How Should I Prepare for My Massage?

Congratulations on booking your massage! We all know that self care is important, but it’s also something that many of us don’t make time for. So, just by picking up the phone or booking online you’ve already committed to carving out some time in your week to do something beneficial for yourself, (and, by extension, the people you care about). 

Now that your massage is on the books, follow these simple steps to ensure the best possible experience. Taking a little time to prepare for a massage ensures that you’ll enjoy the experience more, and that its benefits will last longer and be more keenly felt. 

Before Your Massage You Should:

Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated before (and after) your massage ensures that the toxins released into your body during your treatment will be eliminated as soon as possible. Don’t worry about having to use the restroom during your massage. Your therapist will ask you if you need to go to the bathroom before the massage begins. 

Eat Lightly: Although it won’t bother your therapist, it can be awkward if your stomach is noisy during your massage, and if you’re worried about the sounds emanating from your gut, you won’t be able to fully relax and enjoy your massage. It is generally a good idea to avoid eating a big meal before a massage. If you’re afraid you’ll get hungry during your massage, eat fruit or another light snack that’s easy to digest.

Exercise: If you are a regular exerciser, schedule your workout before your massage, not after. Exercising before a massage ensures that your muscles will be warm and ready to be massaged. If you exercise after a massage, you might be so relaxed that you injure yourself. Or, you might be too blissed out to actually get yourself to the gym!  

Take a Hot Shower: If possible, take a shower before your massage, as hot water will help relax your muscles and your mind. The more relaxed you are when you show up, the more impact the massage will have. After your shower, skip any strong-smelling lotions, colognes, or perfumes, as these can become overly heavy in the massage room. Plus, many massage therapists will use essential oils for the added benefit of aromatherapy. 

Dress Comfortably: This may seem like silly advice since you’ll remove most of your clothing during your massage, but wearing comfortable clothes/shoes will not only put you in a relaxed state before your massage, it will also keep you relaxed afterwards. It’s also a good idea to wear minimal jewelry to your massage, as you’ll just have to take it off during your session. 

Know When to Postpone: Reschedule your massage if you’re feeling ill or if you have a rash, sunburn, bruising, or any other condition that will keep you from enjoying your massage. You should also postpone if you are recovering from a recent major health condition like a stroke or heart attack, or if you are working with a doctor to adjust medications. The deep tissue stimulation of a massage can alter your body’s reaction to your medications, so you’ll have a harder time getting the dosages correct.  

Arrive Early: Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your massage will allow you to fill out health paperwork without impinging on your massage. You’ll also be able to take a moment to go to the restroom or have a glass of water if need be. If you arrive at the last minute, stressed out and short of breath with your heart racing, you’ll have a harder time relaxing during your massage.

During Your Massage You Should:

Be Prepared to Recount Your Medical History: The first time you receive a massage from a new therapist, the paperwork will be fairly extensive, as the therapist will want a full picture of your medical history. After the first session, you’ll want to update the information with any recent health concerns, new injuries, or problem areas that you would like the therapist to focus on. While they will probably ask you about this, you’ll also want to inform your therapist of any allergies, so they can avoid massage oils or lotions that may contain ingredients that would cause you to react negatively. 

Undress Only as Much as You Want To: This is pretty self-explanatory. While removing some clothing is beneficial for deep tissue stimulation, you won’t be able to relax if you’re nervous about being nude or partially nude. Your therapist will know how to work around any clothing you leave on. Also be advised that your entire body will be under a sheet during the massage, and only the body part that the therapist is working on will be exposed. If modestly is still a concern, many therapists can deliver a massage through the sheet.    

Communicate Your Needs: Once you are settled in for your treatment, your therapist will review your health paperwork with you and ask for further clarification if need be. This is the moment to tell your therapist everything: your preferences, your problem areas, your expectations, etc. Let your therapist know if you want them to pay special attention to one part of your body or to avoid another part. Let them know how much pressure you enjoy. Let them know what you don’t enjoy. The more you communicate your needs, the better your therapist will be able to respond to them. Even when the massage is underway, let your therapist know if anything feels uncomfortable (or if everything feels great!). By leaving nothing to chance, you’ll get the maximum benefits from your massage. 

Relax and Enjoy: During your treatment, try to clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing, making sure to take deep, long breaths. Other than breathing, no further effort is required of you. Your therapist will know how to lift your arm, leg, or head, so just relax and let them do their thing (unless, of course, you want them to change what they’re doing). The total relaxation of your body and mind is key to getting the most out of your massage. 

For a massage that will make you feel amazing, body and soul, book your appointment with Jeromeo today. We provide massages in a variety of modalities, and whether you’re an athlete, dealing with an injury, suffering chronic pain, or just want a relaxing and uplifting experience, we cater our results-oriented massages to the specific needs of our clients. We have a number of packages available, and our talented and caring massage therapists love working with our clients to find the massage practices and packages that suit every need and budget.

Do something nice for yourself today!