Ever wonder what your massage therapist is thinking or wants you to know? The person receiving a massage often does most of the talking or is asked questions throughout the massage as to their comfort level.
Here are some tips for you to avoid awkward moments, pain, and throwing away money. We want you to have the best possible massage experience that you can with us. Setting expectations up front and communication are essential in making this happen.
Breathing
Breathing releases muscle tension. It relaxes you. It takes away the stress of the day. Someone that isn’t breathing makes it more challenging to massage properly, and you’ll end up in more pain. Just relax, and continue to breathe during your massage to send oxygen to your blood supply.
Clothes or No Clothes?
Your massage therapist will tell you to undress to your level of comfort once meeting you in the massage room. We are okay if you leave your undergarments on or if you get completely naked. There is no judgment involved. We want you to be 100% comfortable. Trust that we will keep you appropriately covered by draping you with sheets if you are concerned with being exposed. We are trained professionals and see naked bodies every day. Having no clothes on actually helps us because your undergarments do not get in the way of us massaging you thoroughly.
Speak Up
We typically ask you “how is the pressure” or “are you okay” during your massage. Please speak up about anything that might be an issue for you in real time. You will not be considered bossy. It will help both of us if you communicate your needs, wants, and any issues. Again, it gives us a better chance of achieving your expectation.
Water BEFORE and AFTER Massage
Hydrating before and after a massage is beneficial to your massage. Just like exercising, your muscle tissues can become dehydrated during a massage. Read more about why you should drink water before and after a massage.
Warm Shower
A long, hot shower before a massage can help relax your mind and muscles so you’ll be looser to rub and less tense. It’s a bonus to be clean too!
Better Not to Exercise Before
You don’t want to put additional stress or strain on your muscles and body to exercise AFTER your massage, especially if you are having a deep tissue massage. It is fine before-hand.
When Scheduling, Request Desired Style
To manage your expectations, it is vital for the client to let us know what they are looking for up front. It is a great idea to let us know the style of massage and pressure preference at the time that you are booking it with us.
We have many styles of massage and levels of pressure. Here are some of the ones we offer:
- Deep Tissue Therapy
- Swedish
- Neuromuscular
- Sports
- Prenatal
- Chair
- Hot Stone
- Aromatherapy
- Acupressure
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Reiki
Are You Hurting?
Massage should not be painful. You may experience a little pain if your muscles are extremely tight. If we apply too much force, your muscles will tighten up more and create even more pain and possibly bruising the muscle and damaging it. Be sure to communicate with us about the pain level. Every person’s body and tolerance is unique. This is definitely not one size fits all.
Body Noises
As your body relaxes, sometimes we hear things. It’s normal and natural. Again, you are in a judgment-free zone. Massages improve digestion, so your tummy may start to talk while you are on our table. You may be embarrassed — no need to be. If you use the restroom immediately before receiving your massage, you’ll have a better chance of your body being a little quieter. Another good idea is not to eat right before you come to our office. Maybe a couple of hours before your massage.
Frequency
If you only get a massage once a year, it may not give you the results that you want. Less is more does not apply for massage. You’ll receive the best benefits with a frequency that works for you.
At I Got Your Back Massage Therapy, we are in the business of helping people relax, quiet their mind, reduce pain and stress so why wouldn’t we show Palm Harbor the same message on our website? We are happy to announce that I Got Your Back Massage Therapy has published a new and easy to use website to see our services offered and find out more about what we do to help your mind, body, and soul.
Give us a call at 727-772-0220 for your next massage to help you relieve headaches, pain, and aches. I Got Your Back Massage Therapy is conveniently located at 1684 Alternate 19 in Palm Harbor. Our massage therapists are skilled in many techniques to help you improve your physical and mental health, including relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reiki, and aromatherapy. Contact the professionals at I Got Your Back Massage Therapy and set up an appointment.
