How to prepare for a massage and what to expect

If you have never had a massage before or are looking to try a new treatment, you may have a lot of questions on how to prepare for a massage. What should I wear to a massage? Will I have to get completely undressed for a massage? It is questions like these that are often left unaddressed, and may be making you too anxious or unsure to book your appointment. Whether you want to reduce pain and muscle strain, or are looking for a way to relax and relieve stress, going for a massage can be the perfect answer. However, no one wants to get more stressed trying to find a way to relieve stress!

I did some research and asked some of our skilled Massage Therapists at Tay MediSpa some questions and put together this guide on what to wear and other top tips on how to prepare for a massage.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of muscles by kneading, rubbing, pressing or patting the muscle groups. Massage therapists use their hands and massage oils to work through your muscle groups and may include aromatherapy oils and tranquil music to create a relaxing experience.

What is massage therapy good for?

The purpose is to improve the flow of blood and fluid in lymph glands to reduce muscular tension, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation and to enhance tissue healing.

Therapeutic massage may be recommended for the following:

• Reducing muscle tension and stiffness
• Increasing joint flexibility and range of motion
• Relieving tension points and overall stress
• To induce deeper and easier breathing
• Improve healing speed of soft tissue injuries such as sprains and pulls
• Reducing the formation of scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
• Improving skin health
• Improving posture
• Reducing emotional or physical stress and anxiety
• Improving mental awareness, feelings of well-being and alertness.

“Zahra made me feel so relaxed, I had really bad tension in my back and neck. Fair to say Zahra worked her magic! I now don’t feel any pain and feel so relaxed and loose in my back and neck! Also gave me really good recommendations that I am going to be using can’t thank Zahra enough.”

Ruth

What type of massage should I get?

There are a number of different types of massage therapy, and it can often feel like navigating a minefield when trying to choose the right one for you. The best thing to do is to start by thinking about what it is primarily that you are looking to get from the experience. Do you want a massage to reduce stress and anxiety, or are you suffering from tight or painful muscles? Maybe you have had a recent injury or just want to take some “me” time for yourself.

It’s important to get an idea of the main reason you have started looking into having a massage. This should help you to narrow down your choice and get an idea of which is going to give you the best result. View our handy guide to help you choose!

Some of the most common massage types include:

Swedish Massage

This massage tends to be the most popular type of massage and will relax the body and mind. It is also good for improving flexibility. (Check availability for this massage)

Bamboo Massage

An effective body massage using warmed bamboo canes, designed to release muscular tension. The bamboo cane is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscles using the same strokes as they would with their hands. (Check availability for this massage)

Pregnancy Massage

This massage is tailored specifically for pregnant women after their second trimester or women who have just had a baby. Specific techniques are used by a therapist specialising in pregnancy massage to stimulate blood circulation, reduce water retention and relieve stress and strain. (Check availability for this massage)

“Rebecca gave me a pregnancy massage this evening which was amazing and she was lovely and she made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. Just what I was needing. Thank you.”

Seonagh

Watch our therapist Rebecca perform a Pregnancy Massage

Hot Stone Massage

This relaxing treatment is designed to ease tired muscles. The therapist will use their hands and hot stones. The stones rest on your muscles and relieve tension. (Check availability for this massage)

Aromatherapy Massage

This massage is great for anxiety or stress, and the therapist can tailor the oils to suit your requirements. (Check availability for this massage)

Classic Full body/Back Massage

This is a traditional massage for releasing knots or tension. The classic massage is an excellent option for people who have never had a massage before. You can also tailor this massage to the areas of the body you would prefer to have treated, which is also a handy option for first-timers! (Check availability for this massage)

“As I said to Rebecca, this was the best message I have ever had. The whole body was meticulously massaged and tense muscles relieved. I have really enjoyed it and will be back for more. Rebecca was also friendly, polite and overall lovely. Very pleased with my first experience, thank you.”

Liana

Sports Massage

This massage is ideal for someone who has a sporting or occupational injury causing them pain or physical limitation. (Check availability for this massage)

Deep Muscle Massage

A deep muscle massage is designed to relieve muscle tension and pressure is applied more firmly to the areas being treated. This massage reduces muscle tension by releasing knots and restoring muscle elasticity. (Check availability for this massage)

“Megan was very welcoming and friendly and the surroundings were very relaxing. I had a full body deep tissue massage to help my sore back and it felt so much better straight away. Excellent massage. Thank you, I’ll definitely be back!”

Claire

Thai Bundle Massage

The therapist will apply steamed herbal compresses as well as their hands to your skin to release muscle tension. (Check availability for this massage)

What to check before you book your chosen massage

Once you have chosen, there are a few more things you should consider before you go ahead and book for the best possible experience. If you have any underlying medical conditions, these may affect your massage experience or mean you may not be able to have the massage you have chosen.

If you have a fever, are dizzy or feeling ill, were recently involved in an accident or are bruised, have wounds, rashes or severe sunburn then you probably shouldn’t schedule a massage appointment. It is important to stabilise your condition first, or see a doctor and have confirmation from them that it is okay to have one.

It is important to disclose any temporary or chronic health conditions to your massage therapist, as they will be able to advise whether the treatment you have chosen is suitable or not. A highly trained massage therapist will be able to adapt or tailor your treatment to suit you.

It is also important to consider which therapist you would like to carry out your treatment. This is one of the best ways to prepare for a massage as it’s important to select a therapist you’re comfortable with. Choose a spa or clinic you feel comfortable in, and that is clean and welcoming. This should help you to relax before your treatment. A good way of finding out if a therapist is good or excellent is by reading as many reviews as you can. Are the majority of the reviews positive? Then it’s a good place to try.

“Very relaxing massage, it was my first visit and Rebecca made sure I felt comfortable. will definitely be back.”

Cameron R

When you’re happy, it’s time to book a treatment and give them a try.

Before you go; how to prepare for a massage

Relax

If you would like the best chance of a relaxing massage, the most important thing is to try to relax before you arrive for your treatment. Make sure you are not rushing for your appointment and that you are calm and comfortable. This will mean that your body can relax into the treatment much more quickly and you will get the most out of the experience.

What should I wear to a massage?

It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing to your treatment. I tend to wear my gym clothing, as it’s easy to slip on and off and is super comfortable. It’s best not to wear anything tight-fitted as when you put your clothing back on, there may still be some residual massage oil on your skin which could transfer onto your clothing and make you uncomfortable after your treatment. Another way to prepare for a massage is to tie up your hair or put it into a bun out of the way. This will stop your hair from going oily and won’t get in the therapist’s way.

Do I have to be completely naked during a massage?

The short answer is no, you do not need to be completely undressed for a massage if you would be more comfortable wearing your underwear. It is most common for clients to completely undress for their massage, especially if it is a full body massage, where the therapist will be working across your whole body. However, it’s completely up to you what you want to wear; undress to your level of comfort.

“I really appreciated Rebecca’s approach to the session, giving me a quiet space to relax fully. Her knowledgeable answers to my questions about the suitability of massage treatments for my neck and shoulders gave me confidence in her expertise.”

Lindsey

Some people prefer to keep their underwear on during the treatment, which is totally fine. If you’re wearing a bra, it would probably be beneficial to remove this so the therapist can work on your back properly. You will always be sufficiently covered with a blanket or large towel at all times for your comfort. A professional massage therapist will work with the cover so that you never feel exposed at all during the treatment. If you are wearing underwear, the massage therapist may offer you disposable underwear, so you don’t get oil on your clothing if you are having a full body massage.

The therapist will leave the room to allow you to undress and get comfortable under the covers on the massage table.

Drink plenty of water

In order to prepare for a massage, is important to stay hydrated before and after your massage appointment. Stressed muscles lead to inflammation and toxin build-up that can block essential nutrients and oxygen from getting to where they need to go. This is what leads to pain and stress. When you get a massage, the toxins break up and release as the muscles loosen. If you drink plenty of water, those toxins will then flush out of your system. Remember to make sure you have been to the loo before you go in for your massage so you are not uncomfortable.

Can I drink alcohol before a massage?

It’s best not to. As above, you should be as hydrated as possible before a massage and if you have had alcohol, you will most likely be dehydrating yourself before your massage. In addition, the detoxifying effects of the massage will release more toxins in the bloodstream and heighten the negative effects of alcohol – so you may leave the massage table feeling drunker than before. However, drinking alcohol after a massage is fine, as long as you try to stay hydrated as possible.

Don’t go for a massage on a full stomach

There’s nothing wrong with eating before a massage, but remember as you will be lying on your stomach it may be more comfortable not to have had a large meal just beforehand.

If you have time, have a quick shower

Taking a shower can be a good idea before your massage, as it rinses off any perspiration or pollutants before your treatment.

Have a chat with your therapist

If you can, make sure you fit in some time to have a chat with your therapist before you go in for your massage. This way, you can let them know if there is a particular area you would rather they avoid, or somewhere you are experiencing pain and would like them to concentrate on. If you can, nip in earlier to make sure you have time to fill out your treatment form so that it doesn’t eat into your appointment time.

Reviewing your treatment form

Your therapist will review your treatment form with you, and discuss the reasons for your visit and if you have any specific areas you would like them to focus on during your massage. If you’re just there to relax and unwind, let your therapist know.

“Back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage with Sarah at Tay Medispa. Excellent service from an experienced therapist who offered a high quality of treatment. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to ease some aches and pains in a relaxing atmosphere.”

Cameron M

Where will my valuables be when I’m having my massage?

Some spas have lockers you can put your valuables in, but most will allow you to keep your valuables in the room with you during your treatment.

What happens during a massage

The therapist will leave the room and allow you to undress to your level of comfort and get snug underneath the cover, face down on the massage table. The therapist will always knock before they enter, and leave plenty of time for you to get comfortable and prepare for the massage, so try not to rush. Rushing will increase stress levels and your muscles will tense, so it is important to try to relax as much as possible before your massage.

The therapist will uncover the sections of your body they are massaging, leaving the rest covered, so you are warm and comfortable. A good massage therapist will never leave you feeling exposed. The therapist may ask you if the pressure of your massage is alright. Do not feel worried about telling the therapist that it is too much or too little pressure, as every person is different and a good massage therapist will not take offence and will try to get the massage perfect for you.

Most people like to close their eyes and relax, but if you prefer to chat or have any questions to ask then feel free to ask them. It’s all about your relaxation and you should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

“First time I’ve had a massage. Was really impressed with the professional performance from Rebecca.”

David

Is it rude to fall asleep during a massage?

Not at all. The aim of the massage is to relax you and your muscles, so if you drift off it means the massage is working and your therapist will not be offended.

What products do massage therapists use?

Oil or lotion is most often used during a massage. A lot of the time, therapists use aromatherapy oils to moisturise the skin. If you are allergic to oils or lotions or would prefer the therapist not to use products you should let them know beforehand so they are aware.

What should I do if I feel pain during a massage?

If you feel any pain during your massage, let your therapist know straight away. To relax extremely tense muscles some pressure should be applied during a massage, but you should never feel intense pain during a massage as it is very unlikely your muscles will be relaxed whilst you are in pain.

What happens after a massage?

Your massage therapist will let you know the massage is complete (or gently wake you if you were lucky enough to nod off!) and then leave the room to allow you to redress. Try not to sit or stand up too quickly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage, especially if the room is dark and warm. Sit up slowly, and take your time when you stand up and dress.

Make sure to drink lots of water after your massage as this should help with the dizziness if you have any, and flush out any toxins released during the massage.

How will I feel after a massage?

Most people feel extremely relaxed. You may feel the freedom from long-term aches and pains and increased energy which may last for days afterwards. If you have gone for a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly tender to start with, but after your muscles get used to the relaxed state, you should feel much better.

In summary

I hope this article has helped to answer any questions you may have had about going for a massage for the first time! I know what it’s like going to a spa for a massage for the first time. You are putting your body into the hands of someone you have never met before. It’s so important to feel safe and confident in what the processes are, but every spa is a little bit different.

Here at Tay MediSpa, we take your comfort seriously and we want you to get the most out of your time here. We know that that isn’t just about the skills that we have, but also making sure that you feel good being here too. If you would like to find out more about the massage treatments we offer at Tay MediSpa:

Visit our massage page >

https://www.taymedispa.co.uk/massage-perth/

Visit our blog to read more about the types of massage we offer >

https://www.taymedispa.co.uk/selection-of-massages-at-tay-medispa-perth/

Do you have anything else you have always wondered about getting a massage? Is there anything still holding you back? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Hannah – Tay MediSpa

55 York Place, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 8EH