How to Get the Most from Your Massage

A professional massage at a spa will cost you a good amount of money, so you want to be sure to maximize your benefits. Read over the following 12 tips to get the most out of your time on the table.

1. Relax before and after

On the day of your massage, don’t plan anything strenuous. Take at least a few hours to unwind before heading to the spa. You need to rest after your massage too; don’t jump back into a hectic routine right away. Instead, spend time enjoying the relaxing feeling brought on by your treatment. If you’d like, enjoy the spa facilities for a few hours following your massage. Basking in a sauna will help you extend the good feelings from your massage.

2. Take deep breaths

It’s important to breathe properly while getting your massage. Concentrate on taking deep inhales and exhales on the table. Focusing on your breathing will not only release tension, but the repetition will also help calm you.

3. Hydrate

A massage treatment will release stored toxins into your body. Drink plenty of water to help flush these toxins out of your system. A massage is also a natural diuretic, which means it’s doubly important to hydrate afterward. Your therapist should give you some water to drink following the service, but even if she doesn’t, drink up!

4. Avoid alcohol before and after

Just as it’s important to hydrate, it’s also crucial that you not participate in dehydrating activities on the day of your massage. With that in mind, it’s not a good idea to drink alcohol immediately before or after your massage. You’ll get much more out of it if you arrive well hydrated. Some spas do serve champagne to customers during treatments; although it’s not recommended, if you really want to indulge, limit yourself to just one glass and drink plenty of water afterward.

5. Be clear about your preferences

You have a right to a massage that suits your tastes. Let your therapist know what kind of touch you like, if the temperature in the room is to your satisfaction, and whether you have any hesitations about the massage. You therapist should ask you about your preferences, but let her know even if she doesn’t. Also, speak up if you ever feel uncomfortable during the massage; your masseuse will be happy to alter any aspect of the service, but only if you let her know.

6. Arrive early

Don’t risk forfeiting some of your massage time. Arrive at the spa at least 20 minutes prior to your treatment to give yourself enough time to check in, change, explore the facilities, and meet with your therapist. If you’re late, you won’t get to make up the time lost.

7. Take advantage of spa amenities

Get the most out of the money you spend by enjoying the self-serve features at your spa, including steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, relaxation lounges, plunge pools and more. Most of these amenities will be free with the purchase of a treatment. Spend all day enjoying these services for the best value.

8. Stay away from large meals

Enjoying heavy food before heading to the spa could make your massage uncomfortable. Try not to eat for two hours before your appointment, and keep all your meals light on the day of the treatment.

9. Alert your therapist to any special needs

If you have allergies or health problems, let your therapist know. He or she will alter the massage to make it more pleasant for you. And always talk to your doctor before getting any spa treatment if you have serious health issues.

10. Get disconnected

It’s hard to relax when you’re too aware of the hustle of the outside world. Therefore, leave your electronic devices--cell phone, PDA, computers--at home when you go to the spa. The staff will ask you to turn them off anyway. For the best chance at a relaxing experience, commit to a technology fast on the day of your treatment. Don’t turn on the TV, surf the Internet, or use your cell phone unless absolutely necessary. The lack of sensory inputs will prepare your mind and body for the calm of the spa.

11. Have a goal in mind

Usually, your therapist will ask you what you hope to achieve during the massage. Think about how you would answer this question. Would you like to relieve stress? Is chronic pain your problem? Or do you just want to relax? Having a good idea of why you want a treatment will help your therapist give you the best service possible.

12. Get regular treatments

The best way to get results from a massage is to have them done regularly. If you want to get the most out of your time at the spa, schedule monthly massages with your favorite therapist. You may be eligible for a discount if you buy multiple treatments at one time too.