What should I not say to my massage therapist?
What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage TherapistAsk your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ... Excessive noises. ... Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ... Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ... Start undressing while we are still in the room. ... Touch us.More items...•
What can a massage therapist tell about you?
This month some of our Massage Therapists, share what they know about you from spending an hour with you. A therapist can tell whether you stretch or exercise and what type of activities you participate in based on the length of your muscles or tensions you may have in certain areas. Whether you drink enough water.
How do I tell my massage therapist not to talk?
Most therapists don't initiate conversation aside from asking follow-up questions, or checking in to see if the pressure is ok and that you're comfortable. If you do come across a chatty therapist when you would prefer silence, just say you don't want to talk during the session. They'll understand.
What should you not do before a massage?
Ten Things Not To Do Before a MassageDon't Sunburn. ... Don't "Caffeinate" ... Don't Eat a Large Meal. ... Don't Run a Marathon. ... Don't Apply Lotion or Oil. ... Don't Apply Topical Medications, Patches or Tapes. ... Don't Take Prescription Pain Medication.
How much should you tip for a $60 massage?
We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward.
Do massage therapists care if you shave?
It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice. The only exception to this rule is if you are having Kinesio Taping, then you must do it 24 hours in advance to avoid skin irritation. If less than 24 hours, use clippers only.
How do you ask for a quiet massage?
Inform your therapist at the beginning “I feel like I just want a quiet session today, can I check in with you after the session about what you found?” Alternatively you could say that you have something to think through and need some quiet time today, then the next time say, “I loved the quiet of the last session.
How do I prepare for my first massage?
Put your mind at ease beforehand so that you can fully enjoy your massage in the moment.Undressing Is Optional, But Normal. ... Hydration Makes The Massage Better. ... Plan Your Workout Beforehand. ... Pregame With A Shower. ... Breathe Like You're Meditating – It Enhances The Experience. ... Don't Be Afraid To Ask For What You Want.More items...
How should you act when getting a massage?
10 tips to get the most from your massageBe as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.Don't eat just before a massage session. ... Be on time. ... Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. ... Communicate with your massage therapist. ... Remember to breathe normally.More items...
Should you talk during a massage?
Talking keeps the brain waves from moving into “theta”, which is the beginning state of when the parasympathetic response begins to do what it does. This is why we as therapists should always encourage as much silence during the massage as possible.
What is the best time of day to have a massage?
It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.
How much clothing do I take off for a massage?
Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.
Can massage therapist tell if you're stressed?
Over time, anxiety can cause physical symptoms that include fatigue, increased muscle tension, irritability, and respiratory issues. These can be easily spotted by a massage therapist and can be used to determine the best treatment methods for your needs.
What you should not do after massage?
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy?Not Drinking Enough Water. After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. ... Take A Shower Immediately. ... Taking Hot Shower. ... Eating A Large Meal. ... Drinking Coffee. ... Drinking Alcohol. ... Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ... Stressing Yourself Out.More items...
Should I shower before a massage?
Let's get one thing out of the way: experienced massage therapists agree that taking a shower before your massage is a always a good idea. You should rinse off chlorine, perspiration or environmental pollutants before your treatment or therapy, because you don't want all that to be rubbed into your skin.
Can massage therapists feel knots?
Massage therapists are trained to feel where knots occur by looking for tension in the back, neck and shoulders. They find this tension and release it by applying deep compression with their thumb, fingers or elbow, and holding for 20-30 seconds.
How much do massage therapists tip?
We are very grateful for what we receive because it's how we feed our families and pay our bills. So, please tip at least 20% if you are able to. And, we love cash! Credit card tips end up in our paychecks, but we might not receive them for two weeks. So, having cash is great. Again, we really appreciate what you give us. Honestly, sometimes I like a client so much that I don't really mind if the tip isn't a lot, but tips are great! Thank you!
How long has Tami been a massage therapist?
Hello there! My name is Tami, and I have been licensed and certified in massage therapy for over 15 years. Over this time, I've come across a lot of the same situations again and again. I thought it would be helpful to write about these common questions and concerns to prepare you for a great massage session. So, I have compiled a list of 10 things a massage therapist would like to tell you!
Do you have to do flip over when you massage?
I see this a lot, especially with female clients. They will lift their arm or bend it for me while I am massaging them. You don't need to do that. Your job is to relax and let us move your arms and legs when we need to. The only thing you need to do is flip over when it's time, and that's about it!
Can you see freckles during massage?
We Have to Let You Know If We See Unusual Freckles or Moles. Sometimes we will see an unusual mole or freckle during a massage, and we need to alert you of it so you can get it checked. We may also come across odd tumors in your body, although they are typically benign and just hereditary.
Do you call us a masseur?
Please don't refer to us as masseuses or masseurs. Times have changed, and that word no longer is considered complimentary to us—just as servers don't like the term waiter or waitress and flight attendants no longer want to be called stewardesses. We now prefer to be called massage therapists.
Why Does My Therapist Tell Me to Drink Lots of Water After My Massage?
Water also helps your muscles flex without pain, so staying hydrated might make your massage experience more comfortable .
What to do if your therapist refuses to talk?
If the therapist refuses to stop talking, they aren’t respecting your boundaries and you should look for a new one.
Is it Normal to Have Occasional Bruising After A Massage?
It’s normal to have occasional bruising after a massage, but let your therapist know if it’s getting excessive. Anemia can make it easier to bruise from a massage, so let your therapist know if you’re anemic.
Can Massage Make Some Injuries Worse?
Yes, some conditions can be worsened by massage therapy. Let your therapist know if you have an acute injury or an open wound so they can work around it. If you have a fever, it’s best to reschedule your massage and stay home.
What if My Therapist Uses Too Much or Too Little Pressure?
Tell your therapist if they’re using the wrong amount of pressure so they can adjust their technique and make you feel more comfortable.
What is the difference between a relaxation massage and a sports massage?
What’s the Difference Between a Sport Massage and a Relaxation Massage? A relaxation massage is a soothing, flowing, lighter experience, while a sports massage is vigorous and requires more intensity.
Is it Normal to Have A Headache After A Massage?
Yes, headaches can arise after a massage. The massage can stimulate vascular circulation, which can cause a headache. Headaches can also be caused by laying in the headrest for too long, so it’s important to tell your therapist if the headrest is too high or low. If you’re feeling congested, lay your head to the side to breathe easier.
What to do after a massage?
The only thing we recommend is that you drink lots of water, since it'll help to keep that aforementioned detox going — you can also add lemon if that's your thing.
Why do people do massage therapy?
While each of us starts massage therapy for different reasons, one thing we all have in common is the desire to help people and improve their well-being. We really do put our hearts into our hands.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist?
It takes about two years to finish massage therapy school, and the requirements are different in each state. But no matter where you go, you'll learn about anatomy and physiology, and all the different massage techniques — from shiatsu/Thai and Swedish massages to deep tissue, hot stone, and reflexology massages. This training gives us a good base to work with before we decide which techniques we want to focus on, such as lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, or sports massage. You can search specialties in this database if you're looking for someone specific, or if you're shopping around the internet, just be sure the therapist is licensed by the state.
Can you smell a massage?
Massages move around all the fluid surrounding tissue cells (interstitial fluids) and open up the pores, so whatever toxins you have in your body will be released through them. We won't feel it, but we can definitely smell it.
Can massages affect kidney function?
The same goes if you recently became ill or if you're on medications — massages can mildly affect how the liver and kidneys function, which can change how medications work. If your doc gives the OK, then we'll be ready for you. 18. We're compassionate, service-oriented people who really just want to help others.
What to do if your massage therapist doesn't talk?
If your massage therapist doesn’t initiate a conversation before the treatment starts, don’t be afraid to start it yourself. Be firm and clear about what you want and don’t want, and always remember that you can leave at any point, and above all — take care of yourself. Leave a comment.
What is the most important part of a massage?
The most important part of a massage is the conversation you have with your therapist before the treatment starts. At this point, the therapist should go over exactly what the massage entails and ask you if there are areas you would like them to avoid or focus on.
What is never OK during a massage?
If you are getting a massage for therapeutic or relaxing purposes, it is never acceptable for the therapist to touch the client’s genitals. That area is strictly off limits.
What is it called when a therapist places a blanket over you?
This practice is called “draping, ” and according to Hunter, franchises typically have a very strict draping policy.
What is the moral of massage?
Like so many other parts of life, the moral of the massage story is that communication is crucial . If your massage therapist doesn’t initiate a conversation before the treatment starts, don’t be afraid to start it yourself. Be firm and clear about what you want and don’t want, and always remember that you can leave at any point, and above all — take care of yourself.
Can you touch your feet during a massage?
Of course, it’s important to note that not all people are comfortable with every type of touch — and that’s completely fine. This is where communication with your massage therapist comes in. Even if massaging a body part — let’s say your feet — is an entirely acceptable part of a massage, you may not enjoy having your feet touched. In that case, just tell your therapist and he or she will skip that area. If for some reason they don’t, you can call off the massage at any point.
Can a therapist end a session?
First and foremost, know that either the therapist or the client can end a session at any time, whether it’s because of clear sexual misconduct or because one party feels uncomfortable. If that happens to the client, they can get dressed and immediately remove themselves from the situation.