What should I wear to my first massage?

We advise that you wear something comfy and stretchy on the legs, e.g. leggings or joggers, and avoid wearing belts, jeans, trousers/shorts without any stretch or lots of pockets (unless you require deep tissue work on the legs, then shorts or underwear will be necessary).

What a female should wear to a massage?

It's best to leave heavy fabrics, such as denim or wool, at home and choose lighter clothes that are thin and form-fitting. Some suitable options include t-shirts, tank tops, shorts or sports bras. Even if you prefer to cover up, make sure you've considered the limitations placed on your massage therapist.

How much clothing do I take off for a massage?

How Much Clothing Should You Remove for a Massage? Typically, a massage therapist will ask you to undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be nude. It's up to you.

How do I prepare for my first massage?

What to expect at my first full body massage?

A 60 minute full body massage typically starts with a head & scalp massage to get you relaxed. Then, they will work the neck and shoulders, move on to each arm, and work their way to the legs & feet. Next, you will flip around on the massage table and they will work on the back of the legs and potentially the glutes.

What to Expect from a Massage Session | Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

What should you not do during a massage?

Should I shave before a full body massage?

It's not necessary to shave prior to getting a massage. Most times the massage therapist will not realize it or mind it at all if they did notice. A spa will not demand you to remove your body hair before your appointment. In reality, whether you decide to shave or keep your body hair is entirely up to you.

Do I shower before a massage?

Let's get one thing out of the way: experienced massage therapists agree that taking a shower before your massage is always a good idea. You should rinse off chlorine, perspiration or other environmental pollutants before your treatment or therapy because you don't want all of that to be rubbed into your skin.

What is the etiquette for a full body massage?

“Make sure you're clean before coming in for a massage,” says Waluga. Really, it's only polite to consider the comfort of the person who's going to be all up in your business. If you can't take a quick rinse-off, try to at least wipe yourself down with unmedicated, chemical-free wipes.

Can you be fully clothed for a massage?

It is possible to receive a massage fully clothed. Your massage therapist can perform your massage service regardless of attire. While they will still be able to work on your body, you may miss out on the thoroughness that comes when your therapist addresses the whole muscle, end-to-end.

Do you wear clothes during a full body massage?

For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You'll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you'll never have to uncover anything you'd rather not.

How much should I tip for a 1 hour massage?

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.

What is considered inappropriate during a massage?

A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.

Does a professional massage include the breasts?

The massage therapist should not touch your breasts or groin area without you giving them explicit permission to do so. Most forms of massage therapy do not include these areas.

How often should a woman get a massage?

It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

Should you talk during a massage?

Is it okay to talk during a massage? Yes it is, as the client you can choose to converse with your therapist whenever you want. If you want to talk, feel chatty or just want to be heard it can be an important part of the letting go process.

Should I wear deodorant to a massage?

Avoid perfume, aftershave, and large meals

For the comfort of our clients and therapists, we ask that our clients please refrain from these prior to your appointment. Deodorant, however, is encouraged.

How should I wear my hair for a massage?

Deciding to wear your hair up or down during a massage is up to you. The massage therapist can work around your hair with whatever option you choose. I find a lot of my clients with long hair wear it up while they are laying face down. After I turn them over, I request them to let it loose.

Can massage therapists feel knots?

Massage therapists are trained to feel where knots occur by looking for tension in the back, neck and shoulders. They find this tension and release it by applying deep compression with their thumb, fingers or elbow, and holding for 20-30 seconds.

How many days after a massage do you feel better?

Generally speaking, you may feel sore for a couple of days after the massage, which is normal. Beyond that, the benefits may last a couple of days to an entire week. There are some things you can do to help the relaxing, stress-relieving benefits last for as long as possible.

How often should I get a massage for knots?

You should go at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. The longer you wait though, and the more often you'll start the process over of loosening up your muscles because they tense up if you don't go often enough.

Does my massage therapist care if I shave my legs?

It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice. The only exception to this rule is if you are having Kinesio Taping, then you must do it 24 hours in advance to avoid skin irritation. If less than 24 hours, use clippers only.

What parts of the body should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

Is it rude to fall asleep during a massage?

A therapist is still able to perform a high quality massage even if their client is asleep. It's not rude, nor does it insult them in anyway. In fact, sleeping through a massage is a compliment to the therapist. Falling asleep tells them you are relaxed and comfortable and enjoying the time on their table.