First massage: what to expect, how to prepare and common questions

The first massage almost always brings some questions, and sometimes a little nervousness. Do I have to take all my clothes off? What if it hurts? Can I talk during the session? What if I fall asleep? It is normal to think about this: it is a new experience, with someone we don't know, at a time when we are more exposed.

This guide explains what happens before, during and after a massage, so that you arrive relaxed and get the most out of the session.

Before: choosing and preparing

Which massage to choose

Think about what you are looking for:

• Relaxing, decompressing, sleeping better: relaxing massage, with long strokes and light to moderate pressure. It is the safest choice for a first time.
• Relieving tension in a specific area (neck, shoulders, lower back): focused or combined massage, which combines relaxation with firmer work on the tense areas.
• A feeling of heavy legs or mild swelling: lymphatic drainage, after confirming there are no contraindications. See Lymphatic drainage: what it is for, indications and when not to have it.

If you don't know, say so when booking: the therapist helps you choose. See also Relaxing or deep tissue massage: which to choose.

Duration

For a first time, 50 to 60 minutes is a good length: it allows time for the initial conversation, for relaxing and for working the body without rushing. Sessions of 30 minutes are useful for a specific area, such as back and neck.

When booking

Let us know if:

• You are pregnant.
• You have a health problem, recent surgery or an injury.
• You take medication, especially anticoagulants.
• You have preferences about the therapist (for example, the therapist's sex), if that makes you more comfortable.

On the day

• Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, to fill in the form and not start in a rush.
• Avoid heavy meals in the hour beforehand: lying face down with a full stomach can be uncomfortable.
• Avoid alcohol before the massage.
• A shower beforehand is pleasant for you and for the therapist, but is not compulsory if it is not possible.
• Remove long earrings, necklaces and your watch, or leave them stored away.
• If you have long hair, bring a hair tie.
• You can go in whatever clothes you like. If you are having a massage with oil, be aware that some residue may stay on the skin.

During: step by step

1. The initial conversation

Before starting, the therapist asks a few questions:

• What you are looking for from massage.
• If you have areas of pain, tension or injuries.
• Your state of health, medication, recent surgery, pregnancy.
• If there are areas you prefer not to have massaged (for example, feet, head, abdomen).
• What pressure you prefer, if you already know.

This conversation is important for your safety: some situations require adaptations or postponing the session. Answer freely: the information is confidential.

2. Clothing

It is the most common question. The rules are simple:

• Take off only what you feel comfortable taking off. Many people stay in their underwear. You can keep more clothing on, and the therapist adapts the technique.
• The therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie on the couch, and only comes in when you are ready.
• You are always covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged is uncovered, and it is covered again afterwards.
• Intimate areas are never uncovered or massaged.

3. On the couch

It usually begins face down, with your face in a dedicated face cradle with an opening, and halfway through you turn face up. If you find it hard to stay in one position (for example, because of lower back pain, reflux or pregnancy), say so: there are cushions and alternative positions, including on your side.

The room should be at a comfortable temperature. If you are cold or hot, ask: it is easy to adjust.

4. Pressure and communication

In a first session, the therapist generally starts with moderate pressure and adjusts as they go. The most important thing: always say what you feel.

• “A little firmer would be fine.”
• “That's too strong here.”
• “That area is sensitive, could you go gently?”
• “I'd rather you didn't massage my feet.”

A massage can be intense in tense areas, but it should not hurt to the point that you have to tense your body or hold your breath. More pressure does not mean more benefit.

5. Talking or staying silent

As you prefer. Some people like to chat, others prefer total silence. The therapist follows your pace. If you fall asleep, there is no problem: it is a sign that you are relaxing.

6. Consent and comfort

You have the right to ask to stop at any time, without giving reasons. A good therapist explains what they are going to do, respects the limits you set and never touches intimate areas. If anything makes you uncomfortable, say so or end the session.

7. At the end

The therapist lets you know they have finished and leaves the room. Get up slowly, first sitting on the couch for a few seconds: after a long time lying down and relaxed, it is normal to feel slightly dizzy if you get up quickly.

Afterwards: what is normal

In most people, massage leaves a feeling of relaxation, lightness and, at times, drowsiness. Research shows that massage reduces anxiety and tension immediately after a session, with longer-lasting effects in series of sessions (Moyer and colleagues, 2004).

Some people experience mild, passing effects. In a study of massage clients, some reported mild muscle soreness or tenderness, tiredness or headache in the following hours, almost always resolved within 36 hours, and many associated with deeper pressure (Cambron and colleagues, 2007).

Normal:

• Relaxation, sleep, a wish to feel calm.
• Mild muscle tenderness for 24 to 48 hours, especially after firmer work.
• Some thirst.

Not normal (tell the therapist and, if necessary, the doctor):

• Severe or worsening pain.
• Extensive bruising.
• Numbness, persistent tingling or weakness.

Myths about what happens afterwards

To prolong the effect

• If you can, avoid booking stressful commitments straight afterwards.
• A calm walk, a warm bath or a quiet evening help to maintain relaxation.
• If the massage was for a tense area, keep up movement and breaks in the following days.

When to postpone or not do it

Massage carried out by professionals is very safe, and serious adverse effects are rare (Ernst, 2003). But postpone the session or ask for medical guidance first if you have:

At Luxmed Clinic

At Luxmed Clinic, in Algés, every first massage, carried out by a massage therapist, begins with a conversation about what you are looking for and your state of health. We explain what we are going to do, adjust the pressure with you and always respect your limits. If you don't know which massage to choose, we help you decide. Drainage requires a medical indication.

Massage is a wellbeing complement and does not replace medical assessment or treatment. Results vary from person to person.

Frequently asked questions