12 step checklist to make sure you're prepared for your massage!💆
Hi there!👋 Sports Massage Therapist Cameron here! Going for a massage of any kind with a new therapist can be daunting, and it can certainly put your mind at ease going into it a bit more prepared.
Every therapist and hence their approach to massage and how they run their business is different. But, as therapist myself, I see clients bring or forget a range of basic things for the massage treatment! From my experience, these are the key things I'd recommend a person going to a massage should do to make their massage treatment go smoothly.
DO!⭐
- Bring a bottle of water or something hydrating to drink.
Ah! Massage advise 101. It's surprising how much water vapour you can lose during a massage, especially the more deep tissue and up-tempo ones. In addition, you are laying down for the best part of an hour +, and you do just dehydrate naturally over time. This can lead to feeling a little tired and groggy at the end of a long massage treatment, and hence having water/a drink on hand is advised. Therapists maybe able to offer a glass of water, or potentially even a range of drinks at larger clinics/treatment centres, but you shouldn't expect this. So, make sure you bring a bottle of water or similar to your treatment.
DON'T 🙅
- eat a big meal before a massage treatment!
Eating a large meal, and then laying face down on your stomach whilst someone pushes your back into the massage couch/bed is not going to feel very nice. It's not the end of the world, but it can make the treatment potentially very uncomfortable. By all means, have a snack to curb hunger prior to treatment, but don't eat anything too substantial an hour or two before your massage. If the therapist sees you in pain or discomfort, it may throw them off the real problem they're trying to treat. In addition, a therapist may have to back off the pressure due to the amount discomfort and hence limiting the benefit of the session.
DO!⭐
- remember to bring an accepted form of payment.
Oh yes. People forget to bring money from time to time. This can be difficult for a therapist to deal with, especially when it's a first time client. If you're not sure what sort of payment the therapist takes, just message them ahead of time or look to their website. Many businesses don't take cash these days - it's often inconvenient! But, with the likes of Google and/or Apple Pay, there's no excuse for not having payment on you. However you like to pay, just make sure you bring some form of payment that is compatible with the therapist you are seeing.
DON'T 🙅
- wear fitted/compression/base layer shorts or compression sports bras etc.
When planning to go for a sports massage, it may feel tempting to go in sports gear! But sports gear is often tight or close-to-skin. This means they are hard to work around and may need to be removed entirely, or a compromise will have to be reached about what muscles can and can't be treated. Instead, it's easier to just not wear such garments, like 2-in-1 shorts, sports bras without a clasp and full length leggings, and instead opt for more general clothing. I cover this in another blog you can read here.
DO!⭐
- wear loose fitted clothing - and, more importantly, underwear!
Do not just turn up commando! For many therapists, it is deemed considerably inappropriate. Many therapists maybe able to leave the room whilst you remove your clothing, but some treatment centres may not be able to offer the same level of privacy. In addition, try to wear loose fitted clothing, which makes them easy to remove based on the session plan and the areas of the body to be massaged. I cover clothing and sports massage in great depth in another blog you can read here.
DO!⭐
- turn up on time for your appointment. Check directions, traffic etc.
This is rather obvious. But it is often easier said than done. Some clients do not plan their journey ahead of time, then wing it and often turn up late. Therapists aren't always able to make up the difference and hence you lose valuable minutes of massage time. Moreover, unless the therapist has a designated waiting room, DO NOT turn up early either. They may still be with another client. If you want to start earlier, communicate with the therapist prior to your session.
DON'T 🙅
- feel you have to shave legs, body hair etc. before massage treatment.
Over the years, I've had many clients talk to me about how they are ashamed of their body hair, and that they feel unprepared for the massage - whether it be stubbly legs, or hairy backs. Therapists are there to help alleviate ailments and stress, not to judge you and your body. I have only had maybe 1 or 2 clients whose body hair has been so thick and coarse that it has been an issue to actually massage. But, for the VAST majority of people, body hair is simply not a problem when being massaged. Do not stress. Ultimately do what makes you feel comfortable, but know there's no pressure from your therapist.
DO!⭐
- inform the therapist of any allergies; ideally ahead of time.
Whilst most therapists, including myself, tend to stay away from mediums/lotions/oils that include or contain allergens, some therapists may choose to use them for their sometimes superior qualities. Allergies to any essential oils, nuts or cosmetic products should be conveyed to your therapist to minimise any irritation to your skin during and after the massage. Let a therapist know before the session, so if they need to source non-allergen alternatives, they have time to do so.
DON'T 🙅
- bring your own towels or lotions/massage mediums. Therapists will have these.
It's not expected for a client to bring towels or massage mediums. I've had clients turn up with their own mediums/oils and/or towels to a massage treatment unexpectedly. The reason given was that they don't want cheap mediums used on them or lay on unclean towels. Many therapists, including myself, provide clean towels for each client and use high performance, and fit for purpose massage mediums. If you are concerned about hygiene or wish to bring your own mediums/towels, simply communicate with the therapist before hand. You may have a valid allergy or sensitivity to some detergents, for instance. For most, you don't NEED to bring them, but if you want your own lotions/towels, just make sure the therapist is aware beforehand to not imply or cause any insult.
DON'T 🙅
- turn up with poor hygiene.
It's one thing to turn up to your sports massage a bit sweaty straight after a run or the gym. It's another to turn up with poor hygiene. Remember, therapists have got to touch large portions of your limbs and /or torso with, most likely, their bare hands. During a massage there will be an element of exfoliation of your skin too. It's totally understandable that personal hygiene varies from person to person, but just ensure you make some effort to go to your treatment with some quality of hygiene - it goes a long way!
DO!⭐
- go to the toilet before you set off for the treatment.
Similar to the issue of eating a big meal before a massage treatment, once you're on the massage bed, it can be very uncomfortable for the therapist to be applying notable pressure to your back if you need to go to the toilet! Sometimes nature calls at an inconvenient time, and most therapists will be able to offer you a toilet. However, this will often eat into your massage time and can break up the flow of the session. For an optimal massage experience, simply try to go to the loo before you leave for the massage.
DON'T 🙅
- wash your hair before your massage; especially if you want your neck massaged.
I've already written a short blog post here discussing this very point. Ultimately, if you want your neck massaged/treated, washing your hair prior to the session is impractical and fairly stressful for the therapist as they try to avoid your hair line whilst attempting to provide the best treatment possible and, most often, these efforts aren't compatible! With some of the neck routine existing just above the hairline, some hair will likely get some form of massage wax/oil/lotion in it, especially if you want a good, thorough treatment. If the session consists of just the legs and/or lower back, then the hair on your head shall be unscathed and you can wash away!
And that's it for today! 12 easy steps to making your massage experience smooth so you can relax and focus on getting those knots and niggles kneaded out!
Are you therapist or a massage lover who's got tips for prospective massage customers? Voice your suggestions in the comments below!
For more blog posts on sports massage, check out the PowerKnapp World blog series here.