Preparing for Your First Massage Therapy Appointment: A Complete Guide

If you've never had a professional massage before, it's natural to feel a bit nervous. What should you wear? Will you have to get completely undressed? What if it hurts? What if you fall asleep and snore? (Spoiler: therapists have heard it all before, and they don't mind.)

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your first massage therapy appointment. By the time you're done reading, you'll know exactly what to expect, what to bring, and how to get the most out of your session.

Before Your Appointment: Preparation Checklist

Book at the Right Time

Choose an appointment time when you won't feel rushed. Avoid scheduling massage right before important meetings or events. The best times are often:

End of your workday (so you can go home and relax afterward)
Weekend mornings (giving you the whole day to enjoy the benefits)
When you have nothing major planned afterward

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment. You'll need time to complete intake forms and use the restroom if needed.

What to Bring

Your First Appointment Checklist

✓ Insurance card and policy information (if applicable)
✓ Payment method (cash, debit, or credit card)
✓ List of current medications and health conditions
✓ Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
✓ Hair tie if you have long hair
✓ Contact information for referring healthcare providers (if relevant)
✓ Questions you want to ask your therapist

What to Wear

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You'll be changing for the massage, but comfortable clothes make it easier to get dressed afterward (when you're relaxed and maybe a bit sleepy). Many people prefer:

Loose pants or leggings
T-shirt or comfortable top
Easy-to-remove clothing (avoid tight jeans or complicated outfits)
Minimal jewelry (you'll likely be asked to remove it)

Eat Smart

Don't arrive hungry or too full. A light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment is ideal. Avoid:

Heavy meals right before your appointment (lying face-down can be uncomfortable)
Alcohol before or right after massage
Excessive caffeine (can make it harder to relax)

Do drink water before your appointment. Hydrated tissues respond better to massage.

Skip Strong Fragrances

Avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented lotions. Your therapist will be working in close proximity, and strong scents can cause headaches or respiratory issues. The massage room should be a neutral, relaxing environment.

Intake Forms and Health History

When you arrive, you'll be asked to complete an intake form. This isn't bureaucracy—it's essential for your safety and effective treatment. Be thorough and honest when answering questions about:

Medical History

Current health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc.)
Past surgeries or injuries
Current medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements)
Allergies (especially to oils, lotions, or latex)
Pregnancy (current or recent)
Recent illnesses or infections

Current Symptoms

What brought you in (pain, stress, injury, preventive care, etc.)
Where you're experiencing discomfort
How long you've had symptoms
What makes symptoms better or worse
Previous treatments you've tried

Important: Be Honest

There are some conditions where massage may be contraindicated (not recommended) or where modifications are needed. Withholding health information can put you at risk. Your therapist has heard everything—there's no need to be embarrassed about any health condition.

Consent and Privacy

You'll also sign consent forms acknowledging that:

You understand the nature of massage therapy
You've disclosed relevant health information
You consent to treatment
You understand your right to stop treatment at any time

Your health information is confidential and protected under Ontario privacy laws. Therapists can only share your information with your explicit consent (for example, to communicate with other healthcare providers).

The Initial Consultation

After reviewing your forms, your therapist will discuss your needs in more detail. This conversation typically covers:

Your Goals for Treatment

What you hope to achieve (pain relief, relaxation, improved mobility, etc.)
Specific areas you want focused on
Areas you want avoided
Your experience with massage (if any)

The Treatment Plan

Your therapist will explain:

What techniques they recommend and why
What areas they'll focus on
What pressure level to expect
How long the treatment will take
What you might feel during and after treatment

This is your opportunity to ask any questions. Don't hesitate—good therapists welcome questions and want you to feel comfortable.

What Happens During the Session

Getting Undressed: The Facts

This is often the biggest source of anxiety for first-timers. Here's what you need to know:

Key Points About Undressing

You undress to your comfort level. That's it. No one will tell you exactly what to remove.
Most people undress to underwear for full-body massage, but you can leave on whatever makes you comfortable.
You'll be properly draped with sheets or towels throughout the entire session.
Only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time.
Your therapist leaves the room while you undress and get on the table.
Sensitive areas are never exposed or massaged. Professional draping is maintained at all times.

Getting on the Table

Your therapist will tell you how to position yourself (usually face down to start) and will leave the room. Once you're undressed and lying on the table under the sheets:

Position yourself face down with your face in the face cradle (the padded hole at the head of the table)
Lie straight, arms at your sides or in the arm cradles
Pull the sheet up to your shoulders
Try to relax and breathe normally

Your therapist will knock before entering to ensure you're ready and comfortable.

Professional Draping

Professional draping is a core requirement of massage therapy practice in Ontario. Here's how it works:

A sheet or towel covers your body at all times
Only the specific area being massaged is uncovered
When turning over (from face down to face up), you turn while wrapped in the sheet—the therapist holds it up like a privacy curtain
Breasts, chest (for women), and glutes are always covered
Therapists are trained in proper draping techniques

If you ever feel uncomfortable with how you're draped, speak up immediately. Your comfort and safety are paramount.

The Treatment Itself

Once treatment begins, your therapist will systematically work through different areas of your body. A typical full-body massage flow might be:

Back and shoulders
Back of legs
Arms and hands
(Turn over)
Front of legs and feet
Neck, shoulders, and scalp

The exact routine varies based on your needs and the therapist's approach. If you requested focus on specific areas (like shoulders and neck), they'll spend more time there.

Communication During Treatment

Your massage session is not a time to suffer in silence. Good communication enhances the effectiveness of treatment and ensures your comfort.

What to Tell Your Therapist

Always speak up about:

Pressure: "That's too much," "Can you go deeper?" or "That's perfect"
Pain: "That's tender" or "That hurts" (some discomfort is normal during therapeutic work, but sharp pain is not)
Temperature: "I'm cold" or "I'm too warm"
Position: "My neck is uncomfortable" or "Can I adjust my arm?"
Needs: "I need to use the bathroom" or "Can we skip that area?"

Understanding Pain vs. Discomfort

During therapeutic massage, especially deeper work, you may experience sensations that aren't exactly comfortable but aren't "bad pain" either. Here's how to distinguish:

Good Discomfort	Bad Pain
Feels like a "good hurt" or satisfying stretch	Sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation
You can breathe normally through it	Makes you hold your breath or tense up
Intensity of 5-6 out of 10	Intensity of 8+ out of 10
Muscle feels like it's releasing	Muscle tightens or guards against pressure
You feel better when pressure releases	Pain continues or worsens after pressure stops

When in doubt, tell your therapist. They'd rather adjust their pressure than have you suffering through treatment.

Is It Okay to Talk?

Some people wonder whether they should talk during massage or stay silent. The answer: whatever feels natural to you.

If you're chatty and conversation helps you relax, that's fine
If you prefer quiet to fully relax, that's equally fine
Most therapists will follow your lead
It's perfectly okay to start talking and then trail off as you relax

The one rule: always speak up about anything related to your comfort or the treatment itself.

What If You Fall Asleep?

It's extremely common to fall asleep during massage, especially relaxation-focused sessions. Therapists consider it a compliment—it means you're deeply relaxed. Don't worry about:

Snoring (they've heard worse)
Drooling (the face cradle has washable covers)
"Missing" the massage (your body still receives the benefits)
Being difficult to wake (they'll gently rouse you)

After Your Massage

Getting Up

When the massage ends, your therapist will let you know and leave the room so you can get dressed. Take your time:

Sit up slowly (especially if you've been lying down for 60-90 minutes)
Give yourself a moment to reorient before standing
You might feel a bit spacey or sleepy—this is normal
Get dressed at your own pace

Post-Massage Discussion

After you're dressed, your therapist will typically:

Ask how you're feeling
Discuss what they found during treatment
Provide recommendations for home care (stretches, ice/heat, exercises)
Suggest a treatment schedule if ongoing care would be beneficial
Answer any questions you have

Immediate Aftercare

Post-Massage Care Tips

Drink water: Massage increases circulation and can release metabolic waste—water helps flush it out
Eat something light: If you're feeling lightheaded, a small snack can help
Avoid strenuous activity: Give your body time to integrate the work
Apply heat or ice: As recommended by your therapist for specific areas
Rest if possible: Even 30 minutes of relaxation extends the benefits
Avoid alcohol: For at least a few hours after treatment

What You Might Feel After

Normal post-massage sensations include:

Relaxation: Deep calm, possibly sleepiness
Soreness: Especially after deep tissue work (usually peaks at 24-48 hours and resolves)
Increased thirst: Your body needs hydration
Emotional release: Some people feel emotional after massage—this is normal
Improved range of motion: You might notice increased flexibility
Temporary lightheadedness: From increased circulation (should resolve quickly)

Tipping Etiquette in Ontario

Tipping for massage therapy in Ontario is a common source of confusion because practices vary depending on the setting.

The General Guidelines

In Ontario, whether and how much to tip depends on the context:

Setting	Tipping Expected?	Typical Amount
Spa or wellness center	Yes, commonly expected	15-20% of service cost
Clinical/medical setting	Not expected	Not customary
Private practice (solo RMT)	Varies	Optional, 10-20% if desired
Multidisciplinary clinic	Usually not expected	Appreciated but not required
Insurance-covered treatment	Not expected	Not customary

The Bottom Line on Tipping

In clinical healthcare settings, tipping is generally not expected or practiced
In spa-like settings, tipping is more common and expected
When in doubt, ask the front desk about their tipping policy
If the RMT owns the practice, tipping is less expected (they set their own rates)
Never feel obligated to tip if service was poor or unprofessional
If you can't tip financially, a positive online review is highly valued

Booking Follow-Up Appointments

After your first massage, your therapist may recommend a treatment schedule. How often you should book depends on your goals:

Frequency Guidelines

Acute injury or severe pain: Weekly or bi-weekly initially, then spacing out as condition improves
Chronic pain management: Every 2-4 weeks for maintenance
Athletic performance: Weekly during heavy training, bi-weekly for maintenance
Stress management and wellness: Monthly or as budget allows
Preventive care: Every 4-6 weeks

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your therapist will make recommendations based on your specific situation, but the final decision about frequency is always yours. Be honest about your budget and schedule—a good therapist will work with your constraints.

Common First-Timer Concerns (Addressed)

"What if I'm ticklish?"

Tell your therapist before you start. They can adjust their pressure (firm pressure is usually less ticklish than light touch) and avoid especially ticklish areas if needed.

"What if I have body hair?"

Your therapist doesn't care. They work with bodies of all types, sizes, and hair levels every single day. You don't need to shave or wax before massage.

"What if I have a skin condition?"

Mention it on your intake form and to your therapist. They're trained to work with various skin conditions and can modify treatment as needed. Some conditions may require clearance from your doctor first.

"What if I'm overweight or self-conscious about my body?"

Massage therapists work with bodies of all sizes and shapes. They're focused on the tissues, muscles, and joints—not judging appearance. Your size does not impact your right to receive quality healthcare.

"What if I have scars or surgical sites?"

Mention any scars or recent surgeries. Massage can actually help with scar tissue mobility (once fully healed), but your therapist needs to know about them to work appropriately.

"What if I need to pass gas or my stomach growls?"

Bodies make noises and have functions. Therapists are healthcare professionals who understand human physiology. They've experienced everything and won't be bothered.

When to Reschedule or Cancel

Sometimes it's better to reschedule than to push through with an appointment. Cancel or reschedule if you have:

A fever or active infection
Contagious illness (cold, flu, COVID-19, etc.)
Acute injury (within first 48-72 hours)
Unexplained rash or skin condition
Severe pain that hasn't been evaluated by a doctor
Recent surgery (without medical clearance for massage)

Most clinics require 24-48 hours notice for cancellations. Some charge cancellation fees if you don't provide adequate notice, so check the policy when you book.

Conclusion: You're Ready

Your first massage therapy appointment doesn't have to be stressful or mysterious. Now you know what to bring, what to expect, how to communicate, and what happens from start to finish.

Remember the key principles:

You're in control of your comfort level at all times
Communication is essential and welcomed
Professional therapists maintain appropriate draping and boundaries
Your body's responses (relaxation, sleepiness, noises) are normal
You can stop treatment at any time if you're uncomfortable

The therapeutic relationship between you and your massage therapist should be built on trust, respect, and clear communication. If after your first session you don't feel comfortable with a particular therapist, it's completely acceptable to try someone else. Finding the right fit is important for ongoing care.

Most importantly, remember that massage therapy is healthcare, not a luxury. You deserve to receive professional treatment for pain, stress, or wellness maintenance. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy your first massage therapy experience.