Some of my clients ask me many of these questions, so I thought I would share this article I found recently in Massage & Bodywork Magazine by Laurie Chance Smith. It is in the July/August 2009 edition.
Massage Etiquette
By: Laurie Chance Smith
Massage therapy is a partnership---a relationship that feels intrinsically personal. In this joint venture, there's a mutual energy exchange that requires professionalism and respect by both parties. What should you expect from your massage therapist and what is expected on you? Here are a few answers.
WHAT IF I AM LATE?
For you and your therapist, rules of common courtesy apply. The appointment should start, and end, on time. Arrive for your session a few minutes early, especially if you prefer to discuss any issues you are having that you would like the therapist to work on specifically. Promptness guarantees you will receive your full attention and session time. If something comes up and you arrive late, expect the session to still end at the appointed time. Other clients are likely scheduled after you. If you must cancel an appointment, call 48 to 24 hours in advance. This was the therapist can possibly schedule another client in your canceled slot. Check with your therapist about fees incurred for missed or canceled appointments.
WHAT TIME OF THE DAY IS BEST FOR A MASSAGE?
Some massage aficionados clamor for morning appointments that will energize. Others discover an afternoon or evening appointment relieves the stresses of the day. Avoid massage after a heavy meal.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE MASSAGE?
Breath! Take a deep breath and fall into the table. Relax! Massage helps clear the mind. If your therapist is performing deep-tissue work on a tight muscle or area, inhale deeply and exhale! Stay in the moment and make the massage a form of meditation. It helps to shut off the chatter in your mind.
SHOULD I TALK DURING THE MASSAGE?
It helps for the client to interact with the therapist at the beginning of the session and even into the session should the therapist need to do some deep-tissue work that can cause some discomfort. The therapist needs to learn what the goals are for the session and how you are doing periodically during the session. Freely voice your needs---on room temperature, the pressure being used, if you are uncomfortable for any reason. But, you should also get comfortable with silence. If the client can meditate, relax and move into a parasympathetic state, then the restorative benefits will be multiplied. Silence is also best for the therapist to do their best work. Positive feedback never hurts, but conversation can be distracting keeping the therapist from doing their best work.
SHOULD I TIP?
Most therapists do not count on tips as part of their income. But tips are appreciated and can help with the expenses that therapists have, they are considered gifts and are they are appreciated. Most therapists split their income 50/50 with their employer or if the therapist is on their own, they must pay for rental space, utilities and products to use on their clients. Tips can certainly help, and will let the therapist know that you appreciate their efforts if they went above and beyond. If you feel you have received excellent service and you would like to tip, 15 to 20 percent is a good guideline.
WHAT IF I LAUGH OR CRY?
Exhilaration, exhaustion, giddiness and tears are all natural responses to massage. You may experience intensely creative thoughts; the solution to a long-unresolved problem may arise. Emotional outbursts are common. It is a high compliment if the therapist has created the space for clients to let go.
HOW CAN I COMPLIMENT MY THERAPIST?
If you fall asleep during a massage, refer family and friends to your therapist, or just tell your therapist that the session was excellent and passed too quickly, those are all wonderful ways to say thank you. It is rewarding when a client leaves the massage saying, "when is your next open appointment?" Returning regularly for massage is the best compliment a client can give.
