Massage Therapy
Will Massage Hurt?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.
What do I do during a massage treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Do I have to be completely undressed?
You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that’s fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table with a set of sheets and a blanket covering your body. At our clinic, we also provide heated tables for your comfort. As always, you may ask to have them turned off if you become overheated.
Why should I drink water after a massage?
The body builds up metabolic wastes and various toxins that get trapped and stored in soft tissues. These wastes are extracted from tissues and pushed into the blood stream and lymphatic system during a massage. Drinking water helps flush these wastes out of the body. Not drinking water may cause headache from all the toxins and allow them to resettle within your body as internal waste once again. Make sure you drink at least one 16 oz. bottle of water after your massage.
