I was recently given a complimentary Swedish massage courtesy of Massage Envy. And it got me thinking. Do people unwittingly ruin their massage by doing or not doing certain things? I think they do. So here is my list of the top five things that I think people do – to ruin their massage!
5 Ways to Ruin Your Massage
1. Not asking for a breast board if you’re chesty! I have to admit I only found out about these recently. But what a world of difference. A breast board is a soft board that goes on the table but under the sheet you lay on, basically with holes cut out where your breasts can rest while your on your tummy. It eliminates the pressure on your chest, and lets you really enjoy the back massage.
2. Not going pee before your massage! Don’t feel like you have to go? Go anyway. Nothing will ruin your massage faster than being halfway through it, and realizing you have to waste precious time getting re-dressed and running to the bathroom. Or worse, holding it and being able to focus on nothing but how much you need to pee, while you should be enjoying your massage!
3. Not letting your massage therapist know if something he or she is doing is hurts! If you need gentler pressure say so. If you just lay on the massage table cringing and saying curse words under your breath because you are in so much pain, that’s on you boo. Speak up! Also, be sure to fill out the health questionnaire in the beginning honestly, your therapist needs to know if you have something going on already causing you pain.
4. Not getting to your massage early enough! Yes, you will have paperwork to fill out, but that’s not why. You need at least a few minutes to get quiet, and start the process of relaxing. Massage Envy for instance has a relaxation room with beautiful spa music, and trickling water. It will help you already be in the frame of mind to enjoy your massage if you do some of the work of relaxing your muscles a bit before hand!
5. Not shaving! And for that matter, showering right before hand is great if you can do it. It warms up your muscles ahead of time, and you are sure to feel more relaxed if you know you are clean and fresh. Plus, those long languid massage strokes on your legs are sure to feel miles better for both you and the massage therapist without prickly hairs!
*Last minute Christmas Gift Idea*
Looking for a great last minute Christmas present? What about a gift certificate to Massage Envy? You can even print off the gift cards online, the night before Christmas! So no shipping time needed. Right now Massage Envy has a buy 3 massages – get 1 FREE deal!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary massage from Massage Envy, but all opinions are my own.
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
You can find Shannon on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and her new favorite place to hang out, Google+.
Oh, a massage sounds wonderful right now! Haven’t had one since before the kids were born… I’m thinking I know what I want for my birthday now! 🙂
more suggestions to help you relax through a massage:
Most people feel more comfortable laying face down for 30 minutes if they haven’t eaten a big meal just before. So if you are hungry, have a light snack.
If you haven’t eaten, and your stomach growls, no need to apologize. It’s natural. Let go of society’s rules for politeness for the whole hour.
As a full-time massage therapist for almost 15 years, I am surprised that women feel they need to shave their legs before a massage. The massage therapist focuses (consciously or sub-consciously) on the connective tissue and muscles, both below the skin. So if you arrive at a massage and realize you haven’t shaved in a while, just let go of that thought and enjoy your massage. We aren’t going to be bothered.
As for showering, most of my clients come from work, or from a busy day. They don’t have time to shower again. It isn’t necessary. Massage therapists don’t care. Let go of any concerns that would distract your mind from peace.
Agree about the leg shaving and showering; heck, if you’re lucky enough to come in sweats do it! Be comfy, there’s no judgement in the treatment room. And turn off your phone! Be truly committed to your time on the table, don’t let electronics interrupt your “me” time.
I love these tips! I am actually a massage therapist (though I haven’t done it in a while due to kids!), and I always found it so frustrating when clients wouldn’t speak up – or if they would show up late!
Also, please be sure to tell your therapist if you have any painful bruises or varicose veins, etc that you need them to avoid. They’ll likely see it, but sometimes it’s pretty dark in there or it could be related to a different condition that could contraindicate massaging an entire area. Speak up!