I Want a Massage But I Don't Know What to Expect

By Lisa Schmidt, LMT

Erin would like a massage, but she’s shy and doesn’t know what to expect.
her neck and shoulders spasm in pain. As an insurance adjuster, she spends close to eight hours a day on the computer and on the phone. A massage might help, but she doesn’t know what to expect.

Erin represents many people who find massage intimidating. They might be afraid they will have to strip down and be seen by a stranger. They’re afraid they’ll be judged as fat, or wrinkled, or that they don’t know how to talk to or relate to a massage therapist. They’re not sure of standard protocol. Do they talk during a massage? Or remain silent? Should they speak up if the massage if too hard or too light? What if they pass gas? Many of these concerns keep people from enjoying the benefits of massage.

As a licensed massage therapist and educator, I hope to explain in detail a basic massage, its benefits, and offer insight on the many benefits of massage, and how to be more comfortable and get the most out of your massage.

The Benefits of Massage:

• Breaks down metabolic wastes
• Helps circulatory and lymphatic systems
• Helps with muscle aches and pains
• Helps with range of motion in the joints
• Is beneficial after exercise
• Helps reduce stress
• Can help with insomnia
• Massage is often recommended after surgery or for certain conditions such as: thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, frozen shoulder, carpel tunnel, chronic headaches/migraines and other medical conditions
• Helps break down scar tissue or allow wounds to heal faster

The Two Most Basic Types of Massage are Swedish and Deep Tissue

Other Modalities Include:
• Hot Stone
• Reiki
• Lomi, Lomi
• Watsu
• Shiatsu
• Acupressure
• Polarity Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Thai Massage

If you’re truly uncomfortable with the idea of someone else touching you, then consider reflexology. Reflexology massages only the feet and hands--calves down and forearms down. This allows you to be at ease with another person touching you.

The Swedish massage is the “feel good” massage and is your most basic. For the purpose of this article, I will be referring to a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage lasts anywhere from 25-50 minutes (as per scheduled) and is for relaxation purposes only—you should not feel overly sore or achy after this massage.

A deep tissue massage does not mean more pressure. It means the massage therapist will be working on deeper muscles, not superficial ones. You should not leave bruised or in pain. Deep tissue massage concentrates on the underlying muscles that may be the cause of your pain or discomfort. With any massage, you may request a specific area and the time spent will be concentrated on your ailment. When making your appointment, you may request male or female.

Your First Massage What You Can Expect:
When you enter the spa, your massage therapist will come to the front, greet you and discuss what your treatment is for the day. You will most likely be offered a beverage. The massage therapist should mention how long the massage will be since they can vary in length. You will then be walked back to the treatment area. The therapist will ask privately if there are any areas you’d like them to concentrate on (pain, soreness). They will also ask if you have any medical conditions or concerns that will relate to this massage. A massage license will be posted in their room. Feel free to ask to view it.

The therapist will share some basic information about your session and ask if you prefer to start face up or face down. You will be instructed to lie between the sheets and demonstrate how to do this. Therapist will explain how to disrobe and ask about your comfort level—if you’d prefer to leave on your undergarments or socks on, etc. Do what you feel comfortable with—every client is different. A massage therapist can massage over clothing, but realize it might not be as relaxing and rejuvenating since your muscles cannot be manipulated as well. You do not need to feel embarrassed about what level of disrobing you choose. This is your massage and your preference, you will not be judged. A good massage therapist is there to help you feel comfortable and safe. You will be asked to remove any jewelry you don’t want lotion to penetrate. You may be asked if you want your gluts, feet, abdomen or face to be massaged. Realize that this will take time away from other areas.

Beginning the Massage:
The massage therapist will leave the room to wash their hands and will not reenter without permission, so feel free to take your time to disrobe. You will then undress and slide between the sheets. Don’t worry about being on the table properly; the therapist will readjust the headpiece (sometimes referred to as the face cradle) and sheets. The therapist will reenter the room by knocking and asking if it’s okay to enter. They will ask you if you’re comfortable, adjust you if needed, ask if the temperature is comfortable and then ask if you’re ready to receive your massage—which is the appropriate way to ask permission to touch you.

To begin your massage, you will be lying on the table either face up or face down, (face down for this discussion) completely draped with a sheet and blanket. The therapist will start with a “still touch,” meaning they will place their hands on your back, not massaging as of yet, just for you to become comfortable with their touch and not feel startled or invaded. Your back will be undraped down to your hips. If you leave your underwear on, the therapist may tuck the sheet under the top of your waistband, or they will place their hand on your lower back/upper buttocks to fold the sheet back to its proper place. Your gluteal “cleavage” should not show. Therapist will then proceed with the massage on your back, shoulders and neck and may ask you if you are satisfied with the pressure of the massage. Speak up soon so that you can enjoy the rest of the massage. Don’t suffer—a good therapist will not be insulted. You can ask the therapist to readjust the pressure at anytime time during the massage; you might want to request more pressure on a certain area, such as your back.

After your neck, shoulders, and back have been massage, the therapist will then proceed to your gluts, if this is what you requested. If you have agreed to receive gluteal work, your “cheek” would be undraped up to the gluteal cleavage but not revealing the cleavage. Only one “cheek” will be worked on at a time so that the cleavage is never exposed. The therapist can also work on the outside of the sheets, but it’s not as effective. After the gluts, or if the gluts were skipped, the therapist will then proceed to the thighs. During inner thigh work, the massage therapist’s fingertips should never move toward your groin, always away. If the therapist observes signs of shyness or that you are uncomfortable, they will respect you and work further down the thigh or area in question. The calves and the feet will be massaged as well, and the massage will follow a circular pattern, working from the shoulders and back, down one leg to the next, then your arms, neck and head.

There are many draping methods used to ask a client to turn over, but rest assured you will stay covered under the sheet. Most massage therapists will lean against the table with their legs so that they’re anchoring the sheet, and then reach across you to hold up the sheet and look away as you turn over. Another alternative is to once again anchor the sheet in place with their legs, lean against the table and hold the top of the sheet near your upper back as you turn over. The therapist will be standing behind the sheet so it will act as a curtain.

The therapist will ask you to move down so that your head is on the table, not in the face cradle. They will start with the last leg they worked on when you were face down. They will work up and undrape in a similar manor as described above.

The abdominal area will be massaged only if requested. When massaging the abdomen, if the client is a female, your breasts will be draped with a pillow case or sheet at all times. The top of the sheet will be draped to the top of your hips. An abdomen massage is usually reserved for those who specifically request this to relieve the ailment of constipation. It’s highly effective and should work immediately, so consider this when requesting abdominal work.

The massage therapist should not go above your rib cage and will work about two inches below your clavicle (collar bone) so your breasts will not be touched during a massage. The order of a frontal massage is: feet, legs, abdomen, (if requested) arms, shoulders and working toward the head. If you are concerned that your breasts might be exposed as your arm is being removed from the sheet, know that a skilled therapist can do this easily and modestly.

Neck and shoulders are typically massaged last. The therapist will then sit on a stool at the head of the table to work on your neck and head. They will work on your face and your hair (if requested). Some people might not want lotion or in their face or hair. Hair and head massage is very relaxing and soothing, so consider cancelling any plans afterward to enjoy this treat. Most spas and even day spas offer complimentary showers and hair products, so feel free to take advantage of this and schedule your time appropriately.

Finishing the Massage:
Just as the massage began, the massage therapist will end your massage in a “still position” resting their hand lightly on either your shoulder or head. The therapist will indicate your massage is complete and may gently rock your shoulders. The therapist may ask that you take a minute to gather yourself before you get off the table and dress since some people might be dizzy. The therapist will then leave the room and wait for you outside. Be aware that the therapist only has five to ten minutes to prepare for their next client. As tempting as it is to take a nap, therapists are often scheduled for consecutive massage treatments. Leave the sheets on the table. You don’t need to straighten the room.

Tipping can be left on the counter, or after you dress you can hand it directly to the therapist or leave it at the front desk. Most major spas do not encourage their employees receive tips —so if you feel compelled to leave a tip—which is greatly appreciated, you may need to offer it three or four times, or simply leave it on the massage table or on the counter. Gratuity is added into your service charge, but that percentage does not go directly to your massage therapist and is divided among everyone you have seen at the spa—from the receptionist, to the locker room attendant. Since massage therapists give both physically and emotionally to their clients, you may feel close to them and want to hug them, or offer an additional tip. This is perfectly acceptable. Most people enjoy building a rapport with their massage therapist and request them again and again

It’s perfectly normal for your massage to affect your emotions. Most people in the United States are either touched sexually or casually, and since we are not an affectionate nation, having someone touch us is an unusual act and affects each person differently. Massage therapists understand this reaction.

Embarrassing Moments:
• Passing Gas
• Burping
• Excessive Talking
• Erections

Most massage therapists are not going to say anything about a client passing gas, but appreciate an “excuse me.” Their training gives them the understanding that they are affecting the digestive and circulatory system. They expect these occurrences to happen.
Burping is a similar bodily response. Be courteous and say “excuse me.”

A good therapist should not talk unless spoken to. Massage is supposed to be relaxing, so don’t feel obligated to entertain the massage therapist. Some people experience the need to talk excessively out of nervousness. That’s fine, but don’t be offended if your therapist doesn’t seem chatty. They’ve been trained to be quiet and calm for your benefit. If talking makes you comfortable, the therapist will pick up on this and converse with you accordingly. For stomach gurgling or growling, the therapists may offer you something to eat if you indicate a need. There are snacks available, so feel free to ask.

An erection is a physiological response and blood is being pushed into the core of your body. Massage therapists realize and understand that this may not be a sexual response. Unless you take further action a good therapist will not give this any attention and continue to work professionally. If you appear uncomfortable, the therapist may offer a heavy blanket to anchor the sheet or ask if you’d like to turn over.

After the Massage:
Drink lots of water after a massage to help wash out toxins. You may feel a little tender depending on your physical condition and pressure you requested during your massage, or the condition of your muscles. Take Ibuprophen if you feel a need. Soaking in Epsom’s salt is helpful as well. The first massage is the most uncomfortable, so find the most reputable establishment near you—even if you have to pay a little more.

Spas can be found at www.Spafinder.com or www.massagetherapistfinder.com.

Other helpful websites are:
www.massagenetwork.com
www.nationwidemassage.com
www.amtamassage.org/ (American Massage Therapy Organization
www.ncbtmb.com (National Certification Board for Therapeutic and Bodywork


Lisa Christine Schmidt is a LMT working in the state of Florida, MA # 35255.
She has been licensed for six years and has worked at some of top spas in the US including Ritz Carlton, SawGrass Marriott, and Amelia Island Plantation.
She currently enjoys teaches massage therapy at FCCJ Community College and Sanford Brown College.