Getting ready for your first massage!

New to Massage? Not sure what to expect at your first massage appointment? First off, let me congratulate you on booking your first appointment. I hope this will be the first of many! It can be a little intimidating when you are not sure what to expect, so here is a short rundown of what will happen at your first appointment.

First, try to be to your appointment 5 to 10 minutes early, we will have a one page (front and back) intake form for you to fill out. We will be asking briefly about your medical history, massage goals, current activities, and of course basic contact information. Once your form is completed, we will go over your form together and determine the best massage for you. Always remember that you are in control of your massage. We can always concentrate on specific areas of concern and the pressure should always be what you are comfortable with.

Once we are done discussing your intake forms and have a plan for the massage, your massage therapist will step out of the room for you to get undressed and on the table. To what level you wish to undress is completely up to you. Generally, the fewer clothes you are wearing, the better the massage therapist can work areas of your body. For women, it is always easier to work your upper back, neck and, shoulders if you have taken your bra off. Many people choose to leave their underwear on, and this is perfectly fine. Even if you need some good hip work, this can be done through the sheet and your underwear.

Getting on the table is easy. Just crawl between the sheets and cover up as best you can. Your therapist will have told you before she left if she wanted you to start face down or face up. The table should be super cozy with a plush topper under the bottom sheet and a warm blanket over the top sheet. We will adjust the pillow under your ankle/knee when we come back in the room and make any adjustments necessary to make you as comfortable as possible. Speak up if there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable! Honestly, it only takes seconds and you will be there for 30 to 90 minutes so if you are too warm/cold or if the music is too loud/soft, we would love to fix it.

Now that you are super comfortable and probably already falling asleep on the table, your massage will begin. Always speak up if the pressure is too much or too little. We want you to enjoy your massage as much as possible, even if enjoyable to you is having to breathe through the intensity of your massage. We will check in on pressure a couple times throughout the massage or if you start to tense up, but feedback anytime is welcome.

People often ask if talking during a massage is okay. Of course, if that is what is you want. We try to take our cues from you. If you want to talk, talk. If you are quiet, we will take your lead and let you quietly enjoy your time. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
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Jessica Rodda
Willow Bow Massage Therapy
www.willowbowmassage.com
(801) 948-0660