How to have a great massage…
It is here! You've been waiting all week for today...and, your massage appointment.
For many of my clients, that means they get up and shower. They carry on with their morning routine and head my way. But, I have some tips to make that appointment even better, last longer and help your recovery from deeper tissue work.
Water!!!
It is kind of a trope to hear your therapist say, "Now, make sure to drink some water today." Who listens to that? What we mean is that we just flushed a bunch of toxins through your system and if you don't drink water, they will remain in your lymphatic system and possibly make you feel worse. Ideally, have 10-12 ounces before your appointment and another 10-12 ounces immediately after.
Just a friendly reminder, divide your body weight in half. THAT is your minimum number of ounces of water to have each day...minimum. You will need to add more if you get a massage, exercise, are nursing, spend time in heat or ingest dehydrating things such as tea, coffee or alcohol.
Bathing
While appreciated, it really matters more to you than me. In fact, if I do a lot of deep tissue work I may recommend an Epsom salt bath later. (Magnesium = Soothing the muscle fiber) I also include Magnesium Oil in all of my sessions. We will want that to have time to absorb before you wash it off. So, I recommend showering/bathing 2-6 hours after your session.
Hair
The last 10-20 minutes of your session is usually focused on the head, neck and shoulders. 99% of my clients say it is their favorite part of the session.
If you have bathed and washed your hair, dry hair is certainly easier for me to give you a great scalp massage. But, I can still use my magic fingers on wet hair as well.
Imagine that you have to lay down on your hairstyle. Can you comfortably rotate your head from side to side with your hair like that? Are you okay messing up your hair? Tie that mop up into a messy bun right on top of your head with a loose scrunchie or band. Once I get to your head, I want to let it all down and work through your hair.. (Extra moisture for your mane!)
More hair
SKIP THE SHAVING! That opens up the hair follicle and pores. Then my massage cream, essential oils, or even the skin friction can irritate your skin. Honestly I do not care if you are prickly!
The Flip
In a perfect world, if you are face down and flip onto your back, the bolster holding your ankles up should be right in the bend of your knee after the turn. It really is an artform! I only have a handful of clients that do it just right. I do not mind adjusting the bolster for you, but I tell you this so that you know what we are aiming for. If you flip and the bolster is in a weird location, you probably need to scoot down on the table as well.
And, which way do you turn? Turn toward me. I am holding the sheet against the table with my body and holding the far edge of the sheet above you to give you space to turn as well as privacy. If you turn away from me, you risk taking the top sheet with you and getting tangled in the sheet. In the long run, it doesn't matter but I may have to adjust your sheeting once you are settled on your back.
Jewelry
Nix it. All of your baubles are beautiful, but they can impede the flow, and depth, of your work. Got a nice engagement ring with prongs? It will be pretty pokey to me. Wearing a necklace? It can get pulled tight on your neck and while I want to work through your neck and shoulders thoroughly, I don't want to break your chain to do it!
Clothing
Anything goes! While most of my clients will leave on their underwear, I will be fine with whatever you want to wear as I will have you covered with a drape the entire time. I've had clients leave on their socks, bras...even their pants for a full body session. I can work with anything. But, my top priority is you feeling comfortable and if leaving certain garments on helps you to feel better during your session then that works for me!
Feeling iffy? Icky? Sick?
If you have a fever, it is a hard NO! Fever is a contraindication for massage. Have an active illness...reschedule. Allergies/congestion? At this time (Damn, Covid), I would ask you to reschedule as well. But, in general, massage can make all of your symptoms worse before you feel better. It can even make symptoms post vaccination worse. So, give your body some time to process one thing at a time.
Your Therapist has Limits
I consider myself a medium pressure therapist. Yes, I can do deeper work...and it wipes me out. I can do lighter work (especially if you have a physical need or if you booked a lymphatic drainage or abhyanga appointment).
Voice your Limits
I always ask for health updates and what areas you want me to focus on...but, if you want me to avoid your face/hair. Have a bad bruise that is still tender. Have recently had a medical procedure in an area we need to avoid? Just let me know.
Music
I have curated a playlist over ten years that I love to work to...but I am not opposed to switching it up if that isn't your vibe. Give me your requests or bring your own. My Bluetooth speaker is open for you!
Everything is Customizable
Want different music? A special blend of essential oils added in? Need lighter pressure on your IT band, but deeper on the glutes? Don't be afraid to let me know! This is your experience and while I have the training, I want you to leave happy with your day's self care.
