One word.
RELAX!
I can't tell you how many clients I've seen recently, (probably 8 out of 10), who come in for a session and cannot relax to save their lives. I know these are stressful times for us all, and I understand that our schedules tend to keep us away from things that are good for us....but for heaven's sake....PLEASE RELAX! You are visiting me for a reason, and it is for your health. Stress, injury, pain, discomfort...are all major complaints of clients I see. They want a massage to "take the pain away". Well, I am more than happy to do that. I WANT to do that. It's what I do, and frankly, I'm good at it. So, please let me do my job, but more importantly, allow yourself to do your part to acheive the best results from your session.
Need pointers? Here's a list....
- Stop talking. If you need to chat for a minute, I understand, especially if massage is new to you. Please know that it's OK not to talk, in fact, it helps me to have it quiet, so I can better focus on how your body is responding to the work I'm trying to do.
- Release the tension. Yes, that's my job, but you need to let go...literally. You must consciously release the tension of holding your muscles tight. I try to tell my clients to think of when a child goes "limp-noodle" on you---such as when you try to carry a two-year old, and they are throwing a fit because they don't want to be held, so they go completely limp, and slide through your arm like a sieve. Yep, like that. LET GO.
- Ask Questions + Give Pointers. I know I said no talking, but what I meant was no chatting. Please ask me questions about what I'm doing, why that hurts, or what that bump is. More than likely, I will know the answer, and if I don't, I will get back to you with one. Also, don't be afraid to give me pointers...go ahead and tell me to linger in an area that feels like it needs more work. I won't know how something feels to you, unless you tell me.
- Do your homework! Any good therapist will give you what we call "homework". Anything from "Drink lots of water today" (my personal favorite), or assigning specific stretches to do. There's a reason we ask you to do this, and it is for your own benefit and progression away from pain and discomfort.
- Book your next appointment right away. I know what you are thinking....that I say that for my own benefit. And that is partially true. ;-) But it's more for you. You will walk out of the session, relaxed, and not wanting to commit to anything but some leisure time, and maybe a nap. You'll put off making the appointment...then before you know it, weeks have gone by, and the pain, stress, and tension are still there. Book it! You can always cancel it later. (24 hour notice is preferable.)
- Continually strive for a healthy YOU. Noone is perfect, and we should never beat ourselves up for falling short. Just love yourself for what you can do, and keep going.
For a healthier you, try some of these. They aren't rocket science, but sometimes it's nice to get reminders:
- DRINK WATER. Soda depleats your body of vital nutrients and moisture.
- MEDITATE. I don't always have time for it, so I incorporate it into my bath/shower time. A few minutes with my eyes closed in silence, I relax into the heat of the water, and open my mind to my thoughts.
- STRETCH. Take a few minutes to stretch. The easiest time is in the evening in front of the TV. You may as well make that time productive.
- GO VEGGIE. If there's too much meat in your diet, then pick at least one day a week when all meals are vegetarian. Then, as time goes on, try to incorporate more veggie meals per week. You don't have to give up meat completely, but mixing it up will give you a more varied diet and better mix of nutrients.
- LAUGH. That one's self explainatory. Enjoy life, and all it's pleasures. This one happens to be free of charge, always makes you look good, tends to be contagious (in a good way), and is completely healthy for you.
To book a massage with Amy Marvin, please call:
480.495.3270
