10 Tips to Get the Most from Your Massage

1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
 
2. Don’t eat a large meal just before a massage session.  Let your body digest your meal first.
 
3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

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4.  Privacy - Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress.  A sheet and blanket are provided for draping during the massage and she will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing.  If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please let your massage therapist know.
 
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don’t want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the me to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
 
5.  Communicate with your massage therapist

• Before the session, give accurate health information and let your massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
• Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – We use lotions and oils to reduce friction on your skin.  If you are allergic, tell your therapist, so they can choose a substitute.
• We play recorded music during the massage session.  Let us know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer no music.
• Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your therapist what you prefer.
• During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
• Give feedback to your therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc.  If anything happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask your therapist to stop.  If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
• Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage.  Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to helping you feel at ease.

6.  Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.
 
 7.Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique  and may be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow her hands and focus on how the touch feels.
 
8.  Drink extra water after your massage.
 
9.  Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session. 
 
10. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has 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 more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed. 

Adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association.