How to Prepare for Your Massage

What to Expect

A massage can be very therapeutic, it can help reduce anxiety, break up muscle tension, and help relieve pain causing scar tissue from previous injuries. When you know what to expect and how to prepare for a massage you will get the full benefit of your massage.

Four Ways to Be Prepared for Your Massage

Muscle tension and life’s stressors may be the reason for your visit, there’s no need to stress about your massage too. If you know how to prepare for a massage appropriately, you can walk into your appointment ready to take in the full benefit of your session.

1. HYDRATE BEFORE AND AFTER AN APPOINTMENT

Make sure you are hydrated before you go to your massage appointment and prepared to drink plenty of water following your appointment. Ultimately, stressed muscles lead to inflammation and toxin build up that can block essential nutrients and oxygen from getting to where they need to go and thus contributing to pain and stress. A massage starts to break up and release those built-up toxins as your therapists loosens your muscles. Massage gets your blood and oxygen circulating as they should but a massage is dehydrating in nature. Staying hydrated before and after the massage is recommended because the water helps flush those released toxins.

2. WEAR LOOSE, COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

Plan to wear loose comfortable clothing to your massage to begin your relaxation process. You will be asked to dress down to your comfort level for your massage. Wearing loose clothing to your massage will make the undressing process much easier for you. After your massage, you may feel tender or just extremely relaxed and you will appreciate not having to put on restrictive clothing.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMMUNICATE

Your massage therapist is there to help you feel better. If you have a specific problem area or purely just want to relax on the table – let your therapist know. Your massage therapist will likely use oils and lotions to reduce friction during your massage, make sure you communicate any allergies you may have. Additionally, your therapist is a licensed professional but they want to know if you experience any discomfort from applied pressure and they can adjust their technique to accommodate your physical needs.

4. BREATHE NORMALLY

The relaxation of your body and mind is key to getting the most out of your massage session. Your therapist will be working to loosen your muscles. Normal breathing helps expedite relaxation. Often, people will hold their breaths or limit their breath while on the massage table because they feel nervous – this can be counterproductive. Holding your breath often contracts your muscles more, making them tougher to loosen. Inhale and exhale normally while your therapist executes various massage techniques.

Three Things to Expect From Your Massage

Now that you know how to prepare for a massage you might be wondering what you can expect from your massage.

1. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO UNDRESS

Your massage therapist will leave the room to give you the privacy you need to remove your clothing, it’s up to you if you choose to undress completely or to leave your underwear on before you slip under the top sheet of the massage table. Take your time and don’t worry, your therapist will always make sure you are properly covered by a towel or sheet throughout your session.

2. YOU MIGHT FALL ASLEEP

One of the biggest compliments for a massage therapist is the sound of snoring during a massage session. A massage session can offer you such relief and relaxation that you might find yourself nodding-off for a bit. Don’t worry! Snooze away. This is your time and we are flattered knowing we helped you relax.

3. YOU’LL WANT TO COME BACK

The release of the ‘feel good’ endorphins will have you feeling a natural high. Those endorphins leave you feeling relaxed and energized at the same time. The good news is those endorphins have their own healing qualities and the benefits of massage accumulate over time with regularly scheduled sessions.