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    The dos and don'ts of getting a massage

    Updated:30 Nov 2018 11:49 AM | Posted by
    bh's Rosemary Taber's picture
    bh's Rosemary Taber
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    Nothing is quite as luxurious as treating yourself to a massage. Whether you’re popping in for a 30-minute Thai massage or setting aside an hour and a half for a soothing aromatherapy massage, you know you’ll leave floating on cloud nine.

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    Make your next massage even better (and do your therapist a favour) by following these tips…

    DO:

    … shower beforehand
    Rocking up at the end of a long day means you’re probably a little sticky and sweaty. To make it a more pleasant experience for both you and the masseuse, rinse off prior to your appointment.

    … arrive 10 minutes early
    If you’re visiting the spa for the first time, you’ll most likely need to fill in a form, so get there early to ensure that admin doesn’t eat into your appointment time. Also, most massage places have back-to-back bookings, so by turning up late, you’ll cut your own peaceful massage short.

    … divulge any injuries or sore spots
    Got a niggling injury? Avoid worsening it by letting your masseuse know. That way, they can avoid the area or perhaps pay it some attention to relieve pain. And if your shoulders or lower back is particularly sore (thanks, desk jobs!), tell the therapist so they can work out any knots. Ahhh.

    … control the pressure
    We’ve all been there –you’re lying there suffering through a hard massage that’s bordering on painful, or feeling as though you’ve wasted your moolah on a massage that’s way too soft. Pre-massage, tell your therapist what kind of pressure you’d like, and definitely speak up if you’d like it a firmer or softer hand.
     

    DON’T:

    … stress about forgetting to shave
    Massage therapists have seen everything, so if you realise mid-appointment that your legs and underarms are well overdue for a wax, don’t fret. Just think, they massage men with hairy legs all the time –  they’re used to it!

    … bother dolling yourself up
    Remember, you’re there to relax, so pop on your sweats, ditch the make-up, and tie your hair up into a loose pony. Your treatment may include a face and head massage anyway, so rock up au natural without a care in the world. #bliss

    … worry about scaly skin
    Skipped moisturising this morning? No problem! Your masseuse will be slathering you with oil or some sort of lotion, so let your skin soak up the goodness. Also, don’t shower as soon as you get home –  lounge around for a while to allow your bod to absorb the oil even more.

    … forget to drink plenty of water afterwards
    During a massage, your body releases toxins, which then move through your muscles and organs. It’s important to flush them out by guzzling water post-massage. Drink up!
     
    Do you like to get massages? What are your before, during and post-massage rules?

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    130 Member Comments

    Raksha 27 Apr 2020 3:39 PM

    I am so needing one now...

    Jodie730 8 Jan 2019 4:32 PM

    A massage is wonderful to help me relax. Need to do this more often.

    RalucaP 7 Jan 2019 11:37 PM

    Last time I had a massage was ages ago.Those are good tips anyway.

    katrina176 4 Jan 2019 2:57 PM

    I've never had a massage before!

    Kassalee 31 Dec 2018 8:40 PM

    I have a remedial massage every month (or more often when needed) and have been going to the same person for close to 10 years.

    As well as massage, she also does hot stones, cupping and acupuncture.

    In addition to all the good points mentioned, I also clean my teeth/use mouthwash as I have my jaw released - don't want to smell like a walrus when I open my mouth!

    Meedee 21 Dec 2018 8:34 AM

    I love having a massage. Just wish I could have them more often but my budget wont allow it. My girls get vouchers for me for Mothers day some years and thats awesome.

    Jenniqua 20 Dec 2018 4:42 PM

    I love a good massage, and try to get them sort of regularly. Just a little side note for people travelling, be very specific when you are overseas about what type of massage you want. (I ended up with a woman trying to massage my boobs, but I stopped that straight away) She kept saying its ok, its ok. No it was not ok.

    ThisIsMe 17 Dec 2018 3:52 PM

    I've never had a massage either but would love one! Great tips to know.

    ladybunny 16 Dec 2018 10:36 AM

    always love getting a massage, esp after a long week

    tania89 16 Dec 2018 12:49 AM

    Massage is so so important for my physical health. I try and get one every 3-4weeks and I definitely notice the difference in my mobility

    Snailor 15 Dec 2018 3:23 PM

    Do...go to a remedial therapist! Really helps if you have a particular niggle!

    Luna19 13 Dec 2018 10:30 PM

    I love having massages, strong pressure massages are my favourite. I always have tense shoulders, but relaxing ones are amazing too - especially having a body scrub and then massage.

    Dance 10 Dec 2018 7:14 PM

    A good massage makes a huge difference to my pain levels.

    Gilded 10 Dec 2018 1:47 PM

    I couldn't sleep for weeks and got a facial with neck and shoulder massage and slept like a baby. Massage can make a huge difference.

    skincare junkie 5 Dec 2018 9:37 PM

    Arriving 10 minutes early is so important but overlooked. Whenever I rush into a salon I just don't feel as relaxed as it can be.

    Dreamy 5 Dec 2018 9:36 AM

    Need massage after reading this article

    RitaB 4 Dec 2018 10:19 PM

    I don't often get massages but this post makes me want to go out and get one soon!

    clearcrystalwater 4 Dec 2018 6:54 PM

    I don't just love massages, I need them!! I've just had a leg massage by my hubby so I think I'd better go drink some water after reading that!

    Peach perfect 3 Dec 2018 6:07 PM

    Didn't know about drinking water afterwards. Good point

    misfortune8 3 Dec 2018 2:04 AM

    I haven't had a massage in ages - I need to hit up Groupon again.

    I usually put my long hair up into a top knot: something to keep it off the back of my neck when I'm lying face down, but also not in the way if I have to lie on my back.

    BlueBite 2 Dec 2018 11:52 PM

    I've never gone to get a massage but I really, really want to!

    Tee631 2 Dec 2018 5:55 PM

    Great tips!

    Miss19 2 Dec 2018 1:19 AM

    All very good tips!

    Peta908 1 Dec 2018 10:18 PM

    I love a massage! One hour with no work or kids, literally nothing to do but relax

    Lucy16 1 Dec 2018 1:50 PM

    What toxins are released? Dihydrogen Monoxide?

    I best drink some ummm... water! ;)

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