How should you prepare for a massage
How Should You Prepare for a Massage?
For many, the first trip to a massage therapist begins with anxiety over how to prepare for the experience. Here’s how to ensure a stress-free, relaxing appointment upfront.
Key takeaways:
Much of pre-massage anxiety comes from a fear of violating unwritten etiquette rules.
Massage etiquette comes down to mutual respect for yourself and the massage therapist.
Basic grooming, clothing, and forward-thinking actions can alleviate pre-massage anxiety.
First timers—and even those familiar with massage—often face anxiety before their appointment. There’s a moment of trepidation as they run down the mental checklist of how to prepare for a massage to make sure they avoid any mistakes or missteps that might lead to an awkward interaction later on. For some, this might mean remembering to wear comfortable clothing; for others, it could mean anything from taking a thorough shower to grooming away unwanted body hair.
Preparing for a massage is an anxiety-filled experience not because of the steps involved but because of the implied consequences of not conforming to unwritten rules or norms. Massage is often billed as a “come as you are” practice, welcoming individuals of all lifestyles and physiques. However, there are still etiquette practices surrounding everything from bathing and grooming to clothing and tipping.
To help dispel any anxiety that might arise while you prepare for a massage, here’s a look at the best practices and standards as described by professional massage therapists.
Grooming etiquette
It’s recommended to take a hot, thorough shower 60-90 minutes before a massage. Not only does this ensure you’re fresh and clean for your appointment, it also helps to loosen the muscles and relax tension. This is especially true for morning appointments since people tend to develop stiffness while they sleep.
Removing body hair isn’t necessary for a massage; however, some people who feel self-conscious about theirs may choose to do so before a massage. Experienced therapists have no trouble administering massage even with chest, back, leg or arm hair. Oils provide the lubrication necessary to avoid tugging or pulling hair during a massage.
Don’t feel like you need to apply colognes or perfumes before your massage. Many therapists will use scented oils or use aromatherapy as part of a relaxing massage. The same goes for scented lotions—it’s best not to apply them before a massage.
Clothing and dress
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to take on and off. This makes it easier to slip out of your clothing when getting ready for a massage, and helps you dress quickly and comfortably after you’re finished.
When it comes to disrobing for your massage, the golden rule is to always strip down to your level of comfort. Remember, you’ll be strategically covered under a sheet throughout your massage. Many people are comfortable being nude; those who aren’t may leave undergarments on. Clothing will not impact the quality of your massage.
Avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothing that might restrict blood flow after a massage. This can include everything from leggings to neckties. Massage can cause temporary swelling as it stimulates blood flow, and wearing tight-fitting clothing can create discomfort after the appointment.
Preparation for the massage itself
It’s best not to eat up to 1-2 hours prior to a massage. The massage can disrupt digestion as the body focuses on delivering blood to areas stimulated during the massage. As a result, you might feel cramped or bloated if you eat in the time leading up to a massage.
For those worried about stomach noises during a massage, it’s best to eat a small serving of gut-friendly food before a massage. A banana, some yogurt or granola are all good options that will quell stomach noises without creating gas.
It’s a smart idea to stretch before a massage, as a way of warming up your body. Doing a few extended stretches will free up range of motion, which can help get your body acclimated to the palpation and stimulation it receives from a massage therapist.
Payment and tipping
Check to see what forms of payment your massage therapist accepts before arriving at an appointment. While many therapists welcome credit cards, there are still many independent operators that still prefer cash.
Prepare to tip your massage therapist after your appointment—unless they are a rehabilitation specialist and your appointment is medical in nature. Typically, it’s customary to tip massage therapists at the same rate you would for other service providers, as a reflection of your experience.
If you have gift cards, certificates or membership rewards, it’s a smart idea to present them upfront—either at the time of booking your appointment or at your appointment, before the massage begins.
Taking the anxiety out of massage preparation
More often than not, the unwritten rules of preparing for a massage are rooted in common courtesy and respect. It’s as much about enabling the massage therapist to do their best work as it is receiving the benefits of a thorough, targeted massage.
For many, massage preparation anxiety still exists, even with these standards and practices illuminated. It’s part of the reason robotics are making their way into the field of massage. With an impartial, impersonal robot delivering the massage, there’s no fear of embarrassment or awkwardness. Instead of arriving tense and worried, patients and clients can “come as they are” and feel more comfortable before, during, and after their appointment.
In the modern age, demystifying massage preparation is the first step in encouraging more people to explore it. Innovations like massage robotics will carry the industry further as more people embrace it.