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 Pre-Massage: - If you can warm the body by taking a hot shower, bath, steam, or sauna. Your body will be more relaxed and result in a better outcome with the massage work you desire.
- Remove all jewelry, contacts, eyeglasses, etc. Don’t apply makeup prior to your session or request to not have the face done.
- Light exercise prior to the session is beneficial.
- A health History Form is required by the therapist. On this form, please note any medical conditions which are contra indicative to massage. High blood pressure (not treated), diabetes (not under control), cancer, illness, and other conditions need to be listed so the therapist can modify your session. The therapist will spend a few minutes going over the form and getting information about what you want from the session, i.e. relaxation, stress relief, muscle recovery, improve circulation, pain relief, deep tissue work to stretch tendons & ligaments, and to break down fibrous scar tissue which form as the result of injury, age, etc.
- You will need to undress to your underwear for a complete body massage. The therapist will tell you how to be covered for your session. Sessions targeting specific body areas such as the rotor cuff group, elbow, knee, hamstring or wrists will not require you to undress completely.
- Most people with tension headaches due to muscle tightness usually get relief with massage. Some headaches like migraines or of a vascular nature could worsen with massage. You may want to postpone your session if you have received a massage in the past and your headache has gotten worse after receiving the massage.
During massage: - Relax, Relax, and Relax! Soothing music is often used to facilitate relaxation. Tell the therapist if you feel any discomfort during the session. Pain is a sign that there is problem. Keep in mind that deep tissue work can cause some pain in order to stretch the tendons and ligaments; and to break down scar tissue which is interfering with Range-Of-Motion (ROM).
- Please don’t remove the drape. The warmth created by the drape is important for keeping the muscles warm. The therapist will only remove the drape for the portion of the body being worked on.
- It is OK to nap! The therapist will instruct you if needed for turning or changing body position. It is important to keep warm and stay relaxed.
Post massage: - Drink plenty of liquids after your session. Water, soup, juices, etc. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated beverages which will dehydrate your body.
- If sore or bruised from deep tissue work, RICE the area: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate
- Take a hot bath with Epsom salt for at least 20 minutes prior to going to bed to aid in the removal of waste products from the body. The magnesium in the salt will help relax the muscles. Don’t take a hot bath if you had deep tissue work and the therapist has told you to ice the affected area.
- Avoid working out for 24 to 48 hours, so the body can recover from your session.
- Some people may feel sick after the massage. This is because lactic acid and other waste products have been pushed out of the tissues and muscles into the blood stream. These toxins can make you feel sick. A good nights rest will allow the kidney and liver to rid the body of these wastes. You should feel energized the next morning.
- Tell the therapist if there is any long term pain after the session. There should be no pain from deep tissue work by the third day. Massage strictly for relaxation or stress relief should never produce pain of any kind.
- If you have had deep tissue work or the massage didn’t completely relax the affected muscles you may want to take an over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil. These will produce an anti inflammatory response and will help in recovering from deep tissue work. They could also aid in relaxing muscles which didn’t fully respond to massage. Don’t take any medication if you are allergic to it or your doctor advices against for any existing medical condition you may have. Many over-the-counter “sport” cremes or gels” applied to the skin can also provide relief of pain and promote healing.
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