How to Get The Most Out of Your Massage

If you are preparing for your first massage, there are a few things you can do to make the experience as comfortable and productive as possible.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Your massage therapist may ask you to complete an intake form and will usually conduct a brief consultation before beginning the session.

An intake typically includes questions about your current aches and discomfort, areas of concern, allergies, relevant health information, and what you hope to accomplish during your massage.

Arriving early also gives you time to use the restroom, complete any necessary paperwork, and settle in before your session begins.

Remember that your scheduled appointment time is generally the time your hands-on session begins. If your massage is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and you arrive at 3:00 p.m., the time required for checking in, completing an intake, discussing your concerns, changing, and getting onto the table may reduce the amount of time available for hands-on work.

This is one reason some establishments advertise a “60-minute massage” but provide approximately 50 minutes of hands-on treatment. Arriving early helps ensure that you receive the full benefit of your scheduled session.

Know What You Want From Your Massage

Before your massage begins, take a moment to consider your intent for the session.

Are you primarily looking to relax? Are you experiencing muscular tension or discomfort? Would you like to work on flexibility or mobility? Are there particular areas that you would like your therapist to address?

There is no single correct answer. Your goal may simply be to quiet your mind and enjoy an hour of relaxation.

Whatever your reason for scheduling the appointment, tell your massage therapist. The more clearly you communicate your goals, the better your therapist can customize the session to your needs.

Massage Should Not Be a Test of Pain Tolerance

Massage therapy should not be based on the philosophy of “no pain, no gain.”

If you find yourself tightening your gluteal muscles, stiffening your legs, clenching your fists, holding your breath, or making strained facial expressions, you may be experiencing more pressure than your body can comfortably tolerate.

Massage does not have to hurt to be effective.

If a technique or amount of pressure becomes painful, tell your therapist. Your therapist can adjust the pressure, modify the technique, or work differently with the area.

Communication is an essential part of a successful massage. If your therapist asks, “How are you doing?” and you are uncomfortable, please don't automatically respond with “I'm fine.”

Be honest.

Your massage therapist would much rather know that something is too intense than have you silently endure discomfort throughout the session. The goal is for you to leave feeling better—not worse.

Your Therapist Is Not a Mind Reader

Every person's tolerance for pressure is different. What feels therapeutic to one client may feel excessive to another.

Do not be afraid to speak up about pressure, temperature, positioning, music, draping, or anything else that affects your comfort. Your therapist needs your feedback in order to provide the best possible treatment.

A good massage is a collaborative experience between the client and therapist.

Don't Overlook Aftercare

Aftercare is an important part of massage therapy.

Depending on your individual needs, your therapist may recommend stretches, mobility exercises, changes in activity, or other simple self-care practices between appointments.

If your therapist demonstrates stretches for you to perform at home, pay attention to how they are performed and follow the instructions you were given. Consistency can make a difference.

For example, if your therapist notices significant tightness in your calves and recommends a few simple stretches to perform regularly, following those recommendations may help maintain mobility between sessions and make subsequent treatments more comfortable.

The goal should not be to repeatedly treat the same problem without addressing the contributing factors. Ideally, massage therapy should be part of an overall approach that helps you feel and move better over time.

Of course, not every issue can be resolved through massage alone. Some conditions require evaluation or treatment from another healthcare professional. A responsible massage therapist should recognize those situations and refer you appropriately when necessary.

If you return for another massage with the same areas of tension and have not followed the recommended self-care, we may simply find ourselves having the same conversation and addressing the same issues again.

Your participation matters.

Massage therapy works best when the therapist and client work together.

And with that, namaste.

5 Best Massage Guns for Under $100

It is very important to do your homework after your massage treatments, to continue healing or maintaining what your therapist has assisted you with. Sometimes, that includes having to massage yourself after your exercises and stretches. My personal physical therapist in Oregon used to have me hold a massage gun to my Iliotibial bands (IT Bands) while in mid-stretch. Stretches were to be held for at least 30 seconds for best results.

When I got back to California, my coworkers were using a massage gun between clients. I thought why not? So, here's a list of the 5 best massage guns for under $100.

The DDVWU Deep Tissue Muscle Massager has one of the highest ranking reviews on the internet. It lasts 8-15 hours on a single charge, has 12 massage heads, and 7 speed levels. It is also considerably quiet compared to other massages, and comes with a carrying case.

The TOLOCO Upgrade Percussion Muscle Massage Gun has 20 speed levels, 15 replaceable massage heads, and has an ergonomic silicon handle. It's lightweight and comes with a carry case. It probably has the most reviews online of the 5 massage guns.

The Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun has an LED panel, super quiet and portable, has a 3-6 hour run time on lithium batteries, 5 levels of intensity with 8 massage heads. It also comes with a 100% Satisfaction Lifetime Warranty.

The FlyBy Percussion Muscle Massager has 50 pounds of pressure for a 1.8 pound tool. It has 3 powerful speeds, and comes with a 4+ hour rechargeable battery. It comes with 6 interchangeable massage heads, and is quiet.

The FlyBy F2Pro Percussion Muscle Massager is an upgrade from the FlyBy Percussion Muscle Massage (view in list) and has approximately 2,800 strokes per minute. It comes with a rechargeable battery that has 3.5+ hours of battery power. There are 5 powerful speeds and 4 interchangeable massage heads. It is also quiet and lightweight.

What I Value About My Work

I was recently asked what I value most about my profession. My answer is simple: I value the positive feedback and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's day.

Before becoming a massage therapist, I worked in retail. In that environment, I could expect at least one disgruntled customer to come through my line almost every week. The complaints were familiar: the lines were too long, the prices were too high, the store was too messy, there were not enough employees, or someone was unhappy with one thing or another.

Massage therapy is a very different experience.

It is rare for me to encounter a client who leaves a massage feeling disappointed. That is one of the things I find so rewarding about this career. In a spa environment, clients generally arrive looking for an opportunity to relax, step away from the demands of everyday life, and take some time for themselves. When they leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, or simply better than when they arrived, it is incredibly gratifying to know that I contributed to that experience.

A massage can also be a wonderful gift. When someone gives a massage as a gift, the recipient is not simply receiving a service. They are being given an opportunity to rest, decompress, and take care of themselves. Knowing that I am part of that experience makes the work especially rewarding.

Working in a Clinical Setting

My experiences in clinical environments have been rewarding in a different way.

In a clinical setting, patients often come to me because they are concerned about their physical well-being. When massage is provided as part of a multidisciplinary approach alongside services such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, or acupuncture, it can be particularly rewarding to see a patient's progress over time.

I enjoy being part of a team of professionals working toward a common goal. Watching a patient gradually improve through a combination of appropriate treatments and professional care is one of the most satisfying aspects of clinical massage therapy.

Building Relationships With Clients

I have also appreciated the difference between working in a resort spa and working in a neighborhood spa or clinic.

In a resort setting, clients are often visiting from somewhere else and may be receiving a massage as part of a vacation or special occasion. There is something wonderful about being included in someone's vacation experience, even when I know I may never see that person again.

A neighborhood spa or clinical practice provides something different: continuity.

When clients return regularly, I have the opportunity to develop professional relationships with them and become familiar with their individual needs, preferences, and goals. Over time, I begin to understand what brings them through the door—whether they need relaxation, relief from muscular tension, help managing the physical effects of their daily activities, or simply an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life.

That ongoing relationship is something I value tremendously.

Why I Find This Career So Rewarding

Ultimately, what I value most about being a massage therapist is knowing that I can help people feel better.

Sometimes that means helping someone relax after a stressful week. Sometimes it means providing focused work to an area of muscular tension. Sometimes it means being one member of a larger healthcare team. And sometimes it simply means giving someone an hour in which they can stop worrying about everything else and take care of themselves.

The appreciation I receive from clients is an important part of that experience, too. Positive feedback is meaningful because it tells me that my work mattered to someone.

After years in a profession where I have the opportunity to help people, build lasting professional relationships, and receive genuine appreciation for what I do, I can honestly say that massage therapy has been an incredibly rewarding career.

I feel valued in this profession, and that is something I never take for granted.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is one of my favorite massage modalities to practice. Unlike many forms of massage, traditional Shiatsu does not require oil or disrobing. It is traditionally performed on a floor mat with the client fully clothed, although I also incorporate Shiatsu techniques into my oil-based massage treatments on a massage table.

I consider Shiatsu a valuable component of a well-rounded massage practice because of its unique approach to pressure, movement, and the body as a whole.

What Is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that developed from earlier Japanese massage traditions, particularly Anma, which itself was influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.

The word Shiatsu translates roughly to “finger pressure.” The practice uses the fingers, thumbs, palms, and sometimes other parts of the body to apply pressure to specific areas. These points are commonly referred to as tsubo in Japanese.

Traditional Shiatsu theory is based on the concept of ki, or vital energy, flowing through pathways known as meridians. According to this traditional framework, applying pressure to specific points is intended to support balance and the free flow of energy throughout the body.

From a contemporary massage therapy perspective, Shiatsu can also be appreciated for its physical effects, including pressure applied to muscles and soft tissues, gentle movement, stretching, and mobilization. These techniques may promote relaxation, reduce the sensation of muscular tension, and support comfortable movement.

Shiatsu and the Spine

One characteristic that distinguishes Shiatsu from some other massage approaches is that gentle pressure may be applied directly along or near the spine. The therapist works carefully and appropriately with the body's structures rather than simply avoiding the spinal area altogether.

As with any massage technique, pressure should be adapted to the individual client. Shiatsu should never be painful or performed in a manner that is inappropriate for a client's physical condition.

What Can Shiatsu Help With?

Shiatsu is commonly used to promote relaxation and help address muscular tension, stress, and fatigue. Some people also seek Shiatsu as a complementary approach for headaches, general body discomfort, and mobility concerns.

Traditional Shiatsu has historically been associated with a wide range of health conditions, including digestive complaints, headaches, anxiety, and other chronic or acute conditions. However, claims that Shiatsu can treat or cure specific medical disorders should be approached carefully. Massage therapy should be considered complementary care rather than a replacement for appropriate medical treatment.

Shiatsu does not replace medical care. It should not be used as a substitute for a physician's evaluation, prescribed medication, or other medically indicated treatment. If you have a medical condition, take prescription medication, or have concerns about whether massage is appropriate for you, consult your healthcare provider.

For me, Shiatsu is particularly valuable because it gives me another way to work with the body. Rather than relying on a single technique or pressure level, I can incorporate elements of Shiatsu into a customized massage based on what the individual client needs during that particular session.

Deep Tissue vs Deep Pressure

Many clients are understandably confused about the difference between Deep Tissue Massage and what is commonly called a deep pressure massage. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not necessarily describe the same thing.

Deep Tissue Massage is a specific massage modality, not simply a massage performed with a great deal of pressure. It is generally intended to address areas of muscular tension and certain musculoskeletal concerns. The technique may involve slower, more deliberate strokes and sustained pressure directed toward deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

A firm or deep-pressure massage, on the other hand, describes the amount of pressure being used rather than a particular modality. A client may simply prefer a relaxing massage performed with more pressure, particularly in areas that feel tense or tight. That does not necessarily mean that Deep Tissue Massage is what they are looking for.

“Can You Do Deep Tissue?”

This is a common request I hear from clients who actually want something somewhat different.

For example, a client may request Deep Tissue Massage because they would like additional attention to their shoulders or lower back. Once the therapist begins using more specific Deep Tissue techniques, however, the client may find the experience uncomfortable and ask for less pressure.

In many cases, what the client really wanted was a relaxing massage with firm pressure and additional attention to specific areas, rather than a true Deep Tissue treatment.

There is nothing wrong with preferring firm pressure. Massage should be tailored to the individual, and more pressure does not automatically mean a better or more therapeutic massage.

What Does Deep Tissue Massage Feel Like?

Deep Tissue Massage can begin much like a traditional massage, but the techniques may become progressively more focused and intense as the therapist works with deeper layers of tissue.

Depending on the client's needs and the therapist's training, techniques may include cross-fiber friction, knuckling, stripping, trigger point techniques, and various forms of myofascial work.

Some of these techniques can produce significant therapeutic pressure and may feel uncomfortable at times. However, uncomfortable does not mean that the treatment should be painful. Communication between the client and therapist is essential. If the pressure becomes too intense, the client should tell the therapist so the technique can be modified.

It is also possible to experience temporary tenderness or muscle soreness following a deeper massage. However, significant or persistent pain should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of treatment. If you experience unusual, severe, or worsening symptoms, it is appropriate to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Aftercare

After a massage, particularly one involving more intensive techniques, it is generally helpful to give your body time to recover.

Some simple aftercare measures include:

• Drinking water according to your normal hydration needs
• Gentle stretching or movement
• Avoiding unusually strenuous activity immediately afterward if you feel tender
• Using a warm shower or other comfortable temperature-based measure to help you relax
• Allowing adequate time for rest

Most importantly, listen to your body. Massage should not be viewed as a test of how much discomfort you can tolerate.

“No Pain, No Gain” Does Not Apply to Massage

The saying “no pain, no gain” is not an appropriate philosophy for massage therapy.

Pain is not necessarily an indication that a treatment is working. Excessive pressure can cause unnecessary tissue irritation, aggravate an existing problem, or potentially contribute to injury. A massage therapist's goal should not be to see how much pressure a client can endure.

Effective massage is not about causing pain. It is about using appropriate techniques, pressure, and communication to provide a treatment that is appropriate for the individual client.

Deep Tissue Massage is not simply “more pressure.” It is a specific approach to bodywork, and understanding that distinction helps both the client and therapist create a more effective treatment.