Massage will sooth your body and mind. There are also impressive health benefits; increased blood circulation, pain and headache relief, amped up immunity, anxiety alleviation and improved sleep.
BEFORE YOUR MASSAGE
Don’t eat a heavy, fiber-filled meal right before your massage. Eating something light a couple of hours before your massage is best. Don’t drink a lot of fluids.
If you normally work out, have at it. It is not a good thing to exercise right after a massage as you may injure muscles that have just been relaxed. That makes you more prone to injury.
Take a long, warm shower. Relax your mind and muscles. Being clean helps mitigate body insecurities. Body functions happen, such as grumblings, even flatulence. Don’t freak out. No need to be embarrassed. It’s normal. Use the restroom prior to your massage. Nothing is worse than a therapist pressing on your full bladder.
Be strategic. Some people feel invigorated after a massage (the AM folks). Others like to relax after stress filled work and life. Michael has appointments 11AM to 8PM. You know your body. Follow your instinct when scheduling an appointment. Arrive on time so you and Michael are both relaxed.
During YOUR MASSAGE
Breath (normally) and relax!
Michael will ask preliminary questions to determine your overall health and your health and wellness goals. He will consider information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome
Michael will leave the room and ask you to remove clothing to your level of comfort. Michael is a trained professional. Undress to the point that you feel comfortable. Straps on clothing make it difficult to perform long strokes that are part of the massage process.
You will be asked to cover yourself before he returns with the sheet provided. Lie on the massage table, underneath the provided sheet, which will cover your body except for the part being massaged. The door is always unlocked. This is a City of Las Vegas requirement.
Massage can be performed with a person fully clothed. You may prefer chair massage which does not require that you remove clothing. A specially-designed massage chair lets you lean forward and supports the front of the body. You remain clothed and no oil or lotion is used. Seated massages typically last 30 minutes.
Communicate.
Music might be played. If you find music distracting, tell Michael. Michael will check on pressure and comfort throughout your appointment. If you’re uncomfortable at any time, tell Michael immediately. If you are cold or warm, tell Michael immediately. Speak up, communicate, as Michael cannot read your mind.
Depending on your needs, Michael will massage either the full body (except private areas) or only specific areas that need attention, such as especially tight muscles.
AFTER YOUR MASSAGE
After your massage, Michael will allow you to slowly get up and get dressed in privacy. If you are dizzy, don’t jump off the table. Tell Michael.
Relax for a few minutes before getting up. Drink a ton of water to help flush impurities from your system and hydrate your body.
Skip the post massage Latte. Drink your coffee before, not after, your bodywork. Drinking caffeine after a massage can tense the muscles just worked on. It’s best to avoid if caffeine if possible. Try herbal tea or water for the first few hours after your massage.
Remember, save the hard work out for another time so relaxed muscle don’t get injured. The benefits of massage are cumulative, so work with Michael to customize a plan to meet your health and wellness goals.
One massage every few years doesn’t do much. One massage can certainly help, but massage packs the greatest benefits over time. Massage therapy should be part of a long-term wellness routine. Get a massage as frequently as possible, even if it’s once a month or once every six weeks.
All your muscle tightness and pains can never be totally worked out, as you’re constantly living, breathing, and moving your body, but getting your muscles loosened as a tune up seriously helps diminish injury.
Plus, with the focused massage work, sometimes an hour can cover only lower body, for example, and every time you come in there’s another specific area that needs focus.”