How to Maximize Massage Benefits

Nancy Hausauer, LMP
706 Sixth Avenue * Tacoma, WA 98405 * 253-686-1214
Massage, lymphatic massage, and energy healing serving Tacoma, Seattle,
Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Olympia, and the Puget Sound region

Understanding how to maximize benefits of a session with me will help you make the most of your investment of time and money. Here are some ideas. (Of course they are not requirements--just suggestions!)

Before the Session
Think about your intention for the session before you come in. If possible, try to plan your session for a "light" day, so that you can rest and reflect afterward. Come well-hydrated.

During the Session
Communicate with me! While a session is not the time for extended social chit-chat, it's good to let know what's going on.

Let me know if something feels particular good, or if it hurts (e.g. if the pressure is too deep during bodywork). Let me know if you feel that something "needs more work." Communication really helps to maximize massage benefits for you.

During energy work, some people like to tell me what sensations they are having, while others prefer to remain silent. Either way is fine.

Emotional Release
Sometimes people may feel like crying or laughing during a session. This usually signifies an emotional and/or energetic release -- and though it may be surprising, it is almost always a good thing. Please know that it is fine to fully express such emotions during our session. I will usually stop and ask you how you want me to proceed (e.g. whether to continue with what I was doing, work in another area of the physical or subtle body, simply maintain physical contact, remain present without physical contact, or leave the room entirely.

It is not within my scope of practice to offer you counseling about emotions that may arise during a session; my role is to be a compassionate, supportive, non-judgmental witness. (Which can actually be a very powerful force for healing.)

If you have a "talk therapist" -- a mental health counselor, therapist or psychiatrist -- you may want to share about your emotional release with them, but often it does not need further discussion.

Maximize Massage Benefits: After a Session
Give yourself some time to ease back into things.

After a treatment, you might feel energized, or you might feel like going home to take a nap. You should follow your body's wisdom with regard to this.

You may find that you have a burst of creativity, or flashes of insight into how to solve a problem. Ideally, you will have scheduled yourself some free time after the treatment to allow this to arise.

You might see improvement in a particular issue right away, or you might not see it for a period of time. Pay attention -- because a resolution might not look like you thought it would!

Occasionally, a client may feel worse for a short time, usually due to an acceleration of the healing process. If this occurs, feel free to discuss the situation with me, and also, of course use your own judgment in calling your primary medical provider.

If I have done physical bodywork, and your muscles and fascia were very "tight," you may feel mild soreness after the session. Personally, I believe that this is a clearing process, and a good thing.

Also, as superficial muscles relax, you may become aware of deeper (or other) areas of tension and soreness. This also is good because it is a sign of healing and growing self-awareness.

Ice can help if you are sore after bodywork; or if no inflammation is present, heat might also help. (Note: because my bodywork is very gentle, it's not very common for people to feel sore after a treatment.)

The benefits of energy healing treatment may continue to unfold for days or weeks. Although one visit may be sufficient, several treatments may be necessary, especially for chronic problems. The decision of whether to come once, several times, or regularly, is entirely up to you.

Specific Aftercare Instructions

To maximize massage benefits, be sure to drink plenty of water for 24 hours after a treatment. You may also wish to:

• have a warm bath
• relax
• possibly walk a little, stretch a little
• take some time to meditate, reflect, and/or write in a journal.