Taking a few simple steps to prepare for your massage will help you get the most out of your session. Here are some tips you can use prior to your massage at Healing Hands – or anywhere else*:
THE NIGHT BEFORE:
- Make sure you get enough rest the night before your massage and enough sleep at the end of the day. The recovery of the body’s soft tissue happens while we sleep. So anything that the massage might have begun to help heal, your body will continue the process while you sleep.
THE DAY OF:
- Take a warm bath or shower before your massage to help relax your muscles. It is also a good idea to take a slightly cold shower after your session as it contracts your blood vessels and stimulates circulation.
- Avoid eating right before your massage, as you don’t want to be in a prone position (face down) with a full stomach, especially when the therapist is pressing down on your lower back!
- Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. As you might have heard before, massage stimulates the lymphatic system. Staying hydrated will help to flush out toxins and will help your muscles avoid cramping up which can occasionally happen during a deep tissue session, particularly in the legs.
- Do some light stretching before your session to help your body relax and prepare for the massage. If you will be coming from the office, here are some easy stretches you can do right at your desk:
ARRIVAL:
- Make sure to leave with plenty of time so you can arrive early to your appointment. Arriving late is stressful and you may get less time; remember our Massage Philosophy includes a true 60-minute hour but that is dependent up on the client arriving a few minutes early to ensure an on-time start.
- Let your massage therapist know if you have any areas of discomfort or stress that need special attention. Also, mention any contraindications, injuries or chronic pain, as well as any areas that the therapist should avoid. Even though this might have already been mentioned on the intake form, it’s a good idea to mention it again before the session begins. This will help your therapist tailor the massage to your personal needs.
- Take a few deep breaths before and during the massage to help you relax. Breathing slow and deep stimulates your brain to enter into relaxation mode.
DURING:
- Make sure to give feedback to the therapist during your session: whether you want more or less pressure, or you want them to spend more time in a specific area that feels good or avoid it because it is sensitive. Trust me, you are not going to hurt our feelings, we want the best out of your session as well!
Following these tips will ensure that you will get the most out of your massage session. Hope to see you soon at Healing Hands!
*Why would you go anywhere else, though?? 😜