Arrive on time for your appointment. Being late can be stressful and it may take you longer to relax. Also your therapist may not be able to give you your full treatment time if they have another client booked in after you.
Avoid eating a large meal before your massage. It takes a while for food to digest and you may feel uncomfortable during your treatment.
Be honest when completing your health consultation form at the start of your first session. Let the therapist know if you have any allergies, injuries or health issues.
Reschedule your appointment if you feel unwell, have a cold or flu. A massage at this time is likely to make you feel worse and you may pass your flu or cold virus onto your therapist.
Do not worry if you forgot to shave your legs, have cellulite or don’t have a washboard stomach. Your therapist will have seen many bodies of all shapes and sizes. If there is anything that you are particularly concerned about then do tell your therapist. The therapist will be assessing your body in terms of muscle tightness, tension and pain.
Do communicate with your therapist. What is your reason for having a massage? Is it for general relaxation or do you have pain or health concerns that need addressing? This will enable your treatment to be tailored specifically to your needs.
Let the therapist know if anything during your massage feels uncomfortable, painful or if the pressure being used needs to be adjusted. Also mention if you are feeling too hot or cold as your body temperature can change during a treatment.
It is okay to be quiet during your treatment session. Do not feel that you have to have a conversation for the full duration of your treatment. Some people are naturally talkative but taking time to be quiet can help to relax and calm your mind.
Falling asleep during your massage treatment is allowed. Rather than thinking you are being rude your therapist will see it as a compliment. It means that you trust them enough to let your mind body relax completely.
Keep breathing naturally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. If the therapist finds a painful area or knots keep breathing rather than holding your breath.
Relax your muscles. Try not to tighten your muscles during your massage. If you are doing this because an area is painful or sensitive tell the therapist so they can adjust the particular technique being used.
Avoid doing too much following your treatment. Allow your body to rest and absorb the work that has been done.
Be ready to book more massage sessions. The frequency and number of treatments is different for everybody and dependent on your reasons for having massage. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond.
