What to Expect During Your Massage Therapy Session

Introduction

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned massage therapy client, knowing what to expect during your session can help you feel more comfortable and enhance your overall experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your session. Understanding the role of neurochemicals, and how techniques like vagus nerve stimulation can enhance your experience and make your session even more effective.

Preparing for Your Session

To make the most of your massage therapy session, it’s helpful to arrive about 10-15 minutes early. This gives you time to fill out any necessary paperwork and settle in. Wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated. If it’s your first visit, we’ll discuss your health history and any specific concerns you’d like to address.

During Your Massage

Once you’re in the treatment room, your therapist will step in to discuss your goals for this session . You’ll then sit or lie down on a comfortable massage table, fully clothed. The room will be dimly lit, often with music playing in the background. Your therapist will use a combination of techniques tailored to your needs, such as vagus nerve stimulation, neurofascial release, myofascial release, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy.

During the session, the therapist might focus on areas innervated by cranial nerves, especially the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s relaxation response. Techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve can lead to the release of beneficial neurochemicals:

• Beta-endorphins: These natural painkillers create a sense of euphoria and pain relief.

• Serotonin: Enhances mood and promotes emotional balance.

• Oxytocin:  It fosters feelings of trust and relaxation.

• Dopamine: Associated with reward and pleasure, it enhances the overall sense of well-being.

Throughout the session, you are encouraged to communicate any discomfort or adjustments you want . The goal is to ensure you are completely comfortable and to maximize the benefits of the therapy.

After Your Massage

After your massage, you may feel a sense of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Clients have reported mild fogginess, mild soreness, increased thirst, and decreased tension after their sessions. It is recommended to take it easy for the rest of the day to allow your body to fully integrate the benefits of the session. But, you're busy so if you can drink a little extra water and have a healthy meal on that day, that’ll do just fine. . 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you treat the vagus nerve?

A: To activate your parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic part of our nervous system promotes relaxation, rest, and digestion. Which can reduce stress, and help balance cortisol levels. 

Q: Why is this important? I’m in pain.. 

A: The vagus nerve can modulate pain perception by affecting the release of neurochemicals and neurotransmitters that have been shown to reduce pain. 

References:

1. Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. -This book explores the polyvagal theory, explaining how vagus nerve stimulation impacts emotional regulation, pain perception, and overall relaxation through the release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphins and serotonin.

2. Thayer, J. F., & Sternberg, E. (2006). Beyond heart rate variability: Vagal regulation of allostatic systems. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1088(1), 361-372. -This article discusses the role of the vagus nerve in the regulation of various physiological systems, including the modulation of neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine, which are crucial for stress reduction and emotional balance.

3. Ellingson, L. D., Cook, D. B., & Ortega, M. A. (2014). Neurobiological mechanisms of exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Pain Management, 4(3), 211-223. -The study examines how physical activities, including therapeutic touch, can stimulate the vagus nerve to release endorphins and other neurochemicals that contribute to pain relief and a sense of well-being.

4. Butler, D. S., & Moseley, G. L. (2015). Explain Pain (2nd ed.). Noigroup Publications. -This book provides an accessible explanation of how pain and stress are interrelated and how techniques like vagus nerve stimulation during massage can alter the release of neurotransmitters, reducing pain sensitivity.

5. Kox, M., Van Eijk, L. T., Zwaag, J., Van den Wildenberg, J., Sweep, F. C., Van der Hoeven, J. G., & Pickkers, P. (2014). Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(20), 7379-7384. -This research highlights how intentional stimulation of the vagus nerve can influence the autonomic nervous system and the release of neurotransmitters, aiding in stress reduction and enhancing overall well-being during practices like massage therapy.