How to Get the Most Out of Your session
Learn what steps before, during and after your bodywork session that will give the most benefits to a comforting and restorative therapy experience.
A relaxing bodywork session is part client and part practitioner. The therapist uses skilled techniques to help muscles and tissues relax. The client can use simple steps and guidelines to ensure a relaxing experience and help the benefits last longer.
First time and seasoned clients alike can benefit from these suggestions to prepare for, experience, and take care after their session.
Preparing for a treatment
Prior to your therapy appointment, follow these steps to ensure a relaxing experience:
- Get plenty of fluids in the 24 hours leading up to your session
- Shaving the same day of a treatment can lead to razor burn or a rash; avoid shaving legs prior to your session
- Shower the same day of your treatment or as close to the appointment as possible – if you have been working out of doors or exercising the sweat and dirt can become mixed in with the oils and creams and make for an exfoliating or gritty experience
- Plan to take a few minutes at the beginning of the session to complete any paperwork. You will need to disclose any health conditions and allergies to the therapist before your session
What to do During your session
For some clients, receiving bodywork is such a relaxing experience that they will fall asleep within minutes. Others have a harder time unwinding for their session. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy your treatment but here are some suggestions to relax during your session:
- Try following your breathing for a few minutes: breathe in, breathe out
- Focus on listening to the music playing
- Use meditation to enhance your experience
- Don’t force relaxation – if you are in a talkative mood and your mind won’t slow down, feel free to chat during your massage. You may actually relax more if you “go with the flow” and talk through your day and things on your mind than keeping quiet
Be sure to communicate clearly with your practitioner during the session on comfort level, room temperature and music. You don't need to "endure" a treatment experience that is unpleasant so speak up if the pressure is too deep, the table is too warm or if the music is distracting.
Taking Care of Yourself after your session
To help the benefits of your treatment to last longer, try these guidelines:
- Be sure to have adequate water intake after your treatment
- Practice any homework or instructions your practitioner has given you to keep up the benefits between sessions (i.e. stretches, relaxation methods or posture awareness)
- Take things easy for a couple of hours after your session to enjoy longer benefits
- Maintain regular therapy appointments to keep stress and tight muscles at manageable levels