7 Ways to Prepare for a Tremendous Massage

Taking care of yourself is so important.  It helps you feel great, and in turn be a better caretaker, co-worker, spouse, friend, etc. I can't stress enough the truth I've found to the statement "you can't give what you don't have." Treating yourself to a massage - weekly, monthly, occasionally - can be a super part of that self-care.

Massage is a great way to relax, relieve tight muscles, and can even be a beneficial part of healing an injury.  To make the most out of your massage though, it's important to do certain things before, during and after your appointment.  In this two-part series, I will share with you simple things you can do to help yourself have the most awesome possible experience treating yourself to a massage.

*I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice.  Please speak with your medical professional before starting a massage regimen*

Before

1. Determine if Massage is Right for You

I greatly enjoy a good massage, and encourage you to enjoy one too.  It's important to know that massage isn't for everyone, though.  Certain conditions such as fever, cold/flu, early pregnancy, heart problems, cancer, and many others might be contraindications for massage.  If you have any medical conditions, you should first discuss with your doctor and your massage therapist if massage is the right fit for you.  Maybe you just don't enjoy massage - that's OK too.  There are other ways you can relax and care for yourself if massage isn't for you.

2. Decide What Kind of Massage You Want

There are lots of different types of massage.  Most frequently, I go for Swedish or relaxation massage  - probably what you see most often portrayed as massage.  Other common types are deep tissue massage (deeper layers of the muscles are massaged to relieve chronic tightness or muscle pain), hot stone massage (smooth stones are heated and placed on specific areas of the body to loosen tight muscles and balance energy) and pregnancy massage (specially trained massage therapists provide a massage using the proper positioning and support to care for both mama and baby).  There are lots more, too.  

Most spas will have a menu on their website describing the different types of massage they offer. Decide what sounds best, and start there.  If you have questions about what a particular type of massage entails or if it's right for you, don't be afraid to call the spa and ask!

3. Choose Where to Get Your Massage

It seems like you can find massage offerings almost anywhere these days.  Do you prefer a more medical setting or something more spa-like?  Ask for suggestions or check out some websites for local spas, salons, or private practitioners.

4. Call and Ask Questions

Are you trying to decide between a few different places?  Are you still trying to decide which type of massage is for you?  Call and ask!  Any good business should be willing to answer any of your questions.  If they seem hesitant to help you or un-knowledgeable about their offerings, it should be a red flag.

Other important questions to ask should be about pricing, tipping policies (some spas don't allow tipping, others automatically add a tip to the price of the massage, others leave it up to your discretion), cancellation policies, and anything else you want to know about making your massage a great experience.

5. Make an Appointment

Some locations will require to make an appointment for your massage.  Others will accept walk-ins.  I suggest making an appointment to get the most out of your time.  Even though a spa accepts walk-ins, it doesn't mean someone will be available when you arrive or that they are the best at performing the type of massage you want.  To make sure you get the best massage possible, I suggest making an appointment as far in advance as possible.

This is also the time to let the spa know if you prefer a specific massage therapist, would rather a male or female, or other special considerations.  Don't show up for your massage and expect that they will be able to make accommodations - while they might be willing, they may not have the staff available to do so.

6. Hydrate

To get the most out of your massage, you'll want to drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment.  Make sure to visit the restroom just before your massage to avoid any discomfort, though!

7. Arrive a Few Minutes Early

You want to be relaxed during your massage.  Make sure to allow yourself enough time to arrive, park, and check in a few minutes early.

The spa might have some forms for you to fill out indicating your areas of soreness, injury, etc. Many will also offer you the chance to change into a robe, have something to drink, and relax in a quiet room before your massage starts.

This is also a great time to ask any last minute questions, if you have any.

Hopefully, by preparing, you'll have set yourself to have an awesome massage.  It's time to meet your therapist, and enjoy!  Stop back soon to see my suggestions for enjoying you massage to the fullest, and how to take care of yourself afterwards.

Do you take care of yourself with massage?  Do you prefer a spa setting or somewhere else? What other things do you do in order to take good care of yourself?