Here are some tips for getting the most benefit from any type of massage or bodywork session.

Before the session: For effective and pleasant bodywork, a clean body is essential; shower or bathe during the day before your appointment. It is also advisable not to eat a large meal for approximately 1 - 2 hours before your session.

Minimize stress by getting to your appointment on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer for you to become relaxed.

Remember to inform your therapist of any changes in your health condition and any areas of pain.

During your session: Ask any questions you may have about your session. Report any discomfort whether related to the session (amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.) or the environment (room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.). When receiving deeper work, it is necessary and important for both the client and practitioner to communicate in order to determine the appropriate degree of pressure.

Relax into the experience. Tightening up (contracting the muscles or the body) during a session is counterproductive.

After your session: It is better not to rush, but to get up slowly. Take your time coming back to an ordinary activity level and to dress.

For the next 24 hours, drink extra water as any form of bodywork loosens toxins in the body which need to be flushed out of your system.

Also, it is a good idea not to plan any vigorous activity or exercise for at least four hours. If you can, give yourself time and space to relax. Allow some quiet time if possible after the session to integrate or absorb its effects.

Give the session 24 - 48 hours to work inside your body. Once in a while you may feel discomfort 12 hours or so after a session with deep work, but this is usually not the case. Call if you have concerns.

Note: Receiving massage and bodywork on a consistent basis is more beneficial than receiving it infrequently. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative. Thus, the more frequently a person receives bodywork, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly the body will respond. Receiving regular bodywork also provides a way to learn more about specific body needs and tension patterns and to prevent problems before they happen. Increased relaxation typically also leads to a feeling of well-being, better mental and physical performance, and increased enjoyment of life.