Do you partake in a therapeutic massage every now and then and wonder how you can really make the most of each session? How you can reach the ultimate stage of relaxation and stress relief? How to make the benefits of each massage last even longer and ease nagging pain? Running late and feeling frazzled right before your massage makes it that much more difficult to truly relax.
Massage therapy helps push lactic acid out of your muscle tissue and into your bloodstream, where it circulates throughout your body. Drinking water after your massage is just as important, to continue to help flush out the minerals that were released during your massage while rehydrating your muscles and reducing potential soreness.
Do you have an old injury that constantly plagues you? Are you experiencing pain in certain areas? Do you have regular headaches or trouble sleeping? Also, be open about areas you want them to avoid or focus on. During your massage, the more feedback you provide, the more they will be able to help you. If the pressure is too much or not enough, let your therapist know. Same when something feels good, feel free to communicate that to help get the most from your massage.
Focusing on your breathing technique during your massage session can help you reach a state of relaxation and alleviate overwhelming thoughts of daily tasks and responsibilities. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so its greatest benefits are seen over time. The more often you get a massage, the quicker your body will respond and chronic patterns of stress or pain can be released.
If you usually go a few times a year, try going once a month over a certain period of time and track how your body responds. Mark Love is co-owner of Massage Envy Flagstaff. For more information on the benefits of massage, go to MassageEnvy. For additional tips or to schedule an appointment, visit massageenvy.
