What to expect at your first massage appointment:

If you've never had a massage, and are apprehensive about getting one, here is some information that may help you schedule that much needed session.

~Will the massage hurt?
The short answer is no.  The only time your massage may be surprising is if you have a particular area like the neck and shoulders that are constantly locked up.  You may have a feeling of "that hurts so good", since those muscles have been contracted for so long, that the slightest human touch may make them hurt for a brief moment.  But I promise you, it will pass.  Even if the massage was done properly, you may be a bit sore the next day after your first session.  However, you should have much improved range of motion and feel "looser".  Even if you have a Swedish or "relaxation" massage, soreness may still be there the next day.  Especially if you've never experienced on in your entire life.  The important thing here is to communicate clearly to your massage therapist if something they are doing is hurting you.  The massage therapist will adjust the pressure or technique they are doing.  On the other hand, if that massage therapist does not listen to the feedback you are giving them, then you need to  seek your next session elsewhere.

~ What if I fall asleep?
Well, I'm just going to say - GOOD!  That means you actually relaxed and let go of all of the "stuff" you may be holding onto.  Believe it or not, some massage therapists wear that as a badge of honor that their clients fall asleep on their table during sessions.  And if you snore, or drool - even better!

~Do I have to take ALL of my clothes off?
No.  You are always welcome to undress to your level of comfort.  If you are absolutely not comfortable taking anything off, you may want to schedule a chair massage for your first session.  You keep your clothes on and the massage therapist just works on back, neck, shoulders and possibly arms.  From there you can ask questions about scheduling a table massage, and what the massage therapist has in mind for your next session.

~What if I pass gas?
I don't care who you are, farts are funny.  It is a sign that your digestive system is doing what it's supposed to.  I would not recommend eating a bean burrito before your session, but farting does happen, and it's not big deal.

~What do I do if I'm sick the day of my appointment?
Then you cancel that appointment and wait until you are 100% better before getting a massage.  I guarantee you will NOT have a good massage and in some cases you will feel much worse afterwards.  Not to mention, you will pass those viruses onto the massage therapist and any other clients they may see that day.  Personally, I tell my clients if you have/had a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or sinus/coughing, within 3 days, you'll need to cancel.  but that particular amount of time is up to the massage therapist.

~Do I need to talk during my massage?
That is up to you.  I tell my clients I don't start conversations with them, but I may ask a question for feedback on what I'm doing.  If you are the type of person that doesn't like silence, ask the massage therapist to turn the music up a bit.  The point to this is that having your mind and body quiet during your session, you can go deep into what's happening within your own body and help the healing process along.  The mind is a powerful healer.

Should you have any other questions, feel free to post them here.  I'll try to answer them for you.  If nothing else, book that massage and ask the massage therapist you go see.