20 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You to Know (Yeah, That’s Me)
- I am not a masseuse and no matter how cool you think that word sounds, I don’t like it! Massage parlor is rather outdated as well. In the past, some “massage parlors” were really fronts for sex shops. Please no jokes about “happy endings” either. I did not study for over 2,300 hours to be associated with prostitution and happy endings. Please call me by my hard-earned professional title–licensed massage therapist, massage therapist, or just Kathy.
- I’m not asking you to do paperwork or medical-related questions for funsies. When you come in for your initial massage, I’ll have some paperwork for you to fill out. On that paperwork, you will find a series of questions related to your health, medications, and more. Why do I ask these questions? Many reasons. I am trying to determine what areas might need to be focused on or areas that I need to avoid. Also, please let me know if there has been a change in any medical condition.
- Your perfume/cologne/body spray/lotion/shampoo may smell nice to you, but since I work near you for about an hour, it can get a little overwhelming, plus the fact that I have many allergies and sensitivities to a lot of that stuff, as do a lot of my clients. Please be mindful of that when you come in for your appointment.
- Personal hygiene is a must! Please don’t visit me right after your sweaty workout session. Also, I’m probably gonna mess up your hair. Fake tan and massage just don’t mix as well as fresh nail polish.
- I have a 24-hour cancellation and a no-call/no-show policy for a reason. I have reserved that time for you exclusively! If you cancel your appointment too late (or don’t show up) then that doesn’t give someone else the opportunity to take that appointment time.
- Please be on time. I really like to work on you for the entire scheduled time. I often have another client coming in shortly after you, so it is unlikely for me to work on you past the scheduled appointment time.
- I am not judging you at all. A lot of people are embarrassed to get in the nude (or next to it) on the massage table and are worried or apologize every time they forget to shave their legs. In fact, I typically don’t even notice that you didn’t shave your legs until you mention it. I am paying attention to the muscles that are underneath. EVERY BODY is beautiful and it represents who you are and what you’ve been through. You can be skinny, heavy, athletic, lazy, tall short, hairy, hairless, etc. I don’t care (well I do care about YOU, but not that other stuff). You are a person on my table that is in need of some pain or stress relief and I’m here to help you, not judge you.
- Yes, I put clean sheets on the table every time. Those are then sanitized and washed in extra hot water and an extra hot drying cycle. I also sanitize and disinfect the table, face cradle, tools used during your session and commonly touched items. EACH AND EVERY TIME!
- Even if you are comfortable with nudity, I don’t want to see it! I am trained on how to properly drape you to protect your modesty.
- To me, your butt is not cute, big, small, or sexy. It’s a big muscle and I like muscles. If you have problems in your lower back, chances are that your gluteal muscles are involved.
- You have no obligation to talk during your session. If talking helps you relax, by all means, go ahead. Otherwise, feel free to go to your happy place.
- Tell me if you want more or less pressure. I am happy to oblige and won’t take offense. In fact, I love it if you tell me what you like and don’t like as I go along–it helps to individualize your massage to what you want and need. Communication is very important.
- Don’t come in sick! You risk feeling worse, getting me sick (no thank you), or worse. Rashes are a no-no also!
- Deep tissue doesn’t automatically mean deep pressure. And muscle therapy doesn’t have to be painful (aside from a little discomfort). Acute pain has no place in massage therapy!
- Come regularly and I can help you keep the aches and pains away. When you come only when you can’t stand the discomfort in your body, every visit is like the first time and then we start all over. Consistency is the key!
- I actually don’t need your help when moving your limbs or neck. The only time I may need you to do anything is when I ask you to (such as turning over). I’m not holding your arm up because you aren’t helping, I am doing it because I am trying to gain access to different areas. I want you to be as relaxed as possible. If you’re sticking your hand out, it makes it harder for me to do the work I need to do. Just lie back and relax. I appreciate your help, but it’s not necessary.
- Bodily functions are normal. Most massage therapy treatments have a component of relaxation. Your parasympathetic nervous system starts to shine, meaning the rest-and-digest functions are in full swing. And yes, that means stomach grumbling and growling, snoring, and even passing gas is normal. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, that’s a good sign you are relaxed.
- Tips aren’t expected, but always appreciated!
- I want you to be comfortable. This massage is for YOU! It’s not for me. This is precious time that you paid for to either get pain relief or relaxation. If you’re too hold or too cold, I want to know.
- But most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Thank you!