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Can they tell that I neverstretch after a workout?

Is it weird I left my underwear on?

Do they like me?

woman sweating in the gym

licensed massage therapist and body care service innovation manager atMassage Envy

(Fellow people-pleasers get it.)

Making the most of your massage startsbeforeyour appointment

Yes, a massage is intended to help you relax.

verify youre plenty hydrated when you arrive.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Also avoid any pre-massage caffeine.

That enhances the nervous system when were trying to calm the nervous system down, he says.

One more key preparation step: Turn off and put away your phone.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Think about your massage as being one hour of time when nothing else is going on, Ramsey says.

Youre tuning out the rest of the world.

So, keep their comfort in mind when youre getting ready at home.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

licensed massage therapist and body care service innovation manager atMassage Envy

As for how much of those clothes you leave on for your massage, thats up to you.

Communication is key

When your massage therapist asks you a question, they arent just going through the motions.

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I rely so much on communication to identify what each person is dealing with, Ramsey says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Dont be shy in asking your therapist questions, either, he says.

Keep the communication going if you have any feedback during the massage.

Were skilled and experienced therapists, but were not mind readers, Ramsey says.

Theyll note things like muscle tone, flexibility, range of motion, and imbalances.

Think about your massage as being one hour of time when nothing else is going on.

Youre tuning out the rest of the world.

Kevin Ramsey, LMT

5.

They should dictate the environment.

Everything is within their control, he says.

This can get chaotic and messy, he says, plus it defeats the purpose of getting a massage.

Youre there to relax, he says.

Let me do my job.

So unless they have additional credentials, diagnosis is going to be outside of our scope, Ramsey says.

Also outside of their scope: Cracking your back, which Perry says is a common request.

Were not working on any pop in of chiropractic techniques.

Youll also want to avoid activities that tend to exacerbate any pain that you have, Ramsey says.

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