What to Expect During an In-Home Massage
Receiving a massage can be intimidating to some, an in-home massage, even more so! Today we'll cover everything you can expect prior to, during, and after your massage; leaving (hopefully!) no questions left on the table.
Let's start from the VERY beginning.
You want to try massage, who do you choose? You'll want to do some research when selecting a massage therapist (or hiring any business for that matter). Read the reviews, look through their website, make sure they offer professional and licensed therapists, and find out what type of massage they offer and if they're the right fit for you.
Scheduling your appointment. When scheduling, you should know what you'll be paying, what forms of payment are acceptable, they should answer any question you have, and you will be required to complete a health intake form. You should be as thorough as possible on this form, as some medications and conditions could be contraindicated for massage therapy.
The day before (and the day of) your massage, you should make sure you are hydrated. This allows for more pliable muscle tissue and a faster recovery after your massage. If you are severely dehydrated, you may feel some stiffness after your massage.
Ahh, the arrival of your therapist! Your therapist should arrive in professional attire, with all things necessary for your massage. E.g. massage table, linens, and lotion; and in our case, music and a table warmer. You will direct them to your home's set-up location for the massage. This can be anything from your living room, bedroom, dining room, whichever provides adequate space. You can read more about space requirements on our FAQ page.
[Personal choice] You may want to silence your phone and let your loved ones (or frequent visitors) know you will be in a massage and would like to remain undisturbed. The goal is to relax and focus on the touch and treatment from your therapist, uninterrupted.
A health intake form should have been completed either prior to arrival or on-site once your therapist arrives. A massage should not begin without a complete health intake form.
Your therapist should then talk to you about what you'd like to focus on, what's hurting you etc. Once your ideal massage treatment/goal has been established, you will be instructed to dress down to your comfort level (once the therapist leaves the room) and lay on the table under the sheets while you await for your therapist to reenter the room.
What do you wear?! This is a VERY common question.
It is completely acceptable to wear nothing at all. Genital areas and women's breast tissue will remain covered at ALL times during your massage (again, DO your research and make sure you are seeing a professional and licensed therapist).
If you'd like the comfort of having something on underneath; women will typically wear underwear, men will wear boxers or shorts. But again, wear what makes you most comfortable!
Once your therapist steps back in the room, the massage shall begin! They should check to make sure the table heat is cozy, face cradle is comfortable, and that YOU are comfortable.
From here it will vary for each person. Your therapist may start their work on your back, your neck, your glutes, whatever was discussed prior to the massage could influence their starting point.
If at any time during your massage you feel...
There's too much pressure,
too little pressure,
music is too loud/quiet,
pain in an area,
uncomfortable with the technique/stretch,
table is too hot,
ANYthing that is causing your discomfort,
SAY SOMETHING, please.
You will not offend your therapist, remember, they cannot read your mind. They should also be looking for visual cues (flinching, tightening) for any discomfort and check in with you when needed.
There is a "ohh that's the spot" and "hurts SO good" feeling and an "ouch get out of there!" feeling. Please let your therapist know when you've reached an OUCH spot. This not only takes their pressure off that spot, it could also HELP them in determining why that spot hurt and could relate it to a previous pain you'd been feeling.
Alright, massage is complete, now what?
Your therapist will step out of the room and wash up while you get clothed. Once you give the O-K to reenter, your therapist will check in with you on how your feeling, specifically how your problem areas are feeling. They may even suggest some at home self-massage techniques or stretching you can do.
As they pack up their gear, this is a good time for you to get your payment ready and get a date in mind for your next appointment.
Once everything is packed, payment is made, and your next appointment is set (if applicable), they will be on their way!
Your homework: drink water! Again, hydrating after massage is very important in order to not feel post-massage stiffness.
We hope this clears up any question you may have on the in-home massage process. Please feel free to send an email inquiry or comment below with any additional questions.
