Learning Self-Massage Tachniques

If you have your first professional massage coming up at the end of the week, then you are likely wondering about the proper etiquette for this type of appointment. Thankfully, massage appointments are very routine and following these tips will ensure you stay within the proper etiquette guidelines:

Tip: Be Prepared to Fill Out a Basic Medical Questionnaire Before Your Massage

Since you have never had a massage before, you might be surprised to learn you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire before your treatment. You should plan to arrive a few minutes early for your massage appointment so you will have time to fill out the necessary paperwork. Medical questionnaires are important because they give your massage therapist a snapshot view of your overall health and help them avoid rubbing areas of your body where you have past injuries.

Tip: Wear Comfortable Clothing to Your Massage Therapy Appointment

You should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of to your massage appointment. Once you are placed into the private room for your massage, then you will be given a short period of time to remove your clothing that is covering the areas of your body that will receive the massage. Once you have removed your clothing, then you should lay down on the massage table and place the cover sheet over your body.

Tip: Communicate Your Needs and Desires with Your Massage Therapist

The quality of your massage therapy session is largely dependent on your ability to effectively communicate your needs and wants with your massage therapist. For example, if your shoulder has been hurting, then you should discuss the pain with your therapist so they will know best how to work with that area of your body. If your lower back is too sore to be massaged, then you should communicate that as well. Effective communication will ensure you get the best massage possible.

Tip: Your Massage Therapist Expects a Gratuity 

Finally, just as a waitress or hairdresser expect you will be leaving them a gratuity, so too do most massage therapists. If you are unsure of the proper amount of tip to leave, then you should inquire at the reception desk when you arrive for your scheduled appointment. This is a common cause of new client concern and there is no reason to be embarrassed about asking for an appropriate range of how much of a gratuity to leave. You can expect that many clients before you have asked the exact same question.