If you have never had a professional massage, it is normal to wonder what to wear, what to say and what happens in the room. Every spa works a little differently, but most first visits follow the same simple pattern.
Before you arrive
- Fill in the health form. Most spas ask about pregnancy, injuries, recent surgery, medical conditions and medication. It helps your therapist choose a suitable treatment.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will have time to change, use the bathroom and settle in without rushing.
- Eat lightly. A heavy meal just before a massage can feel uncomfortable when you lie face down.
In the treatment room
Your therapist will ask what you would like from the session and which areas to focus on or avoid. They then leave the room while you undress to your level of comfort and lie under the sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged is uncovered at any time.
Speak up whenever you like. If the pressure is too firm or too light, the room is too warm or too cold, or you would prefer less talking, just say so. A good therapist will adjust straight away.
Afterwards
- Get up slowly; you may feel pleasantly heavy or sleepy.
- Drink some water and take a few quiet minutes before you head off.
- Tell your therapist how it felt, so your next visit can be even more comfortable.
Massage is a relaxing treatment, not a replacement for medical care. If you have a health concern, talk to your doctor before booking.