From what to wear, to when to workout, to how to breathe, there are some things your therapist wants you to know before getting a massage so you can make the most of your treatment. Whether you’re a regular on a massage table or a newbie thinking about booking your first session, read on for a quick and easy guide on some massage session basics.
What to wear or what not to wear? This is a common question when it comes to massage therapy. The answer lies with you. Wear whatever you’re most comfortable in, or nothing at all. Although as a general rule, less is best. But it’s entirely up to you! The reason it’s recommended you undress (you can leave on your underwear) is so that your therapist has access to your muscles to work them thoroughly. Don't worry—your therapist will keep the parts of your body covered that they’re not working on. By removing clothing items, you also avoid damaging your clothes with massage oils. Whatever you choose to wear or not, you should remove all jewellery, including your watch during your session. After your massage, wear soft and loose fitting clothes to continue feeling super-relaxed as you float out the door.
While drinking water before your massage is important, it’s also important to drink plenty of water after your massage—because massage therapy dehydrates the body. As your massage therapist works on easing tight muscles by improving circulation, more blood flows to these tight muscles (to help them). With improved circulation, oxygen and fluid—including water–is transported to muscles being worked on. This means that water is removed from your bloodstream to be delivered to these muscles. The result: dehydration.
At the same time your muscles also release lactic acid/metabolic waste by being worked on. Another reason to stay hydrated after a massage is that the treatment releases stored toxins out of your muscles into your system and will get stored again if you’re not hydrated properly. So for your kidneys to work the waste out of your body after your massage, you need to stay hydrated. All this means that drinking water before as well as lots after your session is necessary to maximise the benefits of your massage.When you work out, your body releases lactic acid. So having a massage after exercising helps to move this waste out of your system quicker. Exercise also warms up your muscles for massage—making it easier for your massage therapist to work your muscles more optimally.
Conversely exercising after a massage can strain your muscles which are nicely relaxed from your massage. You may also feel too relaxed to be motivated to work out after your massage! If you’re having a deep tissue massage, it’s recommended to wait 12-24 hrs before you work out to give your muscles substantial time to recover.Breathing deeply and calmly, almost as though you’re meditating, keeps your blood oxygenated. Deep breathing in general is known to help relaxation. So deep breathing during a massage can further enhance the benefits of your session. Besides relaxation, any form of controlled breathing at a slowed rate can also help reduce feelings of pain significantly. Deep breathing also promotes lymphatic and blood circulation, supports organ detoxification, plus lowers blood pressure and heart rate. The list is long, with so many good health reasons to make deep breathing a part of everyday life, as well as during your massage!
Don't be afraid to ask your massage therapist for what you want. If you have a specific spot that’s giving you trouble, discuss this with your therapist. This allows problem areas to be addressed with focus.
Let your therapist know if the pressure is too much or not enough. Everyone has a different tolerance for pressure and injured or sore muscles may be highly sensitive.
Massage is not a one-time treatment nor a quick-fix solution for any ailment or type of pain. While getting a massage can provide short-term, temporary relief to aching muscles and make you feel more relaxed, the effects will be momentary. For sustained good health and long-term muscle recovery and healing, make time for regular massage to help you achieve a healthier and more relaxed way of life.
To enjoy our range of massage therapies and treatments book now. You can also visit our new online store to shop gift cards and Amazing Magnesium products. Bondi Junction Massage & Float Centre is a restorative and remedial oasis of calm and wellbeing in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, treating thousands of clients since 1985.
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