Tips

Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

Don't eat a full meal just before a massage. Let your body digest first.

Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

PRIVACY: I will leave the room while you undress, and knock or wait to hear from you before re-entering. A sheet and blanket is provided for draping during the massage and I will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, I will leave the room while you are dressing.

Communicate

Before the session, give accurate health and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders - The therapist may use oil, lotion, or powders to reduce friction on your skin. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions, or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.
Some massage therapists play recorded music during the massage session. Others finds music distracting. If it's provided, let your therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer they turn off the music.
Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.
During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it's from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It's important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.

Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

Drink a lot of water after your massage. Typically 24oz or more in the next hour for two hours. Especially if you just received deep tissue.

Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you're getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.