Is there discomfort involved with massage therapy?
Often I am asked if the client should expect to be uncomfortable. This is an important question as with orthopedic, sports-athletic, and Thai-yoga massage, you may experience minor initial side effects resulting from the manipulation of the muscle tissue and joints. You may feel slight fatigue or a light to heavy burning sensation in the muscles, similar to the feeling one gets following vigorous weight bearing exercise.
This is your body’s way of initiating the “fight or flight” response as it excretes lactic acid, a natural byproduct of glycogen conversion to glucose (sugar), which is stored in and released through contraction of the muscles. Passive manipulation of the musculature, as in relaxation massage, may stimulate the same type of release, but the effects – if any, should be minimal. The extent of initial side effects depends on how often one exercises and/or receives massage therapy. All clients are instructed on how to help alleviate the side effects that follow therapy.
How shall I prepare for massage?
With any form of massage or bodywork therapy, it is best not to consume food or any beverage, other than water, at least one hour prior to your scheduled session. Properly preparing the body will help facilitate a more comfortable experience.