Book It(01 of15)
Open Image ModalSpeak Up About Therapist Preferences(02 of15)
Open Image ModalWhen you're setting up your appointment, voice any requests about your therapist and feel free to ask questions about his or her experience or technique. Now is also the time to state whether you'd prefer a male or female therapist. While Ellis says it's perfectly fine to state a gender preference, she also reminds novices that there's a draping protocol during the session, which means only one part of your body will be exposed at any given time to ensure modesty. (credit:Alamy)
Be Prompt(03 of15)
Open Image ModalA timely arrival is the first step to a relaxing massage. Ellis recommends arriving about 15 minutes before your appointment time so you have plenty of time to get set up -- if the facility offers amenities like a steam sauna or a hot tub, you may want to up that extra time to an hour. Showing up late will shave minutes off your massage time, as many places will enforce the same end-time to avoid delaying the next customer. Not to mention, the stress of rushing to keep your appointment can kill off the relaxation vibe.When you check in, be sure to alert the front desk to any pre-existing medical problems, even if you don't think it will interfere with the services, Landis says. "It's useful for us to know about everything," he explains -- a patient could be on pain medication, for instance, that affects treatment even if the condition is unrelated. (credit:Flickr: riddle_)
Clean Up(04 of15)
Open Image ModalFor the benefit of both you and your therapist, take a shower before starting your treatment, Ellis advises. Many facilities have showers on-site, but call ahead so you can plan accordingly, and shower at home if not. And if you have long hair, remember to bring something to tie it back.It's also best to lay off the perfume, if possible, which can interfere with any aromatherapy meant to enhance the experience. (credit:Alamy)
Turn Off Your Phone(05 of15)
Open Image ModalMassages are about relaxation -- so make this an electronic-free zone. Turn your phone off or put it in silent. Better yet, leave it in the locker room if there's a secure, locked place.Your messages will still be there when you get out, we promise. (credit:Alamy)
Leave The Jewelry Behind(06 of15)
Open Image ModalIt's best not to wear any jewelry during a massage -- in fact, you may even want to leave it at home, so you don't risk leaving it behind in the treatment room. (credit:Alamy)
'Go' Before You Go(07 of15)
Open Image ModalOftentimes people forget to use the bathroom before their massage, Ellis says, which can cut into treatment time if you have to get up later. (Though if you do need to get up partway through, don't worry -- Ellis says it happens.) (credit:Alamy)
Meet Your Therapist(08 of15)
Open Image ModalOnce you're all set, the massage therapist should meet you and walk you back to your room. At this point, if you're feeling nervous, it's completely appropriate to tell him or her that this is your first massage, Ellis says. He or she should leave the room while you remove your clothes, and then knock to make sure you're ready before returning to the room. (credit:Alamy)
Take It Off (But How Much?!)(09 of15)
Open Image ModalOne of the most nerve-wracking parts of a first massage is knowing exactly how much clothing to take off (and leave on). "That's the big question," Ellis says.If you want to do what most people do, take everything off and get under the sheet that's laid out on the massage table. If you're feeling more modest, you can leave your underwear on. But either way, Ellis says it's important to remember that you'll be covered by the sheet, with only one area of your body being worked on at any given time. "You're never exposed in front of the therapist," she says. (credit:Alamy)
Expect A Little Oil(10 of15)
Open Image ModalOne question Reiter says she gets from first-timers is concern over how much oil will be used on the body.Applying oil as a lubricant allows the initial few strokes of the hand to glide, she explains, but a skilled therapist should use only as much as can be absorbed by the skin before moving on to the next area of the body. "You don't want to be getting off the table feeling like you need a shower," she says.Feel free to ask for a light application of oil if you're concerned, or even a water-based cream, which can achieve the same affect without a residue. (credit:Alamy)
Speak Up(11 of15)
Open Image ModalOnce the massage starts, communicate with your therapist about anything that can make the experience better. Let him or her know if the music is too loud, the temperature too cold or the pressure too hard (or not hard enough). And don't worry about being rude -- the therapist will actually appreciate the feedback. "They really want you to have a good experience," Ellis says. Sometimes a massage might be a little uncomfortable when working on tight spots, but it should never hurt, Reiter says. So pipe up if you're feeling pain -- the therapist can adjust to use another technique to achieve the same affect. "A good massage therapist is going to be adaptable to anything that comes toward them."Also communicate if there's an area of your body that needs particular attention -- or one you'd prefer not be touched. (credit:Alamy)
Enjoy The Relaxation(12 of15)
Open Image ModalDon't Rush Out(13 of15)
Open Image ModalWhen your massage is over, don't feel pressured to leave quickly. Take some time to relax and enjoy how your body feels, Ellis suggests, rather than rushing to change back into your clothes and leap back into life. "Just be with that state for a while," she says. If there's a relaxation lounge, consider paying a visit -- or just drink some water and find a place where you can sit and relax for a bit.After your massage, you could feel a whole range of reactions, from being more energized to feeling tired, Landis explains, suggesting patients take caution before attempting a task that requires motor control. Depending on massage type, you may feel a bit of soreness in the coming days, akin to how your muscles sometimes feel after a workout. (credit:Alamy)
Settle Up(14 of15)
Open Image ModalMost spas ask you to pay after your service is rendered, so settle your bill at the front desk on your way out. A typical hour-long massage costs anywhere from $50 to $200 and up, Ellis says. "Tipping is usual and customary," Reiter says. She recommends adding about 15 percent for any therapist who doesn't own his or her own business (in that case, no need to tip). Some facilities add the tip on automatically and others require you pay gratuities in cash, so ask ahead of time to make sure you're prepared. If you're getting a discounted service, the etiquette is to tip based on the original price. (credit:Alamy)
Plan Your Next Appointment(15 of15)
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