Welcome to the wonderful world of Massage Therapy! Never had a therapeutic massage? Not sure what to expect? Is your Therapist’s behavior professional? No one has ever gone through what protocol to follow. There just isn’t enough consult time for therapists at busy establishments to educate clients on the ins and outs during consultation!
Do I take off all my clothes? Do I tip? Will the therapist solve all my problems in this session? Here are some tips for the massage newbie or anyone who may not be sure about a few things. This generally covers Therapeutic Massage. Other forms of massage and bodywork that incorporate energy work, traditional healing, and spiritual healing, have another level of considerations. See Tips for Reiki Clients; See Tips for Spiritual Healing.
PRE-CARE
Meals – Avoid eating a full meal for at least an hour before a having a massage or a Reiki treatment. Digestion uses energy, it takes work! And the reason you come in is to relax. Digestion can make being massaged a bit uncomfortable.
Punctuality – Be on time to your appointment (10 to 15 minutes early). There may be paperwork on the first visit. Come relaxed as possible to reap maximize benefits. Being late may cut into your time & you will be charged for full time.
Wellness Prep – Sit and have a mini meditation pre-game. Use slow deep breathing, clearing your mind, however you choose.
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YOUR PERSONAL SPACE
Clothing and Jewelry – Remove excess jewelry especially necklaces and bracelets.
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable. Some therapists and clients alike prefer completely unclothed for better access to muscles. However, it is not necessary and you may keep your bottom underwear on. For women, bra’s worn during massage interrupt the smooth strokes on the back, but again your comfort is priority.
For Thai Massage & Sports Massage, you keep your clothes on unless blended with Swedish massage.
Your Privacy Always to be Respected: Only begin undressing after the therapist has left the room for your privacy. We have not seen “it all,” and don’t want too! Sheets, blankets or towels will drape you. With conservative draping, only the part of your body that the therapist is working on will be exposed at a time. Draping differers at establishments and for each therapist if they have their own business. Some treatments such as Ayurvedic massage and lomi lomi massage will be more liberal because of how the massage is performed.
Hygiene – Shower before, inside the spa if available. It is not polite to have come in with excessive body odor or sweating. Wet wipes are great when in a bind. Inform your therapist if you have any glandular or hormonal medical issues.
Perfumes and Frangrances – Refrain from wearing or applying scents and perfumes before and after your session in respect for others with sensitivities and allergic reactions.
Cold and Flu – Please do not come in with an active cold or flu, or showing symptoms/feeling it coming on. The therapist may and should turn you away. Some achy flu sufferers think getting a massage will help, but a massage could do more harm than good making you feel worse. Other clients coming after you may have cancer or otherwise immunocompromised.
Pain during massage – Some pain is can be expected for knots and tension, but it should be a “good hurt.” Always communicate any pain to your therapist to make adjustments. Let your therapist know if you bruise easily.
Breathing – Remember to relax and breathe normally. Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. As long as the pain is not too much, breathe deeply through it and allow the therapist to work, and for the muscles to give in and relax.
Why do they Massage the butt, is that okay? Yes it is appropriate to have the gluteal muscles, chest (above breast tissue in women), and stomach, massaged with your consent. Please tell your massage therapist know if you are uncomfortable with being touched anywhere.
Glutes – The buttocks muscles called the gluteal muscles are massage for sciatica or to relieve tension that often contributes to low back pain when muscle related.
Pectorals – The pecs, or chest muscles
are massaged because they relieve tension in the shoulders.
Abdomen – The abdomen, not usually massaged in western massage, helps with detoxing, increases blood flow and oxygen to organs, relieves abdominal tension, helps with bowel movement.
COMMUNICATION
Discomfort – During the massage always notify the therapist of any discomfort. This can be from the massage or the environment like room temperature, volume of music, lighting etc. Speak up and ask about anything you are unsure of.
Health History – Give accurate information about your health history and if you’ve had any recent injuries, surgeries, or allergies. It’s possible to be turned away for medical reasons to keep you and others safe.
Assumptions – If unsure always ask, and state what you expect. Assumptions can create awkward situations. Always clearly communicate what’s going on and ask questions.
Please refrain from:
The Inappropriate – Don’t ask or hint at the therapist for any “special requests.” Flirt with your therapist, touching, your massage therapist or yourself inappropriately will get you kicked out and possibly worse. Real therapeutic massages have nothing to do with sex.
Alcohol and drugs – Do not come intoxicated. You will be turned away. It’s best even to avoid alcohol 24hrs before your massage. It is not safe and your therapist does not need the liability of dealing with a client under the influence of controlled substances.
AFTER CARE
Hydration – Drink extra water after your massage to flush “toxins.” The cells in your body release “wastes” from chemicals in your environment, food additives, and other matter your body cannot use (metabolic waste). Massage manually pushes waste out of soft tissue, releasing more wastes. Hydrating your body allows for your body to remove these wastes from your body.
Getting off the table – Get up SLOWLY. Changing positions too quickly could make you dizzy especially if you have low blood pressure. If super relaxed, try not to fall asleep after the therapist leaves, funny, but it happens.
Post Massage soreness/discomfort – Post massage fatigue or malaise is possible after an intense massage, due to over stimulation of the nervous system. Remembering to hydrate and relaxation help to address this. Soreness that feels like an intense work out from inflammation one to two days after a deep tissue massage is normal. If after three days you are still sore you should consider telling your therapist to ease up on the pressure. An epsom salt bath or soak at the spa in a hot tub can ease the discomfort. You should not be bruised. Please inform your therapist if you easily bruise.
Reminders and Misc
Beware of Massage Parlor Trafficking Women. Keep in mind that if you are paying $20 an hour for a massage, some establishments have a business based on trafficked workers. They typically offer relaxation massage, not therapeutic, and avoid charting your medical history. You could get a legitimate massage, in that you are not violated or propositioned since they have to run a front. Please don’t contribute to the illegal trafficking of women. The cheap massage places that often look like this. They are all over L.A, and Alhambra. They are not always so obvious, but use your judgement. If you need massages at a more affordable rate massage schools are the way to go. Students have to reach a certain level of competency before taking clients and can better than many of the people working in parlors.
Tipping – Non-private therapists at established Spa or Business: It is suggested to tip your therapist at least 15%-20%, but tips are always up to your discretion. Use this rule of thumb if you are paying for a massage.
Tipping – Private Massage Therapists: Some people running their own business for massage “appreciate” tips. Other private therapists factor prices to cover their costs, pay taxes, and make an hourly pay, and do not expect tips at all. It’s always up to you.
Discounts – If you are given a discount of some kind and found the session really helpful, show the courtesy of giving your therapist referrals. Your therapist will appreciate the gesture.
Multiple Sessions necessary? Maybe. If you are just treating yourself for some pampering not really. Therapeutic benefits however are cumulative, and most effective when you make positive lifestyle changes and practice self-care. If you are recovering from a soft tissue injury, it may take more than one session to get you back in order.
Massage Duration – One hour is long enough right? Maybe, it depends. If it’s just relaxation and you don’t have many knots or tension, then it should be plenty of time to get a satisfying full body massage. But if multiple areas have tension 90 minutes is more effective.
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I like what you said about eating before you come. It makes sense to avoid eating a lot so your body isn’t working hard to digest a huge meal. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Yes some things are very simple and get over looked but makes a huge difference. Anytime Thanks for commenting!