What can you expect in a first Spa Visit

Getting a massage can be a great experience! It is important to know what will take place during first Spa visit and how it will happen. Read below to learn what happens before a massage, during and after the massage. You will get a chance to learn more about the full process and how enjoyable it can be. So grab a drink, and let’s get started!

What to expect before your Massage treatment:

First of all, make sure it is a good time for you to have a massage. Reschedule your visit if have a fever, skin irritations (such as poison ivy or sunburn), or if you are trying to stabilize your medication (because massage can affect the dosage needed). Do not eat just before your massage. Drink plenty of water. Give yourself enough time to arrive on time and relaxed. If you are rushing and arrive stressed, it will take longer to get into a relaxed state.

The beginning of the appointment will involve a health and history screening. You’will be asked questions such as:

• General lifestyle – sedentary or travelling or home maker
• Problematic areas & amount of pain
• What helps to reduce the pain and what make it worse
• Your general contact info
• Please state any medical issues

The next step before your appointment will be the discussion while your room is getting ready. This is a good time to ask questions, and find out about the style of massage that you have requested. When you are ready you will dress down as far as is comfortable and lie down for your session.

During the massage:

Generally, you will lie on a massage table, covered by a sheet or large towel. Make sure you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you are not. Remember that you can ask for changes to make you comfortable, such as if you are cold, or wish to let the massage therapist know that you are uncomfortable with specific areas of your body being touched.

Also, advise massage therapist regarding extent of pressure you will prefer. The massage therapist will typically drape your body with a towel across the parts that are not currently being massaged.

To get the most from the session just try to relax, let your thoughts wander, and do not focus on stressful thoughts. Remember to breathe, as this helps you relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it. In the same way, tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you can’t seem to relax your muscles, let your massage therapist know. They may need to adjust the massage technique.

After the massage:

At the end of the massage, the therapist will leave the room so you can take steam/Shower and dress in private. Wait a few minutes on the table as you get grounded, especially if you feel light-headed. Then take your time getting ready.

When you leave the treatment room and enter into the reception area, the therapist will offer you Green tea. It is a good idea to drink green tea to help the body flush waste product.  Most people leave their massage therapy treatments feeling very relaxed. However if you received deep tissue work, you may experience slight tenderness that lasts for a day or two. We recommend that you drink plenty of water after your treatment in order to flush away any toxins that were released during the massage.

Here are some frequently asked questions you may have after your massage treatment:

• Can I go back to work after my massage?Of course, but plan on enough time to readjust. Be aware that your perception of motion (driving, stairs, distances may be “off” for 20 minutes or so after the session). Also, realize your relaxed state may bring your feelings close to the surface.

• Will the oil ruin my clothes or mess my hair?No, the oil will not harm your clothing, but if you wish, wear some comfortable workout clothing.
• Should I tip the massage therapist?It is nice to let the therapist know that you appreciate a good job, but tipping is not the only way, especially if the cost of the massage therapy is already a burden. Regardless of your decision, it is wise to be consistent, so that you do tip one time and not the next and leave the therapist wondering if they did something wrong.