What to Expect from Your First In-Home Massage

By James Palmer | The Massage Guy

So you've finally decided to book your first in-home massage. Maybe a friend keeps raving about it, or you're dealing with some nagging tension and figured it was time to actually do something about it. Either way — good call. But I know from nearly a decade of doing this that first-timers often have a lot of questions (and maybe a little nervousness) going into it. That's completely normal.

Let me walk you through exactly what to expect when I show up at your door.

Before I Arrive

A few things to have ready — nothing complicated, I promise.

• A space big enough for the table. I need roughly an 8x8 foot area to set up comfortably. A cleared living room, bedroom, or even a spacious hallway usually works just fine. I'll set everything up — you don't need to do a thing.

• Comfortable temperature. You'll be on a table, lightly draped under sheets and a blanket, but if your place runs cold, throw the heat on a bit before I get there. You want to be warm and comfortable, not shivering through your session.

• Clean sheets aren't required. I bring everything — table, sheets, blanket, oil, and music. You just need to show up (or stay home, technically).

• Maybe some water nearby. You'll want to hydrate after, so having a glass of water ready is a nice move.

That's genuinely it. No cucumber water necessary.

When I Get There

I'll knock, bring my table and supplies in, and get set up in about 10 minutes. Before we start, I'll do a brief intake — basically a quick conversation about:

• What's going on with your body (pain, tightness, injuries, etc.)

• Your goals for the session (relaxation? targeting a specific area? both?)

• Any health conditions or sensitivities I should know about

• Your pressure preferences

This isn't a lengthy interrogation. It's just me making sure I'm actually working on the right things for you. One of the things I genuinely love about mobile massage in Los Angeles is that I can give you my full, undivided attention — no front desk, no back-to-back flipping of rooms, just me and your session.

Draping: What You Wear (or Don't)

This is probably the most common question I get from first-timers.

You'll undress to your comfort level. Most people undress fully, as it gives me the best access to work on muscles effectively — but some people prefer to keep underwear on, and that's completely fine. You'll be professionally draped with a sheet the entire time. I only undrape the specific area I'm actively working on. Everything else stays covered.

I'm a licensed male massage therapist with close to a decade of experience — I've worked on hundreds of clients. Your comfort and modesty are always respected, full stop.

During the Session

Once we start, here's what the flow typically looks like:

• I'll work systematically through the areas we discussed — usually starting with the back and working outward, or focusing wherever your primary issue is.

• You'll be asked to flip over at some point to work the other side (front of the legs, arms, neck, etc.) depending on the session type.

• Communication is encouraged. If the pressure is too much or not enough, say something. Seriously. I'd rather know in the moment than have you white-knuckling through it.

• You may notice I'm using different techniques depending on what your tissue needs — lighter strokes, deeper work, myofascial holds. I'm reading your body's response the whole time and adjusting.

Research backs up what most clients feel after a session: a well-executed massage measurably reduces cortisol (your body's main stress hormone) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system — what most people call the "rest and digest" mode. A widely cited review published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice confirmed that massage therapy consistently enhances vagal activity and lowers cortisol across a wide range of conditions.* In plain terms: your nervous system genuinely calms down, not just temporarily.

Will It Hurt?

Depends on what kind of work we're doing.

If you're booking a relaxation session, no — it shouldn't hurt. It should feel amazing.

If you're coming in with a specific issue — a frozen shoulder, chronic lower back pain, a tight IT band — there may be moments of "therapeutic discomfort." That's different from pain. It's the feeling of pressure being applied to tissue that's been holding tension for a long time. It's uncomfortable in a productive way, and it passes quickly.

If something ever crosses from discomfort into actual pain, tell me. That's not the goal. I want results, not suffering.

After Your Session

• Drink water. Massage gets things moving in your tissue. Staying hydrated helps your body process everything.

• Give yourself a few minutes. Don't jump up and rush out. You just spent an hour (or more) in deep relaxation — your body deserves a moment to transition back.

• Some soreness is normal. If I did deeper work, you might feel a little tender the next day — similar to how you feel after a good workout. That typically fades within 24-48 hours.

• Notice how you feel. Many people experience improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and better range of motion in the days following a session.

Why In-Home Massage Makes a Difference

Here's something I've seen consistently over nearly ten years and thousands of sessions: people get better results when they're comfortable.

At a spa or clinic, you've got the drive there, the parking, the waiting room, the unfamiliar environment. And after your session, you've got to get dressed, get back in your car, and navigate LA traffic. By the time you're home, some of that benefit has already been taxed by stress.

When I come to you in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Pasadena, Studio City, or anywhere else across Los Angeles, you get to go directly from the table to your couch or bed. That post-session rest period matters more than most people realize.

It's also why I chose to build my practice around mobile massage therapy rather than working out of a fixed location. The outcomes are consistently better. My clients in Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Brentwood, and all across The Valley can attest to that.

Common First-Timer Questions

Do I need to talk during the session?
Nope. Some people love chatting, others want complete silence. I'll follow your lead.

What if I fall asleep?
Totally normal. Go for it. It means your nervous system is doing exactly what it's supposed to.

What if I'm ticklish?
Let me know before we start. I can usually work around it by adjusting pressure.

What types of massage do you offer?
I offer deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage, myofascial release, and dynamic cupping. Most sessions end up being a blend depending on what your body needs. If you're not sure what's right for you, I'm happy to talk through it before you book.

Ready to Book?

If you've been on the fence about trying massage therapy — or specifically in-home massage — I hope this gives you a clear picture of what to expect. There's no mystique to it. I show up, we talk briefly, I work on what's bothering you, and you end up feeling better than when we started.

That's the deal.

I serve clients throughout Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Malibu, Studio City, Calabasas, and all of The Valley. If you want to see if your area is covered, check out the service area page.

Questions before booking? Reach out on the contact page — I'm happy to answer anything.

James Palmer, CMT
The Massage Guy | Licensed Massage Therapist #73025
Serving Los Angeles with mobile massage therapy, deep tissue massage, and sports massage since 2016

References:
* Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31.