Thinking about your first massage?

Thinking about getting your first massage ever? You might be wondering what it will be like, and you may even be a little nervous. A bit of pre-massage anxiety is common for your first session, but unnecessary. Here's how it will go:

When you book, you'll be emailed a brief intake form to fill out. This is mostly to find out if there's anything I should be aware of, like current injuries/medical conditions. I'll show you to my treatment room where we'll have a conversation about your goals and your body. This isn't a test that you have to prepare for in advance, and there are no wrong answers.

Before we begin I'll tell you which way to lie on the table to start (you'll usually start face down, under the sheet and blanket) and we'll discuss how undressed to get. It's always to your level of comfort. Most folks choose to leave their underwear on, or you can be naked. The latter can be useful if you need some hip work, but it's always up to you! If you prefer to leave more on, that's ok too. Rest assured that, whatever you choose, you'll always be securely draped. I'll only uncover the areas that I'll be working on, and everything else will remain covered.

Once you're on the table, what do you need to do? You basically have one job: If something hurts, or if you're uncomfortable, I'd like for you to let me know. Don't assume that anything is "supposed to hurt," or that "she knows best, I'm probably supposed to be this cold." No, please speak up! I may be the expert on massage, but you're the expert on your own body. If something doesn't feel quite right, I want you to trust your instincts and flag me down. The first few appointments are a process of us learning about one another, and my intuition can only take me so far.

Other than that, feel free to relax. You don't need to help me when I move one of your limbs. Be a limp noodle and let me do the work. You don't need to keep your arms in any particular place, or do anything other than melt into the table. Don't feel like you need to make small talk either. I'd like you to really experience the massage. If that means talking or asking questions, please do. If that means being quiet and introspective, that's great too.

One last thing: I don't care about your leg hair. Don't worry about stubble, or cellulite, or the noises your abdomen makes during the massage (this is normal, by the way, part of the relaxation response). I've worked on LOTS of people, and there is nothing wrong with being fully human on my table. If you think that your body is flawed in some way, rest assured that I thoroughly disagree with you.

After the massage, my main goal is to let you float on out. I may ask about any areas of pain that you had mentioned, remind you to drink plenty of water and I may have a stretch to offer you. Other than that, I'll be collecting my fee (if you have not already used the pre-pay option on my website), asking if you'd like to schedule your next appointment (optional!), and seeing you on your way.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share with any friends who might be thinking about their first massage!