oneEven though I try to relax during massages, my overly analytical mind is usually overwhelmed with questions.
How does the masseuse know I’m tight there? Can they tell I never stretch after working out? Is it weird that I’m not wearing underwear? Do they like me? (People pleasers get it.)
Since this habit kind of defeats the purpose of the massage, I thought it would be best to address some of my issues before my next appointment. I asked two massage therapists what they wish more clients knew—from tips for getting the most out of a massage to how not to make their job more difficult, to insights from the massage bedside.
1. Make the most of the start of your massage forward your date
Yes, massage is designed to help you relax. but if you have relaxed forward You lie on the massage table and you’re ahead. Matthew Perry, LMT, licensed massage therapist and learning and development manager at The NOW Massage, recommends taking a hot shower or soak before your appointment to help calm the nervous system and relax muscles.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment so you don’t stress about being late, and use the extra time on the bus or in the lobby to do some breathing exercises, says Kevin Ramsey, LMT, a licensed massage therapist (Kevin Ramsey) advises Massage Envy, therapist and body care services innovation manager. “This can be a very effective way to clear your mind and think about what your massage goals are,” he says.
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Make sure you arrive well hydrated. “If you come in dehydrated, the therapist can’t be effective because the muscles aren’t flexible enough,” Perry said. Also avoid consuming any caffeine before your massage. “When we try to calm the nervous system, it strengthens the nervous system,” he said.
Another key preparation step: turn off and put your phone away. “Think of your massage as being like an hour, with nothing else happening,” Ramsay says. “You’re ignoring the rest of the world.”
2. Keep your therapist in mind when preparing
It’s an obvious point, but one some of us may take for granted: Your massage therapist has to spend an hour getting very close to you. So as you prepare your home, keep their comfort level in mind. For example, avoid using strong perfumes, and make sure to maintain hygiene—another reason not to skip the shower or bath before your massage.
Try to limit the number of accessories you wear so your therapist doesn’t have to work around them, and wear comfortable clothing, Perry says. As for how much clothing to wear during your massage, that’s up to you. Perry says don’t worry about whether staying on your underwear or clothes will interfere with your massage, and your therapist should be able to use different techniques to suit what’s most comfortable for you.
3. Communication is key
When your massage therapist asks you questions, they won’t just go through the motions. Massage is highly personal and often highly customized, and any information you provide to your therapist during your treatment will help shape your experience.
“I rely heavily on communication to identify what everyone is dealing with,” Ramsey said. “If they say they have lower back pain, I like to ask follow-up questions — do they know why their back hurt, have they had any previous injuries or surgeries — that’s really important for us to customize their massage.” Don’t be shy, he says. Yu asked the therapist.
If you have any feedback during the massage, please keep the communication going. “We are skilled and experienced therapists, but we are not mind readers,” Ramsey said. “If you need more or less stress, if you need more or less time in a particular area, communicate — even a small communication can go a long way. “
4. Your massage therapist can quickly learn about your body
Ramsey says that in addition to what you share verbally with your therapist, they’ll also take in cues that can help customize your massage, such as your posture, body language, and even the way you walk. “We are trained to track someone’s gait to identify areas in the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders where muscle imbalances may occur,” he said.
Once they begin your session, they will pay attention to the way you breathe and how your muscles respond to the massage.
“After most therapists have been in the field for a certain number of years, they probably think they have eyes through the skin,” Ramsey says. They note things like muscle tone, flexibility, range of motion, and imbalances. “A lot of things can be understood in a few minutes, and I want to tell them what I noticed, just like I want them to tell me about any situation or issue they’re feeling,” he said.
“Think of your massage as being like an hour, with nothing else happening. You’re ignoring the rest of the world. —Kevin Ramsey, LMT
5. Everything is under your control
“The atmosphere in the massage room is completely dedicated to the individual and their goals,” Ramsay says. “They should dictate the environment.” If factors like music volume, lighting, or temperature impact your experience, speak up. “Everything is under their control,” he said.
6. Don’t try to help
Perry said many people will instinctively try to “help” during a massage, such as when he tries to move his arms or adjust the sheets. It can get “messy and confusing,” he said, and it defeats the purpose of massage. “You come here to relax,” he said. “Let me do my job.”
7. Your massage therapist is not a chiropractor or doctor
Massage therapists are trained to perform soft tissue manipulations that target muscles. So unless they have additional qualifications, “diagnosis will be beyond our scope,” Ramsey said.
Also beyond their reach: Break your back, which Perry says is a common request. “We may apply some pressure and you may feel a little pressure, but that’s not our goal as masseurs,” he said. “We don’t do any type of chiropractic care.”
8. The effect can still be maintained after massage
Your massage is an investment, so do whatever you can to prolong the results and get your money’s worth. Perry says this includes staying hydrated (and avoiding anything that will dehydrate you, like alcohol), as well as doing light exercise and stretching. “It’s important to move the body because otherwise it goes back to the way it was, back to muscle memory,” he said.
You’ll also want to avoid activities that may worsen your pain, Ramsey says. (So if you’re getting a massage because your neck hurts from staring at a computer all day, try scheduling your massage so you don’t have to go straight back to your desk.)
Ramsey says your massage goals will determine your post-massage routine and what time of day is best for treatment. If you want a massage to leave you energized and energized, maybe schedule it in the morning so you’re ready to take on the day. If it’s more about relaxation and calm, grabbing that last date of the day might mean you can crawl straight into bed afterwards.
