At Heights Wellness Retreat, our mission is to guide you on your wellness journey—no matter where you are starting from. Whether you're a first-time guest or a long-time member, every session with us is designed to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our Licensed Massage Therapists are passionate about customizing each experience, so you walk out feeling restored, balanced, and better prepared to take on life’s demands.

But even the most skilled therapists need a little help from you to create the most impactful session possible.

To ensure you’re getting the full benefit of every visit, we’ve gathered 10 essential tips to elevate your massage experience. These insights come directly from our team and our most engaged guests—so you can make every session feel like a wellness breakthrough.

1. Clearly Define Your Wellness Goals

When you walk into Heights Wellness Retreat, you’re not just receiving a service—you’re beginning a collaboration. That collaboration starts with understanding your personal goals.

Ask yourself:

Are you here to relieve tension in your shoulders and neck from long hours at a desk?
Is your lower back sore from working out or physical labor?
Do you need help managing chronic stress or sleep issues?

Your goals help us pair you with the right therapist and guide the session’s focus. For example, someone needing relief from tech neck may benefit from a different approach than someone training for a triathlon. Be as specific as possible, and don’t worry if your goals evolve over time. That’s what wellness journeys are all about.

2. Share Your Comfort Levels and Preferences

Massage is deeply personal, and your comfort is our priority.
Before your session begins, don’t hesitate to let us know:

If there are areas you do not want touched
Your preference for pressure (light, medium, deep)
If you’ve had past massage experiences that made you uncomfortable
If you’d prefer a quiet session or enjoy conversation during your massage

Open communication ensures we’re aligned and helps build trust with your therapist. Our spaces are designed to feel safe and supportive, so speak up—we welcome your input.

3. Highlight Any Pain Points or Injuries

Pain is your body’s way of sending a message—and we’re here to listen.

If you're experiencing pain, even if it’s localized or temporary, tell your therapist before your session starts. This is especially important if:

You’ve had a recent injury or surgery
You’re experiencing soreness or inflammation
You have chronic tension in certain muscle groups

Massage can be incredibly effective in managing and relieving pain—but it needs to be done intentionally. Our therapists are trained to work with your body, not against it. By knowing your sensitive areas, they can adapt techniques and ensure your session is both therapeutic and gentle where needed.

4. Hydrate Before and After Your Session

Water is wellness.

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to enhance the effects of your massage. Massage therapy increases circulation and encourages the release of toxins stored in your muscles. Drinking water helps flush those out and supports better recovery.

Here’s a simple hydration plan:

Drink water throughout the day before your session (but avoid chugging right before)
Rehydrate after your massage to assist your body’s natural detox process
Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol on massage days if possible

This small step can have a big impact on how your body responds.

5. Create Your Ideal Environment

At Heights Wellness Retreat, every detail of your session is customizable—from the room temperature to the music volume to the aromatherapy.

If something in the space isn’t quite right—tell us. That might include:

A room that feels too warm or too cool
Lighting preferences (dim or soft lighting can enhance relaxation)
Music volume or type
Your choice of essential oils

We believe every guest deserves an experience that aligns with their personal comfort and sensory preferences. Don’t hesitate to request changes—it’s your time, and we want it to feel just right.

6. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Your Massage

As tempting as it might be to grab a quick bite before your session, we recommend keeping things light.

Why? Because massage involves laying flat and stimulating circulation. A full stomach can lead to discomfort and distract from the experience. We suggest:

Avoiding heavy meals 1–2 hours before your appointment
Eating something light, like fruit or a small snack, if you need fuel
Waiting at least 30–60 minutes after your massage to eat a full meal, giving your body time to continue its relaxation response

Your digestive system and your muscles will thank you.

7. Arrive on Time—and Ideally, Early

We know life gets busy, but arriving on time for your appointment ensures you get the full value of your session.

Better yet? Arrive 10–15 minutes early.

That extra time gives you the chance to:

Fill out or update any health information
Use the restroom before your session
Unwind in our calming environment and begin your mental transition from “go mode” to relaxation

We want you to feel unrushed and fully present. A few extra minutes can make a big difference in setting the tone for your session.

8. Choose Whether to Talk—or Stay Silent

There’s no right or wrong way to experience your massage.

Some guests love to chat with their therapist. It helps them feel connected and makes the time fly by. Others prefer silence, letting their mind quiet while their body relaxes.

At Heights Wellness Retreat, we encourage you to do what feels best for you.

If you do want to speak during the session, consider using that time to give feedback:

“Could you focus a little more on my shoulders?”
“That pressure is perfect—thank you.”
“I’m noticing tension in my lower back. Can we spend a little more time there?”

And if you’d prefer quiet, simply let your therapist know you’d like a more meditative experience. We fully support both.

9. Explore Aromatherapy with Intention

Aromatherapy is a powerful way to enhance the effects of your massage, tapping into your sense of smell to promote calm, clarity, or energy.

At Heights Wellness Retreat, we offer an Aromatherapy Journey as part of your session. You’ll experience four signature therapeutic blends designed to support specific wellness outcomes:

Relaxation and stress relief
Energy and mental clarity
Muscle relief and recovery
Emotional balance and mood support

Let your therapist know if you have allergies or sensitivities to specific scents, or if a certain aroma is especially comforting or grounding for you. Together, we’ll find the perfect match to elevate your experience.

10. Relax—Fully and Intentionally

This may seem obvious, but it’s often the hardest part: let go.

The more you can relax your muscles—and your mind—the more benefit you’ll get from your massage. This means:

Taking slow, deep breaths during your session
Consciously releasing tension in your shoulders, jaw, and hands
Trusting your therapist and giving your body permission to rest

If you find your mind racing or your body holding tension, let your therapist know. They can guide you with breathing techniques or slower movements to help you ease into a more relaxed state.
Remember, relaxation is a skill—and every session is an opportunity to practice it.

Your Wellness, Your Way

At Heights Wellness Retreat, we believe that every person deserves to feel their best—not just occasionally, but consistently. Massage therapy is a gateway to greater balance, deeper recovery, and more intentional living.

By following these 10 tips, you can maximize each visit and deepen your wellness journey over time. Whether you come in weekly, monthly, or whenever life demands a reset, we’re honored to be part of your routine.

If you haven’t booked your next session yet, now’s the time.

Experience the difference personalized, high-quality therapeutic massage can make. Reserve your next visit at your local Heights Wellness Retreat—and take another step toward the life you want to lead.