Preparing for your Massage
You know you’ve had a disappointing massage experience when you leave a session feeling mentally and physically dissatisfied. Whether you had a hard time relaxing, you weren’t comfortable with the therapist’s massage approach, room temperature is not to your liking, or the music or lighting, there are many internal and external factors that can come into play during a massage session.
To make the most of your next massage, adopt the following four tips before, during and after your session so you can maximize your experience and leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Find the Best Massage Therapist for You
Finding a massage therapist that you’re compatible with and comfortable with in regard to personality and massage delivery techniques can make or break your satisfaction. When you initially call our entre, you will be placed with the best massage therapist to fit your needs. It’s important to know that every massage therapist has a unique approach and specific areas they focus on. You’re welcome to do research prior to a massage to make sure a therapist’s approach aligns with your goals and expectations, or we can place you with one that fits your goals.
Communicating your specific aches or pains with the therapist both prior to starting the session and during the session is also important to ensure your needs will be met during the massage.
Be Early and Be Prepared
Rushing around and running late for a massage session will only lead to a sub-par experience, since you aren’t giving your mind and body time to pause and prepare for a relaxing experience. To get the most benefits out of your massage session, we recommend that you arrive at the centre at least 15 minutes ahead of the appointment to fill out paperwork, use the restroom and decompress any stress you’ve encountered throughout the day.
When you’re lying on the table waiting for the therapist to come in to start the massage, it also can be helpful to take a few deep breathes to clear your mind and prepare your body to melt into the warm, comfortable table.
“When clients are running behind, everyone feels rushed and stressed,”. “Being early is being on time when you get a massage. It allows you to be prepared and ready so your experience is everything you want it to be.”
Leave Your Thoughts At The Door
One of the biggest obstacles to a successful massage experience is letting outside stresses, devices and frustrations sneak into the massage room with you. Both massage therapists and clients need to make concentrated efforts to remove distractions that can negatively affect the outcome of the session such as cell phones, memories of a heated discussion or home and work stress.
“As you’re in a session, try not to think about all of the things that are stressing you out,”. “Whether it’s good or bad, leave your attitudes and frustrations at the door so you can have a more relaxing experience.”
Adopt a Relaxed Post-Massage Routine
After you’ve taken at least an hour out of your day to focus on relaxing and unwinding during your massage session, the last thing you want to do is run out into the world full speed ahead. Instead, the best post-massage prescription is to head home to a relaxing environment where you can take a hot bath with Epsom salt to relieve any soreness and keep your muscles loose.
“The best day to schedule a massage is when you can just chill out afterward,” “If you get a massage and then spend the rest of the day rushing around or doing strenuous exercise, you’re not going to enjoy the full benefits of the massage. We do a lot of work to fix things during a massage. So you don’t want to undo it all by doing too much for the rest of the day.”
Getting a massage is great for relaxing your mind and body, but reaping the benefits of a massage long after the session ends is when you can really start establishing total health and wellness. The next time you schedule a massage, maximize your experience by following these simple but effective tips before, during and after your session.
Unwinding
This is a simple and powerful way to release tension in your body and mind. You will need about 10 minutes of alone time where you won’t be interrupted. Start by standing, sitting down or laying on your bed. Close your eyes, let go, and allow your body to release tension. You may feel like swaying, contracting, lengthening etc. You may notice that you start yawning which is a sign of tension leaving your system. Emotions most likely will rise up during the process as stress gets released. Be a witness to those emotions and observe as they rise up and get released in waves. Take as long as you need to rest afterwards and come out of the process. You will be amazed at how light and refreshed you will feel! If you are having difficulty feeling into your body try putting on some music that speaks to your heart for the process. You can also stand with your eyes closed, bend your knees slightly, relax your body and start bouncing gently. This may help you connect and feel what is happening inside yourself more easily.
Invite Restorative Sleep
To get better quality sleep, avoid electronic devices for at least one hour before bed. This gives your mind a chance to unwind. You can play relaxing music, do some gentle stretching, take a warm bath…anything that helps you let go of the tensions of the day. Drinking a cup of turmeric milk and massaging your feet with essential oils to help with grounding and calming.
All 5 of these tips can help release tension and increase mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.