Here are some suggestions to help you benefit the most from your
massage session.
- Stay hydrated. The body is made up of 70% water and all functions of the body require proper hydration.
- Gently focus on your breathing. This calms the nervous system, provides your body with vital oxygen, and relaxes your mind.
- Allow your body to relax. At times during your massage, I will gently stretch and move your arms, head, and legs. Please relax and allow for these movements. Your body responds more effectively to massage when it is not resisting.
- To allow for optimal benefit, please communicate immediately if you feel discomfort so that another approach may be taken.
- This time is exclusively for you. I will respect your need for silence or conversation.
- Be on time. If you arrive in a rushed state, it may take longer to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why drink extra water?
During massage, metabolic waste that has been trapped in contracted muscle tissue – due to restricted blood flow – is released and pushed out of the tissue. Hydrating your body by increasing water intake before and after massage will help facilitate the flushing process more efficiently. This helps to stave off delayed muscle soreness and post-massage headaches and nausea.
Isn’t it better to work as deeply as you can; no pain, no gain, right?
Not necessarily. First, everyone’s idea of ‘deep’ is different. We want to stay in a range where it
‘hurts in a good way’, and not go beyond that, as the muscles begin to contract and protect the area. Often, working a muscle beyond the person’s pain tolerance is counter-productive. To achieve optimal benefits during deep tissue therapy, good communication between you and your therapist is important.
What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely, the session is for you, and you can remove clothing to your level of comfort. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered at all times with a professional draping, so that privacy and modesty are assured.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, gluts, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
Massage therapists do not diagnose or prescribe. All information given by your therapist is for educational purposes only.