How To Get A Perfect Massage
A GREAT MASSAGE COMES FROM GREAT COMMUNICATION AND A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CLIENT’S GOALS. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO ELEVATE YOUR MASSAGE EXPERIENCE:
Identify your goal prior to scheduling so you can book the appropriate length
Don’t come in rushed
Understand how to ask for the right pressure
During the session, adjust things you don’t like
Find the right frequency for you
Imagine a situation where time and money aren’t limiting factors….how do you get the massage you really need? Massage isn’t rocket science, but it’s not uncommon for people to book solely based on how much time they want to be there for, without factoring in how a shorter or longer appointment will affect their opinion on how good the massage will be. There are important things to consider that will help you understand how many minutes you “should” come for, and how to ask for what you want when you arrive.
FIRST ASK YOURSELF, WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?
Do you need stress relief only, or are you only looking to enjoy a nice massage?
Do you both want to relax but also need some help resolving painful or tense muscles?
Do you only want help with one particular issue and you don’t care if it’s relaxing or not?
CHOOSING LENGTH OF TIME IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON YOUR GOAL
If your goal is relaxation only, you have the simplest choice to make. It really is just how long you want to lay on the table for. If you are a tall person, or a person with above average muscle mass, a 75 minute or 90 minute massage would suit you better. There is just physically more to work with and it will help slow down the pace and will make massage feel less rushed.
If you want to relax but you have a problem area, you should get a 75 min massage or a 90 minute massage. A 60 minute massage is *just* enough time to do a full body massage and “extra time” in one place will take away from a different place. If you are okay with that, no problem, we can skip a body part or do it quickly. But in terms of getting a satisfyingly good massage, having that extra 15 or 30 minutes will help meet all of the goals of a full body massage, while also thoroughly working at a problematic area.
If your only concern is getting help with a problematic area, and you don’t care if it is a full body massage, you also have an easy choice to make. Most likely, 60 minutes will be enough time to work the area and the surrounding muscle groups that might be contributing towards the dysfunction. Getting a longer massage would just be a bonus.
DON’T COME IN RUSHED OR LATE
This is a no brainer, but set yourself up for success by being on time. At Massage Refuge, 5 minutes before your start time is the perfect time to arrive because it allows time for a consultation and the massage can start and end on time. You will relax quicker and easier if you are not feeling rushed when you arrive.
HOW TO ASK FOR THE RIGHT PRESSURE
We generally imagine pressure to be light, medium, or firm. What these terms mean in reality is different to each and every person. We use them as general guidelines. If you’ve had enough massages to know what you like, mentioning what you prefer in the beginning of the massage or on the intake form, helps the therapist get closer to your preferences more quickly. If needed, it will be adjusted during the massage, either overall or for one specific area. (For instance, some people like firm pressure the whole body, but have sensitive legs and prefer light pressure to that area.) If you’ve never had a massage before, or you are unsure of what you’d like, the massage will be medium pressure until we learn whether you need more or less. Feel free to ask to change the pressure at any time, whether feedback was asked for or not.
A NOTE ON DEEP TISSUE VS FIRM PRESSURE
Many people go in for a massage and say, “I want a 60 minute deep tissue massage” but what they really mean is, “I want a 60 minute massage and I like firm pressure.” It seems like splitting hairs, but to a massage therapist there is a difference.
“Deep tissue massage” refers to when a massage therapist uses slow and targeted massage techniques to help resolve an issue with a particular muscle. A person with lower back pain might need deep tissue to that area, for example, but it wouldn’t be necessary on the arms, where everything is working correctly and there is no pain with movement.
“Pressure” is the overall depth that the massage therapist is using on the body. It is usually based on “what is deep enough that creates pleasure for the client, but is not so deep that it causes wincing or bracing.” A medium or firm pressure should feel good and will often relieve muscle tension without having to feel too intense.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE SESSION
It is very important that you advocate for yourself and tell your therapist what you like and don’t like. At Massage Refuge specifically, you can ask to turn the heat on the table up or down, heating pads to be taken away or added, scents to be added or removed. More pressure, less pressure. Music turned up, down, or changed to a different type. These preferences are recorded in your client file, so that you don’t have to repeat yourself when you return for your next visit! All of these things are proactively provided for your comfort and enjoyment, but we know not every client enjoys each of these things. Massage therapists are not offended when you ask to adjust things and actually prefer that you do!
FREQUENCY
Last thing to consider when trying to maximize your massage experience is to make sure that you are getting massages a frequently as is appropriate for you. Some people need massage once a week. Some every 2, or 4, or 6. Some people get one once every 12 weeks. The important thing is to watch your body and notice how long it takes before you get uncomfortable again, and to book your massage before that happens. Most therapists will recommend getting a massage every 4 to 6 weeks, because that seems to be the sweet spot for most people. Much like taking pain relievers, it is best if you can stay ahead of the pain and get a massage before a nuisance becomes an emergency. Massage is a great tool to keep your body feeling good, and treating it as a form of maintenance instead of a rescue when everything goes wrong will truly elevate your experience.
