What comes to mind when you think of self-care? Perhaps it’s getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy, and seeing a therapist for mental well-being. Those are all great self-care steps, but some activities manage to straddle both physical and mental spaces. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, about 23% of those who had a massage were getting it regularly. Unfortunately, this means that many people (not just in Austin, but around the country) are sleeping on the benefits of a good massage. Today, let’s find out how to ensure you have the best experience at an Austin massage parlor.
Choose the Right Type of Massage
Knowing the type of massage you need is the first thing to figure out to have the best experience at a massage parlor. If you are thinking of having a massage for the first time, it can be confusing. To understand what massage style you should pick, first consider your needs. Do you simply want to relax and unwind, or do you have other goals in mind? Massages are relaxing, but they can also boost rest and recovery.
In cases where the focus is on muscles that lie quite deep, something like a deep tissue massage is generally recommended. However, it might not be the best choice if you aren’t injured, in pain, or opting for your first massage. You may end up asking the masseuse to ease up, limiting the effectiveness of the massage. That being said, deep tissue massages can soon become your favorite kind if you are a gym enthusiast or an avid runner.
A deep tissue massage is amazing at easing knots and releasing tension from your muscles, while a sports massage is great for muscle recovery. Get clear about the type of massage you want and need.
Similarly, headspace is also something to factor in. Massages can be so cathartic that to some, it becomes a therapeutic experience, especially with Swedish massages in Austin. Sometimes, you just want a light, airy experience, and Swedish massages are perfect for that. As Mantis Massage notes, it’s an experience known for its relaxing properties. The masseuse focuses on nice, buttery smooth strokes to put your body and mind at ease.
Communicate Your Preferences
Before getting the massage, let the therapist know your exact goals. Communicate your preferences clearly. Mention the type of pressure that you are looking for (light, medium, deep), the areas of tension you want to be treated, and the areas you want her/him to avoid. During the massage, don’t hesitate to speak up if the pressure is too much or too little or if something feels uncomfortable. Good communication is key to a positive experience.
Do Some Thorough Research on The Parlor
A massage is a deeply personal experience. Though it is a highly professional practice, it’s also one of the closest experiences you can have with a stranger. Trust is super important in this context, and when you lie on the table, you want to have it with your masseuse. This often means expecting ethical behavior from the staff, but also ethical standards from the entire clinic as a whole.
The Southern border and illegal immigration may seem like disconnected themes, but they can play a role even here. Remember, it isn’t uncommon to hear of massage parlors being staffed by illegal immigrants who are not properly qualified. With Austin just a four-hour drive away from the U.S. border, that’s something to consider.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to look at local massage parlors near you and find out if everything is being done legally. The last thing you want is to get a massage only to realize that it’s happening in a morally gray manner. Thus, when you’re reading reviews, make sure you aren’t just reading the top few. Instead, sort by recent and see if the parlor has maintained its standards for as long as they have been open.
Prepare for Your Massage
Another way to have the best experience at a massage parlor is by preparing yourself. Arriving early gives you several minutes so you are not rushing. This gives you time to unwind, helping you transition smoothly into a calm, peaceful state.
In addition, try to relax as much as possible beforehand. Focus on your breathing, which helps to calm your mind and body and increase the effectiveness of the massage. Plus, don’t forget to hydrate yourself. Drink water before your session and hydrate afterward to help flush out toxins released during the massage and prevent dehydration.
Pick the Right Time
Austin is an important city in the South, especially with so many people moving to it from other states. As a result, life here has gotten much more competitive and, as a side effect, also stressful. In a sense, getting a massage is somewhat like what a pitstop is for a Formula One car.
For instance, Mikkel Desler and M. Hedges of the Austin FC team are currently down with injuries. You can make a pretty educated guess that they are getting physio and massage therapy in Austin right now. Indeed, even the Mayo Clinic notes that massages are often recommended after injuries or joint replacement surgeries.
Pick the best day of the week for you. Most people find that getting a massage at the end of the week is the perfect time for it. You can head straight to your favorite parlor when you get off work on Friday. Some massage parlors even have showers that you can use before or after your massage.
Another thing to remember is that Austin can get pretty hot during the summer months. You can see temperatures as high as 100 degrees in August, which is something to consider. Going in for a high-intensity massage in the summer may not be as fun as you hope – unless you really know what to expect. Thankfully, Swedish massages feel great all year round.
If you’re wondering how often to indulge yourself, that’s a great question. Honestly, two visits a month make for a good balance if you have a moderately stressful life. It’s not too frequent that the experience loses its charm, but not too far apart that you feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
To summarize, Austin has a ton of great massage centers. One-hour massage session from a trained masseuse can make you feel born anew. So, the next time you’re feeling a little depleted, stressed, sore, or just want to improve your self-care, try getting a massage. The above suggestions will ensure that you enjoy yourself, feel rejuvenated and relaxed, and have the best experience at a massage parlor.
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
About the Author
Adriana Albritton has a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, certifications in personal training, nutrition, detoxification, and is the founder of FitnAll Coaching and blog. She is the author of 28 Days to a New Life: A Holistic Program to Get Fit, Delay Aging, and Enhance Your Mindset, and a coauthor of The Better Business Book Volumes II and III. With a background in mental health, Adriana brings a holistic, science-backed approach to wellness. She combines mindset coaching, fitness, and nutrition to help people stay lean, energized, healthy, and centered. As part of Health Six FIT, she’s also helping reshape healthcare through AI-driven, integrative wellness education.
