Photo Credits to www.spafinder.com
Planning to get your first massage? Congratulations, you’re in for a treat!
However, your first time can be unpleasant if you’re not properly prepared for the experience. First, it can be pretty intimidating walking into a spa for the first time and having no idea what to expect. Second, massages are not cheap, so it can be disappointing if it doesn’t go as you had hoped.
That being said, knowing how to properly prepare for a massage is essential because it greatly impacts your experience. Here are 5 important things to know before going in for your first massage, so you can make sure you have the relaxing experience that you deserve.
Research Is Important
One of the best first massage tips that I learned is to do my due diligence. Research is very important when you’re trying something for the first time. When it comes to massages, there are dozens of different services, all of which are designed to aid your body in different ways – employing various techniques and targeting different parts of the body.
Doing research will help you make informed decisions about the type of massage that best suits your needs and preferences. It will help you determine what you want to accomplish with getting a massage, whether it’s pain relief, relaxation, or muscle recovery and find techniques that align with your goal. Do you need a deep tissue massage? An emphasis on stretching? Perhaps a service with aromatherapy?
Additionally, reading reviews of the spa you plan to visit will give you an idea what to expect, and researching potential therapists will help you find a qualified professional that can meet your expectations.
It’s Okay To Ask Questions
Upon booking your appointment, whether in person or through a phone call, don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice out your concerns. Spas want to make their clients as comfortable as possible during their services, so they would be happy to know how they can serve you better according to your preferences.
For example, you can ask what you should wear for your massage or let them know if you have a gender preference for your therapist. Asking questions beforehand will prevent miscommunication and avoid any unpleasant surprises during your first massage.
The same goes during your massage – don’t be shy to speak up at any point if you feel uncomfortable, want a change in pressure, or would like special attention on a body part that hurts.
Preparation Is Key
Coming to your appointment prepared will help make your first massage a smooth experience. Here are a few preparation tips to keep in mind before going to the spa:
- Arrive on time or early (at least 15 minutes before) for your appointment so you have ample time to fill out paperwork, get settled, and prepare for your massage.
- Take a shower before coming in for your appointment for hygiene purposes and in consideration of your therapist.
- Come wearing comfortable clothing. If you can, leave your accessories at home since you will be asked to remove them.
- If you’re hungry, eat a light snack at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Avoid heavy meals, as it can make you feel bloated and queasy during the service. Don’t forget to hydrate, though.
- Arrive at the spa with your phone off in silent mode. It’s ideal that you don’t use any gadgets while in session.
Therapists Thrive On Tips
Don’t forget to tip your therapist after your first massage! Tipping isn’t really required, but’s a great way to show your appreciation to your therapist especially if you enjoyed the service. To give you an idea, you can ask the receptionist how much their therapists usually receive in tips, but a good range would be between 15 to 20% of the service price.
Post-Massage Soreness Is Normal
Just to give you a heads up, you might feel sore after your massage. Although not everyone experiences this, first timers are more likely to. But don’t worry, post-massage soreness is totally normal – it’s your body’s response to inflammation since a massage stimulates muscles in your body that you don’t usually use. If your shoulder area feels sore after a massage, it means that there was tension built up in that area. It just means your body is healing and you’ll feel so much better once the soreness subsides!
Wrapping Up
Your first massage should be memorable – soothing, relaxing, and rejuvenating. However, it’s important that you also do your part to make sure that the experience meets your needs and expectations. Just follow the tips above on how to prepare for a massage and you’ll be good to go!