What kind of massages do you give? If you find yourself sloppily moving your hands all over the place, then it’s time for a change. You want to know different strategies that you can use to help you focus on giving a much better massage. Keep reading to learn more.
If you suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
If you enjoy receiving a massage, consider purchasing some massage tools. Use massage balls and other assistive devices to give a more efficient massage. Go to a specialized store or do some online shopping. Try different tools to see which ones work best for you.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
Petrissage is the best way to relieve stress and make pain disappear. This method requires you to use your fingertips and your thumb. Grab hold of a muscle and squeeze it for a few seconds before moving on to a different area. Go over the same areas several times until the pain disappears.
Are you prone to muscle cramps either brought on by physical activity or sometimes nothing at all? These can be very painful, especially when they are in your calf. Massages can help to prevent your muscles from cramping up by promoting blood flow. You can also massage the area as soon as you feel it beginning to cramp up for some quick relief.
The speed of your hands is important for the kind of massage you are trying to give. If you are looking for a massage to relax your partner, go for slow strokes. If you are looking to work out tired muscles that have been over exerted, faster strokes work better.
If your child is suffering from colic, a gentle massage may alleviate some of their suffering. Slightly warm some lavender baby lotion and gently massage your infants back, legs, hands and feet. This will help relax your child making them less fussy if they are suffering from stomach cramps caused by colic.
The last thing that you want to do is talk your clients ear off during a massage. Massages are relaxing and if you speak it can break the mood. Play relaxing music or nature sounds while giving a massage. Aside from that, do your best to stay silent.
Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.
Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.
When your massage therapist tells you to drink water, listen! It is easy to become dehydrated quickly after a massage because toxins and fluids are released from your body. Drinking lots of water will help to replenish the fluids you are losing. If you choose to drink caffeine filled sodas or alcohol instead, you will suffer the consequences.
Use mint scented creams when you are getting a massage. Your minty cream will soften your skin and will give you the impression of feeling fresh and relaxed. Go out your way to find superior products that give your skin needed moisture and nutrients.
You need to speak with the massage therapist prior to the massage. Let them know right away about any injuries or problem areas that you want them to either avoid or focus on. If something isn’t feeling right, let them know. This is a time for you to relax; make the most of it.
You may already know that it is customary to tip your masseuse. If you are new to this, tipping 15% to 20% is customary. The only time you shouldn’t think about tipping is if you are getting physical therapy treatments at a medical facility. Never hand your masseuse a wad of cash, leave it at the front desk with the clerk.
The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.
Now you are better equipped to give the right kind of massage. There are techniques to use specifically of course, and they aren’t that difficult. You just have to know what you’re doing, and now you do. Use what you have learned, and keep picking up new techniques as you get better and better.
