Believe it or not, there are still people out there who feel like a professional massage can be a waste of money. For those of us whom experience professional massages on a regular basis we know that these can often be more beneficial that a trip to the doctor and less expensive. A massage can also give you a spiritual lift which I have yet to receive at any of my doctors’ appointments. So how do you get more out of your massage without lying there worrying about being undressed around a total stranger or the money you are spending? Here are a few simple steps to help ensure that you get the most out of every massage.

1. Drink plenty of water both before and after your massage

The pressure from your therapist hands pushes lactic acid out of your muscle tissue and into your bloodstream, where it circulates throughout your body. Without water, your blood flow is sluggish and stagnated and might not process these toxins effectively.

2. Talk to your massage therapist

We are not psychic and need you to communicate any problem areas you may have, needs or expectations you have for your session. Make sure you fill out your intake form as specifically as possible and share these in the verbal intake before your massage. The more detailed information we have about your concerns and needs, the better session we can provide you.

3. Don’t be bashful

Our licensed massage therapists are trained in sheet-draping techniques that will ensure your modesty is protected at all times. The therapist will leave the room while you slide under the sheets. Simply undress to the level of your comfort and if at any time you are not comfortable, relay that to your therapist. Don’t waste energy worrying about what the therapist will think of your body, they are trained to be very professional and courteous and at Spa Royale the main concern is providing you with the best massage possible.

4. Stop thinking

This might be the hardest part of relaxing into a massage. It is very difficult for some of us to turn off our brains thus making relaxation difficult. Try using rhythmic breathing as your therapist will instruct you to take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help you to begin the relaxation process and usually make it easier for you to sink into a parasympathetic state of relaxation.

5. Relax your body.

Don’t engage your muscles to help the therapist maneuver a part of your body. This doesn’t really help because it just tenses your muscles and makes the therapist’s work harder. Your therapist will give you specific instruction if they need you to assist in the massage. This is usually done when working with injuries or range of motion sessions.

6. Breathe Normally

If you are having a Tension Relief session, it is imperative that you breathe through the pain when your therapist starts working on muscular knots.  Holding your breath will prevent the knots from releasing causing more discomfort. While no massage should be painful, there can be periods of discomfort when working specific problem areas. This is where communication with your therapist is extremely important. Try taking deep breaths into the specific muscle being worked and picture the tension leaving your body in your mind.

7. Spend less time talking during your massage.

Often times while chatting, topics come up that make the body tense up. While you should certainly communicate to your therapist your wants and needs, save the chit chat for another time and focus on allowing your body to relax. Don’t be afraid to ask a chatty therapist to keep it down. Remember this is your time to relax.

8. Take your time getting off of the table after your session.

It is best to roll over to one side and slowly put your feet on the floor to ground yourself before standing up. It is also beneficial to take it easy for the rest of your day if at all possible. It would not be wise to get a massage and then hit the gym. This would defeat the purpose of trying to come in for relaxation.

9. Make sure that you drink plenty of water after your session.

There will be toxins moving around in your body and drinking plenty of water will help to flush those out. Otherwise, you could experience soreness or nausea which would totally defeat the purpose of your massage.

Schedule A Massage With Spa Royale

While science has proven that over 85% of all illness is now stress related, it is more important than ever to find time to disconnect and relax. Massage Therapy is one of the best ways to achieve this and while there are no perfect number of massages of a perfect time in between, the important thing is that you make the time for yourself to relax. It is also important to remember that health and wellness cannot be achieved simply with one or two massages per year. For optimal results and improve mind, body and spirit, it is best to maintain a regular relaxation regimen. Schedule an appointment with Spa Royale for your massage today!