Step By Step Expectations for Your Massage Session

Finding a licensed massage therapist: 

The internet has made finding a massage therapist easy! But also overwhelming in the options. Unless you have a friend or family member that can recommend a therapist to you, here are some simple suggestions. 

Search “massage therapist –your area-” You can add in details, such as if you are looking for a deep tissue therapist, a prenatal therapist, medical massage therapist, etc. At this stage, it’s good to look through reviews and pick a few choices that look optimal. Check out their websites, reviews, social media. See if the business or individual looks like a good fit. 

Be cautious if you are looking at a spot with “Asian” or “Parlor” in the name. These terms, in the U.S., often indicate the “therapists” are unlicensed and unregulated. This may also mean these places offer sex work or are involved in sex trafficking. Most states in the U.S. require licenses for massage therapists. You can go to your states licensing website to search for credentials for any potential massage therapist. In Kentucky, the site is: https://oop.ky.gov/ 

There are independent practitioners and massage chains. Massage chains can offer more in convenience and better pricing, but they pay their therapists less and might require memberships or packages to get better deals. You can find great therapists in these places, but these therapists will be limited by the business they work for. For example, at Massage Solutions, I am able to recommend self-care routines, email and text clients these suggestions, and engage in a more personalized degree than when I worked at a chain. 

Booking An Appointment:  

Once you find a therapist, it’s time to book a session! Calling, texting, and booking online are the usual methods. At Massage Solutions, as the owner and operator, I do not have a secretary on standby to field calls. My clients book online or text me for appointments. Online booking makes it easy to look at all available booking times. Try to book your appointment at a time and day where you can rest after the session, particularly if you are new to massage. You might be sleepy after your session. 

Preparing For Your Massage: 

Your therapist doesn’t care if you shaved our legs. We don’t care if you are underweight or overweight. Massage is about making you feel better! Cleanliness is appreciated. Showering and not coming in after chain smoking in your car is always a better experience. 

At Massage Solutions, your intake forms are sent to your email to be filled out prior to your appointment. These intake forms are just some basic information you can provide to make your experience the best it can be. You can provide areas of concern, injuries, and any relevant medical information. 

Meeting Your Therapist: 

Your therapist should relay to you if you need to show up earlier than your scheduled time. At Massage Solutions, people generally show up five minutes or so before their scheduled time. You will be greeted by your therapist or a front desk person (if it’s a larger business) and asked if you need to use the restroom prior to your service. The therapist should ask you about your preferences and experience with massage and any issues you have shared with them. 

The Session: 

Undress to your comfort level. No, really. Women are suggested to remove their bras. Underwear is optional for all. At Massage Solutions, draping is modest. There will never be intentional exposure of breasts or genitals, and glutes are worked through the sheets. 

Your comfort is key! If you do not wish an area to be touched, the therapist should listen to you. If you request a different pressure, the therapist should listen to you. 

A typical massage session at Massage Solutions starts with you face down on the massage table, between the sheets and with a blanket. This can change, based on the clients' preferences. Most clients enjoy starting with a nice back massage. The face cradle can cause a little congestion, so it’s nice to end face up so that any sinus pressure can settle down by the end of the session. 

If you requested a full body massage, this will include back, glutes, feet, arms, hands, neck, and legs. If you are requesting a specific area focus, that will be honored, as well. Some people request only upper body (neck, shoulders, back, hands, and arms) and some only lower (glutes, legs, feet). 

The End: 

At Massage Solutions, you will be told to take your time getting up and dressed after your massage has ended. Don’t fall asleep! But take it easy getting up from the table and be gentle with yourself while re-dressing. I will meet you in the lobby, where you can pay for your session and book your next one (if you want). The price includes a 6% KY sales tax and offers the option for gratuity. 

Aftercare: 

Drink water and rest up. You don’t need to increase your water intake, but it is often recommended as a little reminder. Never get a massage while drunk or feeling ill, because it can worsen both of those feelings. Try to avoid strenuous activities if you aren’t used to getting massages. You might feel a little “massage drunk” (lightheaded, a little sleepy) from the endorphins released during your session.

Hope this helped you understand, prepare, and be more comfortable with your massage session!