A massage can be a great way to help you relax, relieve stress, treat muscle tension, and common aches and pains. Massages can even help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Suffice it to say there are many benefits to getting a massage.
If this is your first time getting a massage, there’s no need to stress. We’ll walk you through what you need to do to prepare for your massage appointment so you can walk in ready to enjoy the full benefit of your massage session.
Below are the seven activities of what you need to do before a massage:
1. Research About Massages
“What to do before a massage?” is a very common question when it’s your first time getting massage therapy. If you’re a newbie, the first thing to do is research, research, research! Do you know which type of massage you want? That’s right, there’s more than one! Some massage types include deep tissue, Swedish, Shiatsu, trigger point, sports, prenatal, and many more. Knowing which type of massage you want will help you get the most out of your massage session.
Since each type of massage has its own benefits, knowing the benefits of each and being able to request the massage that best meets your needs is imperative.
2. Wear Comfortable Clothing
When going for a relaxing massage, you want to start the relaxation process at home. Prepare by dressing in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Think things like yoga pants, sweatpants, loose-fitting tops, and sweaters. This ensures you are comfortable both before and after your massage.
If you’re going to a massage after work, for example, and can’t go wearing comfortable clothing, bring some with you for after your massage. Your muscles may be a little sore after your massage so doing this will ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible.
3. Communicate with Your Massage Therapist
To help get the most out of your massage, you should always communicate with your registered massage therapist. Tell them what your reason for coming in is, even if it’s just for some relaxation.
If you have certain problem areas that need special attention, like your neck, back, or shoulders, be sure to mention this to your massage therapist. They can pay special attention to these areas and make sure to work them throughout your massage.
It’s also important to let your massage therapist know if you have any injuries or suffered any injuries in the past. Especially if these areas are still painful, letting your massage therapist know can ensure those areas aren’t massaged (unless you would like them to be).
Your therapist can then use all of this information to guide their massage and give you the best massage possible.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
While it’s always best to stay hydrated throughout the day, it’s especially important to arrive at your massage session properly hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water leading up to your massage appointment.
The reason for this is because massages are dehydrating in nature. A massage breaks up and releases toxins that have built up and started blocking essential nutrients and oxygen from going places in the body that need them. Massages also get your blood and oxygen circulating again.
Be prepared to re-hydrate after your massage to help further flush those toxins out.
5. Make Sure You Have an Empty Bladder
This one might make you giggle, but it’s true: make sure you have an empty bladder before your massage! Since you will be undressing and lying down on a massage table with sheets and possibly blankets over different areas at certain points, it will be a lot of work to take a bathroom break.
It will also eat into your massage time and just be plain disruptive. Of course, if you urgently need to use the bathroom during your massage you can do so.
6. Don’t Eat Before Your Massage
It’s best to avoid having a large meal right before your massage. Your massage therapist will be massaging your back. With a full stomach, that can be quite uncomfortable.
What you should be doing is having a light snack before your massage so that you’re not starving throughout your session. Your belly might start rumbling and that can be quite embarrassing. Especially if this is the first time you are meeting your massage therapist!
7. Arrive Early for the Massage
If this is your first time having a massage, there will be some paperwork that you will need to fill out. This includes any medications you may be taking, your family medical history, any problems areas that need treatment, and so on.
Arriving early will help keep you and your massage therapist on track. This will give you the full time for your massage and not make your massage therapist run late for their next appointment.
If you don’t plan some time to arrive early, you may be feeling rushed, and the last thing you want is to be stressed out when arriving for your massage. Plan your time accordingly and you’ll be glad you did.
We hope you enjoy your first massage appointment and that you find it useful and keep coming back for more massage therapy.