A surprising number of people put off their first professional massage simply because they don't know what's expected of them — not the treatment itself, but the small logistics around it. None of it is complicated, but nobody explains it clearly, so here it is.

Undressing: how much is actually necessary

This depends entirely on the treatment. Full-body Swedish, deep tissue, or aromatherapy massage typically involves undressing to your comfort level, with a towel or sheet covering you throughout and only the area being worked on exposed at any time. Head, neck and shoulder massage or foot reflexology can usually be done fully clothed. If you're ever unsure, ask before the session starts — a good therapist will tell you plainly rather than assume.

What to actually say before it begins

The most useful thing you can tell your therapist isn't a diagnosis — it's plain description: "tight here," "sharp when I turn my neck," "generally stressed, nothing specific." Mention any injuries, medical conditions, pregnancy, or areas you'd rather they avoid. This isn't oversharing; it's the information that actually shapes a good session.

During the session

  • Speak up immediately if pressure is too much or too little — adjusting mid-session is completely normal, not an inconvenience
  • Breathing normally and even talking quietly is fine; you don't need to lie in silence unless you want to
  • If a spot feels sharply painful rather than just intense, say so right away

After the session

Mild soreness the next day, especially after deep tissue work, is normal — similar to how a workout can leave you tender. Drinking water afterward is commonly recommended, though the evidence for this being strictly necessary is mixed; it certainly doesn't hurt. Give yourself a few unhurried minutes before rushing back into the day if you can.

Tipping and payment

Practices vary by country and by establishment — in India, tipping massage therapists directly is appreciated but not universally expected the way it is in some other countries. If you're unsure at a specific centre, it's completely fine to just ask at the front desk or when booking.