What to Expect During Your Massage Session

If you've never had a professional massage or are visiting our Brentwood location for the first time, it's natural to have questions. Here's a complete guide to what happens during your massage session, from arrival to checkout.

Before Your Appointment

Booking Your Session

• Schedule online or call us directly
• Choose your preferred service and duration
• Select a date and time that works for you
• Receive confirmation via email or text

What to Bring

• Valid ID (first visit only)
• Payment method (cash, credit/debit card)
• Comfortable clothing to change into afterward
• Hair tie if you have long hair (optional)
• List of medications or health conditions (if applicable)

What NOT to Do Before Your Massage

• Don't eat a heavy meal - Eat light 1-2 hours before
• Don't drink alcohol - Wait until after your session
• Don't apply lotions/oils - We provide high-quality massage oils
• Don't wear jewelry - Remove before session or we'll secure it

Arrival: First 10 Minutes

Check-In (5-10 minutes early)

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time, especially for your first visit:

• Greet our front desk staff
• Complete intake form (first visit) or update health changes
• Discuss any specific concerns or problem areas
• Ask any questions you have

Health Intake Form

For first-time clients, you'll complete a brief health questionnaire covering:

• Current health conditions
• Medications you're taking
• Previous injuries or surgeries
• Areas of pain or tension
• Massage goals and preferences
• Contraindications or concerns

Pre-Session Consultation (5 minutes)

Meeting Your Therapist

Your CAMTC-certified massage therapist will:

• Introduce themselves professionally
• Review your intake form
• Ask about specific problem areas
• Discuss pressure preferences (light, medium, firm, deep)
• Explain what they'll do during the session
• Answer any questions or concerns

Common Questions Therapists Ask

• "What areas would you like me to focus on?"
• "What pressure level do you prefer?"
• "Do you have any injuries or sensitive areas?"
• "Is this your first massage, or have you had massage before?"
• "Are you comfortable with the room temperature?"

Getting Ready (5 minutes)

Privacy and Draping

Your therapist will:

• Show you to the private treatment room
• Explain how to position yourself on the table
• Leave the room while you undress to your comfort level
• Knock before entering to ensure you're ready

How Much Clothing to Remove?

This is entirely your choice:

• Most common: Undress to underwear, remove bra
• Fully comfortable: Remove all clothing (covered by sheets)
• More modest: Keep underwear and/or bra on
• Special cases: Keep clothing on (some modalities like Thai massage)

You are ALWAYS covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being worked on is exposed.

During Your Massage (45-70 minutes)

What Happens

• Your therapist will use various techniques based on your goals
• They'll work systematically through your body or focus on specific areas
• You may be asked to turn over (face down to face up or vice versa)
• Soft music and dim lighting create a relaxing atmosphere
• Room temperature is kept comfortable (speak up if too hot/cold)

Communication During the Session

It's perfectly okay to:

• Ask for more/less pressure - "Can you go lighter/deeper here?"
• Request more time on a specific area
• Report discomfort - "That's too intense" or "That tickles"
• Ask to skip areas - "Please don't work on my feet"
• Request temperature changes - "I'm a bit cold"
• Ask questions - "What muscle are you working on?"

What You Might Feel

• Relaxation: Deep sense of calm and well-being
• Mild discomfort: "Good pain" when working on tight muscles
• Sleepiness: It's okay to drift off!
• Emotional release: Some people feel tearful (normal stress release)
• Temperature changes: Warm where being worked, cooler elsewhere

What You Should NOT Feel

• Sharp, shooting pain
• Burning sensations
• Numbness or tingling (except briefly normal)
• Discomfort so intense you tense up

Always speak up if something doesn't feel right!

After Your Massage (10 minutes)

Immediate Post-Session

• Your therapist will gently signal the end
• They'll leave the room for you to dress privately
• Take your time getting up - you may feel relaxed and "floaty"
• Sit on the edge of the table for a moment before standing

Post-Massage Recommendations

Your therapist will provide:

• Hydration advice: Drink extra water for 24 hours
• Stretches or exercises: To maintain benefits
• Self-care tips: Ice/heat recommendations
• Follow-up schedule: When to return for best results

Checkout and Payment

At the Front Desk

• Settle payment (cash, card, HSA/FSA accepted)
• Tip your therapist if desired (15-20% is customary)
• Schedule your next appointment if you'd like
• Purchase any recommended products (optional)

After You Leave

What to Expect Post-Massage

• Immediate (0-4 hours): Relaxation, possible drowsiness, increased thirst
• 4-24 hours: Possible mild soreness (like after exercise), improved sleep
• 24-48 hours: Full benefits kick in, pain reduction, improved mobility
• 3-7 days: Cumulative benefits continue to develop

Post-Massage Self-Care

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water over 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Take a warm (not hot) bath with Epsom salts
• Get extra sleep if possible
• Eat light, nutritious meals
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

Common First-Time Questions

Will I be completely naked?

You undress to your comfort level. Most clients remove all clothing for full-body massage, but you're always covered by a sheet except the area being worked on. Your modesty is completely protected.

What if I need to use the bathroom?

Just let your therapist know! They'll step out, and you can use the bathroom. This is totally normal and doesn't disrupt the session.

Should I talk during my massage?

Entirely up to you! Some clients prefer silence to relax deeply. Others like to chat. Do whatever helps you relax. Your therapist will follow your lead.

What if I get ticklish?

Tell your therapist which areas are ticklish. They can avoid them or use firmer pressure, which is less likely to tickle.

How will I feel afterward?

Most people feel deeply relaxed, sometimes sleepy. You might also feel mild soreness (like after exercise) for 24-48 hours, especially after deep tissue work. This is normal and means your muscles are responding.