Your First Massage: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your First Massage: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Walking into a massage for the first time can feel like stepping into a secret world. You’ve got a lot of questions running through your head — “Do I have to get naked? Will I get aroused? Do I need to depilate?” — and that’s perfectly normal. Let’s break it down so your first experience is relaxed, enjoyable, and maybe even a little fun.

What Actually Happens During a Massage

When you lie on the table, the session begins with simple adjustments. The massage isn’t about you performing for anyone — it’s about your muscles, your circulation, and your nervous system getting the care they need.

Even in a “relaxing” massage, your body is doing a lot:

• Muscles are being stretched and pressed, which helps reduce stiffness and release knots.

• Nerve endings send signals to your brain, telling it to relax.

• Hormones like oxytocin and endorphins are released, giving you that calm, happy feeling while cortisol levels drop.

Yes, your body is biologically wired to feel good during a massage, so feeling physically aroused sometimes can happen — it’s just another normal response. Professional masseurs are used to it, and it doesn’t change the purpose of the session.

Common First-Time Thoughts (and Reassurances)

Let’s address the questions that pop in every beginner’s mind:

• “Do I have to get completely naked?”
  Not necessarily. Most clients prefer to be nude because it allows full access for the massage, but you can keep underwear, a towel, or a small covering if you prefer.

• “Will I get aroused?”
  Maybe. And that’s normal. Your body responds to touch, and masseurs know how to handle it professionally. The focus is always on relaxation and wellbeing.

• “Do I need to depilate?”
  Absolutely not. Massages are about comfort, not aesthetics. A little hair never hurts — it doesn’t interfere with the massage.

• “Will it hurt?”
  Massage can be firm, especially deep tissue or sports styles, but it should never be painful. Think of it as a “good hurt” — enough to release tension, not enough to make you regret your life choices.

How to Prepare for Your First Massage

A few simple steps make your experience smoother and more enjoyable:

• Take a shower beforehand. Clean skin makes the session pleasant for both you and the masseur.

• Leave your phone on silent. You’re on a time-out from notifications — your muscles deserve it.

• Wear comfortable clothes. Loose clothing makes undressing easy and stress-free.

• Hydrate. Water helps your body flush out toxins released from muscle tension.

• Avoid heavy meals at least an hour before the session. A full stomach can make relaxation harder.

• Keep an open mind. Part of the massage experience is noticing sensations you might not feel in daily life.

What You’ll Feel After Your First Session

After your first massage, expect:

• A deep sense of relaxation and mental clarity

• Looser, lighter muscles, especially in areas that tend to hold tension

• Possible emotional release — sometimes tears or laughter, which is completely normal

Additionally:

• You’ll have a great night’s sleep, because the combination of reduced cortisol, released endorphins, and relaxed muscles helps your nervous system reset and prepare for restorative rest.

• The next morning, you might notice mild muscle soreness, similar to post-workout stiffness, mainly because muscles and fascia were stretched and worked during the session. This usually eases within a few hours, leaving you feeling super light and free.

• In some people, the relaxing effect can last for days, so try to maintain regular sessions to keep that good-feeling rhythm going haha

Your first massage isn’t a performance — it’s a chance to explore how your body feels when it’s fully relaxed. Forget the anxiety, leave your phone off, and enjoy the experience.

Curious to try it for yourself? Book your first session now and see how your body really responds.