How to Get the Most Out of Your Professional Massage.
Whether you've never had a massage from a professional therapist, or you're a regular consumer, you'll find here some helpful tips on getting the most out of your session.
Things You'll Need:
your communication skills and your honesty
1
The first thing to understand about massage is that it is a holistic health modality. Even if you're just getting a "relaxation" massage or a "fluff and buff" as it's called in the industry, your session can have health consequences that can affect your entire body. With this in mind, one should always be VERY HONEST about how one fills out the client intake form that the spa or establishment requires of you. There are specific reasons why these questions are asked. You may have a health condition that is contraindicated for massage.
2
This means if you have any infection or even a mild cold, note it! Massage is a vasodilator, which means that it increases blood flow in your body. Which means if you have an infection, or are sick with a cold, the illness could be spread throughout your body. Too, you risk infecting not only your therapist when you come to your appointment with a contagious illness, but also anyone else he/she might work on for the rest of the day. If you're ill or have an infection, reschedule your appointment when the health issue has passed.
3
So now you're on the table drifting off to the sounds of meditation music, when suddenly it feels like your therapist is driving a jackhammer into your back. Should you just lie there and take it, or should you say something? SAY something! A massage is only as good as the trust and communication between client and therapist. Your therapist should be asking you how different pressure feels to you during the course of your session. You should be answering him/her honestly. If you want deeper pressure, say so. Too hard? Say so. Don't just answer fine when asked if everything is ok. Because if you don't tell the therapist your likes or dislikes, what hurts, what doesn't, then they're never going to know any different. And you're not going to get the most our of your massage.
4
If you feel you have properly communicated your wishes to your therapist and they do not comply, it is perfectly ok to ask him/her to stop. It's nothing personal, it's simply a mismatch. Talk to the manager and let them know that you would like to reschedule your appointment with a different therapist. If you have stopped a session before your time was fully up, request that the rescheduled appointment be either free of charge, or at a reduced cost. Let the manager know why you are changing therapists.
5
Remember, the best way to enjoy your massage session and reap it's many benefits is to communicate as openly as possible.
Tips & Warnings
Unsure where to start looking for a therapist? Ask your friends for referrals. But remember that, just because your best friend thinks the world of this therapist, doesn't mean they'll be a good match for you. Massage is highly personal. The best client/therapist relationships are based on trust and great communication.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091514_out-professional-massage.html
Whether you've never had a massage from a professional therapist, or you're a regular consumer, you'll find here some helpful tips on getting the most out of your session.
Things You'll Need:
your communication skills and your honesty
1
The first thing to understand about massage is that it is a holistic health modality. Even if you're just getting a "relaxation" massage or a "fluff and buff" as it's called in the industry, your session can have health consequences that can affect your entire body. With this in mind, one should always be VERY HONEST about how one fills out the client intake form that the spa or establishment requires of you. There are specific reasons why these questions are asked. You may have a health condition that is contraindicated for massage.
2
This means if you have any infection or even a mild cold, note it! Massage is a vasodilator, which means that it increases blood flow in your body. Which means if you have an infection, or are sick with a cold, the illness could be spread throughout your body. Too, you risk infecting not only your therapist when you come to your appointment with a contagious illness, but also anyone else he/she might work on for the rest of the day. If you're ill or have an infection, reschedule your appointment when the health issue has passed.
3
So now you're on the table drifting off to the sounds of meditation music, when suddenly it feels like your therapist is driving a jackhammer into your back. Should you just lie there and take it, or should you say something? SAY something! A massage is only as good as the trust and communication between client and therapist. Your therapist should be asking you how different pressure feels to you during the course of your session. You should be answering him/her honestly. If you want deeper pressure, say so. Too hard? Say so. Don't just answer fine when asked if everything is ok. Because if you don't tell the therapist your likes or dislikes, what hurts, what doesn't, then they're never going to know any different. And you're not going to get the most our of your massage.
4
If you feel you have properly communicated your wishes to your therapist and they do not comply, it is perfectly ok to ask him/her to stop. It's nothing personal, it's simply a mismatch. Talk to the manager and let them know that you would like to reschedule your appointment with a different therapist. If you have stopped a session before your time was fully up, request that the rescheduled appointment be either free of charge, or at a reduced cost. Let the manager know why you are changing therapists.
5
Remember, the best way to enjoy your massage session and reap it's many benefits is to communicate as openly as possible.
Tips & Warnings
Unsure where to start looking for a therapist? Ask your friends for referrals. But remember that, just because your best friend thinks the world of this therapist, doesn't mean they'll be a good match for you. Massage is highly personal. The best client/therapist relationships are based on trust and great communication.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091514_out-professional-massage.html
