Massage Therapy

Hydrate well throughout the day before your session. Eat a light meal one to two hours before rather than a heavy one since lying face down on a full stomach is uncomfortable. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine for at least a few hours beforehand. Arrive five minutes early so you have time to fill out your intake form and briefly discuss any areas of concern with your therapist before you get on the table.

Whatever you are comfortable in. You will be changing before the session so it does not matter much, but loose comfortable clothing makes it easier to get on and off the table. Leave jewelry at home if possible.

Only to your comfort level. Many clients leave their underwear on and others prefer to remove everything. Both are completely standard. Regardless of what you choose, you will be professionally draped with a sheet at all times and only the specific area being worked on will ever be uncovered. Your therapist is trained in proper draping and your modesty is always protected.

Let your therapist know as soon as possible. Most therapists cannot extend your session if you arrive late since they have clients after you. Arriving even five minutes early is always better than arriving on time.

Massage should be comfortable and relaxing. Working through tight areas or knots may produce a mild aching sensation that most people describe as a good hurt, but it should never be sharp or unbearable. If the pressure is ever too intense tell your therapist immediately. They will not be offended and adjusting pressure is a completely normal part of the session.

Not at all. Many people prefer complete silence so they can fully relax and some fall asleep. You are not obligated to maintain conversation. That said, always speak up if you are too hot, too cold, if the pressure needs adjustment, or if something does not feel right.

It is one of the best compliments you can give your therapist. Falling asleep during a massage means your nervous system has fully let go and that is exactly the goal. Snoring, twitching, or other involuntary relaxation responses are completely normal.

It happens and therapists are completely unfazed by it. Deep relaxation affects the entire body including the digestive system. Passing gas during a session is natural and no one will think anything of it.

Also completely normal. The body stores tension and emotion in muscle tissue and massage can release both simultaneously. If you feel the urge to cry or feel a wave of emotion, let it move through you. Your therapist has seen it before and it is a sign the work is going deep.

Yes, especially after deep tissue or sports massage. The sensation is similar to muscle soreness after a good workout and typically fades within 24 to 48 hours. Drinking plenty of water and taking a warm bath with Epsom salts can help speed recovery.

Massage releases metabolic waste and byproducts that have been held in muscle tissue into your bloodstream. Drinking extra water in the hours after your session helps your body flush these out efficiently and reduces the likelihood of soreness or headache.

Many people feel immediate relief from tension and pain. The full effects often continue to develop over the following 24 to 48 hours as your nervous system integrates the work. For chronic conditions the benefits tend to build cumulatively over a series of sessions.

For general stress management and wellness, once a month is a great starting point. For chronic pain, injury recovery, or high physical demand from sport or training, weekly or biweekly sessions are often recommended until the issue resolves and then monthly to maintain results.

Some health insurance plans cover massage therapy when prescribed by a physician for a specific condition. HSA and FSA accounts can typically be used for massage therapy regardless of insurance coverage. It is worth checking with your provider and asking your therapist if they provide medical receipts.

Tipping is customary in spa and franchise settings and typically runs 15 to 20 percent. In a private practice or medical setting tipping is less expected but always appreciated. If you are unsure, it is never wrong to ask the front desk what is standard at that particular practice.

Less so than in a spa setting. Many independent therapists set their rates to reflect the full value of their work. A kind review, a referral, or a simple thank you goes a long way with someone running their own practice.

Reschedule if you are sick or have a fever. Massage increases circulation which can spread illness and worsen some symptoms. Also avoid massage if you have an acute injury, open wounds, or active skin infections in the area to be worked. Always disclose medical conditions including pregnancy, blood clots, recent surgery, cancer, and skin conditions on your intake form.

Let your therapist know about any of the following: pregnancy, recent surgery, cancer or active cancer treatment, blood clotting disorders, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, skin conditions or infections, and any areas of acute pain or recent injury. This allows them to modify their approach and ensure the session is safe and beneficial for your specific situation.

Yes. In most US states massage therapists are required to hold a state license which involves completing an accredited education program, passing a national board exam (the MBLEx), and completing ongoing continuing education. Always verify your therapist is licensed in your state.