Ten Tips to Get the Most From Your Massage

1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

2. Don’t eat just before the session. Let your body digest your meal first.

3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don’t want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during your session and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing.

5. Communicate with your therapist.

6. Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

7. Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

8. Drink extra water after your massage.

9. Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the session.

10. Be prepared to schedule several sessions. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.

If you could like to schedule an appointment with one of our therapist, please call Comprehensive Center for Women’s Medicine at 773-435-1150.

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