What Are Some Dos and Dont’s of Getting a Massage Therapy

Getting a massage can be an excellent way to relieve stress, get rid of aches and pains, and relax. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all massages are created equal. Some massages are great, while others may cause more harm than good, especially if you have certain conditions or injuries. To help ensure you get a message that provides you with the most benefits, consider looking at some dos and don’ts of getting a massage.

Massage is a great way to relax and relieve muscle tension, but if you are going to get one, there are some things that you should do and avoid doing! Let’s go through some of the basic dos and don’ts of getting massage therapy.

DO’S OF GETTING A MASSAGE:

1. DO choose a certified massage therapist.

A professional who has received formal training has the knowledge and experience to perform your massage correctly. Make sure that you ask for verification of their certifications. Remember that certification may not be required for all states, so it’s important to check with your state’s requirements before booking an appointment if this is important to you.

2. Check their Backgrounds

DO check for complaints with your local Better Business Bureau or state attorney general’s office if you are concerned about the therapist being experienced and professional. Most states have a licensing board that can help answer any questions or concerns that you might have about a particular individual. In case of an emergency, try to ask for the name of a business owner or management staff member.

3. Be Open and Honest 

DO be open and honest with your massage therapist about any health problems you have been diagnosed with and any injuries or conditions you may have. If the therapist is not aware of these issues ahead of time, the massage can aggravate them more than it helps relieve them.

4. Communicate with your Massage Therapist

DO communicate with the therapist if the pressure is too light or too hard. Your message should be relaxing but not painful. If you are in any way uncomfortable, speak up! This helps ensure that your experience is comfortable and you get all of the benefits you want from a therapeutic massage.

5. Be aware of what you eat and drink before getting a Massage

DO be mindful of what you eat and drink before getting a massage. Avoid fatty or sugary foods that may increase your blood pressure, making it hard for the therapist to pinpoint problem areas. Try drinking lots of water leading up to the appointment, so you feel well hydrated and refreshed.

6. Schedule your appointment for the right time

DO schedule your massage appointment in the morning or early afternoon. If you get too much sun, drink alcohol, or exercise beforehand, it may be more difficult for the therapist to locate problem areas. These activities can increase blood flow and body temperature, making it harder for the therapist to pinpoint problems. Try getting a massage in the morning or early afternoon, so your body is at its most relaxed state.

7. Have realistic expectations

DO have realistic expectations! You can’t expect to be completely pain-free just from one appointment, especially if you have ongoing problems such as injuries and muscle tension issues. Please talk with your therapist about what you might expect to feel afterward and ask for their professional opinion.

8. Bring Notes

Some patients bring notes with them that they would like the therapist to focus on during their session. Even if you are getting a massage to relax, these notes can help your therapist know what you are looking for in your experience. It helps improve everyone’s experience and is a huge help for the therapist to get you the results you’re looking for.

9. Take It Easy During Your Session

I know this may seem like an obvious one, but your message shouldn’t be something that you feel pain from. If it’s too painful, don’t just suffer through it! Let your therapist know that it’s too much pressure or hurting in a particular place. You may need to tell your therapist about the pain, but be specific, so they know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it.

10. Relax and Enjoy Yourself

Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience! Don’t have any expectations for yourself. If you are relaxed, your body will respond in kind. You can expect to feel more relaxed after you visit with a professional massage therapist who is highly trained in their field. They are trained to help relieve stress throughout all of your muscles so that you can enjoy your day more fully. You will feel better after you have a massage, so relax and go with the flow!

DON’TS OF GETTING A MASSAGE:

1. DON’T bring children to your massage appointment.

DON’T bring children with you to your massage appointment—even if they are well-behaved. Most people schedule a therapeutic massage as a way to relax, so it can be difficult for the therapist to focus on you if they are worried about your kids.

2. DON’T drink alcohol before your massage appointment.

DON’T drink alcohol before your massage appointment. Alcohol relaxes the muscles, which can make problems more difficult to pinpoint and treat. It also makes it hard for the therapist to know how deep they should press on specific body areas.

3. DON’T cancel your appointment at the last minute without rescheduling it first.

DON’T cancel your appointment at the last minute without rescheduling it first. Massage therapists have to pay for their supplies and schedule time so they can spend hours treating you! If they are unable to fill your appointment, they lose money both for the missed hours and supplies.

4. DON’T wear clothing with zippers or other sharp metal objects to your massage appointment.

DON’T wear jewelry or other sharp objects that can catch on the massage therapist’s clothes during treatment. If you are wearing these things, it can be uncomfortable for both you and your massage therapist. It is best to remove these items before the appointment begins.

5. DON’T expect your massage to eliminate all of the pain in your body.

DON’T write off regular appointments with a licensed massage therapist if you are looking for long-term relief. Instead, find one that you can see regularly—once or twice each month—to help alleviate some of the pain and tension in your body.

6. DON’T schedule a massage if you are ill with a fever, have severe diarrhea or are currently taking antibiotics.

Your immune system is weakened during these times and can make it easier for your massage therapist to pick up an illness like the flu. If you don’t get the flu, you will still be more relaxed if your body is healthy.

7. DON’T eat a heavy meal right before your massage.

DON’T schedule a deep tissue massage after eating a heavy meal, and this can cause the therapist to press too hard on your stomach and create discomfort. Instead, wait at least an hour after you finish eating before going for your appointment.

 

8. DON’T drink water in the hour before your massage

DON’T water down your muscles in the hour before your appointment. Wait at least an hour after you finish eating to drink anything, or you might feel bloated during your massage. You should also avoid beverages that contain carbonation, like seltzer and soda. These bubbles will create uncomfortable pressure on your stomach while the therapist works on it.

 

9. DON’T have very specific goals in mind

DON’T schedule a massage with the expectation of getting rid of all your aches and pains. Massage therapists can find these painful points, but they aren’t medical professionals who can diagnose or cure what you are experiencing. It is best to leave such issues up to a doctor.

 

10. DON’T expect your massage to be the exact same every time.

DON’T go into your appointments at different times of the month with the exact expectations for each visit. Everyone’s body is slightly different from day to day, especially if they are stressed, tired, rested, or healthy. A licensed massage therapist should adjust their technique throughout your appointment based on what is needed.

 

Conclusion:

Massage therapists are trained professionals who can alleviate tight areas and tense muscles in your body. If you follow the do’s and don’ts listed above, you will get the most out of your treatments. These tips will also help you have the most relaxing experience possible.

 

Ready to Experience Massage Therapy in Grande Prairie, Alberta?

Grande Prairie Massage Pro is here to help! Our massage therapists are trained in various techniques that can help relieve your pain. We offer deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone therapy, prenatal massage, and more. No matter what type of pain you’re experiencing, we can find the proper treatment for you.

 

You deserve to feel better! Let us work our magic on your body so you can go back to living life without any aches or pains holding you down. Permit yourself to relax, and let us take care of all those knots in your neck and shoulders – because we know how much they hurt! See us today at our office located in Grande Prairie, AB. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Book an appointment with one of our excellent massage therapists by calling (587) 495-2239!