I know, I know, you lie there. Duh. But hear me out. A healthy life at home is dependent on many factors - feeling good about your space so you can share it with others, keeping things clean and organized so you can focus your energies on work and play, and keeping track of your own well being, both physically and mentally.
When one thing starts to go out of whack, its hard to keep the rest of your homelife running smoothly, so it's important to be proactive. Last week, after several days of excruciating mystery back pain, I finally said budget-be-damned and got myself to a massage therapist. The results? Spectacular.
I had immediate pain relief, increased mental clarity, and I was incredibly relaxed. Plus, there are tons more proven physical and mental benefits. But, as great as massages are, they can sometimes go awry. Ultimately it's up to you to make sure you get the most beneficial massage. Here's how to make the most of your massage therapist appointment, either in office or at home...
Schedule it. Personally, I like an evening massage so I can go right to sleep after, but I also don't know anyone who wouldn't have a great day if it started with a massage. Either way, make sure you're not rushed when going to your appointment or after you're finished. There's no sense in stressing yourself out because you have to get to your massage. Making an appointment in advance not only means you can be choosy about your therapist, but you also get to look forward to it for a few days. Dropping in means you get whoever is on deck rather than finding the best match for you.
Pick the right place. Mine was for a medical issue, so I chose to get my massage at a chiropractic/massage center because I knew they'd be knowledgeable about how to manage my pain. A spa is lovely for relaxation and the extras (like getting to take a shower), and sometimes you just want a cheapie Thai massage. Whatever you choose, make sure it's clean and comfortable. If you arrive and it's not what you signed up for, it's okay to leave. The only thing worse than being uncomfortable and naked is paying for the pleasure of being uncomfortable and naked.
Be comfortable. Yes, it's intimate and a little intimidating but, I promise you, the massage therapist has seen it all. It may help to specifically request a male or female therapist when you schedule your appointment. If you feel better with your undies on, then that's fine. You're there to relax so anything that will help you do that will only make the masseuse's job easier. That said...
Speak up. If something is making you uncomfortable (it's cold, too bright) or you'd like more or less pressure, just say so. No one will be offended if you politely say what your needs are. Before you begin, it's great to discuss what you're hoping to get out of the massage (pure relaxation, shoulder tension relieved) or what you especially like (I love extra hand and foot massage), so your therapist knows how to give you the best experience possible.
Quiet your mind. After all the thinking about getting to your appointment and getting comfortable, try to just stop thinking altogether. Make a real effort to focus on your breathing and how good your body feels rather than what you're doing later or a problem you're facing. A lot of the benefits of massage are mental, which you'll miss if your mind is filled with other things.
Drink water. A massage is a workout for your body. Your muscles are being manipulated and releasing toxins. It's so important to be hydrated so your body can work at an optimum level. Drink lightly before (you don't want to have to pee during your massage) and pretty heavily after, to help your body cleanse itself.
Jump-start a new, healthy outlook. I often find that I feel so good after a massage that I want to keep that feeling going by taking care of myself with healthy food and exercise. I know many people who use a massage as a reward after a stressful event or a body-related challenge like weight loss. That's great, but consider getting one beforehand to prepare your body for a difficult time. It can spark an upward spiral in your health and wellness.
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This is a great list. Thanks so much for writing it. Some of these things I would have never thought of, like discussing what you hope to get out of the massage or bringing water to drink afterwards.
I don't disagree with any of these points. But am I the only one whose experience is that the very best massages ever are given by non-professionals? I've had many a pro massage, some better, some very insensitive. But all have just followed a formula - do this to that muscle group, then that to this muscle group - rather than relying on the infinitely more effective intuition-in-the-moment. Glad to get that off my chest. And the massage schools in most states have managed to push through legislation barring those who don't use their mechanistic models from being able to work. Lots of incendiary fears. Yes of course you can hurt someone if you press too hard in the wrong place. Umm, do they mean like the licensed practitioners who've given me massive headaches due to not following their intuitive touch?
I especially agree with "Speak Up". I had a massage one time where she used a lot of pressure on my shoulders and back, and at the time, I thought, "oh well, I'm sure it will feel better afterward,"... but I ended up bruised and pretty sore for days, and have not gone again. After reading this, maybe I'll give it another go.
I've been saying to myself for weeks now that I should bite the bullet and go get a massage. This post has confirmed all of the good i think it'll do for me. I'm going to groupon now to see if they have a deal for me!! :) thanks!
I did just that yesterday - I am lucky to finally have found a PERFECT massuesse for me. She is just perfect, and I am always the hard to please person. Luckily it is close to work, so I can go and see her after work, and she works at a SPa near my home, so I can go on the weekends there, if need be. Worth every penny... The benefits of it are amazing, in every level, psychological, physical, your endocrine system, etc. It is good for us to have a massage once a month... Bob Hope had one every day :-) why not?
I'm going to add a racy suggestion to the list: masturbate before your massage. (In private, of course!) Personally, I find that it clears my mind and starts to help my body relax. It's similar to the scene in Something About Mary where Ben Stiller's friend suggests that he do this before a big date to help his nerves: "That's like going out there with a loaded gun!"
Any suggestions for chatty therapists? I've had some pretty chatty ones, especially when I had to go for medical massages. The chatter and asking me questions during a massage make it difficult for me to relax. Even though it is a medical massage, I would like to ne able to let my body and mind relax. How do I politely ask them to shut it? I do include my preferences on the intake form.
Pretend you're asleep, Jules79!
It may sound icky but I usually have plantar warts on my feet (as soon as I get rid of one, another pops up. I seem to be prone to them). So whenever I get a massage I let the therapist know that it's fine to leave my feet out of the massage.
the only thing I would add is for Ladies, be careful when you schedule, most women are extra sensitive to pain around their periods. So massages and pedicures can be painful instead of pleasurable. It has something to do with hormone release and skin tightening due to water retention.
Your gender doesn't matter to massage therapists, estheticians or any other professional.
1. Get recommendations from friends to find a masseuse. You may have to try several people until you find one you like. Personally, I have found someone who runs their own private practice is usually better than spa-masseuses...even if they may not have the fancier trappings of a spa enviro.
2. Breathe during your massage. Treat it like a mini-meditation.
3. Try to clear your schedule so you aren't rushing to arrive at your appt on time...or have to be anywhere after your massage!
I usually go to a masseuse who works out of her home, but when I can, I will go to a spa or gym and book a masseuse I know and enjoy. I arrive around 45 minutes early and use the steam room / sauna / jacuzzi / pool, and take a quick shower before my massage. Then another shower after the massage and back to the steam room for as long as I like!
Hotel spa massages are usually kind of expensive, but our local gym has a masseuse with quite reasonable rates and the same facilities as the spa (although not as swanky!)
Good list. I am a massage therapist and I work in my own home (mostly on Sundays, since I also have a full-time job doing something else). It's a really wonderful intersection of two things I love - healing work and creating a healing, nurturing environment in my own home. Annie-O is absolutely correct, too (I call my style of work "intuitive bodywork" for that very reason). Although I have a lot of formal education in bodywork, I definitely still rely a great deal on intuition while working. There is the right massage therapist out there for everyone; definitely find yours and build a great life-enhancing relationship with him or her!
Many community colleges have therapeutic massage programs. These program offer massage sessions to their local community. The students are especially open to comments, requests, and feedback from guests; they are still learning and like to know what guests want. Once you've worked with a student, it can be easier to tell a professional how to do what you prefer. And it is much easier to tell a student masseur/masseuse to can the chat!
If you're getting a massage for the relaxation aspect, pay before so that you don't need to go back to the reception and have courtesy conversation and wait for change. Keep a tip (if you want to tip) ready in your pocket that you can leave for the therapist.
As for chatty therapists, 1. ignore until they realize you're not chatting back 2. wear earphones (with or without music) 3. when you book the appointment, politely ask the person taking the booking if they can let the therapist know that you prefer no talking during the session. That way you don't need to tell them directly. If you've listed preferences and still have the same thing, ask to see the manager/director and let them know (good managers WANT to know this kind of feedback...) 4. don't initiate conversation before the session or with a new therapist. Hope this helps #jules79
as a massage therapist i have to say a few things here.
1) the water thing is a little off. you NEED to not only drink allot after, but before. i think it's best to kinda go crazy w/ the water starting a few days before your appointment. just go pee right before you get on the table.
2) as for the chiropractor vs spa thing ... it's really depends on your state. i'm registered in ohio where all massage therapists have to take the medical boards whether they work in a hospital or a spa.
3) masseuse & massage therapist are NOT the same thing. a therapist has had to pass tests. in fact, therapists tend to find the mix up a little insulting, although understandable.
4) yes, speak up of the pressure is too much , of course, but if the therapist is not constantly asking you about your comfort level, find someone new.
5) discussing your goals for the appointment ... if the therapist does not discuss this with you before starting the massage, go to someone else. they aren't any good.
& 6) the comment about a "cheapie" thai massage ... i will say one thing b/c i recently moved to thailand. if it is a real thai massage, that is one of the most beneficial massages you can get. it's using the same principal as nueromuscular massage (something we do in the states for injuries & common in sports medicine). you might not want to go into it expecting to take a nap though as it's a bit like forced yoga. haha but DO NOT discount it.
oh & one last & VERY important thing
7) tell them everything you would tell a doctor. do NOT hide medical conditions b/c you think they don't matter. massage has the same effect on the body as a workout. certain moves could trigger a heart attack in certain people. they could send a diabetic into shock. could run risk to a pregnancy ... you have to let the person know so they can give you a tailored treatment. people like about this stuff all the time b/c they don't think of massage as medical. it is.
I got certified through massage school for my own edification and got licensed once upon a time, though it was never my main source of income. I've given hundreds of massages. Here are my thoughts:
If you have plantar warts, say "I have plantar warts, so don't massage my feet," not "It's OK if you skip my feet."
The word "masseuse" is problematic -- it has "off" connotations to a lot of people, it's not all that respectful (like calling a landscape architect "my yard man"), and it's just flat incorrect if your massage therapist is a man (I would be a masseur, but don't use that word either). "Massage therapist" or "therapist" will do.
If your massage therapist is too chatty, say "I'd prefer some quiet time -- the silence might help me relax more." Likewise, speak up if the music is distracting you. This time is for you. If you want the whole massage to be about your left calf, I will accommodate that (though we can achieve what you want and still take five minutes at the end for a nice once-over).
I used to ask my clients "How do you want to feel after the massage: dreamy and relaxed, or energized and refreshed?" A good massage therapist can bring about either result, and either choice is appropriate.
I second what The Gael Gallery just said about medical conditions. A massage therapist should do an initial interview before the first massage and keep confidential notes; he has to know if you have anything like high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, skin conditions, allergies, medications ... On subsequent visits, let the therapist know anything that has changed.
My little mystic "woo-woo" tip, acquired from when I lived in California: After the massage, when you get off the table, let both your feet slide onto the floor at the same time, and take a moment to notice how stable and grounded you feel. This is your transition back into "the real world," so appreciate how little effort it now takes to stand quietly, like a tree. Feel your feet connected to the earth, and remember that you can take that grounded feeling out with you.
Number one tip, however, for before, during, and after the massage, and for RIGHT NOW at your computer: Breathe.