If you've never had a massage, you're not alone! Here are some common questions clients have prior to their first massage.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a massage?

If you've just worked up a sweat at the gym or have been walking in the mud in your bare feet, then taking a shower before your massage would be a good idea. (And your massage therapist will be grateful.) Since patients usually undress (in privacy, of course), you don't have to worry about what to wear, and you can leave jewelry at home. Long hair can be up or down. 

Which areas of the body get massaged?

Each massage therapist is different, but my full-body massages typically include the head, neck, back, arms, muscles of the hips and butt, legs, and feet. I encourage clients to let me know if there's any part of the body they don't want me to touch (such as ticklish feet), and I never work on breasts or in other private areas.

I'm uncomfortable with certain things about my body. Can I still get a massage?

Absolutely! Unfortunately, most marketing for massage therapy features idealized bodies with toned muscles and perfect skin. These images in no way represent the majority of clients who receive massage. I believe that each person's body is perfect in its own way, and I am body-affirming and LGBTQIA+ allied in my practice.  

Will I be covered in oil afterward?

Yes, a little! I use just enough oil to glide across the muscles, but you will notice some residue. (I use a high-quality massage oil with no nut oils that is very light on the skin.) If you're not up for that kind of moisturizer, I can use small amounts of massage lotion that doesn't allow for gliding as much but that is less noticeable on the skin.

Do I need to take my clothes off?

You will never be asked to do something that feels uncomfortable to you. With that said, working on bare skin allows for deeper contact with the muscles and a wider range of techniques. I encourage clients to undress to their level of comfort (underwear can stay on or off, though removing a bra or other upper body garment allows for easier work on the back). If that means staying dressed, we'll work with it! I also maintain client privacy at all times by covering the parts of the body that aren't being massaged and working through the sheet in certain areas.

What about afterwards? Are there things I should or shouldn't do?

A massage should leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed, and it's great when you can take some time for yourself afterward. That's completely your choice, however, and you will be able to engage in all of the normal activities of life. I do recommend drinking lots of water afterward to stay hydrated and help flush your system. 

If you are considering a massage and have questions, don't hesitate to contact us. And warning: Once you have a massage, you may become hooked!