If you have booked in for your first massage, you may be starting to feel some nerves. This is normal as it is a new experience that you are not yet familiar with. Often the unknown can cause worry, so start here with some research on what to expect. Then lookforward to feeling the deep relaxation that a massage offers.
1. What Can I Expect from My First Visit?
Before beginning your first massage, you might be required to fill out a health history form and potentially provide details if there are specific areas that you want to target with the massage. This information will allow the massage therapist to help you get the most out of the service and avoid causing any harm.
2. What if I Am Uncomfortable?
An important part of a massage is having a good level of trust between the client and massage therapist. You should never feel embarrassed to inform them that there are certain things causing discomfort, whether the pressure they are putting on your body is too intense, or the music levels are ruining the atmosphere. The massage is intended to be tailored to suit you personally, so requesting adjustments is fine. This is also the case with choosing what to wear, it is not necessary to be fully naked for your massage – talk to your therapist about the level of coverage you are comfortable with (though you will always be covered by a large towel).
3. How Can This Benefit Me?
Many people find a massage to be extremely calming, this is because of the hormonal effect that the experience can have. Happy hormones like endorphins are released and stress hormones like cortisol are reduced. These hormones influence your overall mental state which is why people find a massage to help manage anxiety and stress, as well as maintain a healthy heart rate and blood pressure.
Massaging muscle and soft tissue can improve circulation.Focusing on sore areas can help them to recover and improve mobility and flexibility. There does not need to be any pain to justify wanting a massage, but they can be tailored towards assessing and recovering injury, which is why athletes who are very active during training or competition frequently seek them.
Booking in for a massage Oxford or near you is a great idea if you have been overworking your muscles and are experiencing aches and pains as result. Receiving a full-body or back, neck and shoulder massage can help to aid your body’s natural healing process.
4. When Should I Avoid Getting a Massage?
If you are pregnant, have a serious medical condition or are receiving intense medical treatment, you should consult your primary health care professional before booking a massage to determine whether a massage would be safe. It might be that particular types of massage should be avoided, but others are suitable.
5. How Often Should I Get a Massage?
There is no set standard on how long you should wait to book another massage, but rather it is down to personal preference. Your budget could influence the frequency, or perhaps it is just dependent on when you feel you could benefit from a massage. Scheduling your massage in regularly will likely be more beneficial, but this is not always feasible.
