Five Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You to Know
Loosen Up Bodywork is a clinical massage practice, which means we provide services beyond what typical spas offer. Our clients are usually not able to be served by standard spas and we see clients with complicated health histories. Because of this, here are five tips that help you and your massage therapist have the best experience possible.
- Speak up! We hear from many clients on our tables about terrible experiences they’ve had with prior services. From walking away irritated by a “too-chatty” therapist, or music they didn’t like, or even injured because they didn’t say anything when something felt painful. Your therapist wants to provide you with safe and effective care so please tell them if anything is bothering you.
- “No pain, no gain” is a myth! It’s true that therapeutic work may occasionally be intense. When this occurs it should be short-lived and communication should be emphasized to avoid causing further injury. If you feel like holding your breath or clenching your muscles then the work is too much for your current condition. Let your therapist know so they can modify/adjust their work.
- What should I wear? So often we have clients who are confused as to what they should keep on or take off. Some types of massage and bodywork is done clothed so wearing movable athletic attire is a good idea. Other modalities are performed more easily with nothing on while covered by a towel or sheet. But if you are more comfortable with undergarments or even fully clothed, techniques can be modified.
- How often should I go in? Frequency of sessions will vary depending on your goals and how you care for your problem areas between sessions. If you’re rehabbing an acute injury, less intensity/treatment time and higher frequency is a good idea. Around 30 minutes of work a couple times a week may be indicated. If you’re very active and build up tension over time, a monthly appointment can help you keep your tension in check along with regular stretching and staying hydrated.
- Every massage therapist is different! Many clients come in expecting their treatment to be the same as a prior experience with another therapist. Training and experience can be dramatically different between therapists and their approaches will vary depending on their background. But no matter what your therapist’s training is, they should be informed about how that particular technique can be delivered safely for your current health status. We recommend letting them stay within their scope and if they’re not trained in a technique you’re looking for, ask for a recommendation.
