My First Massage: What To Expect + Common FAQ!

September 20, 2021

Hey guys! Now I have always wanted to get a massage, but just never knew where to start. Ignoring the anxiety of getting my kit off, you also have to look at reviews, booking an appointment and simply getting there. Now, these may seem like relatively noddy points, but I am going to work through some common misconceptions and why so many people struggle with the thought of having the first massage to break the ice and never get around to it.

*This massage was gifted by The Massage Company, but all opinions are honest and my own.

Getting There

When finding a professional massage, you want it to be nearby. This is for multiple reasons. For starters, it becomes easier to get regular treatments, rather than only when you can travel. After a massage, you will be covered in oil and massaging liquids, which you may not want on for hours. After my first massage, I was feeling all soft, moisturised and glowy. However, my Boyfriend just felt clammy and sticky, not ideal as we were an hour away from home. Plan out your route, and try not to do anything too intense after your massage, because you are counteracting all the relaxation that has taken place.

Eligibility Forms

No one will be turned away for a massage, but you have to truly work out what is for you. The clinic will give you a form before your massage, so your therapist knows exactly what is best. From working out your problem areas and not so problem areas, the treatment becomes personalised. Any medications, skin conditions and health conditions need to be disclosed prior as to not worsen symptoms during your procedure. For example, if you have sensitive skin, they can change the oil they use on you. Intensity will also be different if you have arthritis or fibromyalgia – so let them know if there is anything that could alter your experience.

Types of Massage

You will always be asked what massage you want before your treatment, so before you go, consider the type of procedure you would like:

Deep Tissue Massage:

“A more specialised treatment focusing on the main muscle groups of the body, our deep tissue massage techniques will release and reduce musculoskeletal pain and tension and are particularly effective in helping with general back, neck, shoulder and leg pain. Your therapist will adapt the pressure to suit you (Light, Medium or Firm).”

Sports Massage:

“Often taken by those actively engaged in hard physical work and activity, or regular sport (including all top sports people). This deeper muscle massage is typically associated with the prevention and treatment of injury, strains, and sprains.”

Classic Massage / Swedish Massage:

“This is the best-known massage therapy treatment in the World, and ideal for those new to (or returning to) massage, as it delivers fantastic benefits to both body and mind.”

Maternity Massage:

“We aim to relax tense muscles, ease aches and sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good about your body. A maternity massage is ideal for ladies at all stages of pregnancy, and will be conducted by trained pre-natal (and post-natal) qualified therapists.”

Intensity

Now, before your first massage, it is a wise idea to know your pain tolerance. If a massage is painful – like unbearable, then it is too much. Work on understanding how much pressure you will like, and understand that if you ask for harder pressure, it will be hard. Expect elbows and knuckles to be involved. If it is your first massage, start with lighter pressure and ask for it to be harder if need be – it is always better to work your way up than being in pain.

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On that note, decide what the purpose of your massage is – to relax or to solve an issue. This will always impact the type of massage you get and the effectiveness of the result.

With my massage, I had some issues with intensity. I had asked for something light and not too forceful, but it turns out I had done some damage to my body. Turns out that working a post-uni summer job in a warehouse and renovating your home puts pressure on your back! Due to this, the therapist had to go a little harder than I would have liked, causing some pain in some areas, and some bruising afterwards. However, straight after the massage, I noticed how much more flexible I was, and how there was a lot less tension. Usually, if the therapist asks to press harder, it is usually for the best and will give you a greater reward at the end.

Problem areas

When entering a massage, it is better if you know which areas need the most attention. Whether it be caused through work, exercise or sleep, there are always areas that are more painful than they should be. If you have more problem areas it may be worth having a longer session.

This could be:

Calves

Thighs

Arms

Scalp

Neck

Shoulders

Lower back

As well as problem areas, you will always be asked how bad these problems are. If you have any prior conditions, a massage therapist will never want to cause you unnecessary pain or damage. Even if an area is painful, you can always add a side note of a previous operation or procedure that might make the area more tender.

For me, I asked for special attention on my calves, upper shoulders and next. After the massage, I also found out that my thighs were tenser than they should have been and my scalp needed another treatment.

Clothes Situation

Now a masseuse has seen it all. Before your first massage, it is something we assume to be true but always seem to ignore. Whether you have lumps and bumps, acne or insecure spots, the masseuse will never know that you are not proud of those parts. I would always walk in as confident as you can be, otherwise, the massage will not be as enjoyable as you want it to be.

All massage clinics will give you some time to get changed in a room on your own. In that time, keep your hair tied up and out of the way, and take off anything you have on, apart from your underwear. If you do choose for your glutes to be massaged, they may ask you to remove your underwear too. Side note, make sure to remove all jewellery, watches (and smartwatches) – as well as earrings if your ears get easily irritated with pressure

Communication

At the end of the day, your first massage is what you make it. If you want to have a chat with your masseuse in the process, so be it, and if you don’t, that’s fine too. Everyone relaxes in different ways, so you need to find what’s best for you. Communication, however, is especially important when you want to tell them something. If you are in pain or want them to go harder, just say. A service is being provided, so when they ask how you are and if the pressure is okay, be honest. It’s simply human nature to be polite, but changing the pressure does more for you than the masseuse, so find what works.

I have to say that The Massage Company were excellent in making sure we were okay, especially as it was our first massage. The people at the reception desk were so great at easing our nerves and explaining the whole process as we go – making the whole process 100x easier.

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Sleeping

Now this is something my Boyfriend was worried about, as he can fall asleep anywhere. It is normal, when your joints are relaxed, to have a little snooze. What’s best to note is that therapists are never offended – if anything, it is an indicator that you are enjoying it. When the massage is done, they will give you a nudge, and let you know anything that you missed. But never worry if you are too relaxed, is it simply human nature.

Optional Extras

Alongside a massage, there are also extras that you can add to your treatment. These could be hot stones, aromatherapy massage, scalp massage and foot treatments. You do not have to have these; but if you have specific areas that would be better off with these treatments, then do consider it.

Well-being and Modesty

Your well-being always comes first, so if you do not feel comfortable, just say. Massages can be overwhelming, so if it is not for you then reach out and mention it. On the note of modesty, this was something I was worried about. However, the therapist will only uncover the relevant part of the body they are working on from the main blanket. Other than that, you are covered at all times. If you have disclosed to not massage a certain part of your body, then it will be never worked on. It will also be covered the whole time

There is no point unnecessarily feeling uncomfortable, so if you would like to be covered, just say. Likewise, do not worry about being stark naked on a bed face down, because 90% of you will be covered at any one time. The Massage Company also had an electric blanket, so I was nice and warm the whole way through.

Subscription / One Off

After your first massage, you will need to decide whether you want to continue this is a one-time thing, or whether you want to continue the process; at intervals of your choice. There is usually always an upsell, so find what works for you, and be assertive in your decision.

Final First Massage Review

In all honesty, I had no reason to be nervous! Any misconceptions were erased straight away, and the whole process was so professional. I was quite sore and bruised afterwards, but this came from torturing my body over lockdown; and the fact that this was my first massage. No doubt though, I will be going again!

The Other Half

Before getting my first massage I was a tad worried: “will it even help?”, “I hope I don’t fall asleep”, “Should I shave my back?”. In the end, these were very trivial concerns, the experience was incredibly relaxing and really did help relieve some tension in my neck and shoulders. So when I say I’d recommend this to anyone you know it’s true, it’s coming from one of the largest pessimists you’ll ever meet!

(Not going to lie, he wanted to write a review as much as me – to be honest, I think Lewis is going to start inviting himself to things!)