Your comfort comes first

Your First Massage: What to Expect

Wondering what to expect at your first massage? Learn what happens before, during, and after your session at our Commack practice—so you can arrive prepared and leave feeling cared for.

Medical massage and insurance-based care are scheduled by phone: 631-462-4263.

Recommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Your session, your comfort

You are always in control

You may ask for more or less pressure, request that an area be avoided, change your mind, or end the session at any time.

You will be professionally draped, with only the area being treated uncovered. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress and dress, and you should undress only to your personal comfort level.

Preparing for your visit

Before you arrive

A little preparation helps us personalize your care and create a calm, uninterrupted experience.

Complete required formsComplete any forms requested by our office and bring relevant medical or test reports related to your condition.
Skip jewelry and fragranceAvoid hard-to-remove jewelry, perfume, cologne, and scented products.
Eat lightlyAvoid heavy meals for at least two hours before your treatment.
Hydrate ahead of timeDrink adequate fluids the day before your massage.
Limit caffeine and alcoholReduce or avoid both before your session.
Tell us what has changedShare new medications, changes in pain, stiffness, or other health updates.
Contact us if you feel unwellNotify us about fever, cold, flu, diarrhea, rashes, sunburn, open wounds, bruising, burns, inflammation, severe pain, or headaches.
Arrive ready to exhaleWe will guide you through the rest—there is nothing you need to “get right.”
A medical massage consultation at Hands On HealthCare

Your first visit

Your care starts with a conversation

We listen first, then shape the session around your goals, health history, and comfort.

RELAXATION & STRESS RELIEF

A calming, personalized session

Your therapist will review your medical history and ask which areas you would like them to focus on.

CONDITION-FOCUSED CARE

A more detailed assessment

We may review medications, insurance information, range of motion, and the reason you are seeking care before creating a personalized treatment plan.

Your session

During your massage

01

Check in

We discuss how you feel, what you hope to address and anything that has changed since you scheduled.

02

Settle in

You will be covered with a fresh sheet and blanket and draped at all times except for the area being treated.

03

Stay in control

Tell your therapist immediately if pressure, temperature, lighting, sound, or anything else feels uncomfortable.

Your feedback matters. You know your body best. Deep tissue or trigger point work may involve mild discomfort; your therapist will explain this beforehand and adjust to your comfort.

Aftercare

After your massage

Once you are ready, your therapist can discuss the session, answer questions and review any appropriate next steps.

Get up slowlyMassage can occasionally cause light-headedness. Take a moment to reorient yourself.
Stay hydratedDrink fluids and limit caffeine and alcohol after your visit.
Expect possible mild sorenessBodywork may feel similar to a workout; mild soreness can occur.
Report significant painContact your doctor promptly if you experience significant aches or pain.

Update 8/4/26: I just had Abby for the first time and she was fantastic. She made me feel so comfortable and checked in to make sure everything was to my liking. Her pressure was perfect and she targeted all of the areas I needed most.

Jackie H. gave me the best massage! She made sure to focus on my areas of need, while still making sure every part of the massage was amazing. The facility is clean and offers a relaxing ambience. The staff were friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be back!

Danielle M. · Google review

Practical details

Questions before your first massage

Clear answers help you arrive feeling prepared—not uncertain.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. Your therapist will give you privacy to change, and you should undress only to your personal comfort level.

Will I be covered during the massage?

Yes. Professional draping is used throughout your session, with only the area being treated uncovered.

Can I change the pressure or ask to stop?

Absolutely. You can request a different pressure, ask that an area be avoided, pause, or end the session at any time.

What if my health or medications have changed?

Tell your therapist about new medications, injuries, changes in pain, or other health updates. If you are ill or unsure whether massage is appropriate, contact us before your visit.

Are there forms to complete?

Please complete the intake information requested by our office. For insurance paperwork or a prescription request form, visit our insurance and prescription forms page. If you are unsure which form applies, contact our office before submitting.

Do you work with insurance?

Coverage depends on your plan and type of care. Review our massage insurance information or contact us with questions.

Ready when you are

Arrive informed. Leave deeply restored.

We are here to make your first massage—and every visit after it—feel clear, comfortable, and personal.

Medical massage and insurance-based care are scheduled by phone: 631-462-4263.