What to Expect at Your First Massage Appointment

Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle tension, stress, or injury, your first massage can feel both exciting and a little uncertain. At Cleve Massage and Wellness Collective, we aim to make your experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible, right from the start. Here’s what you can expect during your first visit with us.

1. Health History Form

Before your appointment, we’ll send you a health history form to complete. This form is crucial because it gives us a clear picture of your overall health and any conditions that

might impact your massage. From previous injuries to chronic pain or surgeries, every bit of information helps us tailor the treatment specifically to your needs.

2. Discussion About Your Reason for Massage

At the beginning of your session, we’ll take time to sit down and discuss why you’ve sought out massage therapy. This conversation is essential in understanding what’s been going on with your body, where you’re feeling discomfort, and what your goals are for treatment. Whether it’s relief from sore muscles, help with posture, or simply stress reduction, this initial chat ensures we’re on the same page and ready to address the areas that need attention.

3. Assessments

To better understand your body’s current state, we may conduct some quick assessments. These can include observing your posture, how you move, or feeling for areas of tension or imbalance in your muscles. Don't worry, these assessments are gentle and help us pinpoint the source of any pain or discomfort. This information is then used to guide your treatment plan.

4. Creating a Treatment Plan

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. This plan is designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your goals. Whether you need deep tissue work for those stubborn knots, or a more relaxing approach to ease overall tension, the plan is made specifically for you.

It’s important to remember that massage therapy works best as a series of treatments. A single massage, while beneficial, won’t completely fix the problem, especially if it’s something that’s built up over time, like chronic tension or injury. We’ll likely recommend a follow-up schedule to ensure we’re working towards lasting relief and improvement.

5. The Massage Session

After the initial discussion and assessments, it’s time to relax and enjoy your massage. You’ll be covered by a sheet or towel at all times except for the area being worked on, and we encourage open communication throughout the session. If at any point you feel discomfort or need an adjustment in pressure, just let us know!

6. Follow-Up Care

After your massage, we’ll chat about how your body is feeling and provide any recommendations for aftercare, such as stretching or hydration. This is also a great time to discuss the next steps in your treatment plan and schedule your next session.

Why One Massage Isn’t Enough

We understand how much you want to feel better fast, but it’s important to recognize that one massage is rarely enough to fully resolve an issue. Think of it like going to the gym—you don’t expect to reach your fitness goals after one workout, and the same applies to your muscles. Regular massage sessions allow us to work through layers of tension, promote healing, and prevent the pain from returning.

At Cleve Massage and Wellness Collective, our goal is to help you feel your best, not just for today but for the long term. We look forward to working with you on your journey to better health and well-being!