Do you have a stupid question?
It's 'Ask a Stupid Question Day!' Personally, I don't think there is such a thing as a stupid question. If you're not sure, it's always best to seek clarity, no matter how silly or insignificant it might feel.
We never learn anything if we're afraid to ask the question to begin with, whether that's by researching it or asking someone who might know. Ask a Stupid Question Day encourages you to overcome your fear of sounding uneducated and opening yourself to learning by asking your stupidest questions.
Ask A Stupid Question Day is celebrated by digging into your brain and asking those questions that occur to you while you're standing in the shower or are simply pondering the meaning of life. Maybe you're wondering if two mind readers read each other's minds at the same time, whose mind are they reading? Or what it means to you to be a 'good' person? Maybe you're more into daydreaming and thinking if you won the lottery, what would your "today" look like in five years?
I know that many people ask me questions about massage and their back pain, so this week let's take a look at some questions you should be asking your massage therapist and the answer to the common question about curing backache ...
5 things you should be asking your massage therapist
Finding a fantastic massage therapist that you click with is a great feeling. When you start your massage journey, you and your therapist need to be on the same page about what goals you want to kick, what you do like, don't like, what you're worried or curious about, and how they can help you achieve results.
So, what are some of the questions you should be asking your massage therapist?
What type of massage do I need?
Usually, when you see a massage therapist, you have a sore something, a niggle here, an ache there, or an ongoing ailment you need help with. Massage therapy has many branches, each designed to help with specific complaints or deal with things on a broader level. Your massage therapist should be able to discuss with you the different types of treatment options and which one would be most beneficial to you.
What level of pressure will you use?
Interestingly, I ask my clients what they like, as different people have different levels of tolerance and preferences when it comes to massage therapy. Some like their therapist to really dig deep, whereas others might prefer the lighter touch. Ask your therapist about the different pressure levels they may use, and don't be afraid to speak up if the pressure doesn't feel right! Honestly, we are never offended and much prefer it when you tell us what you like.
What if something out of the ordinary happens?
If you're worried about something happening during your massage, such as falling asleep, getting ticklish, or not shaving your legs, chat to your therapist before your massage to ease your mind. Women come in and apologise for not shaving their legs. I don't care at all. It happens almost every day. Most men don't shave their legs, and I'm just as happy to work on them! Lots of things considered 'out of the ordinary' actually happen more often than you think, so it can be a relief to address the elephant in the room to keep you both in the loop and aware of it.
Can I have a silent massage?
Quite often, people are afraid to insult or upset their massage therapist by politely letting them know they prefer not to have a chat during their treatment. Your comfort level should be at the top of your and your therapist's priority list, so if you're going in hoping to get the silent treatment and instead get to make small talk the entire time, let your therapist know. You won't insult them! And if you do, it's probably time to find a new therapist.
How am I going to feel in the morning?
It's important to know what to expect after a massage, so you're not caught by surprise when you wake up a bit tender or with some other unexpected effect. This is normal because the muscles worked with during a deep tissue massage may not have been touched or manipulated often, if ever. Soreness may feel in the days after like a good workout. It may feel mild or moderate and should fade over the days following treatment. Before you hop off the table and get on your way, ask your therapist how you might feel in a few hours or days so you can be prepared instead of surprised. Your massage therapist should also give you some advice to reduce any short-term side effects.
If you have a burning question that you want me to answer in a future blog post, drop a comment below and let me know what's bugging you … chances are, someone else wants to know the answer too!
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