Massage Do’s and Don’ts

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Tuesday, 07 February 2023

When receiving a massage, whether is the first time or the latest of a long series, there are a few “etiquette” points that our team would like to share so that you can make the most of all the great benefits of massage therapy. Our therapists are highly skilled professionals and are committed to offering you a top quality service each time you visit our clinic, therefore have put together some useful suggestions in order for you to enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience in your massage session. Curious to know more? Check below our massage “do’s and don’ts” tips: 

DO’s:

1. Talk to your massage therapist. Before the massage, feel free to ask your therapist any questions you may have about the process. Our therapists will always perform a pre-treatment consultation, so it is important that you share details about your current condition and any specific request or pressure preference for the session. If it is your first time receiving a massage, by all means, let your therapist know, so that they can give you plenty of information about how massage therapy works and tailor the treatment to your comfort level and needs. 

2. Listen to your body during and after the massage. If it feels painful or uncomfortable, tell the massage therapist so that they can adjust the pressure or avoid particularly sensitive areas.

3. Feel free to ask for the room to be set according to your personal preferences. Usually, our therapists will dim the lights down and have relaxing music in the background, however, they are more than happy to follow your suggestions also in terms of room temperature. For example, did you know that the massage couch can be heated up? Or that you can ask for a different face cushion if the existing one doesn’t feel comfortable? That you can request no music during treatment? Or even that the foot bolster (foot support cushion) can be removed or adjusted?

4. Make sure to drink plenty of water after your massage. Dehydration can make your muscles feel sore after treatment or could even make you feel like you’re coming down with a cold. This is because of body fluids released from the tissues into the bloodstream. Also, metabolic waste can be released into the blood vessels and drinking water can help your body flush out toxins and waste products, while the circulation boost given by the massage treatment will facilitate the consumption of nutrients and oxygen.

5. While strenuous physical exercise is not recommended for the next 24 hours after a massage, having a gentle workout like stretching, walking, or swimming at a relaxed pace is strongly advised as it will facilitate the muscular healing process and the adoption of a correct body posture.

DON’Ts:

1. It is not recommended to eat a heavy meal directly before a massage. Eating excessive amounts of food before a massage can lead to an uncomfortable experience, as the pressure applied by your therapist not only promotes circulation but also other bodily functions such as digestion (that’s why sometimes you hear your stomach grumbling during a massage). We suggest having a small snack like a banana or a few nuts (rich in potassium and magnesium, which help fight cramps and restore energy levels) on hand for when you finish the session. 

2. Don’t worry about shaving immediately before a massage, as this may cause small cuts and irritations that can be uncomfortable during a massage.

3. Although it is important to let your therapist know about your current conditions and needs, don’t be afraid to remain silent or even fall asleep during your massage. The session is yours to relax and, if you feel like switching off completely, you are very welcome to do so while your therapist will focus on the treatment.

4. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too constricting as it will be harder to get changed and they will obstruct the correct body circulation. Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes will ensure that you are comfortable during the massage.

5. We don’t advise drinking alcohol before or after your massage as it is very dehydrating and can interfere with the healing process.

We hope you found these suggestions useful. Should you wish to know more about how to make the most of your massage sessions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team in Fulham will be happy to help and assist you in booking a treatment tailored to your needs!