WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT

Here at Massage La Mesa, we get a lot of questions about what happens during your first massage, so hopefully, this will help!

BEFORE YOUR MASSAGE

• If you have a fever or any skin irritations (poison ivy or sunburn), make sure to reschedule your appointment. This is to protect you and your therapist. If you have a fever, massage could make you more sick or if you are fighting off an illness massage may bring it on.  Skin irritations are contraindicated for massage and it's best to wait until all skin surface areas are clear.   
• In the days leading up to your massage, drink lots of water. To fully utilize your time on the table, being hydrated is essential. According to New City Massage, if you are dehydrated your muscle fibers are "sticky" and your blood is thicker, which makes your body's toxins stay in your muscles leading to aches and pains. 
• Try not to have a full stomach when you arrive for your massage. Eating within two hours of your appointment, may make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. No one wants to feel like a Thanksgiving turkey when they're trying to relax!
• Be prepared to fill out a health history and have a consultation with your therapist. Your overall health and wellness is our biggest concern.  Your history, concerns, needs, and goals are something that we take very seriously. This requires us to sit down with you and chat before you get on the table. Some people find this tedious or unnecessary but in order to receive the best outcome we have to know what's going on with you first!
• Know your comfort level. Massage is best received fully undressed, but your massage is about you! If you are uncomfortable being fully undressed, just dress down to your comfort level. Your therapist will always respect your boundaries and will give you an exceptional massage no matter what garments are left on. If you do choose to get fully undressed, know that the therapist will always keep you completely covered with a sheet, except for the body part that is being worked on. 

DURING YOUR MASSAGE

• Let your therapist know what you need. Your therapist is there for you, so if you need anything changed or adjusted, let your therapist know. Whether it is the music, the temperature, their pressure, or their technique, your therapist will always try to accommodate your needs. In order for you to fully relax and receive all of the great benefits of massage, you have to be comfortable.  Communication is key!  Don't be afraid to speak up.   
• Know what your massage includes. A full body massage includes your back, legs, feet, hands, abdomen (when requested), head, neck, and face. However, if you are not comfortable with all of those areas being massaged, let your therapist know, and they will avoid the area. A full body massage is best for optimum wellness. 

AFTER YOUR MASSAGE

• Drink tons of water. During your massage, lots of toxins may be released into your bloodstream. It is essential to drink plenty of water after your massage to flush all cellular waste from the body.  A good rule of thumb is drink at least half your body weight in ounces in the 24 hours following your massage session.    
• Make a plan. After your massage, your therapist will take some time to discuss how you feel, what their recommendation is for future sessions (how often they would like to see you), and some ideas on what to do at home in-between sessions to try and help reduce the problems that your therapist found during the session. This is the time for you to ask any questions, re-book an appointment if necessary, and to fully understand what's going on with your body. 

• Continue receiving massage. In today's world, there are a million reasons to not continue to receive massage. Not enough time, work too much, and not a necessity are three huge reasons why people do not receive regular massage. No matter what is going on in your life, massage is a great way to unwind, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and de-stress from the chaos of daily life. Just like on an airplane, you have to put your mask on first before you can help anyone else. If you aren't taking care of yourself, you won't be able to help others as much!

Contact us at: 619-917-4675 OR  massagelamesa@gmail.com 

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