If you have never had a massage before, it is normal to feel a little unsure about what happens, what to wear or how much you will need to say. This guide walks you through a first appointment from booking to heading home, so you know what to expect and feel comfortable from the start.

This article is general information. If you have a health condition and are not sure whether massage is right for you, check with your GP first.

Before Your Appointment

  • Booking. You can book online at a time that suits you. If you are not sure which service to choose, remedial massage is a good starting point because it begins with an assessment.
  • What to wear. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. If your shoulders, hips or legs are the problem, loose clothing makes those areas easier to check.
  • Finding us. The clinic is at Unit 5, 72 Canterbury Road, Bankstown NSW 2200. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in rather than rushing straight onto the table.
  • Feeling nervous? Plenty of people do the first time. Tell your therapist, and they will explain each step before it happens.

The Health Questionnaire and Assessment

Your first session starts with a short health questionnaire and a conversation about what brought you in, your health history, any medications and your goals. These questions are not a formality. Massage is generally safe, but it is not entirely risk free, so knowing your health background helps your therapist choose techniques that suit you [2][3].

Your therapist will then usually check how the area of concern moves, for example how far you can turn your neck or lift your arm. From there they will explain what they plan to do and why, and you can ask questions or say no to anything before treatment begins.

Consent, Draping and Your Comfort

You stay in control of the session from start to finish.

  • Draping. You will be covered with a towel or sheet, and only the area being worked on is uncovered at any time. You can read more about our professional draping on the FAQ page.
  • You can keep clothing on. If you would prefer to stay partly or fully dressed, say so. Your therapist will adapt their techniques.
  • You can stop or change things at any time. If you want more or less pressure, want an area left alone, or want to stop altogether, just say so. You do not need to give a reason.

What the Massage Feels Like

Most people find a massage feels like a mix of relaxing, broad strokes and slower, more focused work on tight spots. Some areas may feel tender, especially where muscles are tight, but it should not be painful in a way that makes you tense up or hold your breath.

Talking about pressure. Everyone has a different idea of "firm". Saying a number helps: if 0 is no pressure and 10 is too much, tell your therapist where you would like to be. They will check in, but you never need to wait to be asked. Firmer approaches such as deep tissue massage are an option later on if you want them, and sports massage suits people who train regularly.

You are welcome to chat or to stay quiet, and falling asleep is completely normal.

After Your Session

Many people feel relaxed and looser straight afterwards. It is also common to feel a little sore, tired or achy, similar to after a workout. Research on hands-on therapy shows that mild, short-lived reactions like this are common, while serious problems are rare [1][4].

  • Take it easy. Gentle movement, such as a walk, is usually more comfortable than sitting still for hours.
  • Drink water if you feel like it. Staying hydrated is sensible, so drink to thirst. There is no need to force down extra.
  • Let us know how you went. If soreness is still bothering you after a couple of days, or feels severe or unusual, contact us or see your GP.

Tell Your Therapist / When to Check With Your GP First

Serious problems after massage are rare [2][4], but case reports show they can happen, including a blood clot travelling to the lungs [2]. Tell your therapist before treatment, and check with your GP first if needed, if you have:

  • a fever, or you are feeling unwell (it is usually best to reschedule);
  • a recent injury or recent surgery;
  • a suspected blood clot, such as a painful, swollen or warm calf. See a doctor straight away and do not have a massage;
  • a skin infection, rash or open wound in the area to be treated;
  • a bleeding disorder, or you take blood-thinning medication;
  • recent or current cancer treatment;
  • any condition your doctor has told you to be careful with.

If you are unsure, see your GP before booking, and call 000 in an emergency.

How Often Should You Come Back?

There is no single answer. It depends on your goals, what your therapist finds and how you respond. Some people come for occasional sessions to manage everyday tension; others book a short run of appointments while they work on a specific problem alongside home exercises. Your therapist will give you an honest recommendation after your first visit, and you can read more about her background.

Paying and Health Fund Claims

Remedial massage may be claimable through your private health fund extras cover, and we offer on-the-spot claiming with HICAPS, so bring your health fund card. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please give us 24 hours' notice. For other common questions, see the FAQ page, and when you are ready, book online.

References

  1. Carnes D, Mars TS, Mullinger B, et al. Adverse events and manual therapy: a systematic review. Manual Therapy. 2010;15(4):355–363. doi:10.1016/j.math.2009.12.006
  2. Ernst E. The safety of massage therapy. Rheumatology. 2003;42(9):1101–1106. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg306
  3. Posadzki P, Ernst E. The safety of massage therapy: an update of a systematic review. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2013;18(1):27–32. doi:10.1111/fct.12007
  4. Yin P, Gao N, Wu J, et al. Adverse events of massage therapy in pain-related conditions: a systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:480956. doi:10.1155/2014/480956