Category: Massage

If you are new to massage therapy but have one scheduled soon, congratulations on taking this beneficial self-care step toward better health and wellbeing.

You may be wondering if there is anything you should do to prepare for a massage and what will happen while you are there.

Follow these simple tips for before, during, and after a visit with a massage therapist and you are sure to gain the full benefits that therapeutic or relaxation massage offers!

Before Your Massage

Hydration is a key factor for getting the most from any type of massage.

Since massage therapy involves the kneading and manipulation of the muscle tissues, this can happen more easily and with less soreness afterward when the tissue is hydrated.

Drink lots of water in the 24-hour period before a massage, especially if it’s your first one, to ensure your body is well hydrated and your muscle tissue will be less stressed during the massage.

Show up at least 15 or 20 minutes early to your massage appointment as you may have to fill out first-time client paperwork or spend some time talking to the massage therapist before the massage actually starts.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, non-binding clothing like workout gear or sweatpants and a tank top so you are completely comfortable during the massage or can get in and out of your clothing easily if you’ll be removing most of it.

Also, visit the bathroom just before your session starts.

During Your Massage

After discussing the massage and what type you will be receiving, the massage therapist will give you specific instructions if there are any.

Otherwise, just lay back, keep your breathing normal, close your eyes, and enjoy!

If something hurts or you have a problem or question, tell the therapist so the massage technique can be adjusted as necessary.

And don’t worry if you fall asleep - many therapists view this as a compliment!

After Your Massage

When the massage has ended, relax on the table or in a chair for a few minutes before jumping right up again.

Give your body and muscles a chance to cool down and relax from the massage.

Get dressed slowly and then spend the next few hours resting if you can.

Continue hydrating your body to ease the flushing of the toxins released during massage therapy so that any resulting soreness is minimal and dissipates quickly.

Looking Back

Following these simple suggestions, you should have a great first massage and enjoy the most benefits.

As always, if you experience problems during or after a session with a massage therapist, talk to them about it.

In most cases you will come away eagerly anticipating another session!

Getting a massage is one of the best ways to relax after a long week; however, what many people may not realize is that massage therapy is also an effective non-medicinal treatment for pain.

Regular visits to massage therapy salons are a great choice for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

The science behind pain, and how the body reacts to it, backs that claim up with proof.

Understanding the Cycle of Pain

The cycle of pain in the body is a complicated one, especially in cases of chronic pain due to illness, injury, medical treatments, and others.

Pain causes elevated levels of stress in the body, which results in elevated cortisol levels, tighter muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and other symptoms as the body remains in a constant state of fighting off whatever the pain-causing problem is.

Over time, this can result in a lack of mobility and flexibility as well as overall fatigue, side effects of the body trying to protect itself that ironically results in - more pain.

How to Break the Cycle of Pain

Breaking the cycle to give everything a rest is the goal of pain relief.

Pain medication that dulls certain reactions in the body is one way to do it; however, for those who wish to avoid pain meds as much as possible, massage therapy is another great option.

Proven to be effective, massage works by stopping or slowing the pain cycle, giving the body a chance to rest and heal and catch up with itself.

How Does It Happen?

Massage therapy works by loosening tight muscles, promoting blood and oxygen flow, and restoring flexibility and mobility again.

Additionally, massage is proven to reduce the release of cortisol, the hormone that holds the body in its “fight or flight” condition, while promoting the release of serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones that create soothing calmness in the body.

This positive effect on the body’s hormones, combined with the loosening of tight muscles, reduces stress overall and interferes with the pain cycle, allowing the body to recover, rather than continue hurting.

Let Massage Help Deal With Your Pain

Chronic pain can be awful to deal with, especially for those who do not like to rely on medication to relieve it.

Massage therapy salons with well-trained therapists offer a natural and equally effective alternative to pain medication.

Using different techniques like Swedish, trigger point, hot stone massage, and others, comfort may be right around the corner.

A regular schedule of massage can give chronic sufferers a new outlook on healing and on living life to the fullest again.