Are you thinking about scheduling your first massage? Congratulations! You’re going to love it. Massage is one of the best ways to reduce stress and inflammation, improve circulation, relax tight muscles, and sleep better at night (plus a whole slew of other benefits!).

Of course, the main thing you need to know about your massage is that it’s going to be an amazing, relaxing experience. You’ll walk out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and you’ll eagerly look forward to the next time you can make room in your calendar. But what else should you expect at your first appointment?

Here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Drink plenty of water ahead of time. When you are well hydrated, your muscles will respond better to the massage. Your massage therapist will be able to accomplish more during your appointment if you drink plenty of water for a couple of days before. It’s also important to stay hydrated after your massage so your muscles can recover more quickly.
2. Your therapist will want to know about your health history. The more you can tell your massage therapist about your specific areas of discomfort, the more he or she will be able to help you during the massage. If you have medical conditions that you feel are contributing to your pain or stress levels, be sure to mention these as well. A good therapist will also ask plenty of questions to be sure that you receive the most benefit from your massage.
3. Your comfort is of the utmost importance. Your privacy will be respected, and your massage therapist will never make you feel uncomfortable about your body or any other aspect of your personal or medical history. During a massage, you are completely at liberty to ask the therapist questions, request that he or she focus on a specific muscle group, use more or less pressure, or avoid certain techniques altogether. Your therapist will likely have a standard procedure that he or she follows, but you can always ask for something different if you feel pain or discomfort.

4. Expect a calm, relaxing environment. Since one primary goal of massage is to reduce stress and provide a calm, enjoyable experience, we place a high priority on creating an environment that helps you relax. That experience might look different for different people. For example, if you prefer a certain type of music, if you don’t like to talk during your session, or if anything in the session makes you feel uncomfortable, feel free to say so.
5. Take some time to relax after the massage. When your therapist is finished, he or she will leave the room so you can get dressed. You may feel a little lightheaded at first, so take your time sitting up. Drink some water immediately after the massage, and stay hydrated throughout the rest of the day to help your muscles recover more quickly. It’s possible that you may feel some muscle soreness the day after your massage. This is normal, and should feel better in a day or two.

Getting your first massage can deliver some wonderful benefits, but keep in mind that those benefits multiply as you receive additional massages. Regular massages can help you prevent tight, sore muscles, manage stress levels, and help your body deal with the many demands placed on it every day.

Ready to schedule your appointment? Call Regency Salon and Spa at (864) 991 – 8877. We can’t wait to meet you!