If you have never had a professional massage, you may have decided to treat yourself by setting up an appointment with a therapist. However, since this is your first time, you may not be sure what to do before or during the session. If so, use the following tips to help you stay comfortable during your first massage therapy session so that you can relax and enjoy the experience.

1.  Know When and How Much to Eat Before Your Appointment

One thing that you may not consider to be important to your comfort level during your massage is what you eat prior to your appointment. However, when you eat and how much food you consume can make a huge difference in how you feel while you are laying on the table.

If you eat a large meal shortly before your appointment, you will probably be very uncomfortable when you have to lie on your stomach. The pressure from the table pushing into your stomach could give you heartburn or give you a heavy, uneasy feeling.

However, if you go completely without food in the hours before your session, you may lay there and think about how hungry you feel, which may inhibit your ability to relax. A couple of hours before your appointment, eat a snack or light meal.

2.  Give Your Therapist Feedback While They Are Massaging You

Since you have never had a professional massage before, you may feel that you are expected to simply lay quietly while the therapist works. However, since it will be their first time working on you, they will not know any specifics about your body, such as injured parts to which they should apply light pressure or especially sore muscles that could use some extra attention.

While the therapist massages you, do not be afraid to speak up if you feel an area needs extra kneading or if you have a spot that should be avoided. Not only will the therapist appreciate the feedback, but you will be able to get the most out of your massage because it is being given according to your specific needs.

Making sure that you do not have a full stomach and openly communicating with your therapist are just a couple of ways that can help you get the most out of your first massage. For more information or specific advice, speak with someone at the massage therapy service before you go in for your appointment.