There are few things better than a good massage, especially after a few weeks of tough workouts and/or enduring stress that makes you want to scream! Massage has been shown to reduce fatigue in cancer patients, to lessen the intensity of lower back pain, to boost the body’s immune system, and to lower both blood pressure and anxiety.
When paying for massage you want to get the best results. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling worse after your massage than you did before your appointment. Here are some great massage tips so you can ensure the most from your session.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Massage
1. Be open and receptive. This should be a good experience, so roll with it.
2. Don’t chow down before your massage session or go in ravenous. Your tummy shouldn’t be growling or digesting.
3. Arrive early. Have you ever arrived behind schedule and feel anxious or stressed because of it? If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax, and you’ll miss out on bliss time! When you arrive call the office to let them know you are here and take a moment to transition your brain before entering the building.
4. Take it all off — or don’t. Your therapist can work around whatever undergarments you choose to leave on and still provide you with a good massage. If you don’t want to totally undress, wear comfortable clothing that your therapist can work with.
5. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Before the session, give accurate health information, and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage. Let them know if you have any allergies to oils and lotions, and speak up about the music if you don’t like it. While some people like to talk during a massage, others want quiet time. Communicate everything with your massage therapist. How you’re feeling, what you’re feeling, where your pain is, etc. know that this is your session. You dictate how deeply the pressure is applied, what kind of massage you are looking for, and how much or little conversation you want.
6. Silence Phone. This massage time is your time for YOU. Not for your mom to check in on what you’re bringing for dinner this weekend, not for your boss to ask if you took care of those emails, not for your significant other inquiring how your massage is going and what time you’ll be home. Simply put it on silent, do not disturb, or shut it off. Whatever reason they are trying to get ahold of you for will still be there when you get done.
7. Just breathe. First take a deep breath. Let your stress go. You can pick it up when you walk out the door! Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. Breathe through the pain. You may have a trigger point or tender area that in order for it to release your therapist has to apply pressure or perform various pin and stretches. So if you aren’t getting Massage solely for relaxation, odds are you’ll have some tender points that are being worked. Breathe through the discomfort, know that it’ll feel better soon. But if the pain exceeds your pain tolerance- COMMUNICATE. Your therapist can readjust pressure or change technique if the muscle isn’t releasing.
8. Hydrate. Your body generally speaking needs water to survive. In fact, your body is roughly 75% water. Your body need water for muscle recovery. So drink that bottle that your Massage therapist gives you after the Massage.
9. Don’t get up too quickly. Allow for some quiet time after your session. If you’re dizzy or light-headed after the massage, take it slow. There’s no rush.
10. Be prepared to make it a lifestyle. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offers Therapeutic Massage for Pain Relief. Ask us about our Monthly Massage Membership program! Health Savings Plans Accepted.
Visit www.bodysoulsalem.com or call 978-825-0040