How to get the most out of your massages
If you have ever had a bad massage, you are probably hesitant to do it again. There’s nothing like the experience of waiting out a bad massage. And there’s nothing like getting a good one. Here I would like to share with you some tips making sure you get the most out of your massages.
- Shop around and find the right fit. If you are looking for a massage therapist, take a little time to look at their bio, profile, reviews and testimonials. Schedule a half hour session as an introduction so you can see if their personality, space and technique work for you before investing in a longer treatment. Word of mouth referral is a great way to find a massage therapist, however, it still does not guarantee a good fit for you!
- Communicate. Just like any relationship, communication is key. It’s funny how on the massage table there can be a tendency to want to take care of the therapist. It can feel inconvenient or bothersome to speak up to simply ask for a blanket, change the music or to adjust a bolster or headrest. However, if you are not relaxing, the therapist is going to work harder! You would actually be doing yourself and them a favor by asking for that adjustment that would help you relax.
- Sometimes it’s not the pressure, it’s the technique. Most massage therapists invite you to speak up if you need more or less pressure. However there are times when it’s not the pressure but the technique that is uncomfortable. Even I, as a seasoned massage therapist, have been unsure at times what to say to someone to improve my experience. If you find yourself in a position of experiencing something uncomfortable, just simply say “I don’t know why, but that is uncomfortable”. Then direct them by telling them briefly what they had done that did feel good.
- Safety is #1 for relaxation and healing. If a therapist does not respond well to feedback, they are not the one for you. If you do not feel entirely safe in their hands, you will not get the best benefits from the massage. Their policies, space, technique and personality should all make you feel safe.
- Make it clear why you are there. Why are you getting a massage? For pain relief? Just to relax? To treat yourself to some good pampering and self care? Make this intention clear to the therapist. An intake will include a conversation about any health concerns you have such as a troublesome shoulder or knee. This area may be exactly why you are there but perhaps you are tired of focusing on it and want to give the rest of your body attention and relaxation. If the therapist is clear on why you are there for a massage, they can give you a better service.
- A guide to frequency and consistency. Once you find a massage therapist who works for you, my recommendation on frequency and consistency is this: if there is something particular you are wanting to address with massage, get 3-4 massages within a week of the next. Then you can back off from there. This gives the body a chance to reset itself and deeply hold onto the changes made for a longer time period. It also gives the therapist a really good idea of what is going on and how to address it. If you are looking for general relaxation and stress reduction, get massages as often as will fit into your life with regularity. This may be every week, every two weeks, every month, every three months or twice a year. Make a commitment to a consistent schedule of massage for self care that works with your schedule and finances. And schedule the next one while you are there. This will give you something to look forward to and ensure you don’t go for years before finally scheduling another appointment.
At Jasmine, we send out a follow up email after your appointment to invite you to give us feedback or address any concerns. We also take $5 off your next appointment when you reschedule before you leave to encourage you to get regular self care, even if it’s months in advance.
A good massage therapist is not only well trained, but can address feedback with ease and creates a safe space for deep relaxation and healing.
At Jasmine we recognize and welcome feedback, prioritize safety and cherish our relationships with our clients.
If you would like to know more about us or our treatments visit our home page here.