Look after yourself with massage
Hooray. A new year, a new decade. Lots to look forward to. Choose your massage therapist carefully if possible. I know that sometimes you’re on vacation, want a massage and don’t care who does it. If you can, find out what your therapist specialises in and choose them based on that. Not gender, not how nice the place looks, not how kind their voice is, what shape they are or what age they are. Honour yourself and your body.
If you love a ‘‘fluffy’’ Swedish massage then ask for that. It’s not a competition for who can handle the most pain. Stop thinking massage has to hurt to be beneficial. ‘‘No pain, no gain’’ is insane.
Some people need deeper work, some people need their nervous system calmed. Some people just need an hour of quiet while being taken care of.
Get regular massage or at least do things that will ease your aches and pains, like stretching. If you want the most bang for your money it helps if I’m not working on 40 years of built-up stuff. It is not possible to work out that much tension or an injury in an hour.
Come in already hydrated.
This doesn’t mean you should drink a litre of water in the 10 minutes before a massage, or you’re going to get really uncomfortable halfway through your allotted time. Start a few days before the massage and you will feel less achy and get a much better response following the treatment.
Come to the massage as clean as possible, especially your feet. I will still work on you and I will do it with a smile. Take a moment to wipe your feet down. I have a bathroom and wet wipes so just ask if you can use them. For a small extra charge you can have a shower before getting onto the massage table.
My clients tell me all sorts of things and some stuff is quite heavy. I am not a professional counsellor. I don’t mind listening and I am glad that you trust me. The deeper the conversation the less likely I am to focus on the job of getting your muscles to release.
Please don’t drink alcohol before or after a massage. You will not feel well. It could also affect your blood sugar and your response to pressure, causing you to pass out or vomit. Please don’t make me have to use my first aid training.
Show up on time or try not to be too late. This will give you the best out of the time you have booked. You will be greeted with a smile and respected for who and what you are.
So come to see me soon. Start the new decade off on a positive note. Treatment times and prices to suit. My ‘‘Stressbuster’’ massage is always popular.
❚ Helen Forrest is a former nurse and experienced massage therapist. To arrange a massage, call or text Helen
on0274112921.