Thursday, August 20, 2015

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*

Title text on wooded background - 7 ways to prepare for a massage

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


using a tin-can-phone

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?

24 comments:

  1. visiting from Good Morning Mondays. I love a deep tissue massage!! I have another appointment coming up next week. I would go every week if I could afford it. :) They also say to drink plenty of water AFTER the massage, I don't always do so but the place I go they have a cold water waiting for me as soon as I am dressed. Such a great stress reliever and good for my RA. ♥

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    1. I wish I could afford weekly massage too; that would be some awesome self care! My follow up post will be about during and after your appointment. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. Hello - visiting from Tuesday Talk... I find massages very therapeutic - I have one every three weeks. It helps with my rheumatoid arthritis, circulation, and any muscle aches from workouts. My therapist does a mixture of styles - it's interactive - you move various parts of the body as she works on them and it helps relax everything. Lots of water afterwards to flush out toxins and help muscles recover.

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    1. Sounds like you've found a great place for massage! Lots of water afterwards is definitely an important step too!

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  3. I get monthly massages and have for the past 5 years. Even wrote a post on it. It does wonders for both body, mind and soul. Thanks for sharing with us at Tuesday Talk link up.

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    1. It's so important to take care of yourself. I always tell myself I need to set a recurring appointment, and then I let life get in the way. Massage is such a good thing for your whole person. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Sounds absolutely lovely! I could use one right now I think. :)

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    1. Go for it - I highly recommend making massage a part of your self-care toolbox! Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I love a great deep tissue massage! I don't love the way I feel the next day, but after about 48 hours, I feel wonderful!

    Thanks for sharing this post on Think Tank. There is much to know and consider before getting a massage.

    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

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    1. I'm usually of the thought that a little bit of discomfort is worth the outcome - definitely applies to deep tissue massage! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Great post - I haven't had a massage in years. I should have gotten a few while I was pregnant, but since I've moved I haven't had time to find just the right place. I'll definitely be doing this for the next pregnancy. I'm visiting from Blogging on Your Own Terms.

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    1. During my first pregnancy I got a couple of massages just for "fun," but with my second, they were a MUST to relieve pain caused by how baby was sitting. It can be hard to find just the right place....I'm on the hunt again since my favorite massage therapist is no longer working in my area. Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. My most recent massage was on holiday in Turkey and was amazing! I love massage but don't have one regularly. Thanks for linking up with #fbfriday

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    1. I'm the same way - I'm trying to make massage a more regular part of my self-care toolbox, but I'm struggling to find a great practitioner after my favorite is no longer working in the area. Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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  9. I need to get more massages. So relaxing and yet I don't make time for them. Thanks for sharing at My Flagstaff Home!

    Jennifer

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    1. I highly recommend massage as part of your self-care toolbox. Investing in yourself by taking time for self-care will pay off over and over in how you're better able to care for those around you! Thanks for stopping by.

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  10. Excellent suggestions. It's been a while since I've been to a massage.

    I totally need to book one.

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely week.
    xoxo

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    1. I highly recommend it! Taking care of you is a must do in my book - it helps you be able to care for the others in your life.

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  11. I am in need of a massage! I love all the ideas you had in getting prepared for one. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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    1. Do it! Enjoying some "me" time is so important. Thanks for stopping by.

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  12. I can't tell you how long it has been since I had a massage and I am in dire need. Thanks for linking up with #featurefridays

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    1. I am too - I just got a gift certificate to a new provider who I hear is fabulous...I hope she can work some magic! Thanks for stopping by.

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