Ever wonder what you can do to get the most out of your massage experience?
Image credit: April Heath LMT (MS Designer)
Every massage business has different practices, though most of them are pretty similar. Let’s establish best practices so you get the best massage experience of your life every time you visit Joyful Rising!
Your body will experience changes, so it’s important to know what’s expected before, during, and after your session.
BEFORE the massage
DO
- Shower. Moisturize with lotion, cream, body butter, or oil.
- Hydrate.
- Bring a light snack rich in electrolytes for muscle recovery. Bananas and nuts are good examples.
- Arrive 5-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment.
- Be mindful of Joyful Rising’s policies.
DON’T
- Consume alcohol. More on that here. Long story short, massage boosts blood circulation, so any alcohol in your bloodstream will rocket its way to your brain. That is an automatic hangover.
- Consume a heavy meal. Massage switches your nervous system to parasympathetic mode, stimulating digestion. The pressure applied to your back will also compress your stomach, making digestion uncomfortable.
- Wear makeup or powder.
- Book the least expensive massage if it doesn’t suit your needs. I won’t give deep tissue if you’re paying for a Swedish.
DURING the massage
DO:
- Disclose medical conditions and current prescriptions during consultation.
- Allow the therapist to step outside the room before you undress.
- Get on the table and cover up with the sheet and blanket.
- Express your preferences for table temperature, music choice and volume, aromatherapy.
- Feel free to chitchat during your massage if it helps you to relax. The vibe of the topic will determine whether the therapist will engage with the conversation, should you choose to initiate it.
- Give your body permission to relax your muscles and your mind.
DON’T:
Discuss politics during your service, even if we share party affiliation.
- Ask for service outside the scope of my license (ie chiropractic adjustment)
- Tighten up by contracting or hardening your muscles. This is counterproductive; however, if the contracture is involuntary, it may be a sign of muscle trauma, control issues, difficulty trusting the process, or something else.
- Feel embarrassed if you have a natural reaction to relaxing. If you need the restroom, it’s OK to interrupt the session. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to extend your treatment time.
AFTER the massage
DO
- Rise from the table at a measured pace. It’s not unusual to feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage because of the boosted blood circulation. A glass of water should restore your equilibrium.
- Wait for the therapist to leave the room while you redress.
- 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.
- Let your therapist know the results and changes you experience, even if it’s soreness or pain. She will likely have a recommendation to help you (ie peppermint essential oil for a headache, water for dizziness, heat compress for soreness, Biofreeze for muscle stiffness, etc.)
- Do gentle stretches. This is important, as your muscles will be very sensitive. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
- Avoid stressful situations. Massages help anxiety and depression but can’t completely erase them. Stress can interfere with the benefits of the massage and make it difficult for your body to recover.
DON’T
- Workout. Exercising immediately after a massage can put unnecessary stress on your muscles and cause them to tighten up. It is best to wait at least 24 hours before you do exercise or any other strenuous activity.
- Consume alcohol.
Did you find this list of Dos and Don’ts helpful? Let me know in the comments.
Easily book your appointment: www.joyfulrisingspa.com
Call/Text: 754.777.9437
Follow me on Instagram: (@joyful_rising)
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