First Massage, Ever!? Start here. — Solace Bodyworks & Wellness, LLC

I've been a Massage Therapist for 5 years, and when I see a client who's never had a massage before they all tend to have the same apprehension and questions. Almost all of them feel silly for not already knowing what to do. What they don't realize is any massage therapist worth a hoot, won't judge you and is just happy to introduce you to your next favorite thing!

Do I leave my underwear on or take it off?

I always tell new clients 2 things in regard to this. Number 1, You're comfort is the most important thing so if you're not comfortable being nude, leave you underwear on. Number 2, if you feel you'd be comfortable with or without underwear then keep this in mind. you'll typically have a lotion/oil being used during your session and it can sometimes leave oil stains on garments. So my rule of thumb is, if you like your fancy underwear, go nude.

Should I shave my legs?

It's sometimes difficult to speak for a collective group of people, but I have yet to meet a massage therapist who cares whether or not their client shaved their legs, arms, back, etc.. We are thinking about the muscles and attachments, we're not the least bit worried about your hairs touching us.

Will I be sore the next day?

Usually there's only tenderness the following day if the client requested very deep work or had a problem area they wanted the therapist to try and eliminate specific knots.

How much water should I drink on massage days?

You want to make sure that you are well hydrated on days where you are doing any sort of physically demanding activity. If it's a workout in the gym, sweating it out in the sauna/steam room, lugging groceries, and yes even getting a massage. The muscles are being worked passively during a massage and any adhesions or toxins that are worked out of the muscle tissues are processed by the body. Water is King. Love you some water.

Should I shower before a massage?

Yes, if possible you should absolutely shower before a massage. Not only for hygienic reasons, but also because a hot shower can help warm up the superficial tissues making a therapist's job a little easier if you're wanting deep work. We have to spend some time warming things up before we can do deep work, a hot shower will move that along much quicker.

Should I do 60 or 90 minutes?

Whatever your schedule will allow! I recommend 90 minutes if you can do it. It keeps your therapist from feeling rushed throughout your session and you'll feel like you got a much better service.

Do we ever get asked for a “Happy Ending” or a massage of a sexual nature?

Yes, most of us have experienced this at some point. Where I live, that’s illegal and I’m not in that business. I don’t get offended, I answer the question with “No, that’s not what will be happening during this session” and if they pursue the matter, they are asked to leave immediately and charged for the full price of their appointment. Reputable establishments will not tolerate sexual advances from a client. Don’t be that client.

Some things to think about before your first appointment.

-Your stomach will probably make grumbling noises during your session. Massage calms the mind and body and engages your parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for "rest and digest". If you need to excuse yourself and use the bathroom in the middle of your session it's perfectly fine and your therapist won't mind the interruption.

-Falling asleep during your session is a compliment to us and not an offense! That means we were able to assist your body with relaxing and you dozed off. That's fantastic! We aren't your hairdresser/bartender/mailman, it's not your job to stay awake and chat with us. This is downtime for you, take it!!

-If there is an area of the body you don't want touched don't be afraid to speak up and let us know. "I like everything, but my feet." or "Love neck and scalp work, but not my face". Your session is unique, just like you! Make sure that you are open about your dislikes, you won't offend us. What WOULD offend us is finding out you hated your massage because you got foot work, but never told us not to do it.

-Make sure you keep breathing. Sometimes clients have a tendency to hold their breath, I’m sometimes guilty of this as well. It’s important to remember to breath as your normally do, and occasionally take a deep breath, exhaling out stress and tension.

Most of us know someone who's never had a massage before. Maybe it's you! If you have any questions that weren't answered here feel free to ask in the comments box.