Simple tips to maximize massage therapy benefits

Want to get the most out of your bodywork session? “Audience participation” is the key.

• Communicate your needs to your massage therapist, before and during your session. Preston Wynne Spa therapists will check in with you. A good “check in” question is, “How does this pressure feel? Would you like more? Less?” We know you’re reluctant to tell a massage therapist that, uh, what they’re doing to you, as nice as it may be, isn’t exactly what you want. You deserve to get exactly what you want from your bodywork session. Your therapist appreciates hearing from you.
• Try different styles of bodywork. One size does not fit all. Gentlemen, don’t ask for deep tissue massage because it sounds more macho. Men have a lower pain threshhold than women do, and often find deep tissue uncomfortable. Try energy work like Reiki if you’re experiencing extreme stress or if your health is compromised–for example, if you’re receiving cancer therapy.
• What you do in the 12-24 hours following your massage is important. When your massage therapist tells you to “drink plenty of water,” there’s a very specific reason. Massage therapy helps to detoxify the tissues of the body by increasing circulation of blood and lymph, which help to transport the toxins out of your system. Once those little devils are back in circulation, they need to be flushed out. And water, lots of it, is essential. Without copious hydration, you can end up feeling sore and achey. Lack of hydration is the #1 reason that your massage may have left you feeling worse, not better.
• One of the best ways to accelerate the results of massage is to take a warm bath sometime in the hours following your treatment. Our SureCure Bath, a seaweed concentrate enhanced with essential oils, is one of the fastest ways to facilitate detoxification. (The bathtub is your most accessible healing tool.)
• Use a topical analgesic like our cult-favorite AcquaCures Relief Gel in areas where you have pain, or experienced deeper bodywork. This helps move fluid that can cause aching and stiffness. Relief Gel also contains arnica, a botanical that reduces bruising and pain.
• For maximum effect, combine your topical analgesic with heat–the heated neck pillows and heated wraps from Dreamtime can be warmed in the microwave and applied just where you need them. It’s remarkable how much pain relief these gentle topical modalities can provide.
• Don’t get a massage if you think you may be coming down with the flu. It will accelerate the onset of the flu and may initially intensify symptoms. Unlike a physician, a massage therapist is not prepared to treat sick clients and won’t be able to protect themselves and other clients from your hitchhiking germs.