Tips for Better Massage

Sounds silly, to talk about tips for a better massage, but read on…you might find something useful here!

Learning how to relax is key. Aside from practicing deep breathing while receiving massage, include these suggestions:

How to have a better massage and better spa experience

The first and most important tip for your better spa experience is simple: check your problems at the door.

This isn’t meant to be disrespectful. The truth is, if you dwell on whatever is bothering you during your massage service (out loud or otherwise), you will not be able to relax.

Even if your massage therapist doesn’t mind, you reduce your own level of benefit. If you turn your mind off and give it a rest, your body will also relax. You work hard for the opportunity to unwind, so use it wisely.

This preparation will help quiet the chatter. Don’t worry about the looming to-do list. It will be waiting for you when your service is over. Seize the opportunity to clear your mental plate for an hour or two and allow yourself to recharge.

Second, have realistic expectations.

That’s right, realistic expectations.

If you get a massage once a year, please do not expect your therapist to undo in one massage session what you have diligently done to yourself the other 364 days of the year. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect all tension to dissipate and full flexibility to be restored to when you were six.

In addition, make sure you select the best massage or spa treatment for your needs. Review the different categories of massage and spa services and specifically the types of massage available and book your appointment accordingly.

When to schedule your massage

Third, schedule your massage accordingly for maximum relaxation.

To schedule your massage for maximum relaxation, first make sure you don’t need to worry about any contraindications of massage.

If not, then think about your weekly schedule and the level of stress throughout. Find a time when it will be at its lowest for a day or two. Schedule your appointment at the beginning of the low-stress period.

Most people will find that to be on a Friday afternoon, heading into the weekend. However, the weekends are often the busiest times for individual therapists as well as spas. In this case, if you can accommodate during the week instead and maintain a level of peaceful activity for 12-24 hours afterward, that would be awesome.

In addition, try to schedule your appointment between meals. Its best to receive massage before you eat. But it can be difficult to relax if you’re too hungry. So, go for the in between slot when you’re not hungry but your last meal was a couple of hours prior.

Refer to Booking a Massage for more tips on booking your appointment.

Pain during massage

Fourth, speak up about painful pressure.

Whether you choose a relaxing Swedish massage or decide to go for a therapeutic massage (deep tissue therapy), or something in between, pressure is important. Too many people believe ‘no pain, no gain.’

With massage, please note the difference between good pain and bad pain.

If its pushing the boundaries of bad pain, simply ask the therapist to lighten up. No one wishes to cause deep tissue bruising—and you don’t want to feel bruised for days following your service.

And finally, take time to chill after your treatment. If you’re at a spa with fabulous amenities, such as a whirlpool, sauna or steam room, then make time to enjoy them. All of these will add to your relaxation and allow you to truly indulge in a well-earned break.

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