How to Get the Most Out of Your Session
Your bodywork sessions are more than just a break from the daily grind — they're an opportunity to reconnect to your body, heal injuries, restore function, and unlock your body's full potential.
But are you getting the most out of them? Here are a few simple, yet effective ways to elevate your experience and get the maximum benefits from every session.
1. Hydrate before and after treatment.
Contrary to popular belief, drinking water after a massage doesn’t "flush out toxins." Detoxification is a natural process carried out by your liver, kidneys, sweat glands, and digestive system.
The real reason to stay hydrated is to support your body’s soft tissues — muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. Therapeutic techniques like massage and cupping can move the fluids of our body (blood and lymph), which may lead to mild dehydration.
Drinking water before and after your session helps keep these tissues supple, flush out any metabolic waste, and restore balance (homeostasis) post-treatment.
2. Communicate with your massage therapist.
Many people think of massage as a silent, relaxing experience, but effective therapeutic bodywork often involves active communication. Your massage therapist may ask questions or guide you through certain movements. Engaging with your therapist during the session ensures you receive the best care.
Unsure what to talk about with your massage therapist? The easiest place to start is sharing your goals. Are you seeking relief from pain or simply looking to improve overall wellness? Are you looking for a long-term treatment plan or short-term support?
If you’re dealing with pain, let your therapist know when it started, how it feels now, what triggers it, and what you’ve tried that helps or worsens the discomfort.
You can also provide feedback on any changes or improvements (or lack thereof) you’ve noticed during and after treatment. This insight helps your therapist fine-tune their approach, ensuring that each session is tailored to your evolving needs.
3. Follow self-care recommendations.
Your massage therapist may suggest stretches, exercises, or self-massage techniques, and these are crucial to your wellness journey. Even if you’re receiving regular treatments, there are days between sessions where self-care becomes essential.
Self-care practices puts the power back into your own hands! It can help bridge the gap between appointments, maintain the benefits of bodywork, and provide tools to manage discomfort on your own. Incorporating these techniques into your routine keeps your soft tissues happy and healthy; helping to prevent future issues and enhance long-term wellness.
4. Schedule regular bodywork sessions.
Regular bodywork is key to maintaining the health of your body and mind. Especially if you 20 years or older, put consistent demands on your body, or lack movement in your daily life. Just like maintenance for your vehicle, your body needs regular care too.
The frequency of your sessions depends on your lifestyle and personal goals. For some, "regular" might mean once a week; for others, it could be every two months. Discuss your needs with your massage therapist to determine the best schedule for you.
You can read this blog post for guidance on the best session length and frequency.
5. Focus on your breathing.
How you breathe during a session can significantly impact your experience. If you notice that you hold your breath or take shallow breaths during a massage, try to consciously breathe deeply into your chest and diaphragm.
Your breathing patterns communicate with your nervous system, influencing how your body responds to treatment. Many clients tend to brace or hold their breath when we hit a particularly tight, tender, or sore area. When this happens, I often ease the pressure and guide clients to breathe deeply, helping their bodies relax more effectively.
At no point in the history of massage has it been beneficial to “tough it out.” If your muscles are tightening and protecting a sensitive area it won’t get better by mashing on it harder. Always make sure to inform your therapist if a technique is hurting!
6. Explore complimentary modalities.
For a holistic approach to wellness, consider integrating complementary practices such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, or personal training int your regiment.
These additional modalities offer different perspectives on your health and can work together to support your overall well-being. I firmly believe that no one practice or way of doing things can cover it all and often it takes many hands and many eyes to see the whole picture.
Whether you’re exploring physical therapy or energy work — like Reiki, make sure each practitioner sees you as a whole person rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms. Wellness is a multifaceted journey, and incorporating various practices can provide a more comprehensive approach to your health.
Visit our Trusted Professionals page to see a list of complimentary practitioners we recommend.
By incorporating these practices, you can enhance the benefits of your bodywork sessions, support your overall wellness, and feel better between treatments.
Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
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We specialize in sports massage, orthopedic massage, and wellness massage! Our focus is on pain relief, range of motion and flexibility work, myofascial and muscular restrictions, and recovery bodywork.
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