Blog > Massage > Massage 101: Five Tips to Getting the Best Massage
Cortiva Institute
Getting a massage can be so much more than a relaxing getaway. There are many health benefits, too. In fact, massages can be an effective treatment for a number of ailments or injuries.
Before booking your massage, however, you’ll want to be prepared. Below are five tips to help you out before your journey into massage wellness.
Essential Massage Therapy Tips
Getting a massage is so much more than just laying down on a table. Here are five tips as you start your journey into massage wellness:
1. Make sure you are prepared.
You’ll want to consider several things before booking and getting your massage. You will first have to choose between several types of massage therapy (Swedish, stone, deep tissue, sports, luxury massage, etc.). Once you’ve determined the type you want and booked it, you’ll also want to remember to get to your massage early. Arriving before your scheduled time gives you ample time to become relaxed, which will allow you to maximize your experience.
Similarly, schedule your massage on a day when you have nothing planned. It might be tempting to squeeze in your session during your break at work or during a busy day, but doing this hinders your ability to fully relax while your massage happens.
Also try not to eat a huge meal before your massage. You don’t want to feel stuffed or have any digestive issues throughout. Finally, wear comfortable clothing. This is more important for afterward when you will want to be as comfortable as possible while you are soaking in the benefits and after-effects of your massage.
2. Communicate with your RMT (registered massage therapist).
Communication is important in all stages of the massage: before, during, and after. Before, let your RMT know why you are getting a massage. Tell them if you are looking to relax or if you have injuries or other medical issues you’d like to tend to. The more information you can give your RMT, the better they can come up with a treatment plan.
Be open and honest with your RMT during your massage, too. Let them know if they are applying too much or too little pressure. If the massage feels especially good in a certain area and you would like more attention paid to that part of your body, let them know! RMTs are trained professionals and will not be offended by you voicing your opinion. In fact, they will be grateful you did!
3. Breathe.
This is a common piece of advice from massage therapists; when working on a particularly problematic area, it’s easy to hold your breath and tense up. What you want to do is breathe through the massage. Find a rhythm and stick with it, even when it gets a little bit uncomfortable.
4. Listen to your RMT’s recommendations.
Getting the massage itself is just part one of improving your health. Your RMT will have suggestions for what you can do at home to get the most out of your journey into massage wellness, so make sure you ask for their expert recommendations and actually follow through on using them post-massage.
5. Prioritize aftercare, too.
A massage will release toxins into your body, so you will want to be prepared for the potential side effects of that. Don’t get off the table too quickly if you are feeling lightheaded or dizzy. The amount of time you need to gather yourself will already be considered when you book your appointment, so you are in no rush to go anywhere. Additionally, drink plenty of water — and keep drinking plenty of water — once the massage is complete.
You should also maximize the benefits once you’re home by doing a relaxing activity, such as taking a warm bath. Beyond that, don’t forget to book your next appointment. This is especially important if you are using massage wellness for a medical issue or an injury.
Making Massage Wellness a Part of Your Routine
Now that you’ve booked your appointment, you can start looking forward to the benefits of massage wellness. This will make for a more relaxed and healthier version of you in both the short and long term. To reap all the benefits of your massage wellness journey, whether it be for healing or simply for relaxing, take the time to do it right.
If you are ready to begin your massage wellness journey and want to learn more, get in touch today! We look forward to talking soon!
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