There are plenty of people who are hesitant to schedule a massage because they're worried about what could happen during the procedure. If you're nervous about scheduling an appointment, the good news is that most of these fears can quickly be put to rest with the help of our professional masseuse.
Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.
If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels. Drink extra water after your massage.
Full, natural breathing helps to facilitate relaxation of body and mind. Not BIG GIANT breaths, but real, full and gentle belly breaths, not shoulder breathing. Often, when a sensitive area is being massaged or the mind is anxious, people hold their breath. Breathe deeply into the areas of tension being worked on.
As tension is released from the muscles, emotions that have been stored within the body may also come to the surface. This emotional release can sometimes trigger feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety which may contribute to feeling unwell after a session.
During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.
Physical tension and emotional stress are closely connected, and when pressure is applied to muscles during a massage, it can trigger the release of both physical and emotional tension. This release may manifest as tears as the body and mind let go of built-up stress and emotions.
If your muscles were particularly tense or knotted before the massage, the manipulation could lead to soreness as those knots are worked out. Individual sensitivity. Everyone's body reacts differently to massage. Some people might be more sensitive and experience soreness even with a gentle massage.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
It loosens tight muscles, common in neurological problems, and promotes relaxation and flexibility. It enhances blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. It boosts lymphatic drainage by removing toxins and reducing swelling.
The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
Swedish massage is a great choice for someone who doesn't know what they want. It's a full-body massage that plays into what we classically think of as “massage”. There are lots of long, firm strokes on major muscle groups. It helps you to feel relaxed in body and mind.
Massage therapy is a popular and effective way to help treat pain and mobility issues, and it's excellent for relaxation, too. But as great as this bodywork is, it's normal to feel nervous about your first massage.
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States – 24/7, free, confidential. Crisis Text Line (CTL) is here for you. A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool calm.
Choosing the Right Massage Therapist
Take the time to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and look for therapists or practices that specialize in your specific needs. A professional and caring environment, like the one provided by Massage Strong, can make all the difference in your massage experience.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.