The back is a sensitive region and the slightest bit of damage can leave you suffering for years to come. Preventative measures are the best cure for pains and ailments with a good massage being the best solution. Finding the right place to get this massage and knowing exactly how to target the problem areas helps the healing proceed smoothly. Read the tips given below and you’ll be able to locate and communicate with the best masseuse in your area.
Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.
Stretch before you go to get a message. This will help to loosen you up just a little bit before hand so that your massage therapist can quickly locate any problem areas that you might have. If you have extreme pain you may not want to do this, otherwise it is a good idea.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
If you’re getting a massage, try and clear your mind first. As a general rule, the less you have covering yourself, the more a massage therapist is able to help alleviate sore muscles. Masseuses know how to make sure you stay covered using sheet-draping techniques. You don’t have to worry about what the masseuse thinks about your body.
Discuss your problematic areas with your massage therapist. The goal of your massage is muscle relaxation where you need it most. While most therapists are very skilled and knowledgeable, they aren’t perfect; they may miss something if you don’t tell them what you need.
Be vocal with your massage therapist.Talking may be the last thing you really want to do during a massage, but it can be the difference between an ok experience and a great one. You need to let the therapist know what areas need work and what techniques work best.
When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.
When you decide to start having massages, try to develop a comfortable rapport with your massage therapist. Having a friendly relationship with your therapist can really help to make your experience even that much more pleasant and relaxing. Talk with the therapist prior to be sure that you feel comfortable.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
One of the most enjoyable bonding activities between baby and parent, or other loved one, is a massage. Just grab a bottle of baby oil, take off your jewelry and make sure your hands are warm, and start at the top or bottom. Anything you do is likely to be enjoyable if you’re gentle.
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
Sit for a while after the massage. Your body isn’t used to massages. Sometimes, you may risk fainting if you stand up too fast. You may even feel sick or a bit faint. Take your time before you stand.
See if your masseuse offers a referral program. You may just be able to get your massages for next to nothing if you get your friends to see your therapist. This is especially helpful if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Take advantage of the non-human massages that you can get. Instead of going to a person for your massage, there are different whirlpools that you can use, which have jets that can massage your back and body. This can be a great form of not only relief, but exercise as well.
Make sure you speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
Finding a great massage parlor can be difficult with all of the slummy, low-quality parlors available in most large towns. These tips provide a good set of guidelines for reducing the number of candidates to personally consider. With a smaller list of potential masseuses, you can personally visit each business and make a commitment based on experience.
