The Right Stuff!

If you are reading my blog, chances are I’m your massage therapist, so you have already found the right therapist! All kidding aside, there are times that I do not mesh with a client or they do not mesh with me. That’s OK. It is perfectly acceptable to change therapists, even within the same spa or clinic. A good therapist will not be offended. There are times that I refer people to other massage therapists for a variety of reasons.

I tend to work fairly deep, and if some people don’t like that, I may know someone more to their style. Some clients think they didn’t get a proper massage unless it hurts. Although there are techniques that are painful and some spots you may have to brace yourself for, I don’t believe in “no pain, no gain”. I’m not the RMT for you. Occasionally a long term client will hit a plateau of healing. In that case, going to a therapist who has different techniques might be just what they need to get over the hump and continue to heal.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a clinic or therapist doesn’t want to take the time to answer them, what does that tell you about the service? The very first question you should ask is about training. Ask if they are registered. In Alberta, there is no rule about calling yourself a massage therapist, even if you took a weekend class at a hotel. Estheticians are taught basic massage skills as part of their training, but are not able to treat injuries or conditions (or write receipts for benefits).

If you have special needs like mobility difficulties or pregnancy, ask if the clinic or spa is able to accommodate that. They may require a heads up to be able to set a room up differently. I prefer to do prenatal massages side lying. I have used pregnancy cushions, and I’m not a fan. Many of my elderly clients prefer a massage chair because it’s easier than lying on a table. I also like to book extra time for clients with reduced mobility, so they don’t feel rushed when dressing.

Massage chairs are a great solution
for a variety of concerns or
circumstances.

If you have serious allergies or sensitivities to products or fragrance, discuss it while making the appointment. Many places use aromatherapy in the rooms and it would be hard to clear the air with no advance notice. I never use massage oils that have nut oils in them, but almond oil is very common in the industry. The therapist may need time to arrange for an alternative product.

You only have to undress to your level of comfort. Many of my teenage clients wear t-shirts and gym shorts. Lots of people leave their socks or yoga pants on. Some people strip right down. Some bring other clothes to change into. Just be aware that anything you are wearing has the potential to get oil stained. If you do want to wear clothes, pick athletic types. Clothes with lots of pockets and heavy fabric are hard to work through.

You should feel comfortable in the space. Some people want a clinical setting, some a spa setting.

A good therapist should make you feel at ease with yourself and your needs. You should feel comfortable discussing your medical history and massage needs. They shouldn’t push products or other services on you.

I like to share this story because it highlights the importance of communication and a good therapist/client relationship. If there are any men reading this, be forewarned, I’m going to discuss girl things!

Years before I was a massage therapist, and hadn’t had much experience with massage, I booked an appointment a few weeks after having a baby. The spa booked me with a male massage therapist, without telling me—this should not happen. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue for me, I’m perfectly ok with male RMTs. In this instance, I was coping with a lot; I was still recovering from labour and had post-partum depression. Even so, the massage was going fine, it was a little uncomfortable to lay face down, which I hadn’t considered. A good therapist should have known this when they found out I was a new mom.  Then I had to turn over, the sudden loss of sustained pressure made my milk let down. It was wet, it was cold, it was embarrassing. There was no way I was going to discuss this with a strange man. The rest of the massage was horrible, I couldn’t wait for it to be over and get out of there. I learned a lot that day about asking questions and communicating with therapists. On the bright side, this experience made me a better therapist.

Registered Massage Therapists are always taking courses and learning new modalities (types of treatment) and techniques. Find out what your therapist can offer, you may discover a new favourite. Many of my clients rotate between massage and reflexology. Or treat themselves to a hot stone massage on their birthday. I have some clients try something new every appointment.

 What are your responsibilities?

Give an accurate medical history. If this is your first appointment, be prepared to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out forms. If you have multiple medications, it’s handy to have a printed list that can just be photocopied. If you have a report from an MRI or doctor, that is also helpful.

Notify your RMT if anything in your medical history has changed. I once had a client not tell me that they had a hernia until half-way through the treatment! Kind of important information!

Tell your RMT about any steroid injections. The injection site has to be avoided for 10 days. The rest of the massage can proceed as normal.

Give adequate notice if you have to change or cancel an appointment. Almost all massage therapists are paid commission or by appointment, so if they have empty slots, they don’t get paid. Some have to pay room rental, so it costs them to have empty space.

Don’t come if you are sick. If you make your massage therapist sick, she will have to cancel a lot of clients. It takes weeks to make those up. Would you like your appointment, that you have been looking forward to all week, get cancelled because your RMT got sick? Plus, there is no sick pay for massage therapists, very few have benefits at their work.

Speak up during your massage. If the pressure is not right for you, if you are too cold or too hot, if your position is uncomfortable, let the therapist know. We are pretty amazing, but we can’t read your mind!

Shut off your phone. Not only is it rude, but trying to use your phone makes it very hard for me to do a proper job. It affects your muscles of your neck and shoulders, and I need your arms and neck in certain positions.

Don't squeeze your appointment into a day full of other errands and responsibilities. Give yourself 15-30 minutes before your massage to calm your breathing and quiet your mind. Your massage will be so much better for it. By the same token, give yourself some time after the massage to hydrate with tea or water and let yourself come back to reality slowly. Some people are so drowsy after a massage that they are actually unsafe to drive. They struggle to even tell me their phone number when we are re-booking.