How To Get Your Best Massage!
Here at GTMS we are passionate about what we do and value our clients! We want to share a few tips that can help you get the most out of your next massage session!
Before Your Session
Booking your appointment is a good time to tell our receptionist what you are looking for and what type of message you want. We educate our receptionist to be able to answer most message-related questions as well as give suggestions on which service is right for you.
Complete Your Online Client Intake Form: Completing this form before arriving gives your massage therapist time to prepare for your session. It will also prompt them to ask the appropriate questions during your intake. Telling us about your medications, allergies, and/or medical conditions allows us to make a proper assessment that massage therapy is safe and beneficial for you.
Client Intake: Your massage therapist will walk you through a brief intake before getting you on the table. This is the perfect time to let our massage therapist know exactly what your issues are, where you want them to focus, and any medical issues that may be affected by massage. It is also a good time to bring up any concerns, questions, or preferences you have about the session. GTMS is a judge-free zone, so any question you have is a good question.
Often, massage therapists are accused of mind reading but it does help us do our jobs better when clients give open and clear communication beforehand.
Hydration: Being hydrated before your session does wonders for your muscles and helps them relax.
Arrive 10 Minutes Early: Arriving a few minutes early will allow you to visit the restroom or take care of any front desk business so your session can get started on time.
During Your Massage Session
During your session is the perfect time to let your massage therapist know how they are doing. Are they applying too much, not enough pressure, or just the right amount of pressure? It is 100% okay to let your massage therapist know how things are feeling during your session.
Sometimes it is necessary to feel a little discomfort if we are working on a muscular issue, however any degree of pain must be agreed on by you! If you are lying on the table about to scream, please speak up! Your massage therapist will want to know so they can adjust their pressure.
If the massage therapist is not using enough pressure, nicely asking them to add more pressure may work. Because all massage therapists are built differently, they all have different levels of maximum pressure that their bodies will allow them to go. A therapist can actually hurt themselves by trying to work beyond their body's level. If your massage therapist's pressure is not enough you may want to ask our receptionist when booking your next appointment to put you with a therapist that has a deeper level of pressure.
If your massage session is going great...let your massage therapist know! They love feedback (especially when it is good)!
After Your Session
After your session your therapist will take a few minutes to tell you what they found and/or if you need more work. (And of course to drink plenty of water)! This is a perfect time to ask questions or to give feedback. Tip: The more regular you see the same massage therapist, the more customized your session will get!
After Massage After Care
Hydration: You will want to drink plenty of water in the next 24 hours. Keeping the muscles hydrated is not only good for muscle health, but it may also prevent "after massage tenderness".
Epsom Salt baths feel great after a massage session and may also help to alleviate "after massage tenderness".
And finally...take it easy. The hours after getting a massage session are perfect time to reflect, relax, eat a nourishing meal, and just give yourself space to recover.
If you loved your session, remember to give your massage therapist a review!