7 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT MASSAGE

 

Whether a necessity or a luxury, you want to make the most of your next massage — and we want that for you, too! So we’ve compiled a list of tips that are sure to help you prepare for your massage, be present, and extend all that zen well beyond the appointment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

HYDRATE

I know you probably expected this, and you should have. You need water, plain and simple! And more so before a massage because your therapist is going to drain them as she works them out. So save yourself the headache and drink up for the 24-48 hours before your service.

HIT THE SHOWER

It’s not only so that you are clean, but to help your muscles soften and your mind get into self-care mode. Your blood will begin moving and your senses are alive. Drop some eucalyptus in the shower to steam up and get those airways opened up. It’s a game-changer.

GO FOR THE AROMATHERAPY

Speaking of oils, just say “yes” when your therapist asks if you want the aromatherapy add-on. This isn’t offered to just make everything smell nice; this is to actually help you relax. Research shows that the emotional storehouse of our brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) can only be stimulated through the sense of smell. When your therapist offers that first wave of Lavender at the beginning of your service, those molecules reach your brain and literally turn on chill mode. A few extra bucks to emotionally de-stress? Sign me up!

OWN YOUR APPOINTMENT

In every way. Be on time (which is actually a few minutes early), turn off your phone, and be specific about what you need. All too often clients will rub the back of their neck and speak of general pain but you guys, your therapist is kind of a muscle ninja and can do so much more for you if you tell them exactly what’s going on. This includes in-session chatter. If you aren’t a talker, but your therapist is (which is a huge no-no, we apologize for them all) speak up and say that you prefer not to talk during your session. It’s your hour — get what you need!

LISTEN TO THE HOME-CARE SUGGESTIONS

So much of your service will play out in the days following. All that metabolic waste we spoke of in point number one will be on the move, and some of those pains you came in with may come back in new form. But the fact is that good work was done and you just need to coax the healing along until your next session. Take note of the stretches, drink the recommended water, focus on correcting any habits that have caused the issues.

GET THE PRODUCTS

There is a reason spas carry pain relief products — pain is likely! Especially if you had deep or customized work. Taking an elbow in your back and being stretched like an Olympian are grounds for a bit of discomfort. But that pain is not a sign of a bad session; it’s a sign of healing and repair. Trust that your therapist knows what to recommend based on what they experienced while working on you.

BOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Set yourself up for success by not letting more than a week go between sessions. Corrective work and deep repair require stacked appointments in order to break the patterns of dysfunctional muscles. It took a while for them to get that way and it may take some time to undo it. But if you want results, consistency is key. Commit to the process and make that next appointment. Bonus points (literally) if your spa has a loyalty program!