Massage therapy is an effective and beneficial form of relaxation and stress-reduction. Whether you’re going in for a deep tissue massage, a facial massage, or an aromatherapy massage, getting ready for your massage appointment requires some thought and preparation. Follow these tips to ensure you enjoy the most beneficial and relaxing experience.
What Should I Wear To My Massage Appointment?
The standard answer to this question is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing – and that couldn’t be more accurate! Choose clothing that you feel relaxed in, is straightforward to move in, and offers your body plenty of room to breathe. You’ll want to choose fabrics that are breathable and won’t irritate your skin. Ultimately, your massage therapist will ask you to disrobe and get covered up with a draping blanket, depending on the type of massage you’re receiving.
Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that comfort is key and that “it is for the best if you can undress completely for a massage” in order to gain the most benefit. The degree of undress during your massage is ultimately up to you. If the idea of being undressed makes you nervous, it’s important to communicate that to your massage therapist ahead of time so they can work with you to ensure your comfort level.
How Should I Communicate My Needs To My Massage Therapist?
Communication is incredibly important when it comes to massage therapy. Your massage therapist will want to assess your exact needs and preferences when it comes to the pressure level and modality, and the only way they can get all the details right is if you’re open and honest about your needs. The hallmark of a good massage is openness and communication between the massage therapist and the client.
Your massage therapist will normally start your appointment with a quick assessment, so it’s best to talk through any aches and pains, past injuries and chronic issues. This way, your massage therapist can work all these areas and provide you with the best treatment. Even if you don’t have an existing health concern that needs to be addressed, it’s still important that you talk to your massage therapist to let them know your preferences. Knowing how you prefer to be massaged can drastically improve both the quality and effectiveness of your massage.
What Are The Benefits Of Massage Therapy?
From easing stress and tension, to improving circulation and alleviating chronic pain, massage therapy is a powerful form of healing with a long list of benefits. The most common issue that many people seek out massage therapy for is to alleviate and manage stress. Research has found that massage therapy can help lower cortisol (the stress hormone) production in the body in a significant and meaningful way.
In addition to stress-related issues, massage is an effective treatment for pain and stiffness in the body, stiffness or tension associated with injury, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and other physical issues. Massage therapy can even improve postural issues and overall range of motion in joints. It’s also increasingly being used to treat mental health conditions including anxiety and PTSD.
Massage: A Guide To Relaxation
The most important thing to remember is that massage should be a relaxing experience. There’s no point in having a massage if it’s a stressful event, so make sure that you’re mentally and physically prepared. Make sure you’re not running late to your appointment and arrive a few minutes early if possible. Check in with your therapist right away and give them a brief overview of what you hope to gain from the session. This is also the time to address any specific requests or preferences.
During the massage, make sure you stay communicative if the pressure is too much. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand or give specific feedback on areas that need a bit more or less pressure. And go slow when transitioning out of the massage session — move slowly and avoid any sudden movements as you ease back into your day. Ultimately, massage therapy should help you relax and not put extra stress on your body.
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating experience during your upcoming massage appointment, the best thing you can do is prepare ahead of time. By mixing the tips above with your own personal preferences, you’ll ensure a massage experience you can feel great about.
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