Before Your Massage
1. Work out before, not after a massage session - A pre-massage workout can help warm up your body. Even a 10-minute session on a treadmill or elliptical machine or time in the sauna loosens muscles
2. Skip the coffee - Caffeine can tense the muscles. This works against our massage goal.
3. Do not eat 90 minutes before your session - Eating activates the digestive system and takes energy and attention from the body.
During
1. Get undressed to your level of comfort - During the session, you will be draped. The only uncovered area will be the body part worked on.
2. Inhale, exhale, repeat - Holding your breath causes tightness in the muscles. Focus on your breathing
3. Communication is important - Ask questions, it is your session. Keep your therapist aware of any discomfort.
4. Bodily functions happen sometimes! - Enough said!!
After
1. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine for 12-24 hours - Your massage session will release wastes and toxins that have been trapped in your muscles. Water will help eliminate them from your system
2. Address any soreness - You might experience some soreness the next day for the same reason as after a new workout. Ice, heat and light stretching is recommended. Contact your therapist if you have any concerns
3. Schedule a follow up - One massage will help but having regularly scheduled therapy lets you reap the benefits of improved flexibility, range of motion and decreased stress. Make it a part of your health routine.