9 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants to Know Before Treating You

Nothing makes a massage more enjoyable than knowing your therapist is giving you the exact massage you require. Yet (probably) not even the most accomplished local massage therapists are not mind readers. Communication is essential and is the best approach to notify your therapist before the massage session begins because of this. Here are the 9 vital points your therapist should know.

Are you allergic or sensitive to some ingredients in body oil/lotion?

In order to avoid applying a lubricant that will trigger an allergic reaction, massage therapists want to know. While some reactions are moderate and merely cause some hives or redness, other reactions might be serious. If you are aware of any substances that can lead to skin rashes or other reactions, you should let your therapist know.

A wide range of substances, including glycerin, tree oils, nuts, chemical additions, shellfish, and fruit extracts, can be found in massage lotions. It's crucial to inform your therapist of your veganism whether you are or are not, to ensure everything goes as planned.

Do you have injuries or surgeries that currently affect you?

You should let your therapist know about any physical characteristics of your body that differ from typical functioning. One of your joints may have a limited range of motion, while another may have a painful range. The best massage therapist will be able to avoid moving the joint into a painful range as a result. That informs your therapist to concentrate there if it is something you wish to work on. Even if it doesn't seem to be relevant to the current session, you should let your massage therapist know if you have any movement limits. This is done to ensure that, under any circumstances, the therapist will not move or massage specific areas.

What is your routine lifestyle?

Everybody engages in a variety of everyday activities, some of which are identical and others of which are occasionally different. Do you sit in front of a computer for work for a major part of the day? Are you a person who is always on the move? Do you spend much of the day driving? Are you a runner? These hints can aid the therapist in determining your body's pain patterns. Based on this knowledge, the massage therapist can provide you with a massage that is suitable for your needs and your activity.

What do you aim to achieve through the massage session?

Your massage therapist wants to make sure you enjoyed the experience and receive the maximum benefits of massage therapy. If you ask for a deep tissue massage that concentrates on your legs or hips but your therapist assumes you want a Swedish, soothing massage, you won't be happy with the massage. You probably won't schedule another appointment with the same therapist. The therapist will be frustrated since they won't understand why. Hence, it is helpful for you and your therapist to talk about what you exactly want from your session beforehand.

Are there any specific areas where you don’t want to be massaged?

Your massage therapist wants to give you a fantastic massage. The therapist will be happy to comply with your request if it means not massaging areas below your ankles or close to your neck. No face, no head, no hair, and avoiding acute injuries are other frequent requests. It's crucial to let the therapist know before the massage begins if there are any particular places in your body where you feel uneasy getting a massage.

Are you pregnant?

Even if you are not yet showing, lying faceup or facedown can be unusually uncomfortable if you are pregnant. The best massage therapists will ask you how far along you are, and after around 11 weeks or so, you will normally be massaged primarily while lying on your side. Also, your massage therapist will be able to check in and modify the massage method as required. Under no circumstances should the massage have any negative effects on your pregnancy or your sensitive body.

Are you on painkillers?

You will be less sensitive to the pressure the therapist uses and less able to inform them if they are massaging too deeply if you are currently taking medicines to numb the discomfort. If you answer "yes," the massage therapist will proceed with a lighter therapy massage in order to err on the side of caution and prevent damage.

Are you on other medications?

Medication side effects may affect how you receive your massage. You may be more prone to bruises if you take blood thinners like warfarin, which could raise your risk of getting a DVT. Also, you might require special help if you experience orthostatic hypotension, lightheadedness (fainting upon standing), or dizziness. Any drugs you take should be disclosed to your therapist so that they can modify the massage as necessary.

Do you like to listen to any specific music?

The best massage therapists most often have a pre-programmed playlist (which is often spa music or something soothing without lyrics). Yet, they can play any genre of music you wish to listen to thanks to smartphones and the internet. Don't hesitate to ask for it to be played.

The Takeaway

Constant communication in a massage session is the key to receiving optimum benefits with the least amount of risks. It’s vital to strike a good and comfortable rapport with your massage therapist and keep him/her in the loop about all your requirements, issues, and your expectations from the session beforehand. Download Wellness is a Black-owned massage therapy that will ensure the massage session goes smoothly while you reap the benefits that work on your body and health in the long run.