I got a massage. My husband and I actually do this on a very regular basis. How could we, with straight faces, actually agree or encourage anyone else to have massages once a week or even once a month if we didn’t get massage ourselves on a regular basis. Sometimes we trade out with each other. Sometimes we trade out with other Massage Therapists. Sometimes we just schedule an appointment and yes, pay another Massage Therapist for a massage session. Sometimes we splurge like that when we are traveling. So of course we are both huge fans of massage. I thought I would share my experience for those of you that perhaps had never had a massage.
I had seen this Massage Therapist before so I didn’t need to fill out any more papers, just update them about what was going on in my body, where I thought I needed them to focus but, giving them some poetic license as well.
I left my underwear on. Short Rant: Just because you choose not to get naked does not mean you are a prude or not living the current decade. Do not ever let anyone brow beat you like that. It is a myth that you have to get naked. If any Massage Therapist tells you that they require you to get completely naked or suggest anything that you are uncomfortable with, leave. Get your refund if necessary. You only need to disrobe to the point of your comfort. After all, if you are on the massage table thinking about how uncomfortable you are because you took off more than you wanted to how relaxed are you going to be?
Those first couple of minutes, laying on the massage table….. shifting a bit, breathing….. feeling myself relax and sink in the massage table…. listening to the music and being thankful that this Massage Therapist has some taste and hasn’t popped some nature music with croaking frogs, thunderstorms or screaming whales in the background.
Perhaps some would say it is a Pavlovian Response, I know the best is yet to come. That moment just before the massage starts, just before they even enter the room is delicious if you take the time to notice it.
The perfect pressure …. 99.9 % of the time. Note to Massage Clients: Always, always, always let the Massage Therapist know if they need to lighten up or you would like deeper work. Give Feedback. The more timely you are about giving feedback the less likely that feedback is a sudden tiny Yelp!
Why is it that I am always amazed when I realize that I have a tender spot or soreness somewhere I didn’t expect. I don’t think I am that out of touch with my body. I spend my days as a Massage Therapist working with people that always say the same thing. “How did you find that?” “I didn’t know I was sore there?” “Why is that so tight?”
Why do I think I would be immune to this?
Great Massage Therapists listen, care, check in and question. My side of the short conversation went like this: “No I didn’t realize my neck and shoulders were that tight.” “Yes, I have been on the computer more often the last week or so. I am doing this blogging challenge. 31 Blogs in 31 Days.” “No, I am serious. It isn’t crazy. Well it isn’t that crazy.” “You need to read my blog.” “Yes I did say my feet were hurting.” “No I didn’t think about that being because my calves were so tight.” “Yes, I have been gardening again, the weeding never ends.” “Yes, still hiking and biking every chance we get.” “No I still haven’t found the Tai Chi classes, I have just been too busy.”
I realize it sounds so familiar because I have spent so much time on both sides of this conversation. When am I going to get it?
Okay, turn over time and I remind myself to just quit thinking and quit beating myself up over this. Breathe……. I sound just like a client because I am one too. I am okay with this. Breathe………. Over? All Ready? Ninety Minutes? Time flies when you are having a massage.
Thank You. The Massage Therapist leaves the room. I get up and get dressed, peek at the clock. Wow I feel amazing. Short conversation, yes my feet feel great, yes I do remember how tight my calves were, yes I am much better thank you soooo much!
My clients thank me and say they feel wonderful all the time. Why am I still always so surprised how good I feel after a massage?
I hope you feel as good after your next massage.
If you would like to schedule one online click here or give us a call at 610-933-3666 or 610-906-2322