10 tips to get the most out of your massage session

Arrive early. Arriving 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time, will allow plenty of time to fill out an intake form, ask questions and discuss anuy challenges or changes since your last session.

Avoid eating or drinking large quantities of food snd/or drinks prior to your appointment. Having a full belly and/or bladder can make for an uncomfortable massage, especially when lying face down on the table.

Hydrate, hydrate,hydrate. Be sure to drink plenty of water the days leading up to your appointment and immediately after your appointment. This will help to flush out any toxins and lactic acid buildup in muscle tissues and help to alleviate any next day soreness post massage session.

Wear something comfortable. Choose clothing that is easy to change in and out of, and avoid wearing necklaces, bracelets, watches and dangling earrings as your therapist will likely ask that you remove those items, so they can easily and comfortably access those areas of the body.

Communication is key. Don't be afraid to communicate to your therapist your session goals, type of pressure you prefer, areas that you may not want the therapist to massage and areas that you would like more focus on. In addition it is important to immediately let your therapist know if something is painful and/or uncomfortable during your massage.

Relax. The best way to relax on the table is to try to keep chit chat to a minimum. (Talking is of course a way some are able to relax because they are more comfortable without silence) but closing your eyes and allowing yourself to fall asleep allows the body to recieve much greater relaxation and rejuvenation during massage therapy.

Breathe. Allow your breathe to be slow and deep. Breathing allows for the body to release tension and relax.

Ease out of your session. After your massage allow yourself to slowly "wake up" out of your session. Sit on up on the table for a minute before standing and allow your awareness to return. Laying down lowers blood pressure and standing too quickly may cause dizziness.

Discuss a treatment plan with your therapist, maintenance helps to keep you feeling at your best longer. Massage therapy is cumulative on the body and chronic pain can be managed and often alleviated without the need for pain pills or cortisone shots.

Post massage, do not engage in any activity that is too strenuous and or stressful as this allows the massage to "marinate" on the body, for longer effects.