Your first massage: the questions people are too embarrassed to ask, answered plainly
Almost every first-timer is worrying about the same handful of things, and almost none of them are about the massage.
So here they are, answered directly. Nothing on this list is unusual, and nobody at the desk or in the room will think anything of it.
What do I take off?
Whatever you are comfortable taking off. Most people undress to their underwear; some keep everything on and are worked through clothing. Both are completely normal and your therapist will not comment either way.
She leaves the room while you undress and get onto the table under the sheet, and she knocks before coming back in. You are never asked to undress in front of anyone.
Am I covered the whole time?
Yes. You are under a sheet for the entire session. Only the area being worked on is uncovered — one arm, one leg, the back — and it is re-covered before she moves on. This is not optional or a preference we accommodate; it is how the session is run.
Do I have to talk?
No. You do not have to make conversation, be interesting, or explain your job. Some people chat the whole hour and some say nothing after "a bit firmer on the left" — both are ordinary. If you would rather not talk at all, saying so at the start is easier than going quiet halfway through.
What if I fall asleep, or snore?
Common, and a good sign rather than an embarrassing one. Nobody will wake you to chat. You may wake up at the end slightly disoriented, which is also normal.
The body worries
Body hair, not having shaved, a skin flare-up, your weight, your feet, a scar, cold hands. None of it registers. A massage therapist sees dozens of bodies a week and yours is not remarkable to her in any of the ways you are worried it might be.
The only things worth mentioning are practical: skin conditions or broken skin so she can work around them, and anywhere you do not want touched. Which brings us to the next one.
Can I say "not there"?
Yes, and you do not have to explain why. Feet, abdomen, glutes, scalp, anywhere at all — name it at the start and it is simply left out of the session. "Please skip my feet" is a complete instruction.
The same goes mid-session. "Lighter," "stop," or "can we leave that area" are all normal sentences and none of them will offend anyone.
How much pressure should I ask for?
Less than you think, for a first one. You can always ask for firmer five minutes in; it is much harder to undo an hour of pressure that was too much. If you are holding your breath, it is too firm — say so.
Practical things
- Arrive five to ten minutes early. There is a short intake form about your health, medication and anything you want addressed.
- Tell us about medication, pregnancy, recent surgery, injuries and diagnosed conditions on that form. It changes what is appropriate.
- Do not eat a large meal right beforehand.
- Oil in your hair is avoidable — ask to skip the scalp if you are going somewhere after.
- If somewhere is ticklish, say so. Firmer, slower contact usually solves it.
What it costs to try
| Booking | Time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First massage with us | 60 min | 89 | Once per person |
| Standard massage after that | 60 min | 115 | Any style, same price |
| Longer session | 90 min | 155 | Once you know how you respond |
Sixty minutes is the right length for a first massage. Ninety is a lot of new sensation to sit through before you know whether you enjoy it.
Afterwards
Get up slowly, drink some water, and do not schedule anything demanding straight after. Mild soreness the next day is normal after firmer work, similar to having done some unfamiliar exercise. It should be fading by day two.
Booking
Massage is arranged by phone rather than the online calendar. Say it is your first one — it genuinely changes how the session is planned, and the person on the phone will pick the style rather than making you choose from a list of names you have no way to judge.
What we will not do
- Ask you to undress in front of anyone, or leave you uncovered.
- Work an area you have asked us to skip.
- Keep going at a pressure you have said is too much.
- Sell you a package at the end of your first session.
Where to find us
Downtown Montreal — 2365 rue Saint-Patrick, Unit A5
Laval — 1655 boulevard de l'Avenir
Saint-Léonard — 5045 rue Jean-Talon Est
West Island — 45 boulevard Brunswick, Dollard-des-Ormeaux
This page is general information and not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Massage therapists at New Age Spa are not physicians and do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Complete the intake form honestly and tell your therapist about pregnancy, medication including blood thinners, recent surgery or injury, skin conditions, and any diagnosed condition, as these change what pressure and techniques are appropriate; consult a physician before booking if you have unexplained or worsening pain, numbness or weakness, a clotting disorder, or a swollen, warm or tender limb. You may ask for the pressure to change, for an area to be avoided, or for the session to stop at any point. Mild next-day soreness can follow firmer work. Prices are current as of 3 September 2026, are in Canadian dollars per massage and before tax, and can change; massage therapy is a taxable supply in Québec. The first-visit rate applies once per person. Massage is arranged by telephone and is not available through online booking. Insurance receipts are issued in the name of the person treated; reimbursement is a matter between you and your insurer. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
