My first massage-tips?

[Simba's Mom]

I'm finally getting my very first massage this week. All I know is that it's 50 minutes, and since I'm female, I'm getting a female massuesse. I know a girl who's going to massage therapy school and they use students, being monitored by instructors to do massages to the public at a very inexpensive rate. I used to get my hair cut at a local beauty college and liked it, so this sounded good to me-especially the price! And from my experience, you end up with two people for the price of one! So any tips for me on my first massage? Do I have to take off all my clothes and get covered with towels or do I leave underwear on? Do you tip? How much?

 

[Tink888]

I'm finally getting my very first massage this week. All I know is that it's 50 minutes, and since I'm female, I'm getting a female massuesse. I know a girl who's going to massage therapy school and they use students, being monitored by instructors to do massages to the public at a very inexpensive rate. I used to get my hair cut at a local beauty college and liked it, so this sounded good to me-especially the price! And from my experience, you end up with two people for the price of one! So any tips for me on my first massage? Do I have to take off all my clothes and get covered with towels or do I leave underwear on? Do you tip? How much?

You take everything off except for your undies and there is usually a blanket or towels on the table that you will cover with.

I usually tip 15%. Usually at the front desk of the spa, there are tipping envelopes available and I give the envelope containing the tip with the person's name on it to the person at the front desk. Since this is a school thing, you might want to ask first to make sure they can accept tips.

Just relax and enjoy yourself. They are sooooo relaxing. The only advice I can offer is this.......you might be tempted to talk to the person giving the massage while they are doing it. Outside of a little chit chat during the beginning, don't. They don't expect you to have a conversation with them, it interferes with your relaxation. Enjoy!!!

 

[tluvstink]

Shave your legs

You will love it!

Terri

 

[mtemm]

drink lots of water after. and enjoy!!!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Don't eat gassy foods that day.
Just relax and enjoy the experience!

 

[J Le]

I let the masseuse know if there are any particular sore spots that need work or should be avoided if they don't first ask. Some people don't like having certain areas massaged because they're extra ticklish.

Usually they tell you to let them know too much/not enough pressure and some really good ones ask after a bit (but before your totally relaxed) if the pressure is right.

If you're sensitive to any oils or lotions you may want to know the ingredients. I'm usually offered a choice of scents.

I tip based on service - 10-20% but once I didn't tip and in fact complained. Remember, if you don't like it tell 'em to change it!

The PP's tip about water is a good one! Take 10-15 minutes after the massage to sit and relax - usually this is part of the service.

 

[Pastamom]

Relax and enjoy!!!!

If they ask you how much pressure you want say soft to medium. Sometimes too much pressure can make your muscles sore - which takes away from the benefits of a massage...

 

[LadyZolt]

My hair is long, so I always braid it so it's not in the way. I would also mention that it's your first massage so that your masseuse will know that and can help ease your concerns. I had my first massage last December and have had four more since then -- they are really worth it.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Handbag Lady]

Everything they said except here, we take off everything.

You are always in a robe or covered in towels. Don't freak out when they ask you to turn over. I usually start getting my massages face down, but then you turn over so they can do the other side...well, most of the parts on your front. Not those.

Don't be afraid to speak up, too. If it is too soft, too hard, or here's the one everyone forgets, if it is JUST right say so! The tech won't know unless you say something.

Oh, and if the room is too cold or too hot, let them know, too.

 

[RUDisney]

Take everything off. There will be no inappropriate touching and undies can get in the way.

You're going to love it!!

 

[kirbydog48]

I was a Licenced Massage Therapist for 15 years. If you feel more comfortable leaving your underwear on, then leave them on. Since it's a student clinic, they may have a policy regarding this. Also, it's useful to tell the therapist if you have any areas causing you discomfort (i.e., neck, shoulders, lower back). Sometimes if they work on an area that's holding a lot of tension it can feel tender/sore. If it's "pain", something you can't breathe through, then tell them to back off. I think it really helps not to talk, to focus on the breath and let your whole body just melt into the table. Hope you enjoy it!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I especially wouldn't have thought about the water. I'll bring a bottle with me to drink in the car on the drive home.

 

[shortbun]

drink lots of water after. and enjoy!!!!

Yep, drink lots of water post massage; this carries the toxins out of your body. If they are having students do it, they may give you instructions regarding disrobing. I don't like routine massage, it's too lightweight for me. I get the most out of a deep tissue massage; a little pain and after that a lot of relaxation in the muscles. Don't eat at least two hours before so your digestive system is calm. Deep relaxing breaths with massage encourages your muscles to release. Who knows how experienced your masseuse will be. Students have been more miss than hit in my experience. Have fun!

 

[sallysmom]

If it's not too late, try to schedule it for later in the day. Everytime I've gotten a message, I'm so relaxed I'm practically useless after.
Enjoy!

 

[monkeyboy]

Take everything off. There will be no inappropriate touching and undies can get in the way.

You're going to love it!!

Isn't that an oxymoron

 

[RUDisney]

Isn't that an oxymoron

Not if big granny panties are worn.

 

[minkydog]

Take everything off. There will be no inappropriate touching and undies can get in the way.

You're going to love it!!

I agree. I think I did keep my undies on the first few times. But now I strip buck nekkid and hop on the table. I agree with a PP that the school may have policies regarding the level of clothing removal. But every massage therapist I have ever had has been a consumate professional. You tell them how firm or light the touch and don't be afraid to speak up if something hurts. It really shouldn't be painful. (For the record,I need very firm touch. I think it has to do with some sensory issues. Light touch feels bad to me. So my massage therapists get a real workout )

 

[Magix]

Definitely for your first massage go with the light pressure. Just a standard swedish massage will do the trick. Then, once you're used to it, your next one can be done with firmer pressure. Disrobe to whatever level you're comfortable with (within whatever guidelines the student facility may have). If I'm at a full-on spa, getting some kind of scrub with my massage, I usually totally disrobe. If I'm at Massage Envy, just getting a massage and nothing else, I'll leave my undies on, but remove everything else. Therapists are always very careful, even when you turn over, to keep you covered so nothing is seen.

I had my first massage, almost 2 years ago, on my 40th birthday. I deeply regret that I didn't do them before that. I'm always so stressed and my muscles so tight, that I should have been doing this all along. I'm now a member of Massage Envy, which comes with a monthly massage. I sometimes don't make it in for months at a time, but that means I have a bunch of massages on the books and can schedule a 2 hour massage!! I literally have to sit for 30 minutes before I can drive when I've had one of those. It's the greatest thing ever!

After this first massage, you may find that you will want a male therapist. I usually prefer them, because they tend to be able to use a little more pressure, which I need. Everything is handled so clinically and so discreetly that I've never felt any weirdness about a male therapist.

Relax, stay hydrated and communicate your needs with your therapist. You'll love your first massage and I guarantee you'll go back for more!

 

[Silent1CB]

Don't eat gassy foods that day.
Just relax and enjoy the experience!

I've never had a massage because I have this fear I'll fart. Dumb I know but still a fear. And how can I relax if that's what I'm thinking about for an hour.

Sometimes when the chiropractor works on my hip, I'm pleading in my mind, oh no, don't press there. No!!! So far, so good though.

 

[Simba's Mom]

OMG! I hadn't thought about that. Now I'm going to worry about farting-that would be so embarrassing. Overall, though, I'm really looking forward to this.