Nothing beats a professional massage.

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It can soothe your body, mind and spirit by improvin​g immunity, circulation and anxiety. 

You’ll even sleep better. But before you head off for your massage, there are some things you need to know.

 

Be on time, please! 

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Your massage therapist wants to work on you for your entire scheduled appointment. 

But arriving 20 minutes late may mean cutting your time short to accommodate the next client.

 

It’s okay to get butt naked!

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 While getting naked in front of a stranger may be uncomfortable, it’s totally normal for a massage therapist. They are trained professionals. And remember, you will be covered with sheets where needed.

 

It’s okay to ask for more or less pressure!

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Your massage therapist is happy to oblige your request for more or less pressure. They won’t take offense. 

In fact, they want you to tell them what you like and what you don’t like during the session.

 

If you have a health concern or condition, let your therapist know!

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Telling them halfway through a deep-tissue massage that you bruise easily because you are on blood thinners may be too late.

 

You don’t have to talk! 

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The objective is to relax. That’s why you’re there, and that’s what you’re paying for. 

So don’t feel that you have to make conversation with your therapist.

 

Drink lots of water after your appointment!

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It’s particularly important to hydrate after your session. Like a workout, muscles become dehydrated after a massage. 

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You have to replenish all that lost water by drinking more. Then there’s metabolic waste, which is produced by muscles. 

When your muscles are tight or you have a knot, it constricts circulation in those areas. That inhibits the body’s ability to flush out waste. Drinking water post-massage allows the kidneys to effectively eliminate the new waste.

 

For the best massage, have a warm shower first!

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Relaxing in a long shower loosens the muscles and will help relieve tension during the massage. In addition, feeling clean will mean less body insecurities. Plus, the therapist will appreciate your cleanliness — for obvious reasons.

 

Workout before your massage, not after!

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Massage or workout, which comes first? Definitely work out before, not after, your massage. Worked-out and exercised muscles will be tired and benefit the most from a massage. Working out immediately after a massage is not a great idea since you’re likely to stress and strain the muscles that were just relaxed. Plus, you’ll run the risk of being too tired and injure yourself. In fact, it’s best to wait about 24 hours before working out. Allow your body to heal after a massage.

 

Avoid eating before your massage!

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Enjoying a big meal before you have a massage stimulates digestion. Not to mention it may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Your best bet is to eat a light meal about two hours beforehand to allow for digestion. 

Being uncomfortably full will just ruin your experience.