It’s normal to be nervous before your first massage. A lot of people want to know the same thing: How much do I take off? Will it hurt? What really goes on in a massage room? That doubt is exactly why this guide was made: to help you feel calm, simple, and stress-free on your first visit.
My name is Jorge, and I am the owner and head therapist at Cielo Spa & Wellness in Old City, Philadelphia. I’ve worked with hundreds of first-time clients, and I’ve realized that understanding what to expect is quite important. This blog makes sure you know what to expect at every phase so you can relax, feel good about yourself, and be ready to enjoy the advantages of your session.
The Reality About Massage Therapy Today
Some people worry about the legitimacy of massage treatment when they look for information about it. The truth is that professional massage therapy is a licensed and regulated health care field that is now an important aspect of modern health. The global market for massage treatment services reached $72.5 billion in 2025 and is still expanding at a rate of 5.8% per year, since people are realizing how good it is for their health.
At Cielo, we are a professional therapeutic massage studio where experienced and trained techniques are used to help people heal. I studied at the Pacific College of Health and Science and the American Institute, and I got my licenses in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. I established my business on both Eastern and Western massage traditions. This is significant work in the health care field.
Your First Visit: What Actually Happens
You can make an appointment at Cielo online or by phone. We need a $50 deposit that will go toward the cost of your service. It’s about valuing everyone’s time and making sure you’re dedicated to your health journey.
When you get to our Old City Philadelphia location, you’ll see right away how different a professional therapeutic studio is from what people would think of when they read reviews about massage parlors. Our space is peaceful, tidy, and all about healing. As soon as you come in, you’ll find soft lighting, comfortable temperatures, and a calm atmosphere.
1. Before you arrive: simple prep that helps
Before any hands touch your body, we talk. A lot of first-timers don’t expect this consultation to be so important. Get there 10 to 15 minutes early so you can fill out a quick intake form. This questionnaire asks about your injuries, surgeries, medications, pregnancy, and what you want from the session. It’s how we protect you and make sure the session is helpful.
Practical tips:
- Wear loose clothes to the appointment.
- Hydrate before and after the session.
- Silence your phone and bring any relevant medical notes if you have them.
2. The intake: your goals and safety first
When you meet one of our therapists, you should expect to talk for a short time. We’ll ask specific inquiries such as “Where does it hurt?” Have you gotten hurt recently? Are you seeing a doctor? That’s what a lot of people forget: clear goals lead to the best results. If this is your first massage, know that this conversation is typical and necessary.
Recent industry research suggests that 79% of people get massages for medical or stress-related reasons. Of them, 48% are looking for medical relief, and 31% are looking for stress reduction. Knowing what you need helps me design a treatment plan that will work for your body.
I remember working with a client named Robert who had lost his right arm in a bad accident. He told me during our meeting that he had tight muscles from his head to his toes and that he needed really deep pressure. That talk changed everything about his session. I wouldn’t have known how to help him without it.
3. Privacy & undressing: comfort is your choice
We value privacy and respect at Cielo. You take off your clothes to the level of comfort you want and lie under a cover. The therapist will only show you the part of your body that is being worked on. That’s fine if you want to keep your underwear on. If you ever feel uncomfortable, just let us know, and we’ll fix it right away.
4. The room & atmosphere: designed for relaxation
Expect soothing lighting, clean sheets, and music that isn’t too loud. Please let us know if you want silence. Let us know if you are sensitive to smells so we can skip aromatherapy. You shouldn’t feel exposed or rushed in the setting; it should make you feel protected and at ease. A lot of good evaluations of massage parlors talk about how the environment of the room improves the experience. We agree.
5. What happens during the massage
Most table sessions follow this flow:
- Warm-up strokes to relax surface muscles.
- Focused work on areas of tension (neck, shoulders, lower back, etc.).
- A combination of techniques — Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, or sports work — tailored to your needs.
- Closing, gentle strokes to rebalance.
A competent therapist puts up pressure carefully and checks in often. Speak up if anything hurts more than “helpful discomfort.”
6. Pressure, boundaries, and communication
We constantly ask, “light, medium, or firm?” Everyone feels pressure differently. Dora, one of our therapists, relates the case of a new client who had been avoiding deep pressure because of terrible experiences in the past. The client was able to handle deeper work after a meticulous intake and regular check-ins. They left with two weeks of fewer headaches. That’s what clear communication gets you.
Tell us if you like quieter sessions. We’ll match your verbal intensity if you enjoy it. Your comfort sets the mood.
7. Aftercare: how you’ll feel and what to do
After a session, it’s normal to feel calm, tired, or a little sore, especially if you have deep or remedial work. Most of the time, mild soreness goes away in 24 to 48 hours. To assist your body in getting used to the work:
- Drink water to support circulation and recovery.
- Avoid heavy workouts the same day.
- Use gentle stretching and heat if advised by your therapist.
If soreness is severe or persistent, contact us. We’ll adjust future sessions.
8. Cost, tipping, and booking logistics
The cost of a massage depends on how long it lasts and what kind it is. We clearly display the prices of our services at Cielo Spa & Wellness, and we require a deposit to hold a booking. This makes sure that our schedule is solid for all of our clients. It’s always okay to tip, although it’s usually 15–20% for great service.
When reading reviews of massage parlors before making a reservation, pay attention to what others say about cleanliness, the professionalism of the therapists, and whether the business follows requests. These are the most important things to look for.
9. Why choose Jorge and our team
I learned both Eastern and Western methods and launched Cielo in 2025 to combine the two. People hire me because I am powerful, precise, and kind. You can choose between male and female therapists, so you can find the one who makes you feel most at ease. Our therapists communicate notes about your case, check in with you after sessions, and change plans as you get better.
10. Final checklist: first massage what to expect
- Fill the intake form honestly.
- Ask questions about technique and pressure.
- Undress only to your comfort level.
- Expect a staged session: warm-up, focused work, closing.
- Hydrate and rest afterward.
Book Your First Massage at Cielo Spa & Wellness
You won’t be nervous for long after a professional therapy session in a safe and comfortable setting. We at Cielo Spa & Wellness believe in clear communication, correct instruction, and techniques that are just right for your body, whether you need to relax, relieve pain, or lower stress.
We’re here to help you get ready for your first professional massage and make sure it feels calm, straightforward, and effective. To make an appointment with me, Jorge McKechnie, a certified massage therapist, phone +1 347 665 6263 or send an email to office@cielo-spa.com. Come see us at 131 N 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
FAQs
What should I expect during my first massage session?
During your first massage, expect a health consultation where your therapist asks about your medical history, current concerns, and wellness goals. You'll undress to your comfort level in privacy, lie on a padded table under professional draping, and receive customized massage work targeting your specific needs. Sessions typically last 60-120 minutes, and communication throughout ensures your comfort and satisfaction.
Will massage therapy hurt?
Professional massage should never be painful, though some techniques like deep tissue work may cause temporary discomfort when addressing chronic tension. A skilled therapist adjusts pressure based on your feedback and comfort level. You should always communicate if pressure feels too intense. Some mild soreness 24-48 hours after deep work is normal, similar to post-workout muscle soreness, but intense pain is not.
What should I do to prepare for my first massage?
Arrive early to complete paperwork and discuss your needs with your therapist. Hydrate well 24 hours before your session, avoid heavy meals right before, wear comfortable clothing, and silence your phone. Bring information about any medications, injuries, or health conditions. Most importantly, come with an open mind and willingness to communicate about your comfort throughout the session.
How will I feel after my first massage?
After your first massage, expect to feel relaxed, possibly tired, and maybe slightly sore. Your muscles have been worked deeply, increasing blood flow and metabolic activity. Some people feel energized while others feel sleepy. Mild muscle soreness for 24-48 hours is normal, especially after deep tissue work. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and give your body time to integrate the therapeutic work.
What's the difference between a professional massage therapist and a massage parlor?
Professional massage therapy is a licensed, regulated healthcare practice performed by trained therapists who follow strict ethical standards, maintain proper draping, and focus on therapeutic outcomes. Licensed massage therapists complete hundreds of hours of training, pass certification exams, and adhere to professional codes of ethics. Always look for licensed therapists, check credentials, and read authentic client reviews when choosing a massage provider.
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
Prenatal massage is safe when performed by a trained therapist and approved by your healthcare provider. We use side-lying positioning and pregnancy-appropriate techniques.
How do I choose between a male or female therapist?
Choose based on comfort and treatment needs. Male therapists often deliver firmer, sustained pressure; female therapists often offer gentler pacing. We have both, so you can choose.
Book your massage appointment with Jorge McKechnie today.
Ready to feel better?
