As with life, we get to experience many “firsts” in our health and wellness practices. Trying different supplements, trying kale, signing up for a gym membership, first 10k race and the best “1st” of all: Your first massage! Here are some great guidelines to inform and educate you:
What should I expect during my first massage therapy session?
Your massage therapist may ask you to fill out a short health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, and if there are any conditions needed to be addressed.
Where will my mobile massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a professional massage table specially designed for your comfort. In most cases, rental cabins have a living room which offers the perfect environment for massage. If you are sharing your lodge with friends/family, your massage can be set up almost anywhere, such as a bedroom or game room. We can even set up your massage outdoors, weather permitting.
What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to be unclothed. For a full body massage, some people undress completely, but you should undress to your level of comfort, and choosing to wear underwear or shorts is perfectly acceptable. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time about massage in general or about the particular technique.
How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, a style common with practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Since this is your session, please do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort. Our therapists are highly trained as well as intuitive, so most times clients are completely at ease and can enjoy their massage to the fullest.
How will I feel after my massage or bodywork session?
Most massage clients feel very relaxed. Some people experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days or longer. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
I don’t want to hurt or be sore after my massage, should I still get a massage?
A massage should feel relaxing and enjoyable. Effective massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them. If your massage therapist is working in areas of chronic pain, there may be some initial discomfort which should quickly ease. Many styles of massage are great for providing benefits to you but will not leave you feeling sore in the following days. Your therapist will assist you in customizing the perfect massage for you, and you can refer to our “MASSAGE MENU” to view the available massage styles.
Overall, after the first massage session our clients experience, they become “addicted”. Just kidding, but many people feel they have been missing out on something amazingly wonderful, and choose to include massage therapy as part of their wellness maintenance routines. Many use the “vehicle analogy”, following a regular “maintenance” schedule (1x a week/month/quarter for example) keeps you on the road and helps avoid unexpected “breakdowns”. We hope this blog provided ample reasons to schedule your first massage, and we are always happy to assist with answering questions. If you or a loved one is looking into Massage Therapy, sooner is better than later! We hope to help you relax in Big Bear with the many benefits our services offer. Cheers!
