Going for your first massage can be a daunting experience with a mixture of different emotions and physical reactions. Like everything new, it can be a nervous proposition. You might feel a bit nervous or unsure about what to expect. “Will it hurt?” “Is this going to be awkward?” These are common thoughts, especially if you’ve never had a massage before. There’s also likely a sense of curiosity about the process—wondering how the massage will feel, how relaxing it might be, or if it will help with any pain or tension you’ve been feeling.
Remember that you have a goal in mind
Remember that you have a reason for booking the massage. It can help you focus and put everything into perspective. Whether you booked the massage because of pain, discomfort, tightness, limited movement or simply to relieve stress; you are there because you have an objective in mind. Your massage therapist is there to help you achieve that and the treatment you are about to receive is for that purpose. Just make sure that you clearly state your treatment objectives to your therapist.
Booking the massage
Booking a massage is simple. Massage clinics such as Isla can be booked through a variety of means
- In person booking or walk-ins: You can simply enter the clinic and talk to reception. Majority of massage sessions need to have an appointment though so you might not get an immediate service when you come in. Depending on how busy the clinic is and the availability of therapists, you will probably be booked at a later date and time. You maybe asked to fill up an appointment form and/or an intake form.
- Online booking: Most clinics also have online appointments available that you can book yourself. This is usually connected to a clinic management software. In this option, you will be able to select the service, the day and time of your appointment. Most will require you to fill up a digital intake form. For ISLA services, our online booking can be accessed through this link: ISLA ONLINE BOOKING
- Phone/Text Booking: Booking can also be done by contacting the massage clinic or therapist of your choice. All businesses have a contact information where a receptionist will be able to assist you in booking the appointment. For ISLA Services our phone number for booking is +1(368)889-7952
- Email booking: While generally not as prevalent as before, booking through an email can be done by sending your booking inquiry to a specified booking email for the business. This is generally slower than other forms of booking as it may take time for someone to respond to your request. For ISLA Services, our booking email is booking@ourisla.ca
- Online form booking (via website): Every website also have customized forms that you can fill up in order to book a specific service. It can be as simple as a booking request or as detailed as a personalized service request such as for the following for some of our services
Regardless of what manner you choose to book a massage appointment, a confirmed appointment will be set on a specific date and time. You maybe asked to sign up or to provide consent for you to be given reminders before your appointment. At ISLA Wellness, you will be receiving an email reminder 24 hours before your appointment and a text reminder (if you opt for it) two hours before your booking.
Be aware as well of cancellation policies. Here is the link for ISLA’s cancellation policy.
On the day of your appointment
On the day of your appointment make sure that you have slept well and are free from any contagious diseases. If you are sick, especially with communicable illnesses such as the flu or the common cold, you should call your therapist and inform them of your condition. Your massage can be rebooked to a later time when you are no longer sick.
It is recommended to have a shower to keep your body clean from contamination prior to the massage. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and have clean underwear.
Arrive early (at least 15- 30 minutes) before the appointment.
Expectations before massage
You’ll likely be asked to fill out a form about your health, any areas of tension or pain, and your preferences (e.g., how much pressure you like). At ISLA Wellness, we have both a paper intake form and a digital intake form. The therapist will ask you a few questions to understand your needs and preferences better. Any medical history or concern should be relayed to your therapist in order for them to properly create a treatment plan for you.
The intake questions and the reason for asking them can be found HERE.
After the client intake and interview, you will then be instructed on how to get into the massage table and your consent will be taken for the treatment to proceed.
Privacy and Level of Clothing
Depending on the type of massage, you may be asked to undress to your comfort level. For example, in a Swedish massage, you’ll typically disrobe down to your underwear, but you can always keep more clothes on if you feel more comfortable. A sheet will be draped over you during the session for privacy. The level of undress for a client will always be your decision and at no point can the therapist demand for you to remove articles of clothing that you are not comfortable removing. Kindly note, however that massage products such as oils can get into your clothing and that there will be limitations as to what modalities of massage your therapist can provide.
At all times during the massage, you will be covered in massage linen (draping) and therapists will only work on areas that they clearly indicate or obtained consent to. This is verbally relayed and is part of your intake form as well. If you have certain regions of your body that you don’t want massaged, kindly make sure that your therapist is aware of these before or during the massage.
Pressure and Focus
During the massage, your therapist will periodically ask for feedback on the amount of pressure that they are providing. You can always ask for lighter or deeper massage pressure. Do note that in deeper pressure requests, that the therapist reserves the right to decline providing more pressure if they feel that the requested pressure will not be beneficial to you. This is particularly true if you have a sensory impairment (due to age or a nerve issue) that dulls your senses. They will relay this information to you for your benefit as applying a deeper pressure can be harmful. If the area that you are asking for deeper pressure is also in the region of an injury or an internal organ, the therapist reserves the right to decline the request for your own safety. Again, this will be verbally relayed to you.
During the massage, you also have the right to ask your therapist to put more focus on a particular region. Do understand that this can take away time from the overall massage so you can either request for an extension of the treatment time or be aware of how it will affect your massage session.
Positioning
You’ll be asked to lie on a massage table, either face up or down, depending on the type of massage and your comfort. Pillows or cushions may be provided for extra support. Supine, prone, side-lying, semi-reclining or seated positions will be part of your treatment depending on your needs and concerns. If you are uncomfortable or experience breathing issues and pain at any position, make sure that you relay this information to your therapist so that they can make professional adjustments for your wellbeing and comfort. You maybe asked to shift from one position to another during the massage.
Conclusion of the Massage
Your therapist will give you a reminder when the treatment is about to end and when it does, you will be given time to come back to a fully alert state. You may be encouraged to take a few deep breaths and gently stretch or move around before getting up. You can also take some time to transition from the table to standing up. If you need assistance, please make sure to let your therapist know so they can assist you. If you feel a bit dizzy, it is recommended that you sit down on a chair or the table as your body adjusts.
Once you are clear, you can then put on your clothes and your therapist will talk to you to get feedback from your treatment . The therapist may offer some post-massage care suggestions, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding intense physical activity for the rest of the day, or doing certain stretches to maintain the benefits of the massage. After the massage, you can discuss scheduling future sessions or make any necessary payments.
After the Massage
Many people feel a sense of calm or lightness after a massage, but it’s normal to experience some mild soreness in the muscles, especially if areas of tension were deeply worked. This usually passes within a day or two. It’s important to listen to your body afterward and give yourself time to adjust, whether that means relaxing, stretching, or even just taking a moment for yourself. Always remember that at any time, you can reach out to your therapist to consult or ask questions.
In the end, a first massage often brings a mix of physical relief and emotional relaxation, leaving you feeling more grounded and at ease. Getting your first massage can be a soothing and rejuvenating experience. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or relief from tension, your first massage can leave you feeling refreshed and restored.
Contact us to book your first massage!