Yoga & Pilates Studio | Trolley Square Wilmington Delaware
So, you are thinking about getting a massage for the first time, you may have a few questions about what to expect. Which type of massage should you ask for? Do you really have to take off everything, even your underwear? Here are some tips to make your first massage a great experience.
• Ask a few questions so you know what to expect: What types of massage therapy are available at DMTC? How much do they cost? Some types of massage may be more expensive, such as Bamboo Massage or Hot Stone Massage Therapy. We also offer add-ons for an additional fee, such as Aromatherapy or a Hot Stone Sampler.
• You may be able to request either a male or female massage therapist, if you have a preference.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal just before your massage.
• Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
• Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to give yourself time to fill out the intake form.
• It’s a good idea to use the restroom before your massage.
• You will be asked to fill out an intake form that will ask about medical conditions and medications so the therapist will know what to expect.
• Tell your therapist about any concerns or issues that you may have. Be specific. For example, if you have a ‘bad back’, does that mean you want extra time spent on a sore area or that you’ve had a spinal fusion and you are not to be bent or twisted near the fusion.
• What are your goals for the session? Feeling tired and stressed and need to rejuvenate? Looking for pain relief for your aching neck and shoulders after working on the computer all day? There are many reasons people seek the benefits of massage therapy, sharing your goals with your therapist will allow her/him to customize your session to your needs.
• After you discuss your intake form, your therapist will leave the room so you can get undressed and get under the sheet on the massage table. It is entirely up to you whether you undress completely. Some people are more comfortable leaving their underwear on.
• So now you are warm and cozy and fully covered on the table. When your therapist returns he/she will knock before entering. Your session begins.
• During the massage, you will be kept draped except for the area being worked on.
• If you are too warm or cold or you want more or less pressure, be sure to speak up, the therapist will not know to adjust to your comfort level unless you tell them. Each person perceives pressure and temperature differently. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to massage therapy.
• Tell your therapist if you really like something he/she is doing, remember, your therapist wants to know what you like or don’t like so they can give you the best experience.
• A typical full body massage will include work on the head, neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs and feet. Hip, gluteal and abdominal massage may also be included, depending on your needs and preferences.
• Take your time getting up. You may feel slightly groggy or disoriented if you were deeply relaxed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help getting up if you need it.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids afterwards. Massage moves a lot of blood and lymph around in your systems and can free up toxins and cellular waste products that need to be excreted in the urine.
• If you have a lot of toxins and waste built up in your system, you may feel slightly nauseous or headachy temporarily as they flush through. This is actually a good thing even though it may not feel like it at the moment!
• You may feel a little sore for a day or two afterwards if you had a lot of deep tissue work done. Let you therapist know if you are more than a little sore.