Stressed? Tense? Anxious? A massage is a great way to relieve any of these. Oftentimes, many people are apprehensive about taking advantage of a massage. There’s no reason why you should ever be hesitant if your bones are aching or your neck is tense.
Let’s be honest: massage therapy is tens of thousands of years old. It is an effective form of healthcare, and it can certainly provide long-term relief to common ailments in your back, calf or shin. Do you want to continue experiencing agony and anguish? We didn’t think so. But before you contact a local massage therapist, there are several things that you should be aware of which will prepare you for your session.
Here are five tips you need to know when getting a massage:
1. Yes, You Should Tip a Therapist
Akin to servers at restaurants or movers at moving companies, you should always tip a massage therapist. Like any other personalized service, you should offer a tip of at least 15 percent.
If you have received an outstanding massage, then 20 percent would be even better.
2. Outline Your Physical Health
When you receive a visit from a massage therapist, the professional will ask a series of health questions, such as your physical condition, stress levels, medications, surgeries and so on.
It would be prudent to be as honest as possible and to detail your entire physical health. If you feel more pain in your back than in your legs, then the therapist will concentrate on those areas.
3. Let the Therapist Know if You Have Allergies
During the massage session, the therapist will utilize some lotions and oils. However, if you have any allergies to any type of oil or lotion, then it would be wise to inform the therapist of these allergies. You don’t want to suddenly have a skin rash or multiple sneezing fits for a week.
4. Massages Will Last a Minimum of 30 Minutes
Indeed, we are all busy and time seems like a finite resource in our day-to-day lives. That said, you need to know in advance that any and all massages will last at least 30 minutes.
For maximum efficacy, it would be best to take advantage of the full allotment: 90 minutes.
Moreover, it would be just as good for your health if you had multiple sessions, like twice a week or four times a month.
5. Ill? Cancel Your Appointment
Under the weather? Ill? High? Hungover? Whatever the case, if you are feeling sick then you must cancel your appointment. Should you suffer from a contagious condition, then you must reschedule because the therapist doesn’t want to catch what you have, contaminate the bed and risk having other clients contract your virus.
Here are a few other tips that you need to heed:
- Always be sure to be ready on time – therapists have a busy schedule.
- If you had a great experience, tell your friends and family.
- Be clean; shower just prior to your massage session.
- Feeling uncomfortable? Be sure to let your therapist know.
- Undress in private and NOT in front of the massage therapist.
Suffice to say, we should have a massage much more often than we do now, which for many people is likely never. That said, before you contact a local massage therapist, you need to understand the dos and don’ts and the various things that you should employ or avoid before and during the session.
Whether you have suffered a broken leg or your back is killing you from tension and knots, a massage will ensure that you advance your recovery and improve your overall health. Remember, requesting a massage is not a problem.
