Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll help with the rest.

Tacora Massage & Esthetics
Waterloo, Iowa

Serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls & the Cedar Valley

Need help choosing? Call us at (319) 939-6637