A Few Simple Steps Can Assure A Relaxing Therapeutic Massage

Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care.  Egyptian tomb paintings, for example, show people being massaged and it was one of the primary means of pain relief used by Greek and Roman physicians.  Today, it is often used to relieve stress and its many unwanted symptoms, including tight, aching muscles and joints and even painful headaches. 
 

A skilled practitioner, able to read and interpret the subtle signals that the body is sending, is of course an essential component of a relaxing therapeutic massage.  The other necessary component, however, is you – the recipient of massage therapy.  While it is possible to participate only passively, relying on the massage therapist to work his or her magic on your tense muscles and nerves, this can severely limit the benefit you receive from their effort.  Instead, there are several simple steps that you can take before, during and after the massage to gain maximum benefit from it.  These steps don’t take a lot of time and effort, and both first time and regular clients can easily follow them.
 
Before The Massage
Drink plenty of fluids during the 24 hours leading up to your massage.  Dehydrated muscles can cramp and become less flexible.  Women should avoid shaving their legs the day before a massage to avoid irritating a rash or razor burn.   Both men and women should shower before the massage, as close to the appointment as possible, especially if you have been working out or doing strenuous exercise.  Otherwise, perspiration can become mixed with massage oils and creams to make for an exfoliating or gritty experience.
 

 If this is your first massage or your first visit to a new massage therapist, plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete any necessary paperwork and discuss any health conditions or allergies that may influence the choice of treatment.

During The Massage
 Regardless of your size, shape, age or gender, there are some things you can do to make sure your massage is an enjoyable experience.  Concentrate on your breathing, for example.  Breathe in, breathe out, as deeply and regularly as possible.  Before long, you’ll find yourself forgetting about the cares of the day.  If music is playing, try breathing in rhythm with it.  Think of a relaxing experience you’ve had or place you’ve visited and let your mind wander to it.
 

Don’t try too hard to relax, however, or you’ll find it having the opposite effect.  If you feel like talking about what may be bothering you, go right ahead.  Getting it off your chest may help get it off your mind and put you in a more receptive mood. 

After The Massage
 Drink plenty of water to prevent muscles from cramping.  Don’t rush back into your normal routine, but take it easy for several hours.  Try taking a nice warm bath to keep the relaxation going.  Ask the massage therapist for some self-massage or stretching exercises that can keep stress and tight muscles at manageable levels between appointments.  Some people find that a balanced exercise program such as those offered by Godelieve Babey of Be Fit Anywhere, LLC (see her article on page 00 of this newsletter) can help keep muscles and joints flexible.
 

Above all, communicate with your therapist during your session.  You should enjoy your massage, not have to “endure” it.  If that sounds like what you’re looking for, we invite you to give us a call at 908-304-5001.