Below are some suggestions to help optimize your massage session.
What to wear: Wear clothing that is easy to remove and to put back on after your massage.
Jewelry: Don't wear too much jewelry to your massage appointment and remove all jewelry for the massage itself if possible. Necklaces, bracelets and dangling earrings get in the way.
Long Hair: If you have long hair it is best to try to secure it on top of your head so that it is off your neck while you are face down and it isn't effecting your head lying flat while face up. It is sometimes easier to just leave your hair down and we can move it out of the way as needed.
Hygiene: Please take a shower soon before your massage, especially if you have been exercising. I don't need you to be freshly showered, just please practice decent hygiene considering I will be touching most of your body.
Communication: Please communicate with me if you need anything adjusted, including your position on the table, how much pressure I'm using, or if you feel any pain or are uncomfortable with where and how I am working on your body. If you want focus in certain areas please let me know which areas you don't mind skimming over or skipping entirely to facilitate more time in the focus areas.
Assess your body before the massage: Take time in the days leading up to the massage to note any pain or tension you are feeling.
Hydrate: Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to and following your massage. Use the bathroom immediately before the massage so as to not have a full bladder.
Bringing your own products: I have had some clients express interest in utilizing their own massage creams or topicals during their sessions. I am ok with this as long as you provide me an ingredient list beforehand and assure me that you have already used this product on yourself with no reaction.
Music: I usually just put on generic ambient relaxation music. If you would rather pick a certain type of music (classical, nature sounds, something more fun) I can typically accommodate this request.
Breathing while face down: Some people find it easier to breathe while face down if they keep a mint or coughdrop in their mouth or apply something with menthol or peppermint to their chest or neck to keep their airways open. Also, once I have finished massaging your back and neck face down feel free to push down slightly and rest your head in your arms instead of the face cradle.
Talking: While I am happy to talk during your session if that is what you would like, it is best to remain relaxed and focus on deep breathing during your massage. This will help your muscles to remain oxygenated and release tension. Additionally it helps me to focus on the work.
Arriving on time: As long as you show up on time you will receive the full session time hands on. Showing up a few minutes early is best so you can pass along any information that will help me customize my time with you. Please don't arrive more than about 5 minutes early unless I text you to say otherwise. After your session I'm happy to chat a bit but I do need time to clean and change out sheets and sometimes stretch before my next client.
Light Sensitivity: If you are especially sensitive to light it might be good to bring along a sleep mask for your time face up. I turn the lights down but even a small amount of light can be disruptive to some people.