What to Expect For Your First Massage

You may be thinking of getting your first massage and if so you want to know what to expect for your first massage. There are a number of things to consider before you get a massage. When you schedule you will want to tell the scheduler how long you want to be massaged. A typical general relaxation massage is about one hour long. It could take up to 90 minutes for a thorough full body massage. However you may want to do a shorter massage, 30 minutes for example, to try it out for the first time. A full massage would include the back, legs, arms, feet and hands. Some therapists would also include the abdomen, as well as the head and face in this timeframe. A shorter massage would concentrate on a specific area of the body - the back, neck and shoulders, for example.

You will be asked to fill out a health questionaire and the therapist will go over that with you to make sure that you don't have any conditions that would make it inadvisable to get massage. You'll be taken to a quiet room, maybe with some candles burning and some quiet soothing music. If you do not like the music, ask the therapist to choose something else or bring your own music you like to relax with. You are typically in a private room unless you are having a couples massage. The therapist will use their hands, arm, or elbow while massaging your body.

Your massage therapist will help you decide which massage type you want. There are over 100 kinds of massage therapy. The differences are in the technique, whether lotions or oils are used, and the pressure applied during the massage.

The most common massage used in the United States is the Swedish massage. It involves slow, smooth strokes and gentle kneading movements. Massage oil or lotion may be used and the therapist will gradually increase the pressure as the massage progresses.

Your therapist will concentrate on your hands and feet because there are reflex points there that match to other parts of your body. The use of lotion or oil allows the therapists hands to glide over your body without rough friction. Some kinds of massages require friction, but not a Swedish massage.

Because oil is used, you'll need to shed some of your clothes. However, you are always discretely covered with sheets or a towel. Only the areas being worked on will be uncovered.

Try Swedish massage first to see what you like and don’t like. Although if you are uncomfortable getting undressed, you may want to try a type of massage for which you can remain clothed, like Shiatsu or Thai Yoga Massage. Don't feel like you have to stick with the first therapist you see. You can try other forms of massage and even try other therapists until you find one that you like and fits with your likes and dislikes.

A massage therapy session is time to relax. Arrange a time when you will not be interrupted by a cell phone call. Allow yourself time to relax before you go for your scheduled appointment. If it is the first time, you will want to allow yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes because you will need to fill out a form about your medical history.