Valérie Saucier is bilingual in French and English and registered massage therapist with “magic hands”. We are so fortunate to have her sharing her time at Active Balance Health Clinic as she also spends her time teaching at Alberta College of Massage Therapy in Calgary. Valérie has her Bachelor of Kinesiology and understands how bodies work. She has additional training for myofascial release, fascial decompression and lymphatic drainage.
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First time getting a massage? Here’s a guide on what to expect.
You most likely booked your first massage to relax and here you are stressing about it. Counterproductive, right? I’m hoping this guide will help you relieve the “first time visit” anxiety.
Your appointment is booked, what now?
You will be asked to fill up a client intake form before your massage. At Active Balance Health Centre, we use online intake forms. You can do it at home before your appointment but if you need paper, you can complete it when you arrive at the clinic. This intake form allows your massage therapist to collect information about your health history, areas of concern and goals. It also helps your therapist to establish a quick first idea of what are your needs for the massage.
The big day is here.
You arrive at the clinic a few minutes early, check in with the front desk and impatiently wait for your therapist to come get you. You are now in the treatment room chatting with your massage therapist and reviewing your client intake form. More specific questions might be asked to understand your areas of concern and goal for this massage. Based on your goals and needs, a treatment plan for the massage has been chosen and your therapist will explain it to you; upper body, lower body or full body massage, starting face up, face down or side-lying on the table.
The dreadful question: do I take off my clothes?
This is what I tell my clients: It is always up to the client’s level of comfort. As a massage therapist, the more skin I’m able to massage, the better it is. Keep in mind, you are between massage sheets on the table and only the area of the body being worked on is undraped. Your massage therapist will adjust to your preference.
Your massage therapist will leave the room. It’s time to undress and slide between the sheets on the massage table. Hopefully, the heating pad is at the perfect temperature. Your therapist will knock on the door, ask if you are ready and if they can come in. Bolsters and cushions, if needed, will be placed for your comfort.
The magic begins.
Time to let go and relax. It is important during the massage to notify your massage therapist if the pressure is too much or too light or if there are some techniques used that you don’t like. Don’t be afraid to let your therapist know what you prefer.
Here comes the question about talking or not talking during a massage.
I truly believe to fully experience the benefits of a massage, it is better to minimize the talking. That being said, it comes back to the client’s preferences. Some clients are super chatty while others like to sleep. And it’s always over before you know it.
After the massage is finished.
Your therapist will leave the room and give you time to dress. Return to the reception area and based on your treatment plan, your massage therapist may suggest a follow-up appointment schedule. Our front desk team will book your appointments and process your payment. Not all clinics offer this but, lucky for you, our clinic offers direct billing to many insurance companies. (Please make sure to provide this information on your intake form.)
I hope this has answered most of the common questions I get from new clients.
See you at your next massage!
To book with Valérie (or any of ABHC’s other practitioners), please click HERE.
