Receiving A Massage

Receiving a massage properly is essential for getting the most out of the experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, being relaxed, mindful, and communicative can help you maximize the benefits of your massage. Here’s a guide on how to receive a massage properly:

 

1. Arrive Early

Arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment in order to settle in and relax before the session begins. Rushed or late arrivals can result in a rushed or shortened massage, so it’s best to be punctual and ready. Remember, the scheduled time is the time we need to start the massage. If your massage is scheduled for for 10am, plan on arriving between 9:50 and 9:55.

 

2. Communicate Your Preferences

Before the massage starts, I will typically ask a few questions. This is your chance to provide important information:

• Pressure: Don’t hesitate to ask me to adjust pressure during the session if it’s too much or too little. I likely won't ask before the massage starts because what you booked tells me a lot, and I check in a few times during the session.
• Focus Areas: If you have specific areas of tension (like shoulders, lower back, or neck), be sure to mention them so that I can focus on those areas. I'm more than happy to focus specifically on those particular areas, or give you a full-body massage with more focus on said areas, but please let me know before we start so that I can plan accordingly. If you want a full-body massage with more focus on specific areas, I highly recommend a 90 or 120-minute session.
• Comfort: Tell me about any comfort preferences, like the room temperature, music, or lighting. If something feels off (e.g., if you’re too cold or uncomfortable), don’t be afraid to speak up.

 

3. Undress to Your Comfort Level

Once we're done chatting beforehand, I'll leave the room to give you privacy. Typically, you’ll undress to your comfort level. In a traditional massage, you may be fully undressed or wear undergarments, while others might prefer to keep more clothes on, such as a swimsuit or athletic wear. You'll be appropriately covered the whole time.
 

4. Lie Still and Try Not To Help

Once you’re on the table, take a deep breath and just rest. I'll start you face down unless you specify you'd rather start face up. You'll have this urge to want to try and help me... for example, when I lift your arm, legs, head, etc. you'll want to jump in and do it for me. Try not to. Resist that urge as much as possible. It’s important to remain as still and relaxed during the massage, which allows me to work effectively on your muscles.

• Avoid talking too much: I strongly discourage engaging in conversation during a massage. The goal is to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

 

5. Breathe Deeply

Breathing deeply and slowly will help your body relax and release tension. Focus on your breath to keep your mind calm and allow your muscles to soften. This is especially helpful if you’re receiving a deep tissue massage or working through tension spots.

• Don’t hold your breath: When you hold your breath, you also hold your body tight, which defeats the purpose of the massage.

 

6. Provide Feedback During the Massage

If at any point the pressure feels too much or too little, or if you feel any discomfort, let your therapist know immediately. I want to ensure your comfort. Likewise, if you're enjoying a particular area being worked on, feel free to let me know that as well.

• Pain vs. Discomfort: "It needs to hurt to be effective" is a myth. Understand the difference between pain and discomfort. Deep tissue work can sometimes feel intense, but it shouldn’t be painful to the point of causing sharp pain. If it is, speak up.

 

7. Stay Present, But Don't Force Yourself to Stay Awake

Avoid distractions and try to stay present during your massage. This means not checking your phone or worrying about other things on your mind. Focus on the sensations you’re feeling during the massage and allow yourself to fully unwind.

• Mindfulness helps: Many people find that the more they focus on the sensations of the massage and their breath, the more they can relax.
• Falling asleep: Falling asleep during a massage is perfectly fine. I have people snoring all the time on my table. Trust me, you won't miss anything if you fall asleep.

 

8. Let Go of Tension

Try to consciously relax the muscles you’re not currently working on. For example, if I'm working on your back, consciously release any tension in your legs or face. This makes it easier for me to work through the tension and increases the benefits of the massage.

 

9. Stay Relaxed After the Session

When we're done, take your time to get up slowly and avoid jumping up too quickly. You might feel a little light-headed or dizzy... almost a drunk feeling—this is normal. Massage brain is a very real thing!

• Stretch gently: After a massage, it always feels good to stretch as though you're just getting up in the morning.
• Drink water: Massage can flush out lactic acid, so it’s important to drink water and maybe take a relaxing walk to help flush the system.

 

10. Provide Feedback Afterward

After your massage, you can share any feedback with me... I would love to hear it. Did the pressure feel right? Was the room temperature comfortable? Did you enjoy the session overall? Your feedback can help improve your next experience.

 

11. Follow Up for Additional Sessions

If you found the session beneficial and feel like you want to continue, I'd love to have you come back. Some people benefit from weekly or monthly massages for stress relief, pain management, or recovery from physical activity.

 

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid heavy meals or alcohol before the session: You don’t want to feel bloated or sluggish during your massage, and alcohol can affect your body’s ability to process the work.
• Avoid strenuous activities immediately afterward: Your body may be in a relaxed state afterwords, so it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise right after the session. Treat it as a rest day.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up: Whether it’s for comfort or pressure, always communicate with me so I can adjust accordingly.

 

In Summary:

To properly receive a massage, arrive early, communicate your preferences and areas of discomfort, focus on relaxation, and remain mindful of your breath throughout the session. Afterward, take your time and hydrate. Regular communication is key to ensuring you get the most out of each session.

See you soon!