If it’s your first time on a massage table — or your first time with a new therapist — a little uncertainty is normal. Here’s what actually happens when you come in, so nothing feels like a surprise.
Before the session
Arrive a few minutes early if it’s your first visit so we can do a brief verbal intake. I’ll ask about what’s going on in your body, what you’re hoping to get out of the session, any injuries or conditions I should know about, and whether there are areas to focus on — or avoid. This usually takes 5–10 minutes, and the information stays confidential.
Getting ready
You’ll have privacy to undress to your comfort level. Most clients undress fully or keep underwear on — whichever feels right for you. You’ll get under a sheet on the table before I come back in. At no point is any area uncovered except the part I’m actively working on — that’s standard draping and it’s how every ethical massage practice works.
During the massage
We start slow. I’ll check in with pressure early on — what feels good, what to ease up on, and whether any specific area needs more time. You can speak up anytime during the session — if something’s uncomfortable, if you need more pressure, if a spot needs more time, if you want to stop — I want to know. Silence is also fine. Some people talk through sessions; others prefer quiet. Both are welcome.
Most sessions follow the flow we set up in the intake: focused problem-area work, broader full-body release, or a mix depending on what your body needs that day.
After
When the session ends, I’ll step out and let you get dressed at your own pace. Drink plenty of water — massage moves a lot through the tissues and hydration helps you feel better the next day. Mild soreness is normal, especially after deep work, and should pass within 24–48 hours.
If it’s your first visit, we’ll take a minute at the end to talk through how often to come back based on what we worked on. Every body is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
A few practical notes
- Skip heavy meals within an hour of your session.
- Let me know about any injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, or conditions in the intake — I’ll adjust technique and positioning accordingly.
- Cancellation: please give 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule.
Questions I didn’t cover? Reach out anytime — I’d rather answer a question than have you wonder.