At Sisters Salon & Day Spa we want to give each guest the opportunity to improve how they feel on the inside just as much as the outside. Massage is a great way to feel better on the inside. Whether just relaxing, loosening tight knots or muscles, or relieving pain. Let’s take a closer look at massage: the benefits, different types, and tips to get the best out of your massage.
What is a massage?
Massage is the practice of kneading and manipulating muscles and soft tissue of the body in order to improve a guest’s well-being and health. This can be achieved with different pressure and/or modalities from the massage therapist. Depending on what’s bothering you, the massage therapist can focus on certain areas of the body, such as neck, shoulders, back, sciatic, legs or can perform a full body massage. 30 minute massages are for focus work or problem areas, while 60 and 90 minutes can be focus work, full body or a combination of both. It’s important to remember that massage is not a one-time fix for tight muscles/knots. It can take several sessions to find relief. Most massage therapists suggest a massage every 4 weeks to see results. Massage really is more than just pampering yourself – it’s self-care!
Which pressure is right for you?
The most common massage pressures are Swedish and deep tissue. Swedish massage is kneading and rolling of the muscles with sweeping strokes for relaxation. Deep tissue massage is slower strokes with much more pressure to work out trouble spots. The massage therapists can do only Swedish or only deep tissue during a session, but they can also do a combination of both or anywhere in between Swedish and deep tissue, adjusting for the guest’s comfort level.
Other forms of massage
Hot Stone: add to your massage by using hot stone. Smooth warmed stones are placed on the body to help warm and relax the muscles before massaging them.
Prenatal: for women who are 12-40 weeks pregnant. Massage is an excellent way to relax and improve circulation. We do offer all mom’s to be to lay on their side during their massage or in the table bolster with a belly cut out so they can lay on their stomach. All pregnant massage guests need to check with their doctor before getting a massage.
Cupping: massage cupping has the same benefits as deep tissue massage without the pressure. Cups are suctioned onto the skin to stimulate blood flow and relax muscles to be worked on. Cupping can help get rid of old blood, lymph, and medication in the body. It can also help with circulation as well as scar tissue. The only side effects from this form of massage is some bruising or markings can occur and last about 2 weeks.
What to expect
With each massage, our providers will consult with you about your massage, what problem areas you’re experiencing, and what pressure you’d like. They will instruct you on what to do, confirm what areas they’ll be massaging, and to undress to your comfort level. During your massage they will confirm with you how the pressure is feeling, the table is warm enough, and if you’re still comfortable. Afterwards, the massage therapist will give you instructions for how to go about the rest of your day as well as when to come back.
Hot Tips
Before coming in for your massage, it’s important to remember these tips to get the most out of your experience!
~First time guests – fill out your health history form before your appointment time. It is sent to you in your confirmation email or can be done in salon.
~Don’t eat before your massage. Full meals can make it uncomfortable to lay on the table.
~No alcohol before or after your massage. The effects of alcohol can be intensified when combined with massage, as well as making you not as aware of how your body is feeling and can make you very dehydrated.
~Be on time.
~Drink lots of water. Water flushes out all the toxins released in your body during a massage. You’ll also feel less sore the next day when you’ve consumed a lot of water afterwards.
~Communicate! Communicating with your massage therapist is so important. Letting them know if they need to change the pressure or if you’re uncomfortable is the best way to get the most out of your massage.
Our massage therapists love to help people. Relaxation and helping to soothe sore muscles is the best medicine they can give. Monthly massages can change the way you feel, inside and out. We have different time allotments for even the busiest schedules, our therapists can accommodate any pressure you need to relieve that pain or stress, and following the hot tips can lead to a more relaxed you. Call us at 507-451-2741 to schedule your self-care massage today!