Drink water on the day of your appointment, both before and after. Massage is detoxifying and hydrating well will help your muscles relax and helps in moving the toxins released during massage out after the treatment. Communicate with your massage therapist and let them know what you need/like/dislike.
Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.
This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.
It's generally recommended to take a shower before a massage. This helps to relax your muscles, makes the massage more effective, and ensures good hygiene for both you and the therapist.
Myth 3: You cannot shower after a massage
It will not reverse the benefits of massage nor cause too much blood circulation. Showering after massage is a personal preference, not a health risk. The exception is if you've had a skin treatment massaged into your skin.
Leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home! I generally remind you of this before your session, and it's quite common for people to come straight from work, but with a bag of clothes to change into. I usually recommend wearing a t-shirt and yoga pants/sweatpants/shorts.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry. This range is widely accepted as a standard gesture of appreciation for satisfactory to excellent service, and is a perfectly acceptable tip.
On average, a massage typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
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.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas. Avoiding these areas helps protect the client from unnecessary pain and complications, which is why therapists need to be well-versed in anatomy and safe massage techniques.
It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.
The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
Massage guns are best to help loosen up tight muscles or the fascia tissue that surrounds them. The devices use a percussion rhythm that can get circulation going and ease muscle tension so you don't get sore after physical activity. They can also break up tightness or knots to improve your mobility or posture.
Clean hair can enhance the overall experience, making it more pleasant for both you and the therapist. Additionally, if oils are used during the massage, starting with clean hair ensures that the oils can be fully absorbed without the interference of dirt or product buildup.
Show Up Fresh & Clean
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.