Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your session. Well-hydrated muscles respond better to massage and release tension more readily. Avoid alcohol before your appointment.
First Visit
New to Massage?
What to expect, how to prepare, and how to care for yourself after.
Getting Ready
Before Your Session
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your massage experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible.
Eating Before Your Session
Avoid eating a heavy meal within 1 to 2 hours of your appointment. A light snack is fine, but a full stomach can make lying on the table uncomfortable and may interfere with deep abdominal work.
Personal Hygiene
A shower or bath before your session is appreciated. Avoid applying heavy lotions, perfumes, or scented products beforehand as these can interfere with the massage oils used and may cause sensitivity for both you and your therapist.
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your first appointment. This gives you time to complete your required intake forms, use the restroom, and settle in before the session begins — so your full appointment time is spent on the table, not on paperwork.
Communicate Openly
Before your session, Julia will ask about your health history, areas of concern, and your goals for the massage. During the session, please speak up about pressure, temperature, or anything that feels uncomfortable. There are no wrong questions — your comfort is the priority.
First Visit Requirements
Required Forms
All new clients are required to complete and digitally sign two forms before their first session. Both are available online, easy to complete, and fully secure.
01
Health Intake & Informed Consent Form
This form collects information about your health history, current conditions, medications, and areas of concern. It allows Julia to tailor the session to your needs and ensure the massage is safe and appropriate for you. Your information is kept strictly private and is never shared with third parties.
Privacy protected · Digitally signed · Securely submitted
02
Liability Waiver & Release Form
This standard professional form acknowledges your understanding of the nature of massage therapy, its benefits, and its limitations. It is required before your first session and remains on file for future visits.
Required once · Digitally signed · Kept on file
Both forms will be sent to you via a secure link when you book your first appointment. Questions about draping, pressure preferences, or the session itself will be addressed at the time of booking.
When to Wait
Contraindications
Massage therapy is safe and beneficial for most people. However, there are some situations where massage should be postponed or avoided. Please review the following and contact Julia if you have any questions about your specific circumstances.
Please reschedule if you have
- A fever, cold, flu, or any contagious illness
- An acute infection, including skin infections or open wounds in the area to be worked
- A recent injury, surgery, or medical procedure without your physician's clearance
- Nausea, vomiting, or severe digestive distress
- Consumed alcohol within the past several hours
Please inform Julia before your session if you have
- Cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment
- Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, or clotting disorders
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart conditions
- Osteoporosis or bone fragility
- Diabetes, especially with neuropathy or circulatory issues
- Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester
- Varicose veins, particularly in the legs
- A pacemaker or other implanted medical device
- Recent fractures or acute inflammation
- Any skin condition, rash, or area of sensitivity
When in doubt, consult your physician before scheduling a massage. Julia is happy to discuss your health history and any concerns you may have prior to your first appointment.
Taking Care of Yourself
After Your Session
What you do in the hours after your massage can significantly affect how you feel and how long the benefits last.
Drink Plenty of Water
Massage stimulates circulation and encourages the release of metabolic waste from muscles. Drinking water in the hours following your session helps flush these byproducts from your system and reduces post-massage soreness.
Rest When You Can
If possible, give yourself some downtime after your session. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or demanding physical activity for the remainder of the day. Your body has been doing significant work and benefits from rest.
Mild Soreness is Normal
Some people experience mild muscle soreness in the day or two following a massage, particularly after deeper work or a first session. This is normal and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. A warm bath with Epsom salts can help ease any discomfort.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the body and can exaggerate the light-headed or drowsy feeling that sometimes follows a massage. It is best to wait until the following day before consuming alcohol.
Notice How You Feel
Pay attention to how your body responds over the next day or two. Note what felt helpful, what areas still need attention, and how long the effects lasted. This information is valuable when planning future sessions and helps Julia refine her approach to your care.
Ready to book your first session?
Julia will take good care of you.