What to Bring to Your First Massage

You do not need to know massage terminology before you book a session.

You do not need to diagnose what is happening in your shoulder, either.

A useful place to start is a plain description of what you notice and what you hope to get from your time here.

Tell us what brought you in

Maybe you want to rest. Maybe your neck has been bothering you during work. Maybe pregnancy has changed what feels comfortable. Tell us in your own words. You can point to an area, describe an activity that is uncomfortable or say that you are not sure where to begin.

Share any health updates

Share health conditions, medications, recent injuries or procedures, and any guidance from your health care professional. Pregnancy and changes in your health are part of that conversation, too. Massage is not appropriate for every situation, and giving your therapist context helps them talk with you about suitable care.

Choose priorities, not a perfect plan

Think about what matters most today. Is there one area you would like us to focus on? An area you do not want touched? A reason you need the session to feel especially quiet or gentle? You are allowed to say what you want or need. That's exactly how our space is intended to be used.

Leave medical questions with your care team

A massage appointment is not a diagnosis. New, unexplained or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention. If you are unsure whether massage is appropriate, ask your health care professional rather than treating a session as a way to test a symptom. Massage Therapists work within a scope of practice. If you're unsure about something going on in your body, it can't hurt to run it by your provider prior to your session.

You can arrive with questions

The first conversation is about you and what you're looking to get from the session.

Start with what you notice, share the important updates and ask what you need to ask. We can take the conversation from there.