Your first Thai massage: what to expect
A plain guide to a first Thai massage: what to wear, floor mat or table, pressure, stretching, speaking up, aftercare and who should check with a GP first.
A Thai massage feels different from the oil massage many people are used to. It can involve firm pressure, assisted stretching and, in the traditional style, lying fully clothed on a mat on the floor. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to relax and to tell the therapist what you want. This guide covers the practical points for a first session.
This guide comes from the referral site described on the about page. Therapists each have their own way of working, so confirm the details with the one you book.
Before you book
Decide which style you would like, or describe what you want from the session and ask the therapist to suggest one. The main styles are:
- Traditional Thai massage: clothed, on a floor mat, with pressure and assisted stretches.
- Thai oil massage: on a table with oil and draping, with fewer stretches.
- Thai foot massage: feet and lower legs, seated or reclined.
- Thai herbal compress massage: warm bundles of herbs, usually combined with another style.
For a first session, a traditional or oil massage of moderate length is a common choice. Ask the therapist which session lengths they offer and what the price is before you agree to book.
Who should check first
Thai massage is not suitable for everyone. Tell the therapist when you enquire, and again on the day, if you:
- are pregnant or have recently given birth
- have a recent injury, fracture, sprain or surgery
- have a blood clotting condition, a history of clots, or take blood thinning medication
- have a heart condition, high blood pressure or have had a stroke
- have a skin condition, rash, burn, bruise or open wound
- have osteoporosis, joint replacements, or ongoing back, neck or nerve problems
- have diabetes or reduced feeling in part of your body
- take any regular medication
If you are unsure whether massage suits you, check with your GP before booking. The therapist may change the massage, leave out certain stretches, or suggest you get medical advice first.
What to wear
For a traditional Thai massage, wear loose, comfortable clothing you can stretch in, such as a T-shirt with track pants or shorts. Avoid jeans, belts and jewellery. Some therapists provide loose cotton clothing to change into.
For an oil massage most people strip to their underwear, though you can keep on as much as you like, and a towel or sheet covers you apart from the part being massaged. For a foot massage, wear trousers that roll up above the knee.
Floor mat or table
Traditional Thai massage is usually done on a firm padded mat on the floor. This lets the therapist use their body weight and move you through stretches safely. If getting down to or up from the floor is hard for you, say so when you enquire. Some therapists can adapt parts of the massage to a table or a chair. Oil massage is normally done on a massage table.
Pressure
Thai massage uses steady pressure from the palms, thumbs, forearms, knees and sometimes feet. It can feel firm. It should not be painful. Discomfort that makes you tense up, hold your breath or pull away means the pressure is too strong. Ask for lighter pressure whenever you need it. There is no benefit in putting up with pain.
Stretching
In the traditional style the therapist moves your arms, legs and back through a series of assisted stretches. You do not need to be flexible. Let your body relax and let the therapist do the work, and say straight away if a stretch feels wrong or pulls on an old injury. You can ask to skip any stretch.
Speaking up during the session
Therapists expect you to tell them what you need. Useful things to say include:
- “Lighter pressure, please.”
- “Please avoid my lower back.”
- “That stretch is too much.”
- “Can we spend more time on my shoulders?”
- “I need to change position.”
You can ask the therapist to stop at any point. Thai massage offered through this service is strictly professional and non-sexual, and you should never be made to feel uncomfortable.
Aftercare
After the session, get up slowly, as some people feel light headed when standing after lying still. Drink some water, and take a few minutes before driving if you feel very relaxed. Some people feel mild muscle tenderness the next day, especially after firm pressure. If you have pain that is sharp, gets worse or does not settle, contact your GP.
Health fund rebates
Some people with private health insurance extras cover can claim a rebate for some types of massage. Whether a rebate applies depends on your level of cover, the type of massage, and the therapist’s qualifications and membership of an association your fund recognises. Ask the therapist and your fund before the session. We cannot promise a rebate.
Sending an enquiry
When you are ready, use the enquiry form. Include the style you would like, the session length, your suburb, the days and times that suit you, and anything the therapist should know about your health. Submitting an enquiry does not book a session. The therapist contacts you to confirm the style, time, price and suitability before anything is arranged.