10 Tips to get the most out of your Massage
1. Be as receptive and open as possible to the massage process.
2. Don’t eat before a massage session. Allow your body to digest your meal first.
3. Be on time. If you arrive rushed, it may take longer to relax.
4. Undress only to your comfort level. If you prefer not to remove your clothing, wear comfortable clothes for the massage that will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect to be massaged. The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. A sheet is provided to drape yourself during the massage, and the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being massaged, ensuring modesty is maintained at all times. After the massage is complete, the massage therapist will leave the room for you to get dressed again.
5. Communicate with your massage therapist
· Before the session, provide accurate health information and inform the massage therapist of your expectations and reasons for the massage.
· The therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions, etc., inform your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.
· During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether due to the massage itself or environmental issues or distractions, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
· Provide feedback to the massage therapist during the massage regarding pressure, hand movement speed, etc. If something happens that you don’t like or find inappropriate, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
· Don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns. It’s important to be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to doing their best to help you feel comfortable.
6. Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps with relaxation. People often stop or restrict their breathing when they feel anxious.
7. Relax your muscles and your mind. Tensing by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Inform your massage therapist if this happens. They may need to adjust the massage technique they are using and can also help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and calm your mind is to follow the massage therapist’s hands and focus on how the touch feels.
8. Drink extra water after your massage.
9. Don’t get up too quickly after the massage session. If you feel dizzy after the massage, don’t get off the table too quickly. It may also take some time for the effects of the massage session to integrate or be absorbed.
10. Be prepared to schedule multiple massage sessions. Massage provides its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the faster your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as chronic stress patterns in the body are affected and released. If you are getting a massage to address chronic muscle tension or recovery from muscle tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
