Before your massage therapy appointment, here are some important things to note. You should always feel comfortable asking your massage therapist questions before your massage begins.
What kind of massage do you specialize in?
Massage therapists may specialize in a certain type of massage, and it is important to figure out what techniques may suit your needs. For example, effleurage is light, relaxing, and gentle while a sports massage is generally deeper tissue technique with more focused and applied pressure.
What should I do after my massage?
It is often helpful to continue to relax and rest after a massage, meaning no vigorous exercise. It is also a good idea to hydrate adequately after a massage in order to allow our lymphatic system to flush out and our body to re-integrate with proper hydration.
What do I wear for a massage?
For your massage, you can undress to your comfort level. This means, you can certainly keep on as much or little clothing as you feel comfortable with. You will never have your private or sensitive areas exposed; these will continue to be covered with the sheet/blanket. You can discuss this more with your therapist as well.
Should a massage be painful?
A massage should never be painful, and in fact your massage therapist wants to know if you are experiencing pain during the massage. With that, deeper techniques may feel a bit uncomfortable at times when working on tight muscles, however if you feel that it is painful or if you are tensing up then this is counterproductive and the therapist will accommodate with lighter pressure.
How frequently should I get massages?
Some people benefit from consistent weekly massage sessions while others may go for a massage once a month. Usually, the more stress, soreness, or pain you are experiencing the more frequent the visit. A massage is a great idea to have on the calendar consistently as part of your wellness routine.
What if I fall asleep during my massage?
Falling asleep during your massage is totally OK! This is actually a good sign that you are resting and relaxing, and that your body and mind are allowing you to do so. Don’t worry, your massage therapist does not mind if you are asleep, and you are still getting all the benefits of the massage as well (even if you sleep through it).
Do I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?
Often, people like to relax during their massage and thus not chat with the massage therapist. This is definitely ok, and you can even communicate this with your therapist prior to the massage. With that, some people enjoy a bit of talking during their massage and that is ok as well. The idea is to communicate your needs and get the experience you are looking for. Definitely let your massage therapist know how you are feeling during the massage and if you need more or less pressure.
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