Frequently asked questions
Before the Massage
What should I expect during my first massage?
A consultation with your therapist. You will discuss your basic health history, areas of concern, and what you hope to get out of the massage (relaxation, focus on an area, etc.).
Undressing: You will undress to your comfort level. The therapist MUST leave the room for privacy while you get under the sheets. You should always feel comfortable during the massage, professional therapist will never make you feel uncomfortable, and will always keep you properly draped.
What kind of training do you have?
Massage therapy should only be administered by certified professionals. There is a particular route that includes technical/career training education with mandatory classroom hours, practical training under supervision, a state or national licensing exam, and a professional license that is overseen by local governments. The license information is available and verifiable by searching the state's massage board.
Do I need to shower beforehand?
It is not mandatory, but is recommended. Some of the reasons are: Hygiene | Relaxation: a warm shower before the massage can help loosen muscles. | Massage lotion: These glide more easily on clean skin.
Should I shave?
There is no need.
What if I'm pregnant/have a medical condition (e.g., allergies, surgery)?
When in doubt consult with your physician. But overall most conditions are not a general contraindication for massage, for some conditions there could be local contraindications or variables on the massage techniques that could be used.
Do I need to take off all my clothes?
No. You would only undress to your level of comfort. If you are fully clothed, some compression and stretch techniques work well; in these situations, athletic wear is strongly suggested. However, this is not recommended if you want to take full advantage of the session.
During the Massage
What if I feel uncomfortable or need to use the restroom?
You and only you should always be in control of the session, you must let the therapist know. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the session ask the therapist to step out and you should leave the room.
Is it okay to fall asleep or snore?
100% fine
What if I'm ticklish?
In most cases the therapist will be able to manage and will use techniques that will not trigger them.
How much pressure should the massage be?
100% depends on your tolerance and feedback. The first massage should always be a medium pressure massage (my personal opinion), this way you and your therapist will learn how your body will react. Thereafter, you can decrease or increase the pressure based on how you feel during the session and the day(s) after.
After the Massage
Why do I feel sore or achy after the massage?
The intent of the massage is to loosen up muscles by breaking up adhesions. We will try to minimize the risk of that next day soreness but in most cases you will still feel a little achy the next day. However, you must be able to tell that the soreness you feel is the 'good' type to say it in a way. Any bruising, and 'bad' type of achiness are signs that the session was a little too intense for your body.
Communication is the key, you must give feedback during the session if you feel that the pressure that the therapist is using goes beyond your tolerance.
We all have different tolerance to pressure and our bodies all react differently, it will take some time for you and the therapist to find the perfect combination.
How often should I get massages?
As often as you like.
What should I do to maximize the benefits of my massage?
Before the session: Hydrate
During the session: Use a breathing technique, I'd recommend box breathing.
After: Warm bath and stretch.
Other common questions
Can you crack my back? (Not recommended by most massage therapists)
No, never.
Do your hands ever get hurt?
No, they have built the strength and resistance required to be a massage therapist.
What are those knots in my muscles?
A myth. What people often refer as 'knots' are simply muscle adhesions, usually areas where a set of muscle fibers are tighter than the surrounding muscle fibers.
There is not such thing as a knotted muscle.