Massage 101
Have you finally decided to get a massage? That’s wonderful!!! Let us help you prepare for your first massage. Here are several things you’ll want to know beforehand.
Your Choice
At Brookside Cove Therapeutic Spa our massage therapist specializes in many styles of massage. The most popular among first-timers are therapeutic & relaxing. Therapeutic helps with chronic pain and those stubborn knots. We also offer relaxing massages primarily for full body sessions to promote relaxation, circulation and relieve muscle tension. BCTS offers modalities (hot stone, ghua sha, cupping, and aromatherapy), to be incorporated at no additional cost. Programs are perfect for those of you looking to fast track your results and get the most out of the money you invest! These will soon be offered so keep checking in for updates.
Your pre massage preparation
When it’s time to go into your massage, your therapist should meet you and walk you back to the room. If you’re feeling nervous, please don’t hesitate to tell them at this time. Also, ask any questions you may have and repeat any special requests. Your therapist will talk with you, give you instructions on getting undressed and getting onto the table and under the draping. Then they’ll leave the room to give you time and then knock before coming back in. One of the most difficult things for many people during their first massage is knowing exactly how much clothing to take off (or leave on). Most people actually take everything off. However, you’re perfectly free to leave your underwear on. Again, our therapist works hard to make sure you’re comfortable and do not feel exposed. So they use modest draping techniques to ensure that only one part of your body is uncovered at a time. That way you’ll never be “exposed” in front of your therapist.
Your Experience:
Once the massage begins, please feel free to let your therapist know what might make the experience better for you. Is the music too loud, the temperature too hot or cool? Or is the pressure too hard or soft? Don’t worry about offending our therapists with reasonable requests. Any professional therapist will appreciate the feedback. They want to be sure you’re a happy client who’ll come back again and again. Also, let them know if you feel pain so they can adjust if needed. Finally, inform your therapist if there’s a particular area that needs more attention, or if there’s an area where you’d rather not be touched.
Before Your Appointment
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate,
Let’s say it again: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! We cannot stress how important this is to having a successful spa experience. Drink plenty of water the day before, the day of, and the day after your massage appointment. Remember, coffee and tea don’t count! Why is this so important? The manipulation of muscles by a therapist can be quite dehydrating to your body. Kneading and working out knots allows the fluid inside to be released into your circulatory system, which then is eliminated when you use the restroom. The process also releases trapped metabolic waste and toxins from your muscular tissue, which then needs to be flushed from the body. Thus, it is extremely important to drink as much water as you possibly can.
Leave the Jewelry at home
Jewelry will almost always be in the way on some level during a massage. (Rings, too–you do NOT want them to interfere with the hand & finger massage!) So leave it at home or in your office safe. If you forget, you can keep it in the room with you, of course. However, for some, just knowing that a precious item might be forgotten or lost can add stress.
Go ahead of time
Okay, it happens. People forget to go before a massage begins. And it’s a bit of a “buzz-kill” to have to get up part-way through the heavenly experience of a professional massage to use the restroom. And it can cut into your time as well. So remember to take time to go before your massage begins. Our therapists are pretty good about reminding you as well.
Special Events
We also like to warn our clients that it is important to schedule your appointment a few days out from any special events or activities. The reasons for this is that some people who have never had a massage or don’t regularly get one can feel sore or experience flu-like symptoms for a day or two after their session. This is a completely normal effect of the detoxification process, which can usually be alleviated by drinking lots of extra water. Instead of taking a chance that you could be one of the ones experiencing this during your wedding, prom, vacation, or other occasion, it is better to just schedule your appointment a few days or a week beforehand. At BCTS, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve relaxation and enjoy the many health benefits of massage therapy.