Things to know when booking a massage

I was inspired by a colleagues recent blog post about things to know when you book a massage. This is my take on the list. This is not a comprehensive list but things I could relate to when I was researching other "Things to know" lists.

Please reschedule if you’re sick

It is especially important during this pandemic that you reschedule your appointment if you are not well. Whether you have a cold, a skin infection or anything that could be contagious it is important that you cancel or change your appointment. If you’re not sure whether to cancel, contact your therapist to discuss.

Massage therapists are required to record personal information

In line with professional and insurance related requirements, you will be asked to provide your name, address, DOB and other personal information including your health history. All of this information is legally required in accordance with the relevant association and industry codes of practice. All information is confidential and subject to my Privacy Policy.

Let me know about any injuries, chronic conditions and current medications

This will help me determine what is appropriate during your massage treatment. Sometimes I will double-check during the treatment to ensure I’m avoiding a current injury or areas sensitive to pressure. Recent injuries and onset of acute pain may require medical advice as a priority before booking a massage. For example, you may be on blood thinners which mean you bruise more easily, or you could have osteoporosis leaving you more prone to injury from very deep pressure. Your therapist can adjust treatment with all the critical information to hand.

Tell me if the pressure isn’t right

I make an effort to let clients know that they can tell me if the pressure is too much or not enough. Everybody is different - I can get three clients who want a firm massage but each of them will require some adjustment to pressure. Also, different parts of the body are more sensitive to pressure, whether it's your calves or your neck - feedback is always welcome.

Disrobing and Draping

Your therapist should leave the room while you remove any clothing and get comfortable on the treatment table. Some clients say they don’t mind, however this time is also used by the therapist to add to their consultation notes and to wash their hands prior to treatment.

Draping is important to demonstrate boundaries during your treatment. Only areas of the body currently being treated are exposed and practitioners should not work underneath the towel or sheet being used for draping. They may occasionally work over the draping but it is never appropriate for a therapist to touch your genitals, breasts. Clients may also specify any area that they do not wish to be treated due to sensitivity, injury or personal preference.

I am not judging your body

I’m not worried about your shape, if you haven’t shaved your legs, if you’re hairy or any of those things. I do need to know of any skin conditions or other health concerns that may impact how to carry out a massage treatment.

Longstanding pain and tension cannot be resolved in one treatment

It can take years of repetitive movement, stress and strain for pain to appear in the body. Your therapist can help to relieve symptoms but it will be likely that several treatments or ongoing treatments to manage chronic issues will be required to provide significant relief. Your therapist will recommend a course of treatments but the decision is yours depending on what works for you.

Please shower before your treatment

Your therapist provides clean linen for each treatment for infection control and your comfort. If you have a physical job, have been playing sport or in the garden with bare feet your therapist will appreciate it if you can shower prior to treatment. Further, in the current COVID climate every step we take for better hygiene reduces the risk of transmission of illness and infection.

I am a massage therapist and I work in a clinic

I am not a masseuse in a massage parlour; I am a trained massage therapist and I work in a clinic. I am a member of a professional association and hold relevant qualifications and insurances. Every year I undertake additional training to learn new skills or update my knowledge.

Massage is unregulated in Australia which means anyone can claim to be a massage therapist. So it is important do your research and check that your therapist is properly trained and insured by looking them up on their professional associations website - I am registered with ATMS.

Your feedback is important. Please let your therapist know if anything about your treatment was not to your satisfaction. Even better, let us know during the appointment so we can adjust your treatment accordingly. Sometimes you may just feel more comfortable with another therapist and that’s OK. You’re investing in your wellbeing and it’s important that you are confident and comfortable with your practitioner.