What To Expect At Your First Massage Appointment
If you’re new to massage therapy, or if you’re wondering how your appointment with me will differ from a typical massage, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll share what you can expect during your first headache-focused massage appointment. I'll cover what to wear, what to bring and what to expect during the massage to help you get the most out of your experience. Whether you're looking for tension relief, or relief from specific types of headaches, I hope this guide will help you feel confident and excited about your first specialized massage experience. Let's get started.
booking your first appointment
If you’re a first time client, you’ll want to choose the “Initial Assessment and Massage” option on the online scheduling page. This is a special 75 minute session for first time clients only and includes a thorough discussion of your headache history and a short physical assessment before the massage portion of the appointment begins.
After selecting a date and time for your first appointment, the scheduler will prompt you to provide some general information about your medical history, headache complaints, prescriptions, etc. before your appointment will be confirmed. You will also be prompted to provide a credit card number, which will be kept on file for future payments and cancellation fees, as well as a Covid-19 waiver and general massage consent form. Completing these steps at the time of booking means that we can spend less of your appointment time collecting information and more time on the table.
Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email from me that includes the details of your appointment as well as parking and arrival instructions. Your email will also include options to cancel or reschedule your appointment, edit your intake forms, or add the appointment to your mobile calendar.
What is the purpose of the assessment session?
The aim of the assessment session is for us to get to know each other and for me to learn, in depth, about what problem(s) bring you to massage therapy, and what you hope to gain from attending.
We’ll spend the first part of the session going over your health questionnaire and discussing your headache history in detail. If you keep a headache diary and feel like sharing your logs, please do (I looove data - and journaling!).
After discussing your headaches and your goals, we’ll move onto a short physical assessment to pinpoint areas that may be contributing to your headaches, migraines, or TMD. We’ll typically spend 15-30 minutes on this portion of the session, leaving 45-60 minutes for hands-on time.
WHAT does the physical assessment involve?
The physical assessment portion will vary depending on your specific complaints. In general, I’ll ask to you perform a few short, simple, movements to assess your range of motion, posture, and gait. I may also palpate the muscles of your head, neck, and shoulders to check for tension or sensitive spots. If you are seeking massage for your TMD, we will also do a short bite and breathing assessment.
what will i gain from the assessment portion?
Before we head on to the massage portion of the appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about massage therapy. I’ll communicate my initial reflections about your concerns, how I think massage could help you, and what committing to massage would entail practically. You’ll leave the session with a clear idea of how I can help you and what that help will look like.
what will the massage portion be like?
The remaining appointment time will be spent targeting your areas of concern, using modalities that are tailored to your preferences. I always tell my clients that my style of massage is very similar to a spa-like Swedish massage, with a bit more instruction regarding how to turn your head, position your neck, or hold your limbs. In general, you should feel very relaxed during the massage portion.
The goal of the first massage session is for you to get a feel for my style of massage and for me to understand your pressure preferences and problem areas. Advanced techniques like intraoral massage, MET, and manual lymphatic drainage are usually saved for subsequent sessions. By the end of the introductory massage, you should know if I will be a good fit for you going forward.
What should I wear for the massage portion?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. I have clients who choose to keep all of their clothes on for their session. I have clients who remove all of their clothes for their session. No matter what you choose to wear (or not wear), you will be appropriately covered by the table linens throughout the massage and will never be exposed.
What if i don’t feel comfortable during my massage?
The most important thing to me is that you feel better when you leave the office than when you came in. If at any point you do not feel comfortable with the massage pressure or a particular technique, please let me know. I will not be offended! If you ever want to stop your massage session, or just need a break, we will do so. Remember, this is your massage.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T HELP ME?
On occasion, I may decide that I am not best suited to support you based on my training, experience and licensure. This is usually identified during the initial consultation but on some occasions, this can’t be ascertained until following appointments. If I do not think I am the best person to support you, I will do my best to connect you with a healthcare professional who is.
What happens next?
Before we end the session, we will agree on your therapy goals and an initial treatment plan. Typically we will meet on a regular bi-weekly basis, at the same time each week, but this is dependent on individual circumstances.
A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT CAVEATS
This article discusses what a typical assessment session might look like with me. Assessment sessions with other massage therapists will likely have a similar structure but may be different. Also, as every human is different, and every problem unique, the exact structure and format of an assessment session will differ from person to person.
Ready To get Started?
Tap the button below to schedule an initial assessment and massage with me. I can’t wait to meet you!
