If you’ve had a brutal week at the office and your neck feels like it’s made of rebar, you might need a massage appointment. The very thought of a quiet room and some expert pressure sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
However, there’s a secret that most massage therapists wish they could tell you…
The success of your massage actually starts about 3 hours before you ever step into the clinic! Most clients walk in with the best intentions, but they often make a few key blunders that prevent their bodies from fully relaxing.
If you want the best massage therapy services in Richmond, steer clear of these common pre-massage mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Massage Therapy Session
Eating a Full/Heavy Meal
There’s a very specific kind of misery that comes from lying face-down on a massage table after eating a heavy meal. Massage stimulates your digestive system, and if your stomach is full, you’re going to spend the entire hour feeling bloated, nauseous, or just plain awkward.
On the flip side, don’t show up starving to your foot and body massage therapy in Richmond. A light snack, like a piece of fruit or some nuts, is the sweet spot. You want your body’s energy focused on healing your muscles, not grappling with a three-course lunch.
Powering Up with Caffeine
You’re tired, so you grab a double-shot espresso on the way to your appointment. But caffeine is a stimulant, and it puts your nervous system on high alert.
Massage is designed to trigger your parasympathetic nervous system. When you’re wired on caffeine, your muscles stay twitchy, and your mind stays in go-mode. It’s like trying to pull the emergency brake on a car while your foot is still on the gas! Stick to water or herbal tea before your session.
Coming Straight from the Gym
We love an active lifestyle, but hitting the gym an hour before a massage is a mistake for 2 reasons:
- Your muscles are often inflamed and sensitive immediately after a workout, which can make deep tissue work more painful than productive.
- Showing up covered in gym sweat isn’t just a challenge for your therapist. It also prevents the massage oils or lotions from absorbing properly into your skin. Give yourself a 2-3 hour window between your workout and your table time.
Being Silent
The biggest mistake you can make is assuming your therapist is a psychic. If the pressure is too much or not enough, you have to speak up. Many people think deep tissue massage is painful, but it’s not if you just let the therapist know that the pressure or the spot they’re working on is bothering you. Communication is the blueprint for the best full-body massage experience.
Ready to move past these common hurdles and experience what a truly professional session feels like? Then you need to visit the best massage parlor in Richmond! At Palais France, we work on your muscles and with your lifestyle. We tailor therapies to help you leave the world behind. So, book your appointment today!
FAQ
You can avail Swedish or deep tissue massage, Thai massage, prenatal massage, and more at establishments like Palais France Massage.
Of course, you can. At Palais France Massage, we provide customizations such as hot stone, essential oils, CBD, and cupping. You can also let our massage therapists know how much pressure you’d prefer when they are working on your muscles.
Whether it’s an old gym injury you forgot to list on your intake form or the pressure being just a bit too intense, your therapist at Palais France Massage wants that feedback. If something doesn’t feel right, say it immediately so the session can be adjusted to your comfort level.