Deep Tissue Massage
A First Hand Encounter
I have always been kind of terrified of the idea around getting a deep tissue massage. Is it just me?! I genuinely would read the description and think through the idea of someone getting their fingers deeply to my bones. Maybe I am too literal, but it just didn’t seem like something that I would actually want to do. That was until a few days ago. You see I have been in SO much pain through my neck, shoulders, face, and the top of my pectoral muscle. (They are all connected if you didn’t know).
It turns out that there is very little to fret and stress over. I really enjoyed my Deep Tissue Massage, and actually found myself falling asleep multiple times through out my 90-minute session. It was genuinely so nice to have someone working on the tissue and essentially breaking up everything that has been causing me so much pain. Would I recommend someone else get a deep tissue massage? Great Question!
There are always pros and cons to everything, right? So here we go. I love that I was able to relax and honestly get some relief from my pain for the first time in weeks! It was one of the best parts of my week. Now, things to note that I didn’t quite like: I felt like I had the flu about 3-4 hours after my massage. There are many articles that say this is completely normal and is actually because of all the toxins being released back into the body, which I can link for your viewing pleasure in my [resource page.]
As I loved my massage despite the flu like symptoms, I think that this is something I would like to continue in the future as a self-care practice. With that in mind, here are some of the ways I would like to plan to take care of my body as I prepare for a deep tissue massage.
Drink at least 64 ounces of water the day before my appointment.
(Hopefully this allows for some looser muscles, making it easier to break up).Eat a small, satiating meal of fruits and veggies prior.
(Check out some a full veggie meal plan for the day before a deep tissue massage [here]).Take a shower so that I feel presentable beforehand.
As for the day of — I definitely couldn’t tell you if I would rather go in the morning for the relief or at night. There was definitely something about having to sit and wait at the apartment all day for my appointment, yet also something nice about being able to manage the flu-like symptoms thereafter however I needed. At the end of the day, I do believe this piece of the puzzle is strictly personal.
When I schedule an appointment again I will likely choose the afternoon as it is not too early and also not too late. If there are things that need attending they are still easily managed. I would like start my day off with a light, but filling breakfast — I would still have a cup of Joe because it is joyful to me although there maybe some truth to limiting my caffeine intake prior to the massage.
I would also make sure to drink water — whether it be the classic ice water or adding electrolytes. This is a non-negotiable for me, honestly because of the aforementioned flu-like symptoms. I don’t like that feeling, and would like to avoid it at all cost.
