Get the most from your massage
Massages are supposed to be helpful...
When used as a regular therapy they can help you to get real relief from even the trickiest aches and pains. They are also great for relieving stress and built up tension and that can allow your mind and body to realign. Sometimes, however, people’s uncertainty about the massage experience causes them more stress and anxiety, which is definitely counterproductive. Here, I’ll answer my 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions about massage to help you relax about it a bit – in no particular order.
Do I have to take off all my clothes?
- So many people jokingly tease with me about me “rubbing naked people” all day but I’m sure that is because of their discomfort with the subject. I can assure you that as your massage therapists, I’m focused on your muscles, how they are affecting your other body systems, and what techniques I can use to help you reach your session or treatment goals. The fact that you are naked (Whaaa! Who knew?!) and the shape of your body are only relevant to me so that I can adjust my technique or the way I use my tools to help achieve your best outcome possible.
- After we review health concerns and session goals I instruct each of my clients to undress to their level of comfort explaining that for females removing their bra is ideal to allow uninterrupted access to their whole back. Then I stress (to all clients) that draping will maintain their modesty at all times. With all that being said, if you are still uncomfortable getting undressed then you don’t have to. Some are more or less comfortable with undressing for varying reasons and we work through that… right through your clothing in fact, to decrease your anxiety and still help you to feel better. Over time if you decide that you are comfortable with removing your clothing to experiencing healthy caring touch in a safe environment then you will know the perfect place.
Do I have to shave first?
Some of my clients tell me as I get to their legs “I shaved for you.” We chuckle and I say you didn’t have to do that. Or sometimes people apologize for not having time to shave before they came and I assure them that shaving is absolutely not required. I don’t care about how much or little hair you have. Hair is a normal part of your body and of my job. If forced to choose between a hairy client and a not as hairy one I’d choose the one that won’t let their body hair stop them from getting a massage. You do or don’t do what make you comfortable and if it makes you feel any better know that I’ve never saved my legs and I’ve never apologized for it.
What time should I arrive?
- Arriving at least 10 minutes before your session is ideal. This gives you time to be caught in a little traffic, complete paperwork if needed, begin to relax a little, and still get a FULL HOUR of massage time. As a private business I have set scheduling up to allow for minor delays and still give customers a full hour but if you are significantly late that won’t be the case. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early and you are sure to get the hour massage you paid for… if you’re lucky you might even get a few more minutes to boot.
Can I check that notification right quick? Or Can I bring my phone?
- The short and sweet answer is, “NO!” Ignore your phone. It will be ok. It’s only an hour, give or take… it can wait. This is your chance to unplug. Your brain needs time to rest and restore, to retain and catalog. Thinking about that last text, who said what on social media, or how you are going to reply to that email restricts your body from releasing tension… So, Stop It! Trust me, ignoring the devise(s) is a fantastic way to help your body get the most from your massage.
How often will I have to go? How often should I get a massage?
- How often you should get a massage is specific to your needs though regular massage is best. Your body is regularly exposed to stressors which can cause tension, disorder, and pain so regular massage is a great wellness tool to combat those. If you already have some disorder or are experiencing pain, I’d recommend more frequent visits until you are pain free or reach some balance that you feel better about. If you are trying to maintain a stress free existence and prevent unnecessary woes, 1-2 monthly massages is my recommendation. Regular massage is also easier on your wallet. Scheduling your next massage within 30 days will save you over 10% and prepaying for 3 massage bundles, to be used as frequently as you see fit, will save you 15%.
What if I get too relaxed and I pass gas?
- Then either I’ve done an excellent job or you really needed this. Is there even a such thing as too relaxed? Seriously though, gas and gurgles are normal. During the day your brain and body have so much to manage that digestion gets put on the back burner. We actually do most of our major digestion work overnight while we rest. So a little gas during a massage is a sign that you are truly relaxed. Now, I’m not going around asking people to “let ‘er rip” during their massages but I won’t say anything if you don’t so, if one slips, it is what it is… occupational hazard I guess. J
The first time I traveled across country by myself I was so nervous. Will my plane land on time, will I be able to find and arrive at my connecting terminal in time, will I get stuck seated beside a weird chatter box on the plane (Self reflection: I’m probably the weird chatter box). All those things could have held me back from making that trip but I really needed what was at my final destination. I had to ignore those fears and make the trip for my own good. Don’t let these things, or anything else for that matter, stop you from getting the results you need. If you have any specific concerns call your therapist and ask. If your therapist isn’t willing to answer questions to help make you feel comfortable about your treatment… you may want to consider a different therapist.
V Well!