How to Get a Massage
Massage has been touted as a panacea for health conditions ranging from migraines to ulcers. Although the scientific proof is sparse, everyone will agree that a massage at the very least feels good. Follow these steps for the best possible experience.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Avoid eating close to the time of your massage.
-
2
Relax before your massage. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your massage appointment.
-
3
Wear clothing that you can get out of easily. If you plan to keep your clothes on, wear something like loose shorts and a jog bra for a woman or boxers for a man; these options will be easy for the massage therapist to work around.
-
4
Tell the therapist if you have any health concerns or have had any injuries.
-
5
Let the therapist know if there is any area where you do not wish to be touched, or if there is an area where you would like special work done.
-
6
Clear your thoughts. A massage is a time to relax, not to worry about the interview tomorrow or your car payments.
-
7
Breathe normally. Don't hold your breath if a sensitive spot is being worked on.
-
8
Try not to contract your muscles. Your body needs to be relaxed and flexible to get the best results. Imagine you are a rag doll.
-
9
Report any discomfort or problems during the massage. Tell the therapist if you feel any pain, are cold, don't like the music, etc.
-
10
Rise slowly after the massage is over. Get off the table gradually. Take your time, and try to maintain your state of relaxation.
-
11
Avoid driving if you are feeling spaced out or lightheaded. Wait a few minutes to get grounded.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're having a professional massage, make sure you use a certified, trained therapist.
If you prefer a massage therapist of a certain sex, remember to make your request when you make your appointment.
Leave on some clothing if you are uncomfortable being totally nude. The key is for you to be comfortable.
Related Searches
Comments
-
peeves
Oct 23, 2007
Back to drinking water - it is necessary after a massage. Toxins aside, a massage does move around a lot of fluid. Massage is literally squeezing/pumping the fluid in and out of the muscles. The massage is a workout for the body, the only time that a body goes through that much muscle stimulation is during physical exercise. You need to take the same consideration for your body, as if you had just exercised. Drink water! -
peeves
Oct 23, 2007
Back to drinking water - it is necessary after a massage. Toxins aside, a massage does move around a lot of fluid. Massage is literally squeezing/pumping the fluid in and out of the muscles. The massage is a workout for the body, the only time that a body goes through that much muscle stimulation is during physical exercise. You need to take the same consideration for your body, as if you had just exercised. Drink water!
-
EaraFisher
Oct 15, 2007
A great deal of pain in the lower back is caused by muscle tension and trigger points in your gluteals. If you have lower back pain, or pain running down the back of the leg, you definitely need to have your glutes worked on. Also, the sciatic nerve is squeezed through a very tight space in the center of your buttocks under the piriformis muscle and that muscle also needs to be released. It doesn't take long and your massage therapist should definitely not focus for too long in that area as it can be creepy.
-
eris8656
Apr 14, 2007
I am a massage therapist and the toxins are not a myth. Q: Why does my Massage Therapist tell me to drink water after a massage? A: The body tends to build up metabolic waste and various toxins that get trapped and stored in-between the soft tissue areas. These wastes and toxins are often pushed into the blood stream and the lymphatic system during a massage (where they belong). If you drink a lot of water, then most of it will be flushed out of the body as waste or broken down into usable elements. But if you don't drink enough water, you may get a headache from all of the toxins in your blood stream once it reaches your brain or it will simply resettle within your body as internal waste once again. Be sure that you drink at least 2 eight ounce glasses of water after your massage.
-
eris8656
Apr 14, 2007
I am a massage therapist and the toxins are not a myth. Q: Why does my Massage Therapist tell me to drink water after a massage? A: The body tends to build up metabolic waste and various toxins that get trapped and stored in-between the soft tissue areas. These wastes and toxins are often pushed into the blood stream and the lymphatic system during a massage (where they belong). If you drink a lot of water, then most of it will be flushed out of the body as waste or broken down into usable elements. But if you don't drink enough water, you may get a headache from all of the toxins in your blood stream once it reaches your brain or it will simply resettle within your body as internal waste once again. Be sure that you drink at least 2 eight ounce glasses of water after your massage.
