Can you feel the tension in your muscles when you move or even when simply sitting still? If so, it may be time for you to go for a massage. Knowing what to look for in a quality massage therapist or center will help ensure that you get the relief you hope for.

When you’re giving someone a massage, remember that you need to use your thumbs too. You have a lot of strength in your thumbs and can use these fingers to really dig into the deeper tissues. Don’t overdo it, though, as you could hurt the recipient.

After you give a massage to someone, make sure that they take a warm bath. This will help to further the effect of the massage and soothe the muscles even more. After this person takes the bath, they will feel more refreshed and looser then they ever had in their entire life.

Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.

Try to keep quiet when giving someone a massage. People get massages to relax and let go of their troubles for a little while, and you striking up conversation will not help them achieve that. There should be no sound, except possibly some nature sounds or soft music. Besides these things, you should maintain a quiet atmosphere.

Clean your whole body, including your feet, if you are getting a full body massage. There are all kinds of bacteria that live on your feet; therefore, your massage therapist can easily spread them whenever he or she is giving you the massage. A meticulous cleaning before starting can be very beneficial!

Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.

The power of a relaxing neck massage should not be underestimated. Lots of people store a great amount of tension in the neck. Thankfully, it’s simple to massage, too. Use lotion your hands and get down to work. Don’t forget your shoulders!

Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!

If you suffer from medical conditions such as high blood pressure or are pregnant, speak up before getting your massage. In most cases, a massage will still be safe, but the technique will probably need to be adjusted. A professional massage therapist can help you get the relaxation you are seeking while remaining safe if you are willing to speak up.

Massage can help your marriage if you have a high stress job. When you come home after a hard day at work, as soothing massage by your mate can increase your love and appreciation for him or her. Instead of feeling too tired for romance, you will be more open to spending some quality time.

If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.

Do not forget to tip your massage therapist. Many therapists work mostly for tips and only receive a small percentage of the price you pay for the massage. They will appreciate a good tip, and it will be remembered the next time you return. A fair tip is typically fifteen to twenty percent.

Give your masseuse a tip. If you think that your therapist did a good job, then it is a nice gesture to give them a tip. You can do what you would do in a restaurant, which is to tip 15 percent of the total. You might even want to provide a larger tip if you received an incredible massage. You and your therapist will both be thankful if you did, when you choose to return. This way you can assure you get the best.

Try using your own visualization while getting a massage. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a favorite spot, surrounded by people you love. Take in all you love about the setting and transfer that to the feeling in your body. This can enhance your massage experience and help you to feel well rested.

When you are finished eating, rub your tummy! There is no mistake about it. When you do that, you are promoting your own healthy digestion. To properly perform this, you’ll want to rub your abdomen, with your palms, in clockwise circles. This direction will simulate how your food is digested.

Now that you have read through this guide, you should be better prepared for your search for a massage therapist. Start looking today and soon you will find the one that will fit your needs. Then, just lie down and relax as they remove the tension from every muscles in your body.