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  • ABOUT ME
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What to Expect During Your First Massage

August 6, 2026
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Massage, massage therapy
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No comments
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Posted by Mauricio Bertone

If you are scheduling your first massage, it is normal to have questions. You may wonder what the session will feel like, how much pressure is appropriate, what to wear, or how to communicate if something feels uncomfortable.

A professional massage session should feel respectful, clear, and centered on your comfort from the moment you arrive.

Before your session begins

Before the massage starts, your therapist will review your health history, areas of tension or discomfort, pressure preferences, and goals for the appointment. This helps shape the session around your needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all routine.

You do not need to know exactly which technique is best. You can describe what you are feeling, where you carry tension, and what you would like help with. The session can be adapted from there.

During the massage

You are always welcome to speak up during the massage. Pressure can be adjusted, positioning can be changed, and areas can be avoided if needed. Good communication helps make the session more effective and more comfortable.

Massage therapy is not about forcing the body to relax. It is about creating enough safety, clarity, and therapeutic support for the body to respond. Some clients come in for stress reduction, some for pain or muscle tension, and others simply because they need time to feel more connected to their body.

Common first massage questions

Do I need to know what type of massage to choose?

No. You can describe what you are feeling and what you would like help with. The session can be adapted based on your goals.

What if I am nervous?

That is completely normal. Many first-time clients feel unsure before their first appointment. A professional session should give you time to ask questions and settle in.

Should massage hurt?

Massage does not need to be painful to be effective. Some areas may feel tender, but pressure should stay within a level that feels useful and tolerable.

Can I ask for more or less pressure?

Yes. You are encouraged to communicate about pressure at any point during the session.

What if I prefer a male massage therapist?

Some clients feel more comfortable with a male therapist for personal, therapeutic, or practical reasons. Choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with is part of receiving good care.

Professional care at Massage by Bertone

At Massage by Bertone, every session is provided in a professional, private, and respectful setting. Your comfort, consent, and individual needs guide the work.

Your first massage should not feel confusing or intimidating. It should feel professional, respectful, and tailored to you.

When you are ready, you can schedule an appointment.

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POLICIES

From me:

  • Consistently client-centered professional work.
  • Respectful personal and professional boundaries,
    using proper draping techniques.
  • Hygienic equipment, including the table, sheets, and towels.
  • Commitment to a high standard of practice including staying current
    with professional advancements, techniques, and best practices.
  • Services for which I am qualified and refer you to an appropriate specialist
    when the work is not within the scope of my practice and/or not in your best interest.
  • Accurate records and review charts before each session.
  • I will customize my treatment to meet the client’s needs.
  • Privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times.
  • If I need to cancel an appointment I will do so within 12 hours whenever possible.
    When re-scheduling a session that I canceled, I will make a priority to provide the earliest appointment
    in my calendar to fit your schedule.

From you:

  • Complete online intake form.
  • Be of legal age (States of NY and NJ).
  • Please provide a health history at the first session and updates when necessary.
  • Agree to honestly answer questions about COVID-19 screening, and report any signs and symptoms before/after the session.
  • Understand that when you are scheduling a session, you will receive the session if you give express consent to receive massage therapy.
  • Sessions will begin and end as scheduled. Late arrivals receive the remaining allotted time and require full payment.
  • There is a 12-hour cancellation policy. Payment is required with less notice unless the time slot can be filled.
  • Cleanliness is expected.
  • Sexual harassment is not tolerated.
  • Therapist’s office is a non-smoking environment.
  • Payment is required at the end of the session. Click here to make a payment.

Massage therapy services are not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a physician. The individual providing massage therapy services are not qualified to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical or mental illness and are not eligible to perform spinal or skeletal adjustments. The information this website is providing is educational.

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What to Expect During Your First Massage | Massage by Bertone