7 Things To Know Before Your First Massage

Coming from someone who had many bad massages and still tipped after please know that I understand any worries and hesitations you may feel. Social anxiety regarding what you should know before you get a massage or what you should do during your massage is 100% normal.

We all experience it at one point or another because its a new relaxing spa activity (unless its a therapeutic injury prevention massage, those are not meant to put you to sleep.)

So the next time that you look up massage near me you'll be prepared to have the best massage (in nyc especially if you're here).

Lets dive right into it.

What you should do before a massage

Shower

Hygiene is very important. Unless you are in a fitness setting it is expected that you show up free of odors and dirt. Sometimes in the summer time you may sweat and that is something that your massage therapist expects.

With Healed By Paris NYC Massage Spa you can expect that on the sweaty days for compression techniques to assist with drying your back, hamstrings, quads etc. If your feet are dirty from sandals we'll wipe them off with a wet wipe or give you a foot massage through the sheet.

Shave (or don't shave)

Do what makes you comfortable. You do not have to shave prior to getting your massage but if it will help you to feel more comfortable then it is encouraged.

A good massage therapist will not make you feel bad over having body hair. Even if they do have an opinion on shaving or not shaving in their own personal lives this should not be something that they let you become aware of.

Its a safe space for women and a safe space for men.

Avoid heavy scents

This looks like not spraying a lot of perfume or cologne along with being mindful of smoke scents.

As your massage therapist we lean very close to you. And for 30-60-75- or 90 minutes we breathe in whatever scents are there.

Pungent foods sometimes come through the skin as well.

A few things you should know before you get a massage

Do I have to get undressed?

You undress to your comfort level during a massage. You can take off your underwear during a massage because in most states (especially in NY) you are covered by a drape. Your sensitive body parts are never out on display and if they ever are you have the right to report that therapist.

What if I don't want to take off my clothes to get a massage?

Consider getting a shiatsu or thai massage so that you can keep your clothing on and the massage therapist expects this to be a clothed massage session.

Otherwise we have to work around the clothes and this may or may not include oil/lotion depending on what it exposed.

Should I eat before my massage?

If you eat something before you get a massage make it something light. And try to not eat 30 minutes prior as we push on your back and in return apply pressure to your stomach.

What If I fall asleep during my massage or pass gas?

Falling asleep is ideal a lot of massage therapists, including those at Healed By Paris will just continue working on you. Your body is at ease when it falls asleep.

If you fart during your session theres nothing we can do about it and the reaction will depend. I personally do not mention it. The session will proceed as if it never happened.

But other therapist may crack a joke with you about it.

CONCLUSION

If you have any other questions feel free to contact us or check out our TT / IG @Healedbyparis. We look forward to giving you the best NYC massage you've ever experienced.