Tuesday, February 5, 2013

How To Be The Best Massage Client

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

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