November 29, 2024 • 9 mins
In this episode of the Intuitive Bodywork Podcast, host Alan Jordan discusses what to expect from a professional full-body massage before, during, and after the session. He begins by sharing statistics from the American Massage Therapy Association, shedding light on the popularity and reasons for seeking massage therapy. Alan then details the logistics of preparing for the massage, including researching the therapist, diet advice, and the importance of timely arrival and honest communication. During the massage, Alan emphasizes the importance of comfort, privacy, and open communication with the therapist about pressure levels and any specific areas of focus. The episode concludes with a discussion on enjoying post-massage relaxation and overall wellness, inviting the listener to think critically about their body’s responses, and encourages making massage therapy a regular part of one's wellness routine.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Intuitive
Bodywork Podcast. I'm your host Alan Jordan. Today we have
a special episode lined up for all of you who
might be experiencing a professional massage for the first time.
We'll be diving into what you can expect from a
(00:25):
full body massage, from before you even step into the
massage room to during the session, and finally what to
do afterwards. Before we jump into those details, let's set
the stage with some insightful statistics from the American Massage
Therapy Association. Did you know that sixty three percent of
(00:48):
consumers reported receiving a massage from a professional therapist between
July twenty twenty two and July twenty twenty three. Out
of those, half of them cited health and wellness as
their primary reason, while twenty eight percent mentioned relaxation and
(01:08):
stress reduction. But believe it or not, there are still
millions of Americans who have never experienced a massage at all.
If that's you, don't worry. In today's episode, I'll walk
you through everything you need to know so that your
first massage experience is smooth and enjoyable. Stick around as
(01:34):
we uncover all the key points you'll want to consider
before your massage, what happens during, and some helpful tips
for after your session. Let's get started, all right, Let's
delve into the first segment, What to expect before your massage.
It's all about the importance of relaxation and having an
(01:57):
open mind. If you're feeling a bit nerve, that's completely normal,
but the key is to relax and trust the process.
First things first, do some research on the massage therapist
or the practice you plan to visit. Check out reviews,
ask friends for recommendations, or visit their website to get
a good feel of the place before booking an appointment. Now,
(02:22):
when it comes to your diet before the massage, it's
best to avoid eating at least a few hours beforehand.
This ensures that you're not feeling too full, which can
make the experience a bit uncomfortable. And here's a tip,
make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive,
(02:43):
especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Being on time
helps you start your session stress free. When you arrive
at the practice, something you'll likely encounter is the client
Intake form. This form is crucial as it helps your
therapist understand your medical history, any aches or pains you
(03:07):
might have, and emergency contact information. Once you've filled it out,
your therapist will have a conversation with you to tailor
the massage to your specific needs. This is the time
to speak up about any areas that need extra attention
or spots you want them to avoid. Don't hesitate to
(03:30):
ask questions during the stage, whether it's about the type
of massage you'll be getting, the pressure level, or any
other concerns. Asking questions can help you feel more at
ease and ensure that the therapist is fully aware of
your preferences. So take a deep breath, relax, and get
(03:50):
ready for an amazing experience up ahead. During the massage itself,
you can expect to be in a dedicated massage room
that's set up specifically for your comfort and relaxation. Typically,
there will be a massage table and some soft ambient
lighting to help create a serene environment. This is your
(04:14):
sanctuary for the next hour or so. Once you're in
the room, your therapist will give you instructions on how
to undress to your comfort level. Remember, this experience is
about what makes you feel at ease. You can undress
completely or leave some of your clothing on if that's
what you prefer. The key is to be comfortable and relaxed.
(04:34):
Privacy is a crucial part of the process. Your therapist
will step out of the room to give you time
to undress and get settled under a sheet, rest assured
that your privacy will be maintained throughout the session. Only
the area of your body that's being worked on will
be exposed at any given time, and the rest of
(04:57):
you will remain comfortably covered. One small but important step
is to remove any jewelry beforehand. Necklaces, rings and bracelets
can get in the way and might be uncomfortable during
your session. As for the massage itself, a full body
treatment will usually cover various areas such as your scalp, face, arms, hands, abdominals, legs, feet,
(05:28):
sides of your glutes, and back. If there are specific
areas that you've discussed with your therapist beforehand, extra attention
will be given to those spots. An essential part of
your massage experience is communication, especially regarding pressure levels. Whether
you prefer a lighter touch or more intense pressure, be
(05:51):
sure to let your therapists know. Everyone's comfort levels and
preferences are different and your therapist is there to accommodate you.
During the session. You have the option to chat or
remain quiet. Sometimes therapists will play relaxing music to enhance
(06:12):
the tranquil atmosphere, but if you prefer silence or a
different type of music, feel free to express that. This
is your time to unwind and fully enjoy the therapeutic
benefits of the massage. So there you have it, the
ins and outs of what to expect during your massage.
Just remember to communicate openly with your therapist, relax and
(06:35):
enjoy every moment. And now let's talk about what happens
after your massage. Once a session is over, your therapist
will let you know and leave the room, giving you
the privacy to get dressed at your own pace. This
transition back to your daily routine is just as important
as the massage itself. After you've had a moment to
(06:58):
get dressed, to take a few minutes to sit quietly
and gather your thoughts. Many people find it helpful to
use this time to really take stock of how their
body feels. Are there areas that feel particularly relaxed. Are
there spots where you notice a significant difference? This is
(07:20):
your opportunity to tune in to your body's responses and
enjoy the new found sense of ease as you go
about the rest of your day. Try to stay mindful
of your body's sensations. You might notice increased flexibility, reduce tension,
(07:41):
or an overall sense of well being. These are all
positive signs that the massage has had a beneficial effect.
Be gentle with yourself and allow your body to fully
reap the benefits of the session. Chances are after experiencing
the relaxation and relief a massage can bring, you'll be
(08:04):
eager to schedule your next appointment. Many first timers find
that they look forward to making massage therapy a regular
part of their wellness routine. Regular massages can help maintain
muscle relief, reduce stress, and support overall health and wellness.
So whether you feel rejuvenated, relaxed, or a little bit
(08:27):
of both, remember to give yourself time to enjoy the
afterglow of your massage session. Your body will thank you
for it in the long run. And that brings us
to the end of today's episode. To recap, we talked
about everything you need to know before, during, and after
(08:47):
your first full body massage. From doing a bit of
research beforehand, ensuring you communicate openly with your therapist, to
taking time to assess how you feel afterwards. Each step
is geared towards making your experience smooth and enjoyable. Being
prepared and relaxed can truly enhance the benefits you gain
(09:11):
from your massage. If you have any thoughts, questions, or
feedback about today's episode, I'd love to hear from you.
Don't hesitate to send me a message. Also, be sure
to check the show notes for any additional resources or
links mentioned during the episode. Thank you so much for
(09:34):
joining me today on the Intuitive Bodywork Podcast. I'm your host,
Alan Jordan, and I look forward to sharing more with
you next time. Until then, take care and be well.
Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Intuitive
Bodywork Podcast. I'm your host Alan Jordan. Today we have
a special episode lined up for all of you who
might be experiencing a professional massage for the first time.
We'll be diving into what you can expect from a
(00:25):
full body massage, from before you even step into the
massage room to during the session, and finally what to
do afterwards. Before we jump into those details, let's set
the stage with some insightful statistics from the American Massage
Therapy Association. Did you know that sixty three percent of
(00:48):
consumers reported receiving a massage from a professional therapist between
July twenty twenty two and July twenty twenty three. Out
of those, half of them cited health and wellness as
their primary reason, while twenty eight percent mentioned relaxation and
(01:08):
stress reduction. But believe it or not, there are still
millions of Americans who have never experienced a massage at all.
If that's you, don't worry. In today's episode, I'll walk
you through everything you need to know so that your
first massage experience is smooth and enjoyable. Stick around as
(01:34):
we uncover all the key points you'll want to consider
before your massage, what happens during, and some helpful tips
for after your session. Let's get started, all right, Let's
delve into the first segment, What to expect before your massage.
It's all about the importance of relaxation and having an
(01:57):
open mind. If you're feeling a bit nerve, that's completely normal,
but the key is to relax and trust the process.
First things first, do some research on the massage therapist
or the practice you plan to visit. Check out reviews,
ask friends for recommendations, or visit their website to get
a good feel of the place before booking an appointment. Now,
(02:22):
when it comes to your diet before the massage, it's
best to avoid eating at least a few hours beforehand.
This ensures that you're not feeling too full, which can
make the experience a bit uncomfortable. And here's a tip,
make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive,
(02:43):
especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Being on time
helps you start your session stress free. When you arrive
at the practice, something you'll likely encounter is the client
Intake form. This form is crucial as it helps your
therapist understand your medical history, any aches or pains you
(03:07):
might have, and emergency contact information. Once you've filled it out,
your therapist will have a conversation with you to tailor
the massage to your specific needs. This is the time
to speak up about any areas that need extra attention
or spots you want them to avoid. Don't hesitate to
(03:30):
ask questions during the stage, whether it's about the type
of massage you'll be getting, the pressure level, or any
other concerns. Asking questions can help you feel more at
ease and ensure that the therapist is fully aware of
your preferences. So take a deep breath, relax, and get
(03:50):
ready for an amazing experience up ahead. During the massage itself,
you can expect to be in a dedicated massage room
that's set up specifically for your comfort and relaxation. Typically,
there will be a massage table and some soft ambient
lighting to help create a serene environment. This is your
(04:14):
sanctuary for the next hour or so. Once you're in
the room, your therapist will give you instructions on how
to undress to your comfort level. Remember, this experience is
about what makes you feel at ease. You can undress
completely or leave some of your clothing on if that's
what you prefer. The key is to be comfortable and relaxed.
(04:34):
Privacy is a crucial part of the process. Your therapist
will step out of the room to give you time
to undress and get settled under a sheet, rest assured
that your privacy will be maintained throughout the session. Only
the area of your body that's being worked on will
be exposed at any given time, and the rest of
(04:57):
you will remain comfortably covered. One small but important step
is to remove any jewelry beforehand. Necklaces, rings and bracelets
can get in the way and might be uncomfortable during
your session. As for the massage itself, a full body
treatment will usually cover various areas such as your scalp, face, arms, hands, abdominals, legs, feet,
(05:28):
sides of your glutes, and back. If there are specific
areas that you've discussed with your therapist beforehand, extra attention
will be given to those spots. An essential part of
your massage experience is communication, especially regarding pressure levels. Whether
you prefer a lighter touch or more intense pressure, be
(05:51):
sure to let your therapists know. Everyone's comfort levels and
preferences are different and your therapist is there to accommodate you.
During the session. You have the option to chat or
remain quiet. Sometimes therapists will play relaxing music to enhance
(06:12):
the tranquil atmosphere, but if you prefer silence or a
different type of music, feel free to express that. This
is your time to unwind and fully enjoy the therapeutic
benefits of the massage. So there you have it, the
ins and outs of what to expect during your massage.
Just remember to communicate openly with your therapist, relax and
(06:35):
enjoy every moment. And now let's talk about what happens
after your massage. Once a session is over, your therapist
will let you know and leave the room, giving you
the privacy to get dressed at your own pace. This
transition back to your daily routine is just as important
as the massage itself. After you've had a moment to
(06:58):
get dressed, to take a few minutes to sit quietly
and gather your thoughts. Many people find it helpful to
use this time to really take stock of how their
body feels. Are there areas that feel particularly relaxed. Are
there spots where you notice a significant difference? This is
(07:20):
your opportunity to tune in to your body's responses and
enjoy the new found sense of ease as you go
about the rest of your day. Try to stay mindful
of your body's sensations. You might notice increased flexibility, reduce tension,
(07:41):
or an overall sense of well being. These are all
positive signs that the massage has had a beneficial effect.
Be gentle with yourself and allow your body to fully
reap the benefits of the session. Chances are after experiencing
the relaxation and relief a massage can bring, you'll be
(08:04):
eager to schedule your next appointment. Many first timers find
that they look forward to making massage therapy a regular
part of their wellness routine. Regular massages can help maintain
muscle relief, reduce stress, and support overall health and wellness.
So whether you feel rejuvenated, relaxed, or a little bit
(08:27):
of both, remember to give yourself time to enjoy the
afterglow of your massage session. Your body will thank you
for it in the long run. And that brings us
to the end of today's episode. To recap, we talked
about everything you need to know before, during, and after
(08:47):
your first full body massage. From doing a bit of
research beforehand, ensuring you communicate openly with your therapist, to
taking time to assess how you feel afterwards. Each step
is geared towards making your experience smooth and enjoyable. Being
prepared and relaxed can truly enhance the benefits you gain
(09:11):
from your massage. If you have any thoughts, questions, or
feedback about today's episode, I'd love to hear from you.
Don't hesitate to send me a message. Also, be sure
to check the show notes for any additional resources or
links mentioned during the episode. Thank you so much for
(09:34):
joining me today on the Intuitive Bodywork Podcast. I'm your host,
Alan Jordan, and I look forward to sharing more with
you next time. Until then, take care and be well.
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