Should I arrive at my appointment early?
You may want to arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself time to get settled in and ensure you receive the maximum amount of time possible for your bodywork. When you arrive for your first massage, you will fill out a client intake form, so the therapist can become familiar with your goals for the massage, and your state of health, including recent injuries or surgeries. It is important to disclose any health conditions, so the therapist can be aware of any techniques that may be required for your comfort level, especially in the case of recent surgeries or injuries.
Is massage painful?
No. In general, a massage should not be painful. Depending on the health of your soft tissue, as your therapist is working out knots or tight areas, you may feel some pain. It is important to let your therapist know what feels good and what doesn't. A professional massage therapist will adjust their technique and pressure to your preference so you can get the maximum benefit from your session. A painful reaction to massage can cause the muscles to tense during a session which is not generally conducive to relaxation.