Your First Massage

This page will answer frequently-asked questions about your first massage.

• Modesty
• Medical History
• Pain

Modesty

Many people have concerns of modesty. You will be draped with a sheet, blanket, or towel during your treatment. You choose whether to be totally or partially unclothed underneath the draping. As each part of the body is massaged, it is uncovered. Genitals and women's breasts are covered at all times.

Medical History

Many clients want to know why we ask about medical history. Put simply, it's to make sure our massage will be safe for you. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease, may require a consultation with your doctor before your therapist can massage you.

Your therapist may also ask you if you have taken any pain medications, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you have, it is generally not safe for you to receive deep tissue massage because your pain receptors have been blocked, and you won't know if the therapist is working too deeply (damaging your tissue).

Your therapist will also ask you about any cuts, scrapes, or abrasions, so that they can avoid those areas. Your therapist may also wear gloves if he or she has a cut, scrape, or abrasion.

Pain

Whether you feel any pain during or after a massage depends on many factors. Tense muscles are often sore, and may hurt a little during a massage. It is also common to experience soreness up to 24 hours after a massage. Drink extra non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids (like water) to flush your system after a massage to minimize these effects.