Getting a massage or eyeing a new massage spa in town? Massage can be deeply soothing to stressed and tense muscles. Whether it’s your first time or not to get a massage, it’s crucial that you get only the best body treatment. You’re lucky to find the best massage or masseuse for you after the first time, but most likely, you’ll have to try several to find one. Asking the right questions to a massage therapist is a great starting point! Here are some questions you may ask a prospect massage therapist.
Am I fit to have a massage?
If you have any medical conditions, it’s best to inform the massage therapist to be on the safe side. There’ll be times that a massage practitioner isn’t in a position to give you a massage. Seek the approval of your doctor especially if you are:
- Diabetic
- Pregnant
- Fractured
- Suffering from arthritis or osteoporosis
How long have you been doing massage?
Although beginners can be blessed with great talent, find a massage therapist that has a minimum of five years of working experience to ensure you get the best service.
Do you specialize in a specific type of massage?
Although some massage therapists master one or two kinds of massage, there are some who specialize in various massage techniques. Discuss with the massage therapist your reason for having a massage therapy. This discussion will give your masseuse ideas on how to handle you properly. It will also help you achieve your goals of undergoing massage therapy. If it’s your first time and you’re uncertain which massage is best for you, this is the best time to ask the therapist about the benefits and the types of massage. The therapist may also suggest what he thinks is best for you.
Will you help me address my health conditions?
If you seek massage therapy to find relief from any health condition – such as fibromyalgia or lower back pain – ensure you choose someone experienced in providing such service. Your therapist can help you work out a plan to address your health concern, but always check with your doctor if massage therapy is recommended for you.
What training have you experienced?
Massage schools differ in their approaches to teaching massage therapy. Some teach traditional massage, whereas others integrate alternative methods such as shiatsu, reflexology, Thai massage, and aromatherapy. The minimum requirement for most states is 500 to 600 training hours. Check that the therapist is licensed to practice massage therapy.
When should I feel better?
If you choose to have massage therapy to address a specific issue of your body, it”s essential you achieve this goal. The time needed for you to feel results depends on your area of concern. The type of daily work that you do also affects how soon you feel the results. Athletes may need special treatment as with others who perform plenty of physical labor. Some cases will require a few visits to the massage clinic to obtain the desired results.
How should I behave during the massage?
This may sound like a silly question, but you may want to know if there are any rules to follow while given the massage. However, you shouldn’t think so much about this. All you have to do is relax and trust your massage therapist to do the best for your health and body.
Your naked body will be covered with a sheet while they’re giving you the appropriate massage strokes, style, and massage oil. There’s also one thing that you should inform them when they start – it’s whether the pressure is right, lacking, or too much. This is an important step since the rest of the massage experience will depend on the correct pressure you want.
Is there anything to do after the massage?
The therapist will usually give you advice after the massage, and it’s essential that you follow them. Some of these bits of advice are:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- If you feel dizzy, grab yourself some light snacks.
- If you feel pain in your muscles, avoid warm compresses that will overheat them. Use a cold compress in cooling down the inflamed area.
What’s the difference between a sports massage and a relaxation massage?
Depending on why you’re getting a massage, it’s good to know the difference between a sports massage and a relaxation massage. While your massage therapist will go into detail about this more, generally a relaxation massage is more nonspecific, superficial, connective, and flowing. With a sports massage, you’ll find that it involves the use of different techniques that are usually more intense on certain areas of the body. A sports massage should be added as a part of an athlete’s regular overall training session.
Is there such as thing as too much pressure when massaging?
Some massage therapists tend to massage using a lot of pressure. While some pressure is ok, some massage therapists may not know the full extent of their massage and how it’s affecting you. Because of this, it’s important to tell the therapist if you find the massage pressure is starting to hurt you. Without telling them that they’re placing too much pressure, you may find you’ll come out with bruises on your skin. So don’t be afraid to speak up.
Is it normal to get any side effects from a massage?
While uncommon, some people may get minor side effects from a massage depending on the techniques used and the type of massage. Some of the most common side effects are:
- Bruising
- Headaches on the first day
- Sore muscles
- Fatigue or sleepiness
These are the most common side effects that you can experience from a massage within the first 24/48 hours, so don’t worry unless it lasts more than a week.
Is it bad to fall asleep on the table during a massage?
While it may seem like a weird question, it’s not uncommon for many people to fall asleep on the massage table. This is generally because all your muscles are relaxing and you start to feel calm and comfortable. If you’re concerned about falling asleep on the table, don’t be afraid to talk to your massage therapist and ask them to wake you up if needed during the massage.
Can I ask for a quiet massage session if I don’t want to talk?
During a massage, many massage therapists like to talk. This is to really break the ice and make the environment you’re in a much more relaxing one. But not everyone likes to talk. If you’re someone who prefers to have a quiet massage session, don’t be afraid to communicate with your massage therapist about it. They won’t mind and will generally try to make your session as comfortable as possible.
Final Words
You may seek massage therapy for a variety of reasons, and whether you want to soothe your back after working too long in the office or you want to address other concerns, it’s critical to communicate with your massage therapist. A wonderful massage experience starts with asking your therapist the right questions.
