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Introduction: How do you know which massage is best for your first time?
A big question for people who have never had a professional massage before is, “How do I know which massage is best for me?” Since everybody is a whole lot similar and just a little bit different, it’s key for a therapist to ask the right questions. The measure of the therapist is in listening to your answers.
Since Swedish massage is a light to moderate pressure, it’s often the right choice for a person’s first massage.
However, just because you’ve never had a professional massage before doesn’t mean you’ve never had a massage. You may already know that you enjoy a firm or deep pressure.
I remember a young woman telling me not to hold back. She gave me permission to go as hard as I could. So I applied the oil to her back and launched in with some intense pressure. She cringed and winced and asked me to ease up.
I share that story as a gentle reminder that every therapist’s touch is going to vary. What I consider an application of “moderate” pressure may be quite light to one person and unbearably intense to someone else. Most often though, it’s perceived as perfect pressure.
Yes, I usually nail it.
As a general rule, I suggest Swedish for someone’s first massage. During consultation, I do let first time clients know that I’ll check in with them during the service. You’re perfectly within your rights to let me know how the pressure is. You’re either going to want the pressure to increase to deep tissue, decrease, or remain the same.
My knowledge base in massage therapy is 15 years long. I’ve seen a thing or two, but I’m not arrogant enough to believe I’ve seen everything or know everything. Yes, I’m the muscle expert in the room, but I’m not a deity. When you’re with me, I’m your knowledgeable guide, but you always retain decision-making autonomy. I have no reason not to trust your judgment when it comes to your tolerance for pressure.
Having said all that, if your first massage is to test the therapist, book 50 minutes. Once the therapist passes your test, the next massage should be 75 minutes.
If you’ve never had a massage before, leave a comment.
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