Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the massage. The massage therapist may play music during the massage. Some people find music playing to be relaxing, some find it distracting. If you don’t like music playing, ask the massage therapist to change the music or turn the music off.
Before the massage begins, the massage therapist may offer some advice that will improve the quality of your massage. A common one is to breathe, especially if a sensitive area is being massaged. The massage therapist may use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin while performing the massage strokes. If you are allergic to some oils or lotions, be sure to tell your massage therapist so you both can make sure the ingredients in the oil or lotion do not bother you. Some massage therapists will use a powder instead of oil if you are allergic.
Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body or only specific areas that need attention. For example, general relaxation or stress reduction sessions usually include all the major areas of the body, while a session for a localized injury, pain, or tightness will be focused on a specific area. It is possible to spend most of an entire session on only one area. If there is anything that does not feel comfortable or right or you do not like, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop.
After the massage is finished, you will once again be provided with privacy in order to get dressed. This is the time to ask the massage therapist any questions you have.
How do I get the most out of my massage?
Be as receptive and open to the process as possible.
Do not eat just before a massage session.
Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to get to a relaxed state.
If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked.
Give the massage therapist accurate health information.
Before the session, communicate your needs to the massage therapist. Report any discomfort, either from the massage or due to any environmental problems.
Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It is important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.
Some massage therapists like to play music during the massage session and may have music specially composed for relaxation and other effects. Others may find music distracting. Let your massage therapist know if you have any preferences regarding music.
Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. If your massage therapist encourages you to talk or not talk, it is usually based on whether or not it seems to help let go of tension and getting in touch with oneself. Sometimes talking can be a way of unburdening oneself or opening up. Sometimes being silent can be a way of letting go of thoughts or concentrating.
Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breath when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize you are stopping your breathing, let yourself breathe.
Tightening up, i.e., contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.
If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.
If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.
Drink extra water after a massage.
Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.
Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. These changes are readily felt in day-to-day life as well, which adds another dimension of reinforcement. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.
Is tipping required?
Tipping is not required, but very much appreciated. Most of our clients tip anywhere from 15% to 35% of the services.
Love Life Massage is Miami's most loved at-home massage therapy experience, restoring happiness though our healing massage and spa treatments. We travel to all homes, offices, yachts,
and hotels to accompany you on a journey of self-renewal. With the utmost attention to your specific needs, our skilled touch renews your mind, body, and spirit, and you realize that You Are Now Truly Loving Life.
