How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Massage therapy is an effective way to care for your body, both physically and mentally.

Identifying the areas you want to focus on, maintaining clear communication with your

therapist, and supporting your body before, during, and after your treatment can make

all the difference in your massage. To fully benefit from each session, consider these

simple tips before, during, and after your massage.

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Pre-Massage Tips: Preparing Your Body and Mind

Get the most out of your massage by setting yourself up for a relaxing and effective

experience:

Hydrate Before Your Session

Drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your massage. Well-hydrated muscles are more pliable, making it easier for your therapist to release tension and work effectively on tight spots.

Arrive Early & Allow Yourself Time to Unwind

Arriving a few minutes before your scheduled session allows you to

relax and ease into the peaceful atmosphere at Bodhi. This extra time lets you fill out any forms, unwind in our waiting area with snacks and refreshments, or even take advantage of our steam room and hot tubs to ensure your body and mind are fully relaxed.

Set an Intention

Think about what you hope to achieve during your massage therapy session. Are you seeking stress relief, pain management, improved mobility - or simply relaxation? Setting an intention will help guide your massage therapist in delivering the experience that best aligns with your wellness goals.

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Open Communication with Your Massage Therapist

Effective communication with your RMT is crucial to getting the most out of your massage. Before your session, take a moment to check in with how your body is feeling today, and think about what results you are hoping for - both during and after your massage.

To ensure you’re getting the most effective treatment, ask yourself these questions before your massage:

How am I feeling today?

Are there any physical or mental limitations, such as fatigue, anxiety, or an injury,

that could affect your session?

Am I experiencing any specific pain, tension, or discomfort?

If you have pain, tension, or discomfort in a particular area, share that with your

massage therapist along with the intensity and feeling.

Do I need more time on a particular area?

If there’s an area that needs extra attention or feels particularly soothing, let your

massage therapist know so they can focus on it longer.

What kind of pressure do I prefer?

Think about whether you want deep pressure to release tight muscles, or a

lighter touch for relaxation.

How would I like to feel after the massage?

Do you want to feel relaxed, energized, or focused on recovery? Sharing your

post-massage goals helps your massage therapist tailor the treatment to your

needs.

Don't hesitate to speak up during

your treatment!

Once your massage begins, don’t hesitate to communicate to your RMT if anything feels too intense or not effective enough. A good massage should feel therapeutic, not uncomfortably painful or like nothing is happening.

By sharing your thoughts and needs throughout the process, you ensure that your massage experience is tailored specifically to you. The more your massage therapist understands your body and your goals, the better and longer lasting the results will be.

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Post-Massage Tips: Keep the Benefits Going

The benefits of your massage don’t stop when you get off the table. To extend the

relaxation and therapeutic effects of your session, consider these helpful tips:

Hydrate… Again

Drink plenty of water after your massage to help flush out toxins and support the healing process. This is especially important if your massage therapist worked

deeply on muscle knots and tension.

Notice Your Body’s Response

Take a moment to check in with your body after the session. Are you feeling

more relaxed or mobile? If you’ve noticed a reduction in pain or muscle tightness,

take note and share your feedback with your massage therapist. This information will help guide and improve future sessions.

Ask About Aftercare and Treatment Frequency

After your session, ask your massage therapist about aftercare. They can

recommend stretches, exercises, and home massage techniques tailored to your

needs, helping you prolong the benefits and prevent recurring discomfort. You

can also inquire about how often you should get massages and the ideal session length for optimal results.

Relax, and Keep Moving Gently

It’s important to relax and keep your body gently active after a massage. Instead of jumping into intense exercise in the next 12-24 hours post-massage, try light movements or micro movements, such as a gentle walk, stretching, or relaxing in our hot tubs . These activities help maintain the benefits of your massage while keeping a soothing flow that eases you back into your regular routine.

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To truly maximize the benefits of your massage therapy, preparation, communication,

and post-session care are key. By hydrating before and after your massage, clearly

communicating your needs with your massage therapist, and allowing yourself time to

relax and recover, you’ll enjoy the full effects of your massage and be counting the days until the next one!