How to get the most out of your massage session!
Whether you are brand new to massage or a regular client, there are a few simple things you can do to make your session more effective, more relaxing, and longer lasting. Massage is more than just lying on the table- it’s a partnership between you and your therapist to help you feel your best.
1.) Communicate Openly
Your comfort matters. Speak up if:
- The pressure is too light or too deep
- You’re too warm or too cold
- You prefer silence or want different music or the music off
- For any other reason that makes you uncomfortable
Massage is your time. I’m here to make sure it suits your needs, not just physically but mentally too.
2.) Hydrate Before and After
Being hydrated helps enhance the benefits of massage! Massage is a manual movement of the muscles; this moves Lymph and interstitial fluid through the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This fluid is made up mostly of water and helps aid in the removal of metabolic waste. The kidneys and liver need water to process the additional flux of fluids moving through your system. Having plenty of water in your body helps your body heal, these systems to function properly!
3.) Wear comfortable clothes and undress to your comfort level!
Please undress to YOUR comfort level! During the massage your private areas will be draped at all times by a sheet. Do keep in mind that you might limit what the therapist can massage with oil or cream and limit certain modalities if you keep clothing on. There is nothing worse than getting up from a massage and having to put uncomfortable clothes back on! I suggest bringing clothes that can help the feeling of being light on your feet last for longer!
4.) Take deep breaths
Breathing deeply helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls the “Rest and Relax” mode your body needs to heal. If you find yourself holding your breath, consciously slow it down and breathe into any areas of tension. Imagine your body getting heavy and sinking into the table.
4.) Don’t talk!
Focus on connecting with your body! We go everyday ignoring it and massage is great at bridging that gap. I get a lot of people that say “WOW! I didn’t know I was sore in so many places!” Daily life puts emphasis on so many different things, enjoy the massage and the time to reconnect with how your body actually feels and what it is trying to tell you. Do feel free to give feedback or tell me of any discomforts!
5.) Relax your muscles
You don’t have to ” help ” me by holding or flexing your body. Let your muscles melt into the table. The more you relax, the deeper we can work without pain. This vastly increases the benefits of massage. If we are doing therapeutic massage, I will let you know if I need any help!
6.) Give feedback
Everyone’s pain tolerance and preferences are different. Let me know if there’s a spot that needs extra attention, or if you’d like a specific area skipped. Feel free to change your mind!! Sometimes, you might think you want extra time on a spot, but when we get there it’s just too sore, or ticklish, or a million other things! The massage session is tailored for you. I will always check in, but you are welcome to guide the session as needed.
7.) Avoid heavy meals right before
A light snack is fine, but try not to eat a full meal immediately before your session. Lying face-down with a full stomach can be uncomfortable and limit your ability to relax and enjoy your massage. You could experience heart burn or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
8.) Plan to take it easy afterwards
If you can, give yourself time to rest or do something low-key after your massage. Your body continues to process and heal long after you get off the table, so avoid high-stress or physically demanding activities if possible.
9.) Book regularly
One massage is great. A consistent massage schedule is even better. Regular sessions help retain your muscles, reduce chronic tension, and improve your overall well-being.
10.) Please don’t come in sick
Massage can make you feel worse when you’re sick. Massage stimulates your circulatory and lymphatic systems, which is great for healing when you’re healthy- but when you’re actively fighting something off, it can amplify your symptoms. You may feel more congested, achy, or exhausted after a session. Even illness that aren’t contagious can be worse after a massage, like a UTI. Please pay attention to cancellation policies and give your therapist as much notice as possible. If you have an illness or an emergency happens, and you give the maximum notice possible the therapist may be able to work with you on any cancelation fees.
Everybody is different, and so is every massage. The more you tune in to what your body needs and communicate those needs openly, the more your session can work for you. Small things-like staying hydrated, speaking up about pressure, or simply giving yourself time to unwind-can turn a good massage into a truly meaningful one. It’s your time, your space, and your healing
By: Heather Grinder, LMT-
Heather’s Therapeutic Massage