We're constantly asked the question, "What's a massage therapy appointment like?" If it's your first time experiencing massage, then you're in luck. Here we'll dive into the ins-and-outs of your massage appointment and what you should expect.

What Should I Expect at My Massage Therapy Appointment?

With your first massage therapy appointment, we’ll have a small amount of paperwork, and we’ll need to ask you some general health questions since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate.

Your therapy will take place on a table specially designed for stability and comfort. Your therapist may offer cushions or an adjustable face rest for support. The room will be warm and quiet, often with soft music to set a relaxing mood. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table and cover yourself with the fresh linens on the table.

For full body therapy, most people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. You are draped securely at all times, except for the area of the body the therapist is working on.

Your therapist will usually use a lubricant, such as light oil or lotion, which is good for the skin and absorbs well. Please tell your therapist right away if you have sensitivities or allergies to such things.

Your session usually begins with a light steady touch, followed by broad, flowing strokes, which calms your nervous system and releases tension in your superficial muscles. Gradually, as your body becomes ready, your therapist works more deeply to relax specific areas. Communication with your therapist will add benefit to your visit. Communicating, too deep, too soft, what is good and what is uncomfortable helps your therapist to adjust their technique and touch.

Does pain or restricted movement keep you from living the life you want? Sports injuries, household accidents, repetitive actions on the job, and tension from everyday stresses can cause problems that, too often, take up permanent residence in our bodies. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and, in combination with medical attention, help heal certain conditions and prevent their return.

What Can Massage Therapy Offer Me?

Stress Relief

Relaxation is one of the best-known antidotes for stress. Reducing stress gives you more energy, improves your outlook on life, and reduces your likelihood of injury and illness. Physical therapy can also relieve symptoms of conditions aggravated by anxiety such as asthma or insomnia. Because it relieves stress, relaxation massage is an excellent supportive therapy for people in psychological counseling or treatment for addiction.

Painful or Tight Muscle Relief

Deep tissue therapy can relieve many types of muscle tightness, from short-term muscle cramp to habitually clenched jaw or tight shoulders. Massage therapy acts directly on your muscles with stretching and kneading motions. It also stimulates the nervous system to instruct muscles to relax even more. Treatment also flushes muscles of built-up waste products that can make you sore after vigorous exercise.

Heal Injuries

Massage therapy can help heal injuries such as tendonitis that develop over time, as well as ligament sprains or muscle strains caused by accidents. Deep tissue work reduces inflammation by increasing circulation, which removes waste products and brings nutrition to injured cells.