Make the Most of Your Massage

1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

2. Don’t eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first.

3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

4. Communicate with your massage therapist:

    • Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage   therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.

    • Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may use oil, lotion or powders to reduce friction on your skin.  If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.

    • During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.

    • Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.

5. Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

6. Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

7. Drink extra water after your massage.

8. Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session. 

9. Be prepared to 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. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed. 

Tips from American Massage Therapy Association