What To Expect At Your First Massage

Are you interested in having a massage therapy session, but don't know how to find a therapist or what to expect at your appointment? I'm here to answer all your questions, and to encourage you to get that massage. It's one of the most blissful, relaxing experiences you'll ever have.
Find out everything about getting your first massage, from finding a therapist to what you can expect during your session. I made this video to clear up any uncertainties, insecurities, or anxiety you might have about getting a massage, so that you'll feel good about booking your session and find out why so many people make massage therapy a regular part of their self-care and wellness routine!
Reputable sites to find a Massage Therapist near you:
Healthprofs: www.healthprofs.com/
AMTA: www.amtamassage.org/find-mass...
MassageBook: www.massagebook.com/
Did I miss anything? Ask me any questions in the comments!
I want to help YOU! Email me at [e-mail] to learn about personalized video wellness coaching!
Website: www.Rachel-Richards.com
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Hungry for Life: A Memoir Unlocking the Truth Inside an Anorexic Mind www.amazon.com/Hungry-Life-Me...
Glass Half Broken: A thrilling psychological suspense novel www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW344S5J
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[@PraveenSriram]

I’ve been getting massages for 10 years 4 months now and now know exactly what to expect in a massage and I’m always for courteous and respectful to the massage therapist and never ever ever have I engaged in inappropriate behavior or conversation.

[@xXKillaBGXx]

Beautiful

[@RedLP5000S]

I had no idea that massage can relieve anxiety. I suffer medically from anxiety and take medication for it. Perhaps I should consider trying this regularly. Thank you Rachel. 💗

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

Absolutely! There's an ever-growing body of research showing that massage therapy significantly reduces anxiety. Highly recommended!

[@ravenspirithawk6961]

From one therapist to another, Awesome!

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

Thanks fellow therapist!

[@Imoria]

Love your videos! Thank you!❤

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

Thank you so much! I'm thrilled to hear it ❤️

[@savtelly3817]

Thanks for sharing. Skin issues like eczema keep me from massages. I know people who are obese who are embarrassed to get a massage. Hair is a big issue as well; as a person of color with a different type of hair, I have experienced a massage therapist who seemed put off by touching my hair before. There is a lot that goes into allowing someone to touch you for an hour or more and it stinks because massage is so great!

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

You are so right - there can be many uncertainties and things to consider. But a skilled and qualified massage therapist should only be concerned with helping you feel better, and not with appearances. A therapist who's been working for many years has seen all kinds of people, all shapes, sizes, and colors, including those with eczema and other skin issues. You should be met with kindness and compassion, and leave your massage feeling wonderful in your body and mind. If any therapist makes you feel uncomfortable or ashamed for any reason, that is the therapist's problem, not yours. Keep looking until you find the right one!

[@jonathanbarnes7641]

This was great thanks 😊!

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

My pleasure, glad you like it!

[@arnoldjalandoni2388]

Maam Rachel, I do have body massage monthly regularly to my well trained doing traditional way w/c make me relax, comfortable & envigorated. Thanks for your good insight.

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

I'm so glad to hear that! So you're living the benefits of massage therapy on a regular basis. It really improves wellbeing, and just makes life better!

[@user-kc7pf7xj5j]

How long to scheduled 1st massage? 1 hr vs 1/2 hr for mainly low back, thigh, hips area.?

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

Great question. In my practice, I find that 90-minutes is usually optimal for getting the best results. However, if this is your first massage, I would recommend an hour. In my opinion, 1/2 hour is usually not enough time to effectively address concerns. That said, if you're feeling apprehensive, you might like to schedule 1/2 hour just to get a sense of what it's like. You can always add time to subsequent sessions.

[@adrianp891]

Ive never had a massage in my life because of skin issues. Just always felt embarrassed about it. However I do want to ask if a sauna is recommended before or after a massage.

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

If any areas of your skin are inflamed or broken, those areas are contraindicated for massage. Otherwise, you can get massage either on the skin, or even over clothing if it would make you feel more comfortable. A skilled and experienced therapist will have no problem working with any skin issues. As for a sauna, it's really up to your preference. I might suggest going before the massage, as the heat helps to relax muscles and prepare the body to be more receptive to massage.

[@playfulyogi5639]

Do your clients ever experience bruising from deep tissue massage? I've read that some people who are on blood thinners bruise more easily -- I suppose that would be noted in the intake forms.

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

All medications should be included on the intake form. You can also mention them again to the therapist before the session, so that they can adjust the pressure accordingly. There should never be bruising.

[@playfulyogi5639]

@@rachelrichardsmassage9660 Is massage therapy contraindicated by any anti-coagulating or anti-platelet agents that could affect tissue integrity? As part of training are MTs made aware of these considerations, or would you say it's more the role of the physician / pharmacist to educate the patient on any risks of using alternative modalities?

[@rachelrichardsmassage9660]

Training for MTs is different everywhere you go. Where I am in NY, we had in depth education on pathologies, treatments/medications and contraindications.