Etiquette and How To prepare for a Massage

Congratulations! You’ve just booked your appointment, now what? Regardless if this is your first Massage or you’re a regular devotee, consider these steps to make sure you receive optimal care.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before your massage can help prep your muscles to be more plump and pliable, making the tissues easier for your therapist to work with. This will also help minimize any soreness or dizziness you might feel after your session.

Show up Fresh and Clean

No need to get all dressed up with makeup before your appointment! Taking a shower before your massage will help ensure you’re not getting any sweat, dirt or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, this is a very considerate thing to do for your massage therapist. A warm shower can also help ease your mind and muscles into a state of relaxation before your appointment,

Discuss Goals and Treatment

There will be a short intake with your therapist before each massage. Letting them know your medical history, any acute injuries, open wounds or chronic aliments while also stating if you’d like treatment in a specific area, or if you’d like to relax the whole body, will be helpful in curating the best massage for your individual needs.

Stay Home When Sick

Getting a massage while you’re sick is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Not only do you run the risk of transmitting your illness to your therapist, who will then possibly pass it along to other clients, but it is possible it will only make your symptoms worse. We know that massage increases circulation, and this circulation will push the toxins throughout the body, possibly making you feel the illness more intensely at a faster pace. It is also contraindicated to receive a massage for those who decide to take cold/flu & vaccination shots 48 hours after injection.

Get Comfortable

Taking a few deep breaths before your session can help quiet your sympathetic nervous system. Your body can begin to relax into the table so your practitioner can better listen to your tissues and address them as they need. When there is resistance in the muscles it is harder to access depth within the tissues. You might ask for more pressure, but it wont matter if your massage therapist can’t sink into your structures. You’ll be asked to remove any necklaces’, rings and watches before you lay on the table. If possible, it’s always best to leave these items at home.

Massage After Care

After a nice, deeply relaxing massage you’ll want to take care in how different your body feels now physically, mentally and spiritually. Slowly get up from the table, noticing any changes in your body. Drink plenty of water throughout the rest of your day to flush out any toxins that may have been released and to keep those tissues hydrated. Maybe take a light walk around the block to let the body and mind settle together. Taking a warm salt bath may help to relax any tension that could be present post massage. Eat something nourishing. Keep the self-care going at home with some regular stretching to maintain the relaxation between massages. With the right ritual pre and post massage, this will ensure the best possible experience and hopefully extend your relaxation even longer!