Inquiring Minds Want To Know

There are a lot of thing that people wonder about and were either too shy to ask or didn’t think of it until later. I'm going to try to be thorough, and bring up some of the the things a new client should know, or the questions people don't even know that they should ask.

Undressing—It’s the first thing. If you aren't used to getting massages, you may not know what to do. A typical massage room is a private space and you are left alone to get ready. The best phrase I heard to explain it is “undress to your level of comfort”. Elderly or injured people may have difficulty disrobing.  Massages can be done through clothes. Many clients bring gym or yoga clothes to change into. Just don’t wear jeans or cargo pants—they are lumpy and thick and hard to work through! Underwear can be on or off. It doesn’t matter to your therapist. Be aware though, oil may get on your clothes, so don’t wear your favorites. If you have cold feet, leave your socks on.

Assistance—Various circumstances may require a unique approach. Some clinics have a massage chair available if getting on and off the table is difficult. Massage can be done in a wheel chair. Hand and foot massages can be done in a chair. Massages can also be done side lying, if it’s uncomfortable to lay on your stomach or back for any reason.

Oil—There are dozens of oils out there and every therapist has their favorites. If you have allergies, be sure to tell your therapist. Many oils have almond or sesame in them.

Essential oils—Again, every therapist is different. Some really embrace aromatherapy, some have a scent-free policy. Some use essential oils only for certain treatments. 

Forms—Why do you have to fill them out, all I want to do is relax? A registered massage therapist is a health care professional. They know the ways massage can affect blood pressure, old injuries or other medical conditions. Even a “relaxation” massage is therapeutic and can have a profound effect on the body.

What if you don’t want something? If you have to go back to work, or don’t have time to go home before a dinner, just let your therapist know that you don’t want oil in your hair. Does it give you the heebie jeebies to have your feet touched? Let them know. It’s your massage!

Temperature—It’s impossible to relax if you are freezing. Your muscles with be tense and the massage will just hurt. If you are cold, tell your therapist. Also if you are hot—let them know, there may be a table warmer that can be turned off or a lighter blanket, or just untuck the feet.

Chit Chat—A lot of people like to be quiet during their massage, which is understandable. However, some communication is necessary. It’s ok to get it all out of the way before you start. Like the forms, talking with you is an important source of information. Many clients have neglected to tell me about a major medical condition on the form, but it comes up during the massage. It’s also important to give feedback about pressure, if it’s too hard, or you want more, speak up.  Feel free to ask questions. Sometimes techniques seem bizarre, go ahead and ask.

Talk Anesthesia—I’m a huge fan of this. Sometimes therapeutic massage can be painful. Getting you to talk about something you love increases your endorphins and distracts you, as I work out that nasty knot. If I can get you to laugh, even better!

Breathing—Deep breathing isn’t just for labour and delivery! Slow deep breathes bring oxygen to the tissues, which is very important and reduces our pain response. If you hold your breath, it hurts more!

 Some Common Questions or Comments

I'm sorry, I didn't shave my legs today!

I hear this at least once a day! We really don’t care if you shave your legs, we're thinking about your muscles, not your stubble. No man has shaved his legs to get a massage, and you are not as hairy as that!

Do I need to bring anything?

Your health information is the only thing you need. Optional items may include indoor shoes or slippers, gym clothes to change into, hair styling products or cosmetics if you have to be in public after (or a hat!)

My friend got the flu after a massage.

A massage or reflexology can’t give you a cold or flu. It does increase circulation of your blood and lymph, so if you have a cold coming on, it may hit like a ton of bricks, but it was already coming. It can also make a period come a day early. If you don’t hydrate after, you can feel a little flu-like or hungover, or have muscle cramps like a runner. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Can I get a massage if I'm pregnant?

You can get a massage if you are pregnant. Accommodations can be made for any stage of pregnancy. Make sure your therapist knows about any issues with swelling, blood pressure, diabetes, etc. If you are high risk, talk to your doctor or nurse first to get the OK. 

Can I get a massage if I have cancer?

Absolutely! For a long time, the message was that you couldn’t. It may take some experimenting to find out which are good days based on your treatment. Radiation can cause some skin lesions that have to be worked around, but that's easy. Extra precautions can be taken if you have a compromised immune system. A good massage therapist will work with you. I have also taught family members how to help their loved ones if they were unable to come to an appointment.

How can I book an appointment in advance if I have a chronic illness or condition with bad days?

Many conditions like fibromyalgia, MS, cancer and lupus have good days and bad days, and you don't know when these will be. Clients feel they can't book ahead because they might have to cancel. If they try to book last minute, they can't get in. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place and don't get the treatment that can help them cope. Talk to me about it, if I'm aware of your circumstances, I can be accommodating. One of the easiest ways is to book your appointments at the end of the day. If you have to cancel in the morning, I'm more likely to fill the spot. If you have to cancel at the last minute, I always have work to do at the end of the day (paperwork, cleaning, etc.) and then I get to go home a little earlier. I'm never upset about that! This also applies to caregivers, your time is not always your own, and I understand that.

How old do you have to be to get a massage?

There is no age limit to massages. Infants and children can get massages. They will likely be shorter treatments and will less pressure. Check with the therapist, not all adults are experienced or comfortable with children. If the therapist isn't comfortable, your child won't be comfortable. Parents should always be in the room for their child's first massage. I will cover this in more detail in another post.

Can I bring an elderly parent or grandparent for a massage?

Of course! If they require mobility assistance, inform the clinic or spa when you book. Make sure they are physically accessible. Make sure you have their medical information. I like to give an extra buffer of time so the client isn't rushed. You may need to stay for the appointment to help with dressing and the washroom and more importantly, communication. Many elderly people are unsettled in new surroundings and strange people and won't talk to us. Many elderly people stay clothed because undressing is too difficult or they get too cold. Make sure you ask them after the appointment how they liked it, how they are feeling and pay attention to how they seem. Try to get them to drink something after.

Some people book their mom for nail care and a massage on the same day because it is easier for transportation and schedules. Often having two treatments back to back is too much for them. Talk to their daily care staff to find out when the best time of day is for Grandma. If they always nap after lunch, a 1:00 appointment is more disruptive than helpful.

Can I make changes to my appointment?

This will depend on the clinic and therapist, so ask, don't assume. Some appointments take longer or require special set up (hot stones take an hour to heat and an extra 30 minutes booked off). If something has come up, I personally don't mind if you have to cut an appointment a little short. I would rather you get 45 minutes then have to wait a month for another appointment. Some therapists might have a policy to charge you full price. If treatments take the same amount of time and no additional equipment, I don't mind last minute substitutions (like a 60 minute massage and reflexology). Some treatments are only done by certain staff. I don't do Thai massage, so if you are booked with me, you can't change to that.

Can someone come in my place?

Again, I can only speak for my workplace. We have no problem with a family member or friend coming in your place if you had something come up or got sick. Please call ahead and let us know, so we can have their file ready or get them to fill out the paperwork if they are a new client. 

What about cancellations?

Every business will have their own cancellation policy. The most common one across the industry is 50% for a missed appointment and 24 hour notice. If it's not during business hours, call and leave a message instead of waiting until we're open. Many therapists have a cancellation list, and with enough notice, can call someone in to take your place. If it's an emergency, I'm very understanding. If you are running late, let us know. We worry when the roads are bad and about our elderly clients. Sometimes I can shift my lunch break so you don't miss out.

What about walk-ins?

Most clinics and spas that have a "store front" will take walk-ins. Many therapists are independent and will have their own policy. Some work in multiple locations or do mobile massage, so walk-ins aren't feasible for them. The best way to get a last minute appointment is to call early, even before we are open, and leave a message. We are more likely to be able to find a spot or shift things around to make it fit. Once the work day starts, the possibilities plummet. It may take a couple of hours for us to even find time to check the messages, once we are busy with clients.

**Due to public distancing, most businesses aren't currently accepting physical walk-ins, call ahead instead!!**

What if I have a wart, eczema, sunburn, etc.

Any skin condition that is localized can either be covered (band aid on a wart or leave your socks on) or simply avoided. Most RMTs use unscented oils, so they shouldn't irritate eczema or psoriasis. If your upper back is badly burnt and your primary purpose for the massage is your neck and shoulders, you may want to consider rescheduling or changing to a different type of treatment, like reflexology. If you need to use a special oil or lotion due to allergies, bring it in.

What about skin patches?

This actually isn't a question I get, because people don't know to ask it. If you have a medication skin patch, like birth control or nicotine, that area can not be massaged. The stimulation and increased circulation will make the medication dump to quickly in your system, leaving you with not enough medication to last to the end of the month. Daily patches, like for vitamins, aren't such a big deal since they only have a single dose anyway.

Why was I told I can't do something?

If I tell someone not to do something, it's for a reason, not just because I'm bossy or trying to be difficult. Going into the sauna in conjunction with a hot stone massage or while pregnant is potentially dangerous, and I can't ethically let you do it. There are some techniques that are contra-indicated (not allowed because of potential for harm). I won't book people for two massages in the same week. Your muscle have to recover. 

Sometimes the reason has to do with me. I have to be aware of my own limits; how many hours I work a day, how deep I can work, how hot the room is. I have to ration my energy so the last massage I give at the end of the week is every bit as good as the first one. I personally can't do hot stone massages in the summer or use too many essential oils.

Is it safe to get a massage right now?

Everyone has to assess their own risk level, depending on your circumstances, state of health or the health of family members. The best way to make an informed decision is to consult and follow the official guidelines. Talk to the professionals that you want to book with and don't be afraid to ask them questions about their practice. You have a right to know what steps they are taking to keep you safe. 

Standards of cleanliness have always been high for clinics and spas. We are subject to health inspections and hygiene and safety are an important part of out training. In addition there are extra Covid 19 precautions that have been put in place, these vary depending on the specific job. In my case, I wear a new mask and apron for every client. Hand washing takes place before and after treatment. Surfaces like pin pads, door knobs, pens are sanitized. After the used linens go in the laundry the massage table, my chair, the shelves and hooks, counter and taps are all sanitized. There is hand sanitizer at the door and sinks in every treatment room. Masks are available if you do not have one. Sitting areas are closed, clients go straight from their vehicle to their treatment room.

It is a good idea for elderly or high risk clients to book appointments for first thing in the morning, when less of the public has been in the building and everything is freshly cleaned.

I'm sure there are many things that I have missed. If you have a question that I didn't cover or want some clarification, please leave a comment below.