What to Expect for My First Massage

If you’ve never had a massage before, it’s totally understandable to have some questions and maybe some jitters about your first massage appointment. Check out these FAQs and tips to set your mind and body at ease to get the most out of your session.

If it is your first time visiting Infinity, we request that you complete our intake form on arrival which asks for contact information and basic health information so that we may tailor your massage session to your unique needs. Please note that this information is kept completely confidential. A copy of the form will be provided to you to complete when you check-in for your appointment.

Your massage session will take place in one of our warm, comfortable, quiet treatment rooms. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

A relaxing massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes 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. Your therapist may use an organic body oil or gel to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.

There are numerous types of massage; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. Refer to our Massage/Bodywork page for additional information.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask your massage therapist any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Your massage therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm, etc.). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some 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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Click for more on the benefits of massage.

Have additional questions? Feel free to contact us!