What to Expect During Your First Massage Therapy Session
During your first massage therapy session, you can expect a relaxing and personalized experience tailored to your needs. Our therapist will begin by discussing any areas of tension or discomfort, ensuring the treatment targets specific concerns. April Umek, PA-C, at Pacific Coast Aesthetics, provides a comfortable environment where clients can feel at ease while receiving professional care. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 28 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA 95003.


Table of Contents:
How long does a typical first massage session last?
What happens during the initial consultation of a massage session?
Will the therapist ask about my pressure preferences?
What happens if I feel uncomfortable during the massage?
What areas of my body will the therapist focus on during the massage?
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. A typical first massage session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. This timeframe allows us to provide both a personalized consultation and a thorough, relaxing massage experience. When you arrive, your licensed massage therapist will begin with a brief discussion about your medical history, areas of concern, and your wellness goals. This helps us tailor the session to your unique needs and ensures your safety, especially if you’re also receiving other aesthetic or medical treatments in our clinic.
After the consultation, you’ll enjoy a hands-on massage for approximately 50 to 75 minutes (depending on the session length you book). We also offer shorter sessions—such as 30 or 45 minutes—for those with time constraints or specific needs. However, for your first visit, we recommend a longer session to allow for comprehensive care and optimal relaxation. If you have any questions about what to expect or which massage duration is right for you, our team at Pacific Coast Aesthetics is happy to assist. Simply contact us before your appointment, and we’ll help you plan the best possible experience.
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities. During your initial massage consultation, our experienced therapists will welcome you into a relaxing and professional environment designed to support your wellness and aesthetic goals. We begin by discussing your overall health, medical history, and any specific areas of concern or discomfort. Whether you are visiting us for stress reduction, pain relief, or to complement your other aesthetic treatments, sharing details about your daily activities, prior procedures, injuries, or chronic conditions helps us ensure your massage is both safe and effective. Please let us know about any allergies, skin sensitivities, or preferences regarding pressure and techniques so we can customize your session to your needs.
Your therapist will explain the recommended massage approach, outlining which areas will be focused on and how privacy and comfort will be maintained with professional draping. We’ll also discuss your goals for the session—whether you seek relaxation, improved mobility, or enhanced recovery as part of your aesthetic care plan. Open communication is encouraged, so feel free to ask questions or share any specific requests to help us tailor your experience.
Before your massage begins, your therapist will provide you with clear instructions on how to prepare, including guidance on clothing and positioning on the treatment table. You will have private time to get ready, ensuring your comfort and privacy at every step. This initial consultation at Pacific Coast Aesthetics lays the groundwork for a safe, personalized, and results-driven massage experience that supports your journey to looking and feeling your best.
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities—especially when it comes to massage and bodywork services. Our therapists always begin each session with a personalized consultation, where we discuss your pressure preferences and any specific concerns you may have. Whether you prefer gentle relaxation, moderate pressure, or a deeper therapeutic touch, letting us know your preferences ensures that your experience is both effective and enjoyable.
Throughout your massage, our therapists will check in with you to ensure the pressure and techniques feel just right. We encourage open communication before, during, and after your session—your feedback helps us tailor each treatment to your unique needs. By working together, we can help you achieve optimal results while making sure you feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way.
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, your comfort and well-being are our highest priorities during every massage therapy session. If you experience any discomfort—whether it’s due to pressure that feels too intense or too light, sensitivity in a particular area, or emotional unease—we encourage you to let your massage therapist know right away. Open communication is essential to ensuring you receive the most beneficial and relaxing experience possible. Our highly trained massage professionals are here to listen and adjust their techniques, pressure, or positioning according to your preferences and needs. It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about speaking up, but our team welcomes your feedback. Your input allows us to tailor your session for maximum safety and effectiveness.
Sometimes, discomfort during massage therapy may indicate that a certain technique should be avoided or that there is an underlying concern to discuss with your healthcare provider. Please remember, you are always in control of your session. You can request modifications at any time or even pause or stop the session if needed. At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, we are committed to providing a supportive, client-centered environment. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do—so never hesitate to communicate your needs throughout your visit.
During your massage therapy session, our therapists will focus on the areas where you hold the most tension or discomfort, as well as any specific regions you mention during your consultation. Many of our clients experience stress and tightness in the back, shoulders, and neck—common results of today’s busy lifestyles, prolonged desk work, or even postural habits.
In addition to these areas, our therapists may also provide targeted relief for your arms, legs, hands, and feet, especially if you’re dealing with soreness, fatigue, or muscle stiffness. If you have particular concerns—such as lower back pain, tension headaches, or stiff calves—please let your therapist know before your session begins. This open communication allows us to tailor your experience, ensuring you receive the maximum therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Depending on your goals and comfort level, your massage at Pacific Coast Aesthetics may also include gentle work on the scalp, face, or abdomen, promoting relaxation and supporting your health and beauty goals. Our team will discuss your preferences and assess your muscle condition to make the best recommendations for your session.
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re committed to helping you look and feel your best—inside and out. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are located at 28 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA 95003. We serve clients from Santa Cruz CA, Aptos CA, Capitola CA, Soquel CA, Live Oak Santa Cruz CA, Rio Del Mar CA, and surrounding areas.