FAQs to help you know what to expect
Have you always thought about getting a massage but never gotten around to it? Many people are nervous or afraid, so they don’t get a massage because they don’t know what it will be like. Well, as a long-time massage veteran, I’m going to tell you what to expect from a massage.
A Little Bit of Paperwork: When you arrive you will be asked to fill out a form where you provide information about your health background and what your needs and preferences are for your message. It’s okay if you don’t know what your massage needs are because the therapist will help you out.
Talk With Your Therapist: Before the massage, the therapist will review your health information and ask questions. This usually happens in the massage room so that you are not discussing private health information in a public area. If you are new to massage, the spa, or the therapist, this is a good time to ask questions.
Should I Take Off All of My Clothes? The therapist will leave you in the massage room to undress to your level of comfort and to relax on the massage table for a few minutes before the massage. Generally, clients completely undress and lie under clean sheets, but if you are more comfortable wearing your underwear, it is completely up to you. Note that the therapist will never fully uncover you. They will work on a specific area of the body, such as the back, one leg, or the arms, and then re-cover the area before continuing. Thai Massage is the exception to these rules because clients remain fully-clothed during this yoga-like massage.
What if the Therapist Uses Too Much Pressure? Some types of massage are designed to be very relaxing while others are therapeutic and may focus on addressing specific health concerns. The level of pressure can differ by style of massage and by therapist. If the massage therapist is using too much pressure, don’t be afraid to ask for light or medium pressure instead. They don’t want you to be uncomfortable so, if it doesn’t feel good tell them! Remember that communication is the key to success.
Will My Hair Look Crazy? After the massage, the therapist will give you a glass of water and encourage you to continue drinking water since massage stimulates your muscles and lymphatic system. You should feel very relaxed and this is usually directly proportional to how crazy your hair looks. There are two reasons not to worry: 1) massage therapists see this all the time and 2) Body Works is a day spa AND a salon, so you can schedule a shampoo or borrow a hairbrush and mirror.
Do People Tip for Massages? Yes. You are under no obligation to leave a tip, but if you enjoyed your massage it is customary to leave a tip. People generally tip 15-20% for a massage. Another great way to show your gratitude is to re-book or to refer other clients to your therapist.
A Little Bit of Paperwork: When you arrive you will be asked to fill out a form where you provide information about your health background and what your needs and preferences are for your message. It’s okay if you don’t know what your massage needs are because the therapist will help you out.
Talk With Your Therapist: Before the massage, the therapist will review your health information and ask questions. This usually happens in the massage room so that you are not discussing private health information in a public area. If you are new to massage, the spa, or the therapist, this is a good time to ask questions.
Should I Take Off All of My Clothes? The therapist will leave you in the massage room to undress to your level of comfort and to relax on the massage table for a few minutes before the massage. Generally, clients completely undress and lie under clean sheets, but if you are more comfortable wearing your underwear, it is completely up to you. Note that the therapist will never fully uncover you. They will work on a specific area of the body, such as the back, one leg, or the arms, and then re-cover the area before continuing. Thai Massage is the exception to these rules because clients remain fully-clothed during this yoga-like massage.
What if the Therapist Uses Too Much Pressure? Some types of massage are designed to be very relaxing while others are therapeutic and may focus on addressing specific health concerns. The level of pressure can differ by style of massage and by therapist. If the massage therapist is using too much pressure, don’t be afraid to ask for light or medium pressure instead. They don’t want you to be uncomfortable so, if it doesn’t feel good tell them! Remember that communication is the key to success.
Will My Hair Look Crazy? After the massage, the therapist will give you a glass of water and encourage you to continue drinking water since massage stimulates your muscles and lymphatic system. You should feel very relaxed and this is usually directly proportional to how crazy your hair looks. There are two reasons not to worry: 1) massage therapists see this all the time and 2) Body Works is a day spa AND a salon, so you can schedule a shampoo or borrow a hairbrush and mirror.
Do People Tip for Massages? Yes. You are under no obligation to leave a tip, but if you enjoyed your massage it is customary to leave a tip. People generally tip 15-20% for a massage. Another great way to show your gratitude is to re-book or to refer other clients to your therapist.
Ideas for People Who are New to Massage
There are a few options for people who have never had a massage.
- Start with a Half Hour Massage on neck, back and shoulders as a way to try it out.
- Get a Couple's Massage: Bring a friend or significant other along to a Couples Massage, where two people receive a massage in the same room from different therapists.
RSS Feed