What to expect during your first massage therapy session

It's natural to be anxious about your first massage because it's a new experience. Fear not, we'll walk you through what to expect during your first massage therapy session.

Ever wondered why your friends or colleagues won't stop raving about their most recent massage? Chances are you would, too, if you only knew what you're missing!

A massage therapist, by means of thumbs, palms, elbows, knees or even feet, helps relieve your chronic and transient pain while allowing you to relax completely.

• The practitioner may use broad, sweeping movements or may target a specific area.
• They apply varying degrees of pressure while stroking, kneading or using other motion techniques.
• The most well-known massage therapies are undoubtedly the Californian and Swedish methods. Nonetheless, there’s a wide variety of massage types and styles to choose from, including hot stone massage and hydro-massage therapy.

Massage therapy is suitable for almost everyone, from babies and pregnant women to the elderly, alike. Some massage therapists refuse to treat children, so be sure to inquire before booking a session for your little one.

• In some cases, a doctor may recommend massage therapy as a treatment to relieve stress or manage pain.
• Some exceptions may apply. For example, people with cancer, diabetes, poor circulation or cardiovascular disease are not good candidates.

Anyone dealing with stress will benefit from a session. Beyond relaxation, massage therapy offers other rewards.

• If you experience transient, recurrent or chronic pain, a good therapist can help reduce the tension and assist your recovery.
• Even if you are not currently coping with stress or pain, inform your massage therapist just the same.
• Massage therapy is an excellent form of preventive care.

Not all massages are on a table or involve oil.

• Some massages require that you lie directly on the ground or sit in a chair.
• Other techniques don't require oil or clothing removal altogether.

During your first massage therapy session, what you can expect* is:

• A massage session varies between 15 to 90 minutes. Make sure you are comfortable with both the temperature and cleanliness of the room.
• Before getting started, the practitioner will ask you to fill out a medical form. They will assess your profile and physical condition, and then recommend techniques that correspond to your needs.
• It is important to communicate with your therapist throughout the duration of the session. Inform them if you experience discomfort or pain.

*N.B.: If you are asked to remove your underwear, or if you are not properly covered by a sheet that exposes only the area being treated, leave immediately. A certified massage therapist would not follow such a practice under any circumstances.

Choose a massage therapist accredited by a regulatory association in your province.

• This ensures the practitioner is bound to a code of ethics and has completed the necessary 2,200 hours of training in a recognized school.

What's more, a local and competent practitioner will have a good reputation within your community.

• Chances are you might know someone who was treated by him or her and can give a personal recommendation — something that will diminish any apprehension you might have prior to your first visit.