BY BETHANY WYNN.
Welcome to the world of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation – the realm of massage therapy. From regular massage treatments to those who are experiencing a massage treatment for the first time, here are my top tips to get the most out of your treatment.
BOOKING IN YOUR APPOINTMENT/ RESEARCH INTO THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR YOU.
Research into the type of treatment is the first step in your journey to finding the right treatment you are looking for. Ask yourself, what is it you want to get out of your treatment? Try and be specific as possible. For example, you are suffering from headaches and have tight shoulders and neck area from working from home and need some tension release. Have a google search or use social media to locate areas that are near to you and reach out to the clinics. Bodywork therapists want to help you, so send them an email or direct message/phone call and ask if their work could support you getting the best results.
Choosing the right treatment for you not only allows you to get the most out of your treatment but it also means that the therapist who is treating you knows exactly what it is you want out of your treatment so they can also help you on your journey.
LENGTH OF TIME
As a massage therapist myself, I always get asked ‘What is the best length of time for my first ever appointment’. My answer is always whatever is comfortable for you!
For your therapist to get to know you, what journey you are on with your body, what you want to get out of your treatment and maybe any specific information about yourself that would help cater the treatment to you I would suggest 60 minutes is ample time for your first appointment.
However, if you have something specific you are coming in with, for example you are suffering with anxiety and have never had a massage before, your therapist may suggest a shorter treatment time to allow you to get accustomed to the new environment and the treatment itself. This way you can build up to a longer timed appointment.
For those with injuries and those who come regular, clinics may offer you a longer treatment time which can be fantastic to cover all areas you have come in for and allow for full relaxation.
THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
· Giving yourself ample time beforehand to arrive and grab a bathroom break or some water before your session
· Thinking about where you are heading afterwards – making sure you are appropriately dressed after your treatment to carry on those wonderful benefits post treatment
· What is in the calendar for the following day? Your therapist will always chat with you about aftercare and depending on your specific treatment, taking into consideration how sometimes you may feel fatigued after treatment. A great tip is to keep your diary simple post treatment to allow for the most benefits from your treatments.
MEDICAL HISTORY/CONSULTATION FORM
When booking in with your Bodywork therapist, they may send you a form to fill in regarding your medical history. They do this to understand your individual history, to cater the treatment specifically to you and to assist you with any pre excising medical conditions. Although the therapist is treating you and not your pathology, it is always good to be clear and honest on your medical form so the Practitioner can see if they are suited to treat you or whether a referral or permission maybe needed.
If the therapist doesn’t send a form, sometimes they may check in with you at the time of appointment and ask for similar here. This is the perfect opportunity to share with your practitioner what areas are effecting you and discuss the preferred treatment plan for you.
COMMUNICATION WITH THERAPIST
This is such a huge one for me as a massage therapist. From the moment you have booked in with me I want to understand what it is you want to get out of your treatment and how I can help you. This also transfers to the treatment itself. Questions such as, do you prefer no music, would you prefer not to talk in treatment etc is a great indicator to me as to how best I can help you as your practitioner. This also helps when it comes to the treatment itself. Pressure and comfortability is something I check in with my clients throughout the treatment but I also advise my clients to tell me as well. You are paying for your treatment so don’t be afraid to say you feel cold, you are uncomfortable, or you need less or more pressure etc. Often your therapist has already identified what you need, but if things change in your treatment be sure to ask!
TOP TIPS ON GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TREATMENT
You have booked in and you have arrived at your treatment, here are some extra top tips to get the most out of your session:
· Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, for example wrapping up in the winter months to keep those muscles warm post treatment
· Fill in the form prior to your session so you have more hands-on work time in your allocated slot
· Be thorough with why you have booked in so your therapist can best support you
· Give yourself time before and after the treatment so you can switch off and receive all the wonderful benefits
· Listen to your aftercare advise from your therapist, this may help you day to day
· Consider regular treatments, sometimes the work cannot always be achieved in one session. Work out what works for you and dedicate the time to yourself
· Make sure to keep hydrated
From booking to the treatment, itself, I hope my tips on getting the most out of your Bodywork treatments have been helpful.
Thank you for reading.
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