Countless individuals enjoy the benefits of visiting a massage therapist regularly. However, Dwayne Pittman knows that many deprive themselves of visits to a massage therapist over a number of different common concerns or fears. For instance, people tend to worry that their massage session may be awkward or uncomfortable. Dwayne Pittman, a seasoned massage therapist, is hopeful that providing potential clients with the massage therapist perspective will alleviate some fears.
1. The Client Controls The Dress Code
There's no reason to be uncomfortable regarding what to wear during a massage appointment. While it is typical for a client to have only a thin sheet between their skin and the massage therapist, it's also okay to wear a layer of clothes to ensure comfort. The reason for the thin sheet is that it allows the therapist to do a more precise job of massaging the muscles than is possible with layers of clothing in the way. Every licensed massage therapist will provide private space to dress and undress.
2. Enter The Appointment Well Hydrated
Dwayne Pittman recommends that every client drinks plenty of water prior to their massage appointment. When someone receives a professional massage, the massage will stimulate circulation which aids the removal of waste from the muscles. The flushing process inside the body is made easier when the body has plenty of water to help the process along. After a massage session is complete, it's not uncommon to feel a bit dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water after the massage can help ease any soreness that dehydrated muscles can bring.
3. If You Plan to Work Out on the Appointment Day, Do It Before The Session
Muscles that are pumped up during a workout can benefit greatly from the relaxation of a massage. A massage session can be a great reward for a grueling workout session. Because people leave a massage appointment relaxed, it can be difficult to ramp back up for a workout afterward. Before every session, it's important to shower. A hot shower can jumpstart the relaxation process and have the muscles ready for the session.
4. During The Session, Focus on The Breath
While a massage therapist like Dwayne Pittman works on improving circulation and removing the tension from the body, the client should look to ensure the body is oxygenated properly. Breathing deeply and calmly as one would during a meditating session, the blood will remain well-oxygenated. Oxygen-rich blood heading directly to the muscles in need allows for a person to get the best results from their massage. It also doesn't hurt that the focus on the breath will allow a client to relax and release any tension they had when they arrived at their first appointment.
5. The Client is In Charge
There's a major difference between discomfort and pain. Dwayne Pittman notes that there may be some minimal discomfort during certain parts of a massage session, but there should never be a shift to actual pain. No licensed massage therapist is going to cause pain purposely, but they do require the client to speak up when they feel pain. We all have different tolerances for the amount of pressure applied to the muscles. If a particular area is rather tender, the client should never be afraid to voice their opinion. Every massage is meant to be as relaxing and rejuvenating as possible. The client should never be afraid to point out specific areas of their body that they want to focus on. For instance, if a person has a ton of tension in their shoulders, they should ask their massage therapist to spend more time massaging this area. The client calls the shots.
Finally, once a person has a massage, they should understand that they will receive more significant benefits when they go for massage sessions regularly. Booking regular appointments can alleviate tension and keep the muscles relaxed and functioning properly.
