More often that not, massage clients don’t
realize how important it is do their part during and between massages in order
to obtain optimum results. Here are some things to keep in mind when receiving
a massage:
1. Breathe. Deep, smooth breaths from the abdomen
will allow for ultimate relaxation as well as bringing oxygen to the muscles.
When on a tight area, concentrate your breaths to that area to accelerate
release of the muscle(s). Do not hold the breath. Breathe in as deeply as
possible, and slowly exhale. You will notice a big difference in your state of
mind, your body, and the effectiveness of the session.
2. Relax. Some people have a difficult time doing
this, as there can be some subconscious guarding (a natural psychosomatic
reflex of past experiences), but along with breathing, keep in mind that the
therapist will do all of the work unless they ask you to assist in moving,
stretching, or resisting a stretch. Using visualization may help, such as going
to a ‘happy place’ or imagining that you are dead weight or sometimes
weightless, floating in the air. To assist my clients, instead of saying the
word ‘relax’ which is usually ineffective, I will ask my clients to 'let go', 'give into', 'sink in', or 'let me do the work for you'. I also try to have them imagine
that their head is a bowling ball or a bobble head, or that their shoulder or
leg just got a shot of novacaine and that it has gone limp. Doing this a few
times makes the client aware of their body and any guarding, as well as teaches
them that they are in control. Sometimes visualization is the most effective way.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate. I can’t
emphasize this enough. Make sure you let your therapist know if the pressure is
too light or too deep. Let them know if you are not in a comfortable position,
or when you feel a sensation of tightness, pain, or discomfort, or referring
sensation to another area. Although massage therapists are taught to feel
muscle tension, they don’t always catch everything you feel. This is your time.
Whether it is for relaxation or to treat an injury or condition, communicate so
that the therapist can accommodate to your needs. Do not be afraid to
speak up, because the therapist ultimately wants you to have the best massage
experience possible.
4. Be in tune with your body. Feel how it
responds to the touch of massage. Imagine feeling the fibers of the muscles,
the bones shifting, the blood flowing, the tissues melting for you. If
something doesn’t feel right, refer to #3.
5. Do your homework. This is vital. Massage
therapists generally give specific exercises or tasks that will help your body
improve in tension, pain, and range of motion issues. They have been trained
properly to understand what is needed with certain conditions. The more you do
your part, the more quickly you will see improvement. Also, stay in tune with
your body- pay attention to any habits or daily activities that you notice may
aggravate your symptoms, as well as the subtle or drastic changes you notice
after having your massage sessions.
6. Ask questions. Therapists do their best at
educating clients on muscles, posture, and exercises, but if you still want to
know more, don’t hesitate to inquire. There is no dumb question at all! It is
so important to know how and why of your body and what massage does for the
body and mind.
7. We don’t expect you to come to your session
freshly-showered or shaven, but body odor can be an issue. Also, an exorbitantamount
of perfume/cologne or cigarette smoke can make for an uncomfortable experience
for the therapist, usually being in an enclosed room with little to no
ventilation.
And just know that you are beautiful, no matter
what. Freckles, stretch marks, scars, hairy legs, ticklishness, emotional
releases, and bodies big and small….it’s all okay! You are YOU and you are
BEAUTIFUL! We just want to make you feel better!
transferred- original post date 02/05/2013
