Partnering with your massage therapist

An effective massage requires a partnership. We massage therapists are in charge of giving our clients the best massage possible. And you are in charge of relaxing the best you know how in whatever ways work for you. So we like you to communicate what feels good and what isn’t so great.

1. A lot goes on in a massage session

The first thing that we tend to think of in massage is pressure. Do you sometimes feel like shrinking away from a touch that’s too deep or fast? Do you ever feel frustrated because the technique feels too light or not specific enough? We would love to know so we can adjust to meet your needs. We have a lot of tricks up our sleeve. 

If you are too cold, it is easy to turn up the heat. If you are uncomfortable on the table, you can shift to another position or be supported with extra pillows. If you don’t like an oil or lotion, there is probably something else on hand that you will like better. Would you like the music louder or softer — or turned off completely?  

2. Help yourself relax

Try ignoring concerns about yawning or stomach gurgling. These are expected, even welcomed, during sessions because they are signs you are letting go of tension. 

3. After your massage

You can help extend the benefits for your continued health and relaxation even after your massage. Drink plenty of water. It helps carry away waste products that can be released from your muscles during a massage, and your muscles may feel less sore and fatigued.

If you are a little sore or if the massage didn’t relieve all your aches and pains, take a hot shower or hot bath with Epsom salts when you get home. Don’t forget to relate your experience in your next session, so the pressure can be adjusted if need be. To extend the benefits of your sessions, keep up an exercise program, remembering that you don’t have to be a super athlete. Walking for 30 minutes, taking a tai chi class, or moving to music around your living room keeps your circulation moving and oxygenates your muscles.

Postpone if you're ill!

If you have a fever or an infectious sickness, even a common cold, there is good reason to postpone your appointment. For one thing, you may find that touch does not feel good. Second, your immune system is working hard to control and isolate the infection, and it’s possible massage could hinder this process. Even if massage sounds good to you, some people feel worse after receiving a massage when they are sick. 

There is also a good chance your infection is contagious in the first stages. This is usually when you are feeling the worst, or are coughing and sneezing frequently. The more you limit your contact with others, the less you will spread it around. If you don’t pass a cold to your practitioner, she or he won’t give it to other clients.

When you catch the cold or flu, let yourself rest and drink plenty of liquids. Then enjoy your next massage in good health!

Happy New Year!

It's a new year, and I just want to thank my readers for sticking with me in 2010. I hope to bring you more useful information in 2011. Questions or topic suggestions are welcome!

~Stephanie