What to Expect When Getting a Professional Massage

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Have you ever thought about getting a professional massage but were too intimidated? Maybe you are worried that you'll be asked to take off all of your clothing or that the therapist will be critiquing your body. If nerves or fear of the unknown have kept you from enjoying the many benefits of massage, fear no more. Here's the skinny on what you can expect:

What to Expect Prior to the Massage

If you are coming in for a massage for the first time, try to arrive about 15 minutes early. This will give you time to get comfortable and also allows you time to discuss with the therapist your medical history and any issues you may be having that led you to seek massage therapy. He or she will likely have you fill out a questionnaire that includes information that will help her/him give you the best possible massage. There are some instances where massage therapy is contraindicated such as following a stroke, if there is evidence of a blood clot or when certain skin disorders are present or certain common illnesses. As well, special training is necessary when providing massage therapy services to cancer patients or pregnant women.

If you are brand new to massage, the therapist will likely take a few minutes to describe what will be occurring and give you instructions for undressing and in what position you should lie on the massage table.

Arguably the most common question that new clients have is if they need to completely disrobe during a massage. What I generally told my clients is that in order for me to give them a complete therapeutic massage, it is best to remove all clothing except for panties/briefs or boxers. You will be covered with a sheet at all times during your massage, except the body part on which the therapist is working. The therapist will be using oil or a gel or cream-based lubricant when providing the massage. These products can leave stains on clothing. You will be given privacy during this time, much the same way you would be if you were having a complete physical at your physician's office.

Once you have disrobed, you will lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a sheet. (The therapist should give you direction on this before he or she leaves the room to allow you to remove your clothing.) Most therapists ask clients to lie face up to begin, but I have received massages where I was lying face down initially. It is a matter of personal preference.

What to Expect During the Massage

Generally, the lights in the room will be dimmed and soft music will be playing to provide a relaxing environment. If you have a particular CD that you'd like played, bring it along, most therapists will be willing to accommodate your request. Before the massage begins, instruct the therapist regarding the amount of pressure that you would like to see her or him use. Keep in mind that everyone's perception of pressure is different, what may seem relaxing to me might feel painful to you. Don't be afraid to speak up if you want the therapist to change the amount of pressure. You won't hurt her or his feelings.

When I practiced massage, I started by massaging the scalp, followed by the neck, arms and the front of the legs. When I finished the front of the legs, I would have the client turn over on their stomach and I would finish by massaging the back of the legs, the back and the shoulders. For sanitary purposes, I finished my massage with a foot massage. This is a common pattern for therapists, but each MT will have their own style.

During the massage you will most likely keep your eyes closed and talking will be minimal. Most clients don't speak at all. A good therapist will check in with you a couple of times throughout the massage to see if you are doing okay or if you'd like the pressure adjusted. If you fall asleep during the massage, don't be embarrassed. That is actually a compliment to the therapist. If this happens, the therapist can gently wake you up when the massage is through.

A good Swedish massage, the most common type of massage practiced, will include at a minimum, long stroking movements, kneading, firm gliding movements in the direction of the heart, gentle manipulation of the joints and some percussive type actions (such as tapping on the soles of the feet with a loosely closed fist.) The goal of all of these actions is to increase circulation in the body. Some of the practices are meant to stimulate the area, while others are meant to sedate.

What You can Expect After the Massage

When your massage is complete, the therapist will step out of the room to allow you to get up and get changed. Avoid hopping right off the table. Instead, sit for a minute or two on the edge of the table to be sure that you aren't woozy. Massage relaxes the body and clients have been known to feel dizzy if they get off the table too quickly. If you are feeling a little sleepy, that is normal.

Because massage increases circulation, your kidneys will be working overtime while you are on the table. After a therapeutic massage, you will likely need to head straight to the bathroom. As well, because of the increased circulation, stored toxins in the body will be released. It is a good idea to sip water throughout the day to assist in the removal of those toxins. A word of caution to those who are new to massage: If you have never had a massage AND you have not been recently following an exercise routine, the release of toxins in the body can cause some people to feel flu-like symptoms a day or two after the massage.

Final Notes

Just like you might have to try out several hairstylists before finding a good fit, it may be necessary to try several therapists before you find on whose style of massage and personality appeals to you. I have had dozens of massages with various therapists and have found only a handful whose massage is what is ideal for me personally. That is not to say that the massages I received were not excellent, they simply didn't meet all of my personal needs.

There is a difference between a licensed or certified massage therapist and a "masseuse". A massage therapist is required to undergo a specified number of hours of study, practical training and must pass a licensing or certification examination. Each state in the U.S. has their own requirements, many requiring candidates to be tested through the state's medical board. Massage therapists are required to learn the anatomy and physiology of the entire human body as well as the correct way to administer the massage techniques that they employ. In addition, therapists are required to complete continuing education to keep their license or certification complete.

Before scheduling a massage, check that you are seeing a licensed or certified MT. There are individuals who practice massage or say they are a masseuse who are both untrained and uneducated. In many states it is perfectly legal to say you practice massage as long as you don't refer to yourself as a licensed or certified practitioner. However, harm can be done if an individual does not understand the physiology of the human body or does not have correct information regarding instances when massage is contraindicated.

If you have any questions regarding massage, please leave them in the comments section and I would be happy to answer. If you would like a personal response, please leave your e-mail address as well.

*I became licensed to practice massage therapy through the State of Ohio Medical Board in 2004.