Once in a while you get an itch on your back that you can’t quite reach on your own. You find a friend or family member close by and ask them to scratch it. It’s not their back but they have an idea of where to scratch. You give them directions – “Up a little…to the right..a little more…”… then ahh, relief. They aren’t offended or upset about your directions – they are just trying to help you feel better and make you happy.
Your massage should be the same way – to get the relief that you want, leaving you feeling relaxed, in less pain, relieved and happy.
Your massage is just that – yours. It’s your time to have what you need worked on. I’ll customize your massage for what you need that day. That includes using more or less pressure where you want it or spending more time somewhere that will help you the most.
You aren’t here to get my standard massage but to get what you need. The person scratching your back has done it before. They know what they are doing and just need a little guidance on where to scratch, how much pressure to use and what feels the best to you.
Of course in a massage you don’t need to give step by step directions or commentary. That wouldn’t be particularly relaxing. However if you would like more attention to an area before I move on, that’s fine. Just let me know and I’ll be glad to oblige. Feel free to speak up if I’m not quite getting the right spot or to change the pressure. If something feels really great let me know that too. I’ll make a note so I can remember what works best for you when you come back.
It’s OK to be comfortable during your massage. It’s easy to adjust the temperature. I’m working so the temperature doesn’t matter to me. I know it’s hard to fully relax if you are too cool or too warm. The face cradle on the table adjusts to allow your head to rest at the most comfortable angle for you. I have a small and a large size bolster for under your legs, as well as pillows that can be used instead.
It’s even more important to speak up when you are face down. I pay attention to your reactions, but obviously I can’t see your face when I’m working on your back.
The next time you get a massage think about how you act when somebody is scratching that itchy spot on your back. Let me know if anything needs to change so you have the same sense of relief.
Barry is a licensed Massage Therapist at Main Street Massage in Hudson, Ohio. Find out more about him, his business, and massage at www.HudsonMassageTherapy.com
