15 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know
August 25, 2020at5:36 PM
by Orchid Island Barefoot Massage
We are considered Medical professionals in most states. Our license falls under the Medical umbrella. Here in Florida, we are overseen by the DOH.
Yes, we are licensed, required to go to school and take a Board Exam. We are required to take continuing education courses that are tracked by the State of Florida to keep our licenses. Every 2 years, those classes include Florida Law, Professional Ethics, Medical Errors as well as hands on, in person massage classes in various modalities.
We don’t care for the terms “masseuse” or “masseur”. These are antiquated terms that are indicative of a less reputable aspect of “touch therapy”. We have worked and lobbied very hard over that last 40+ years to separate that old perception of what it is we do, which is actual therapy.
Sometimes, massage hurts. When your body is in a state of trauma, even mild trauma, manipulation of that tissue can be uncomfortable. Communicate with your therapist so we don’t move into actual pain vs discomfort.
Ladies, we don’t care that you forgot to shave. Men almost never shave. It’s okay.
Showers are REALLY appreciated. If you are coming from a workout or you’ve had a stressful day that may be manifested in an odious way, please be conscientious of your hygiene. Because, no, we aren’t use to it anymore than you are.
Don’t help. When we’re massaging and move a body part, don’t help. Let us do the work. You are actually being counterproductive and it makes our job harder.
We welcome feedback. If a certain area feels like “that’s the spot!” and you want a little more concentration right there, tell us. We can absolutely feel tension, trigger points, spasms etc but sometimes we don’t know if that’s the apex of your issue. The same is true if you aren’t comfortable with certain areas.
If you make an appointment but something comes up, please let us know. When a client “no shows” that is often an appointment that could’ve been filled with another client had we known. Our time is just as valuable as yours.
I’m a talker, as are many clients. If you like a quiet massage where you can just sleep, meditate or just let your mind wander let me know. I’m not offended in the least. I am happy to let my mind do it’s thing right along with you.
Sexual impropriety- Before you broach or joke about this in your session, ask yourself if you would raise the subject with any other medical professional. You probably wouldn’t. Please don’t. It’s understandable that it’s a curious subject- Has anyone propositioned me? How was it handled? Does it happen often? These may be genuine questions, I get it. But it’s a VERY uncomfortable subject and the therapist then has to determine if you’re “ feeling them out” or just making (awkward) conversation. So just don’t or you may find your session ending right then and there and a police report made with your name on it. Nobody wants that.
We aren’t judging your body. Honestly.
We don’t want to see it, anymore than you want to show it. When it come to the “no no zones” we are trained in how to drape you appropriately so that none of your bits are exposed.
If you enjoyed your massage, one of the best ways to show your appreciation is to refer your friends and review us on our social media (Google., Trip Advisor, Yelp, Facebook etc)
If it’s your first session with a therapist, please show up a few minutes early. Because we are a medical profession, we are required to have you fill out an intake form with your medical history. Yes, we need this information as certain medical conditions are contraindicated for massage. Certain medications can influence how we proceed with a session as well, for instance, blood thinners can cause massive bruising and pain meds can prevent a client from recognizing inappropriate pressure, so we need to know. We won't disclose your private information, as we are help to the same HIPPA regulations as every other medical professional.
