Thinking about booking your first massage with me? You might be wondering what it’ll be like, what to wear, how much clothing to remove, and what exactly you’re supposed to do once you’re on the table.
A little pre-massage anxiety is normal, but it’s not necessary :) Here’s how it goes.
First, we’ll go over your health history and talk about what brought you in. I’ll ask about what’s bothering you, what you’d like help with, any previous injuries, and anything else that could affect your treatment.
This isn’t a test you need to prepare for, and there are no wrong answers. Just explain what you’re feeling in your own words.
I may ask you to move a certain way or check how an area is moving. This helps me get a better idea of what may be involved and where I should focus.
Once that’s done, I’ll explain what I think would be helpful. Your treatment might include regular therapeutic massage, deeper pressure, RAPID NeuroFascial Reset, cupping, IASTM, or a combination of techniques.
You don’t need to know what technique you need before you book. That’s something we figure out together after we talk and complete the assessment. I’ll explain the plan and get your consent before anything begins.
Whatever you feel most comfortable in.
If RAPID is the path we choose, no clothing needs to come off and no oil is used. RAPID combines pressure with guided movement, and it can be done through your clothing.
For regular massage, you can remove as much or as little clothing as you’re comfortable with. You can leave your underwear on, or keep all your clothing on if that feels better to you. Just let me know what you prefer. I can work around your clothing or through it.
If you remove any clothing, you’ll be covered with a sheet and blanket. I only uncover the area I’m working on. Everything else stays covered and out of sight.
There’s no right or wrong choice here. It’s your appointment, and I want you to be comfortable.
I’ll also explain how to position yourself on the table. You might begin face down, face up, or on your side, depending on what we’re treating.
You basically have one job: tell me how things feel.
If something hurts, the pressure is too much, you feel cold, or your position is uncomfortable, please tell me. Don’t lie there thinking something must be “supposed to hurt” or that I automatically know exactly what you’re feeling.
I know massage therapy, but you know your own body. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. I can change the pressure, adjust your position, switch techniques, or stop completely.
Other than that, feel free to relax. You don’t need to help me when I move your arm or leg. Be a limp noodle and let me do the work :)
You don’t need to make small talk either. If you feel like talking or asking questions, go ahead. If you’d rather close your eyes and stay quiet, that’s completely fine too.
And one last thing: you don’t need to shave or apologize for your body. I don’t care about stubble, scars, cellulite, or the noises your stomach makes during the massage. Bodies do normal body things. I’m focused on your treatment, not judging how you look.
Your first appointment is approximately 60 minutes.
That time includes going over your health history, talking about your concerns, completing the assessment, planning your treatment, providing the treatment, documenting the appointment, and giving you time to change.
It won’t be 60 minutes of hands-on massage, and I don’t want that to catch you by surprise. The conversation and assessment help me understand what’s going on so I can use the treatment time properly.
At the end, I may check how the area feels or moves compared with the beginning of the appointment. We’ll also talk briefly about how you responded and what might make sense next.
You may not need another appointment. If I think follow-up treatment could help, I’ll explain what I recommend and why. Rebooking is always optional.
If you do need a follow-up:
Choose the length that sounds closest to what you need. If you’re not sure, send me a message. I’d rather help you choose than have you guess.
That’s really all there is to it. You don’t need to know the right treatment, say the right things, or do anything special. Show up as you are, tell me what’s going on, and we’ll take it from there.
Mathieu Boudreau, RMT
Come in sore, leave moving better.