If you are new to massage, here’s what you can expect during your first soft tissue massage session.
Soft tissue massage focuses on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Plus other connective tissues of the body.
Pre-session consultation.
This is free and usually over the phone. I am also more than happy to meet face-to-face to discuss your current aches and pains.
I’ll ask you questions about your aches and pains. We’ll try and time stamp when and why the pain started. Plus a brief insight into your average day as this often helps manage ongoing pain. I’ll also ask a couple of medical history questions as I may not be able to work with you.
You’ll have plenty of time to ask me questions. We’ll also outline a rough treatment plan, which helps us to get started.
All this information helps me tailor your first session specifically to you.
The Day Of Your First Soft Tissue Massage Session
I’ll send you a text in the morning to confirm your booking.
I’m based at The Feel Good Building in Newquay.
There are a couple of free car parking spaces by the black railings out the front of the building. Plus there is free parking up Pargolla Road. I’m also no more than a 2-minute walk from the Asda car park which has 90 minutes of free parking.
Aim to get parked up 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This way you are nice and relaxed before we start.
When you get to the ‘Feel Good Building‘ look for the BIG sea god mural. The entrance is to the right of this. Press the white doorbell/buzzer labeled “Craniosacral”.
I share this clinic space with another practitioner who specialises in Craniosacral therapy.
Your First Soft Tissue Massage Session
Each soft tissue massage starts with a few questions and functional tests. These questions help pinpoint your pain or discomfort. They help me understand exactly how I can help and provide a much broader picture of why you might be in pain.
The functional tests are key. These don’t take long to complete and they allow us to discover what you can and can’t do.
See, every muscle and joint in the body has an optimal state or range of movement. We experience pain or discomfort because a joint or muscle is not in its optimal state.
Even in your first massage session, we can for a better word “iron out” the aches and pains.
And inside a short time frame find balance in the joints and muscles.
You’ll notice that your pain can disappear or at least decrease inside one session.
We’ll repeat some of those tests at the end of the session to see a marked improvement in the range of movement.
And more so… notice a decrease in aches or pains.
You can expect to be on the massage couch for 45 minutes out of a 60-minute session. This is more than enough time to get a positive result and feel aches and pains disappear.
What To Wear On Your First Soft Tissue Massage Session
Massage for the Upper Body When you have an ache or pain in your upper body and/or lower back. The ideal situation is for you to remove all clothing on the upper body, to allow full access to your back muscles.
For Males 🚹, this shouldn’t be as much of an issue.
For Females 🚺, a sports bra or a top that allows access to the back muscles will be fine.
All clients are covered with a fresh clean towel or sarong throughout.
If you need to change or rearrange clothing I leave the room entirely. I only come back in once you are happy and ready for the massage.
Your comfort and privacy are my highest values.
Massage for the Lower Body Generally, if the lower part of your body is to be treated, wearing a pair of loose-fitting shorts is the best idea.
If they are too tight, like cycling shorts. It can cause an issue with the massage as it can restrict access to the higher part of your leg.
Specific Clothing Rules Ideally, please wear as little around the area to be treated as possible.
- Make sure clothes can easily be removed or rolled up
- You can pull it up or out of the way for treatment
- We can observe the muscles you are having trouble with as well as those surrounding them
- Make sure clothes are thin and/or lose fitting
Remember these tips so that I can help you get the most out of your massage.
Oil or lotion
I use 100% natural Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter oil. It doesn’t have an overpowering smell and leaves the skin feeling great. I also use a massage lotion which again leaves the skin soft and never greasy.
I often wear massage gloves for when working on specific body parts such as the feet.
Pressure
Soft tissue massage involves different levels of pressure, ranging from gentle to deep. I will communicate with you to make sure the pressure is comfortable and effective.
Techniques
I’ll use a variety of massage techniques. Rather than just saying a session is a deep tissue or remedial. I like to see each session specific to you.
I’ll select the right massage technique at the right time based on your aches and pains.
You can read more about the ‘Types of Soft Tissue Treatments” HERE
Feedback
It’s important we communicate before, during, and after your first session. The more I know about your pain beforehand the better. This means we can select the most appropriate soft tissue massage and treatment plan.
Some clients like to chat throughout their massage. Others like to fully switch off. It’s up to you!
Throughout your massage, you can easily let me know if the pressure is too intense or not intense enough.
After the session, I’ll recommend lifestyle advice. These could be specific stretches to help maintain the benefits of the massage. Or even nutritional guidance to help.
I’ll also suggest booking a further session if needed. My aim is to help you hurt less and move better. If we can do that inside one session then perfect!
Most clients see me for 2 to 5 sessions and their pain is non-existent. They then rebook for a monthly or 6-weekly session to keep on top of their posture.
I can’t say how many sessions any one person needs until we first meet. I’ll be open, and honest and use my past 20 years of experience in helping people to help you.
In Summary… Your First Soft Tissue Massage Session
Overall, a soft tissue massage session can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience. It’s about targeting your aches and pains so you hurt less and move better!
Your next step for me to help you be pain-free is to book a FREE consultation.
We can jump on a 10-15 minute phone call. I can ask you about your current pains and discomfort. You can ask me any questions.
At the very least you’ll leave the call with clarity on how to hurt less and move better.
If I feel I can help you in the clinic, we’ll get you booked for your first session.
I look forward to hearing from you
Neale – Soft Tissue Therapist based in Newquay, Cornwall.
To help you right now here are 2 actions to help you become pain-free.
1. Book a free consultation here.
We can arrange a short phone call to see how I can help you.
2. Read this blog: When to see a doctor for back pain – READ NOW
Looking forward to getting you pain-free
