3 Simple Ways to Get More Out of Your Massage
- Corey Richason, LMT
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
From a massage therapist in Surprise, Arizona
Quick answer
Three simple ways to get more out of a massage are:
• communicate about pressure
• breathe slowly when tight areas are being worked
• let the muscle relax instead of tightening
These small adjustments help massage therapy work more effectively and make the session more comfortable.
Most people come in for a massage thinking it’s something that just happens to them.
They lie down.
Try to relax.
Hope their back feels better when they leave.
But the truth is, the best sessions happen when your body and your therapist work together.
After 24 years working with clients in Surprise and Sun City Grand, I’ve noticed a few small things that make a big difference in how a massage feels.
They’re simple, but they matter.
1. Say something if the pressure isn’t right
A lot of people try to tough it out.
Maybe the pressure is a little too deep.
Maybe it’s not quite enough.
Either way, they stay quiet because they don’t want to interrupt.
But good communication actually makes the massage better. A small adjustment can completely change how a muscle responds.
The goal isn’t to survive the massage.
It’s to help your body relax and move better.
Many people searching for massage therapy in Surprise AZ are simply looking for the right balance of pressure that helps their muscles relax.
2. Remember to breathe
This one happens all the time.
I start working on a tight spot in someone’s shoulder or back… and suddenly their breathing stops.
It’s a natural reaction. When something feels intense, the body braces.
Slow breathing helps the nervous system settle down, which allows the muscle to soften instead of tightening even more.
Sometimes one slow breath is enough to change everything.
Back pain and shoulder tension are two of the most common reasons people seek massage therapy in Surprise, Arizona.
3. Let the muscle relax instead of helping
When people feel a sensitive area, they often tighten the muscle without realizing it.
It’s almost like the body is trying to protect itself.
But the more relaxed the muscle is, the more effective the work can be.
Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do during a massage is simply let the area soften and allow the work to happen.
The sessions that work best
The massages that tend to work the best usually have three things in common:
Clear communication
Steady breathing
Relaxed muscles
When those things come together, the work tends to be smoother and the results last longer.
Who this advice helps most
These tips are especially helpful for people dealing with:
• back pain
• shoulder tension
• limited mobility
• stiffness from sitting or exercise
Many of the clients I see at Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona come in with these issues.
Clients often visit from Surprise, Sun City Grand, Sun City West, and the northwest Phoenix area looking for massage therapy that helps them move more comfortably.
Massage Therapy in Surprise, AZ
Most of the people I work with come in because their back or shoulders have started feeling tight, or they’ve lost some range of motion doing the things they enjoy.
At Vital Kneads Massage, my goal is simple: help people move a little easier and feel better in their bodies again.
If you live near Surprise or Sun City Grand and your back or shoulders have been bothering you, you can check my availability here:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my massage more effective?
Communicating with your therapist, breathing normally during tight areas, and keeping muscles relaxed instead of bracing can help massage therapy work more effectively.
Should I talk during a massage?
Yes. Letting your therapist know if pressure feels too deep or too light helps them adjust their technique so the work is more comfortable and effective.
Why do people hold their breath during massage?
People often hold their breath when a tight or sensitive area is being worked. Slow breathing helps the nervous system relax, which allows muscles to soften.
Who benefits most from massage therapy?
Massage therapy can be helpful for people experiencing muscle tension, back pain, shoulder tightness, or reduced range of motion due to activity, exercise, or long periods of sitting.
Written by Corey Richason, Licensed Massage Therapist
Corey Richason is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, AZ. With over 24 years of hands-on experience, he helps active adults reduce pain, improve mobility, and stay active through personalized, results-focused bodywork.
Instagram: @coreyrichason
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