It's Your Massage: How to make the most of it

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER YOUR MASSAGE

Our goal at Loomis Hall Massage Therapy is to provide therapeutic client centered massage.  In order to provide the best possible massage experience we sometimes need your feedback.  We can usually feel a lot with our hands, but as much as we try to read your mind it is beyond our powers, so feel free to tell us what you like or don’t like.  Remember it is your body and your massage! 

Part of the massage experience is what you do before, during, and after the massage. We have provided basic information about what to do below.  Feel free to ask us questions at any time.  

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How to get the most out of your massage

• Remember this is your massage and your body. We will do everything we can to help you have a positive and beneficial massage experience.  Don’t be afraid to tell us what you like or don’t like.  We are always open to feedback
• Be as receptive and open to the massage experience as possible.
• Do you want more/less pressure?
• Is there an area you want us to focus on?
• Are you comfortable?
• Is the face cradle uncomfortable?
• Is the room too cold/too hot?
• Do you want different music? No music? Or you can always bring your own.
• While working on one area of your body, please let us know if another area becomes uncomfortable, such as a limb falling asleep.  Lying face down in the cradle may lead to sinus changes causing stuffiness, drainages or the need to sneeze, this is completely normal.  Please let us know if you need a tissue or need to adjust.
• Focus on your breathing and the area of the body the massage therapist is working on.  Taking slow deep breaths helps to release stress, tension and knots.
• Ask questions at any time before, during, or after the massage.
• If you don’t like something we are doing or are uncomfortable with a specific area of your body being touched (feet, face, ears, etc) please let us know.
• Undress to your comfort level.  We can work with all your clothes on or off.  We always use sheets and blankets for draping and only uncover the area of the body we are currently working on.  If you want to leave your clothes on please wear a tank top and shorts or yoga pants or some other light weight clothing you can move in.
• Fully relaxing during a massage takes time and often requires a level of trust and comfort with the massage therapist.  By getting a few massages from the same therapist your comfort and trust will develop and your massage therapist can get to know what works best for you.

How to prepare for a massage

• Eat a light meal rather than a large meal before the massage.
• Drink lots of water before and after the massage.
• Arrive at your massage appointment on time or a few minutes early.  Try not to hurry as it will take longer to get comfortable and relax.
• Take a walk to clear your mind.
• Please don’t get a massage when you are contagious, have a fever, cold, or flu as massage can make those illnesses worse.
• Breathe

What to expect during the massage

• We will ask you if anything is bothering you or if there is anything you would like us to focus on during the massage
• After we leave the room to wash our hands please dress down to your comfort level and get on the table under the sheets
• During the massage we will only uncover the area of your body that we are working on.
• If you are having pain or discomfort we may ask you to do some range of motion so we can help determine what we should focus on during the massage.
• Breathe and let your body relax so you can get the most benefit from your massage. 

 
What to expect after the massage

• Immediately after the massage you may feel light headed or dizzy.  Take your time getting off the table.  We have water and tea available after your massage, and please feel free to sit for a few minutes to reconnect and ground yourself before leaving.
• A feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation
• You may feel more energy, focus, greater productivity, heightened awareness of your body and self.
• Possible soreness. If it lasts longer than 1-2 days please let us know at the next appointment so we can adjust the massage accordingly.
• Increase in circulation, range of motion, mobility, and ability to sleep.
• Decrease in stress, pain, stiffness, and tension

Post-massage self care

• Ice any areas that are sore or uncomfortable for 15-20 minutes 2 or more hours apart. Ideally use a bag of ice or an ice pack, not frozen vegetables. Make sure there is a barrier between your skin and the ice (a pillow case works great!).
• Drink 2-3 more glasses of water than you normally drink in a day
• Go for a walk
• Stretch
• Call your massage therapist if you have any questions or concerns