Your first massage at our clinic starts with a short conversation, not the table. You fill out a brief health history, talk with your therapist about what is bothering you, and then spend most of the hour on the table with pressure adjusted to your feedback.
I am Drew Edmondson, owner of Transcending Health on Rio Road East in Charlottesville. New clients ask me the same handful of questions before their first visit, so here are the plain answers.
What happens before the massage starts?
Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Parking is free on site. You will fill out a short health history that covers past injuries, surgeries, medications and anything that makes pressure uncomfortable.
That form is not paperwork for its own sake. A therapist who knows you had shoulder surgery or take a blood thinner will work differently, and if you are unsure whether massage is right for you, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests you discuss it with your health care provider first.
At Transcending Health, your first visit is a therapeutic massage with evaluation, 60 minutes for $130. Your therapist watches how you move, checks where tension is building, and asks what you want to feel different when you walk out. That short evaluation is what lets us match you with the right technique later.
Do I have to undress for a massage?
You undress only to your comfort level. Many people leave underwear on, and some prefer to stay in loose clothing. You are covered with a sheet the whole time, and only the area being worked on is uncovered.
Your therapist leaves the room while you get settled on the table and knocks before coming back in. If anything about draping or positioning feels uncomfortable, say so and it will be changed.
How much pressure will my therapist use?
As much as is useful and no more. Good pressure feels strong but never sharp, and you should be able to breathe normally through it. Speak up any time you want more or less, and your therapist will check in too, especially early in the session.
More pressure is not always better. Tissue that is guarded or irritated often releases better with slower, lighter work. That is why we offer gentler options like fascial counterstrain alongside deep tissue. If asking feels awkward, our short guide on how to ask for less pressure gives you the words.
What should I tell my massage therapist?
Tell them where it hurts, when it hurts and what makes it worse. Mention anything that has changed since you filled out your health history, such as a new medication, a recent injury or a pregnancy.
If something feels wrong during the session, such as numbness, sharp pain or dizziness, say so right away. Massage therapists adjust constantly, and they can only adjust to what they know.
How will I feel after my first massage?
Most people feel loose and calm. Some feel mild soreness for a day or two, especially after deeper work, much like after a hard workout. Mayo Clinic describes massage as generally safe when done by a trained therapist and notes that some people feel sore the next day.
Drink water, take an easy walk, and use gentle heat if muscles feel tight. Sharp or lasting pain is different, so let us know before your next visit so we can adjust.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of, and skip heavy lotion the day of your visit so your therapist can work without slipping. If you have recent imaging, a surgical report or a list of exercises from another provider, bring it along. It helps your therapist understand the bigger picture in a few minutes instead of guessing.
Eat something light an hour or two before you arrive rather than a big meal. Lying face down on a full stomach is uncomfortable, and so is being hungry for an hour.
Is it normal to feel nervous before a first massage?
Completely. Many people worry about undressing, about falling asleep, or about saying the wrong thing. None of that is a problem. You can keep your eyes closed or chat, ask questions, or ask your therapist to explain what they are doing and why.
You are in charge of the session. If you want to stop, change position or skip an area such as your feet or your face, just say so. A good therapist treats that as useful information, not an inconvenience.
Which massage should I book next?
After your first visit, your therapist will suggest a style and a therapist who fits your goals. Keanen focuses on restorative massage for stress and general tension, Bee on deep tissue for stubborn knots and training recovery, Yeda on fascial counterstrain for pain that flares under pressure, and I offer Rolfing structural integration for long-standing posture patterns.
You can compare every option, therapist and price on our massage in Charlottesville page. Be realistic about what one session can do. NCCIH notes that massage may offer short-term benefits for neck or shoulder pain, which is why we often pair hands-on work with movement when the same pain keeps coming back.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a first massage appointment?
Plan on about 75 minutes in total: a few minutes of intake, the 60-minute session, and time to dress and book your next visit.
Can I get a massage if I am pregnant?
Yes, we offer prenatal massage. Mention your pregnancy when you book so we schedule the right setup and positioning.
Do you take insurance?
We do not bill insurance, but we accept HSA cards and CareCredit. Tips for your provider are welcome but never required.
Ready for your first visit? Choose a time online or call 434-465-2905. We are at 1445 Rio Road East, Suite 201 F, open every day of the week.
