1. Think about your needs
Before your
appointment, take some time to reflect on what ails you. Are you recovering from an injury? Do you suffer from chronic tension? Where?
What are your short and long term health goals? Are you suffering from a large amount of
stress? Do you get headaches? Be able to describe your areas of pain and
tension. Why are you getting the
massage? The answers to questions such
as these will serve as a good starting point.
2. Include necessary
back ground information
Tell the
therapist a little bit about yourself.
What kind of work do you do? What
are your hobbies and physical activities?
It is important for your massage therapist to know what your day to day
life is like in order to address it's effects on your body.
3. What are your
preferences for massage
Do you like
firm or soft pressure? Do you like a lot
of time spent on a particular part of the body?
Is there anywhere that you do not want to be touched? (For example, some people are ticklish on the
abdomen.) Is there a particular type of
massage technique that you are interested in?
Is there a style of massage that you dislike? Any information will be of help to your
therapist and will better ensure that you get exactly what you want during your
service. Don't hesitate to keep the
lines of communication open at all points of the session. If you think of anything that might help your
therapist do a better job, tell them right away!
4. Include your
medical history
It is very
important for your safety that you inform your therapist of any medical
conditions or past injuries. There are
some instances where massage can cause more damage than good. Your therapist will also be able to give a
more effective treatment if they have an overview of your medical history.
5. Take care of
yourself before and after your massage
This is a
no-brainer. Don't drink a double shot
espresso on your way to the appointment.
Don't go out and down a bunch of mai tais right afterwards. Get plenty of rest. Eat sensibly. Stay hydrated. It is normal to feel a little sore after a
deep massage because your muscles have just gotten a passive workout. Now is a great time to enjoy a little r&r. You have earned it!
To summarize:
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Be prepared to tell your therapist what you need when you walk into the
appointment. With a little thought
beforehand, you won't draw a blank when you get to the clinic and your
therapist asks, "What can I do for you?" A good MT will keep notes on each of your visits, so they are able to compile a comprehensive
picture of your needs and preferences.
With this information, they should be able to offer you an effective
outcome-based series of massages that is customized to suit you specifically.