The Unspoken in a Massage
The art of massage is not just about hands-on techniques—it's also about the connection between the client and the therapist. A crucial part of ensuring a beneficial experience is communication. When both parties are clear about expectations, needs, and preferences, the session becomes personalized, effective, and ultimately more rewarding.
Client Perspective: As a client, your therapist cannot always tell exactly how you're feeling or what areas may need extra attention. Whether it's adjusting the pressure, avoiding sensitive areas, or focusing on specific muscle groups, your input is valuable. Open communication also ensures that you feel comfortable and safe throughout the session.
The most imporant take away from this is to “Speak Up”
The most common times for when to speak up:
Pressure: If it's too much or too little. Depending on whats neccesary, some areas may be uncomfortable.
Hitting the spot: If there is a tender area or knot thats been bugging you for a while, and they keep missing it
Talking points: If your therapist talks too much and you need the time to unwind and relax
Cupping marks: Its important to know that cupping leaves marks on your body anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks.
Music Choice: If the music choice is amping you up or irritating you during treatment
Natural Gasses: Farting is perfectly natural, but if you can’t hold it in, just let your therapist know so they can leave the room for a brief period :)
Oils & Creams: If you don’t like to be lathered in too much oil or if there isn’t enough being used, espeically for the hairier clients.
Hair/Eyelashes: If you don’t want to get your hair ruined or greasy or eyebrows damaged while facing down, we can readjust positions.
Uncomfortable positions: If you are getting uncomforable in a certain position over a period of time
Pet Friendly Studio: If you are allergic or scared of dogs
Whether it's relaxation or recovery, being clear about your goals and comfor helps your therapist create a tailored experience.
Therapist Perspective: From a therapist’s point of view, communication helps in delivering a session that meets the client's expectations. Asking the right questions before and during the session, observing body language, and encouraging feedback allows the therapist to adjust their techniques in real-time.
Key points for therapists:
Check-in regularly: Asking "How’s the pressure?" or "Is this area feeling good?" keeps the session interactive.
Encourage feedback: Let out clients know that we welcome feedback to make adjustments.
Being intuitive, but don’t assume: While body language helps, verbal confirmation is essential to truly understand our client's needs.
A great massage experience comes from the synergy between the client’s needs and the therapist’s skills, and the bridge between the two is communication. Next time you book a session, remember that your voice is just as important as your therapist’s hands in getting the results you want.
