I knew that something was "off" with my hips since hiking Ricketts Glen last Tuesday. I kept meaning to foam roll but my attempts were sad to say the least. I finally made a massage appointment. My appointment was yesterday and sure enough my Piriformis muscle was pretty angry. I just adore my message therapist so I wanted to revisit some tips for those of you who are first timers to make sure you have the best experience possible.
1. Get there early: If you are a first timer, you will need to show up early to fill out paperwork and what not. If you have been there before, know that generally your time starts from when your appointment is scheduled, NOT from when your massage starts. For instance, if your appointment is at 9:00 am and you show up at 9:10, you've already loss 10 minutes of massage time. Of course each massage therapist is different and if nobody is scheduled after you, he or she might give you a break. But to play it safe, show up early.
2. Be clean and shower. You would think this is a given but my massage therapist said that you wouldn't believe how many people come right to the studio after working out at the gym. On the other hand, there is no need to wear heavy perfumes either.
3. Don't wear a bunch of Jewelry, tie long hair back and watch how you dress: This is also common sense. You'll end up taking that jewelry off anyway. I would also add to not dress too complicated. You don't want to waste too much time fiddling with ties and buckles and buttons and what not. You will be taking your clothes off ( with the exception of your underpants). Don't worry, you will be covered with a sheet the entire time.
4. Hydrate: Not only should you be hydrating well before the massage, but hydrating well AFTER the massage is essential. My massage therapist gave a very good analogy when she said our bodies are like a wet dish cloth. When you wring out the cloth you are releasing all the water. The same thing happens with our body.
5. Communicate with your therapist: Sounds easy enough but not a lot of people do this. Tell the massage therapist what you want. If you have problem areas, tell them. If the pressure is to intense, tell them. If the pressure is not enough, tell them. Don't be afraid that you will offend them. They want to give you the experience you want but they are not mind readers!
* If you are a Runner it is not recommended that you get a deep tissue massage the day before a race. Your massage should be at least 2 or more days away from race day. Remember this tip when you go on a "Racecation" because you may be tempted to check out the spa at the resort and get that much needed massage before race day. Lighter massages should be okay.
Where is your favorite place to get a massage? M
I can't believe that so many people would turn up hot and sweaty from the gym. Yuck!
ReplyDeleteI guess it happens!
DeleteI miss getting worked on by my PT (who also had a massage therapist). It was glorious and helped so much (I have a perpetually tight back.). I wish I could afford to go back!
ReplyDeleteThey certainly do work wonders don't they?
DeleteThe only way I was able to get though a half a couple of years while I was battling ITBS was weekly chiro adjustments and massages. I am sure if I hadn't started about 10 weeks out, I would've been miserable the whole time. Instead I got my (Disney) PR that race. It's really sad how close-minded people can be about these types of therapies.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my situation last year! Glad you feel better now!
DeleteGood tips! I like to do a massage at least 3 days before a race or 1 or 2 days afterwards. Deep tissue is the way to go!
ReplyDeleteYes, that is glorious!
DeleteMy Brothers long time girlfriend is a massage therapist and she has some stories! Wow!!
ReplyDeleteOh I bet! Nice to have an MT in the family!
DeleteI love my deep tissue massages. I try to go every 6-8 weeks. I go to someone local.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteOh man... you make me want to schedule a massage IMMEDIATELY.
ReplyDeleteMy old jazzercise teacher turned into a masseuse & she's wonderful. I go between wanting to talk & catch up, to being relaxed so she can get those kinks out
Go make that appointment!
DeleteI hope your piriformis muscle is feeling better after your massage!
ReplyDeleteI never thought about hydrating after a massage... what you are saying makes perfect sense!
Yea, i'm not doing so well with the hydrating part!
DeleteCan't believe people go for a massage right after working out without showering! I hadn't known that about not getting a massage the day before a race. Good tip. I'm thinking about getting one the day after my next half so hopefully that's ok.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure after will be fine. They usually have massage tents set up at big races so I am assuming right after is okay.
DeleteDo that many people really go get a massage right after working out?!? Yuck!
ReplyDeleteMy MT is right on the same road as my gym so it would be very convenient for me to walk down afterwards but I would never do that. I guess some people don't think it through!
DeleteDon't you just love it?
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Ewww to the sweaty people! Who would want to touch that?
ReplyDeleteI was soooooo hoping for more clarification on the underwear issue... ;)
ReplyDeleteOn one hand I am shocked that people would show up sweaty & dirty. On the other hand, people are gross & do some dumb things. I actually tried a new place a year or so ago through Groupon. I liked her so much I go now every month. It's such a great bit of me time. And considering 1 hour + tip = $40 I don't feel too bad about spending it.
ReplyDeleteI like this post! Especially since my friend is starting school to become a massage therapist!!
ReplyDelete