Reasons to Get a Massage and What You Need to Know ~Giveaway

Getting a massage is a treat that I really enjoy but don’t schedule as often as I should.

I recruited my friend Jamie to join me on an adventure to visit Massage Envy for the 1st time. I really had to twist her arm on this adventure, right? When it came to booking a massage, I found that Massage Envy had several locations within a close proximity to where I live. My friend and I both booked individual one hour massages. Massage Envy does offer couples massages and facials too.

The waiting area and atmosphere were calm and laid back as we prepared for our massages. I think that a misconception about getting a massage is that it has to be a special occasion. Don’t get me wrong, that can be a great gift to give or give to yourself, but you can also just enjoy life and make an ordinary day more enjoyable. That’s what we did.

I enjoyed my massage A LOT. One of the challenges for me during a massage is just to turn my mind off and not think about a million other things. A massage is a great reminder for me to just BE in the moment. It was great to have someone really target those problem areas that have been overworked. My neck and forearms were really bad from constantly being on my phone and computer for work. I had no idea that my forearms were so tense until I talked the my massage therapist afterwards.

I know that a massage can feel a bit intimidating if you have never had one before. I asked Susan Wojewoda, the manager of Massage Envy in Newport, KY a few questions on the topic of massage to help share what you need to know before getting a massage.

What are the benefits of massage?

Benefits of Massage: According to the American Massage Therapy Association and numerous research studies from today’s leading institutions, massage therapy has proven physical and emotional benefits including:  

• Relief of chronic muscle tension and pain
• Improved circulation  Increased joint flexibility
• Reduced mental and physical fatigue  
• Faster healing of injured muscle tissue  
• Improved posture  
• Reduced blood pressure  
• Improved sleep, concentration and overall sense of well-being  
• Relief of migraine pain  
• Increased lymph flow  
• Relief from painful symptoms of arthritis

How often should someone get a massage?

Every individual has different needs.  Athletes at high levels may receive daily massages, while others may feel like monthly massages are best for them.  Stress in the body accumulates from many different factors: stress, overuse, injury, posture, or anatomical aberrations.  Everyone experiences these factors on different levels, but we recommend (at the least) a monthly massage for the stress-reducing effects alone.

 

What should some consider when selecting a massage salon?

• Licensed Massage Therapists
• Customized services
• Cleanliness
• Professionalism
• Knowledge of staff
• Excellent customer service

What age can someone start getting a massage?

Research has shown that massage is beneficial at any age.  At Massage Envy minors under the age of 8 are not eligible to receive massage services.  A parent/guardian of any child under the age of 18 must provide written permission prior to service.  Children ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times in the clinic.

 

What should you know or do before your first massage?

I would want to know what modalities that the therapist specializes in.  Are they a deep tissue therapist? Are they a myofascial therapist?  Etc.  Some people have gender preference, so knowing that might put one at ease.  The better you are able to explain your pain or your goals, the easier it might be for the therapist to meet your needs.

 

What should someone wear during their massage?

Here at Massage Envy, we tell our clients to disrobe to their comfort level.  All massages are performed with secure draping to ensure complete modesty.

 

Do you have some helpful techniques for relaxing during the massage?

Communicating what your goals are before the massage usually makes for a more relaxed session, as well as, deep breathing.  Deep, slow breathing is a great way to bring one into the present moment while also allowing tissue to relax as the therapist works.  

 

Should you make conversation with the massage therapist during your massage?

If it is relative to the massage or the comfort of the client, then absolutely.  Here at Massage Envy, we refrain from conversations that involve socially sensitive topics or any conversation that could be perceived or interpreted as inappropriate or derogatory.  That being said, the rule of thumb is – the more talking, usually the less focused the massage.

 

Can you describe the different types of massage and their benefits?

There are many different modalities used in massage therapy.  Swedish – relaxation.  Deep Tissue and Trigger point – which can be relaxing, but the goals are different.  With deep tissue massage and trigger point, the goal is to release trigger points within muscle tissue.  Reflexology deals with specific points on a person’s feet, hands, and even ears that relate to a corresponding area of the body.  Aromatherapy is often used with massage.  It invokes physiological responses in the body through inhalation and absorption through the skin.  Sports massage can incorporate many different modalities to get the job done.  There is also cranial-sacral, myofascial, and other modalities that a massage therapist has at their disposal.

 

What should someone tip after their massage?

It is customary to tip 15-25% but it is always up to each individual client.

 

What should someone do after their massage?

Drink plenty of water, breathe, and be happy.  Regular massage has cumulative benefits, so for lasting wellness, schedule your next massage before you leave.

 

What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t feel like they can afford a regular massage?

We believe that massage is an integral part of everyone’s well-being journey.  Massage Envy is very competitive when it comes to prices.  We do work with various insurance companies to provide medical massages under health savings accounts and flex spending accounts.

Thanks again to Susan from Massage Envy in Newport for sharing her insight.

You can find a Massage Envy location near you and book your next massage from their website. 

Could you use a massage too?

I’m giving away a One Hour Massage at Massage Envy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks again to Massage Envy for hosting my visit and providing the massage giveaway. All opinions are my own.