When it comes to massage therapy, understanding proper etiquette is crucial for both clients and therapists. Massage etiquette ensures a comfortable, relaxing, and respectful experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re a first-time client or a seasoned spa-goer, familiarizing yourself with these unspoken rules will help you get the most out of your massage session.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover 15 essential massage etiquette tips, from arriving on time to communicating your preferences and expectations. By following these guidelines, you’ll demonstrate respect for your massage therapist, promote a positive and professional atmosphere, and ultimately enhance the benefits of your massage therapy experience.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or stress reduction, understanding and practicing good massage etiquette will ensure that you and your therapist have a mutually beneficial and enjoyable session. So, let’s dive into the world of massage etiquette and discover the key rules that every client and therapist should know.
Ensuring cleanliness before a massage appointment is crucial, and one of the best ways to achieve this is through a thorough shower. Showering not only helps maintain hygiene but it also aids in refreshing the body and mind, preparing you for the relaxing experience of a massage. This is a fundamental aspect of massage etiquette that clients should adhere to.
However, there may be circumstances where a shower before a massage is just not possible. In such scenarios, Exige Medi Spa offers a hot towel option. This service allows for a quick, yet effective, cleansing of the body, particularly the feet, which often come in direct contact with the therapist during the massage.
Imagine having your feet massaged and now the lotion is carried upwards to the body, neck, head or face. That’s why we offer foot towel cleanse to clean the feet and reduce cross contamination of odor and germs.
Furthermore, the body hot towel option is also used post-massage to wipe away any residual oils from the body, ensuring your clothes remain clean. This service is an excellent alternative to a pre-massage shower and is particularly beneficial for clients who come directly from work or other engagements.
Applicable to massage preparation, the length of body hair and the timing of shaving play an importance to the effectiveness and comfort of the massage session. Long hair on the body can limit the number of techniques used and the pressure applied during the massage. Furthermore, body hair can absorb massage oil or lotion, making it difficult to maintain the right level of glide for a smooth, effective massage.
Body hair for massage should ideally be kept short, but not freshly shaven. Freshly shaving skin before a massage is not recommended on the same day of the appointment as the skin or hair follicles can become tender and sensitive to touch and pressure. Instead, it is suggested to shave a day or two before the appointment. This allows the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation from oils, aromatherapy, or lotions used during the session.
Please note that deep tissue pressure for anyone with long body hair will be compromised as some techniques cannot be used, and when used, body hair can be pulled off – waxing-like pain sensation and the body will feel greasy after.
The use of heavily scented perfumes and colognes is generally discouraged due to potential allergic reactions from both therapists and other clients. These strong fragrances can induce headaches, respiratory issues, or skin reactions in therapists, impacting the overall massage experience. The aim is to create an environment that is as comfortable and welcoming as possible for everyone involved. As such, a scent-free approach is highly recommended.
Therapist preference also plays a significant role in this aspect of massage etiquette. Some therapists may have a heightened sensitivity to certain scents, causing discomfort or even severe allergic reactions. In respect of their health and comfort, it’s advised to refrain from wearing strong scents to your appointment.
Moreover, consider that massage rooms are open concept at Exige, making it difficult for heavy scents to remain confined. This can result in a lingering fragrance that may affect subsequent and other clients; therefore, embracing a scent-free strategy is not only a matter of personal hygiene, but also a way to contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment for all.
Moving from the topic of body hair and shaving, another important consideration in massage etiquette is the application of self-tanner lotion or oil. It is not recommended to come for a massage after the self-tanner has been applied. This act can significantly impact the result of the massage and the comfort of both the client and the therapist.
The utilization of self-tanner lotion or oil requires careful attention. This is because of the potential of the tanner transferring onto the massage table sheets and permanently damaging and discoloring them.
Some establishments will charge for the replacement cost of sheets should this happen. Bleach and other detergents will not restore the sheets after self-tanner stains the material.
Furthermore, the mixing of massage oil with self-tanner oil can lead to uneven or spotty skin discoloration after, defeating the purpose of achieving an even sun-kissed look.
To summarize, when preparing for a massage, remember to:
Ever get that stomach growl when you are on a massage table? It’s not just your hunger, it is the digestive juice being stimulated. Massage is not an isolated treatment for the muscles. It is a holistic approach for the endocrine system too.
It’s essential to strike a balance in your water and food intake before a massage. A full bladder or stomach can make it very uncomfortable when pressure is applied during the massage session.
Have a light meal or fruit at least an hour or two before the session. This allows the body to digest the food properly and prevents the feeling of discomfort or nausea during the massage. Some clients can feel nauseated after the massage when a big meal is eaten before the massage. Some planning can help reduce this feeling.
Hydration is equally important in massage etiquette. Your muscles and nervous system feel different when they are hydrated. Water helps to flush out toxins that are released during a massage. However, excessive water intake immediately before the session can lead to frequent bathroom visits disrupting your relaxation and shortening your massage time.
It is recommended to hydrate well throughout the day but limit your water intake in the hour to 90 minutes leading up to your appointment.
We usually remind the client if they need a bathroom break before the start of the session, so please arrive early so this does not interfere with your massage time. (If a client arrives late, then needs to do intake and treatment forms, bathroom breaks, final text messages, etc. This is dipping into the start time. Therapists will not have the wiggle room to extend the massage time.)
Your food and water intake, when managed timely, can significantly enhance your massage experience. It allows you to relax comfortably and makes it easier for the therapist to perform their work effectively. Always remember, the goal is to create an environment where the body can relax and rejuvenate. Hence, balance in food and water intake forms a crucial part of the massage experience.
While maintaining personal hygiene is appreciated, it is equally important to consider the intake of substances such as alcohol, painkillers, marijuana, and tobacco before a massage session. These substances can have a significant impact on the body’s response to massage and can alter the effectiveness of the treatment.
That being said, we’ve negotiated very favorable terms on your behalf with the City of Calgary.
There are several very important reasons for showing up early for your massage treatment.
Most massage associations require clients to fill out health intake forms once a year. This is a great opportunity to update your health history or new health findings.
An essential step in preparing for your massage appointment is to fill out the online intake forms ahead of time. Why?
It will save you time and not cut into your treatment time and this also allows the therapist to design your treatment plan in advance. For example, if your job requires you to sit for hours at a time, your therapist is already allocating time for lower back and neck areas. If you just had a baby, your therapist is working on your rhomboid and stretching you. These are the ways that filling out your online intake forms can reap the benefits.
Paperwork is a fundamental aspect of massage etiquette. The forms are designed to capture a comprehensive picture of your health history, including any recent health changes or fitness goals, hence allowing the therapist to tailor and cater your massage appointment to your unique needs.
By completing this protocol in advance, you are not only respecting the principles of massage etiquette, but also ensuring your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Example: if you are coming in for motor vehicle accident treatment, know that some clinics do not accept these cases. Knowing this in advance can save you time and be referred to proper therapists for assessment and treatment.
Any undisclosed information may result in an inappropriate technique being used, which could potentially harm you or render the massage ineffective. Irritation of nerves or affected areas can be due to a lack of information shared with the therapist.
Example: some will ask for deep tissue of the neck, but if they suffer from a concussion, high blood pressure, or neuropathy, this can irritate and cause further inflammation.
By diligently and accurately filling out these forms, you are helping to create a safe and beneficial experience for both you and your therapist.
Each appointment should be treated and catered base on current needs. If you come in for lower back pain one visit and shoulder pain the next, but the treatment plan is the same, that is a sign to explore a different therapist for your health concerns.
Treatment plans can take as much as 15 minutes to 5 minutes, so showing up before your massage time will benefit you greatly. (If your appointment is at 1 pm for a 60-minute massage and you show up at 1 pm or 1:05 pm, know that treatment plan time will dip into your massage time. Your hands-on treatment time will be shortened as the massage will still end at 2 pm. Most therapists allocate time in advance of your booking time to address your treatment plan, so take advantage of this.
You can always ask if this is an option. Some places consider treatment plans as part of the booking time, so you are not getting the full 60-minute massage. In the case of our spa, we allocate time for treatment plans before your massage time, so please show up 10 minutes early to benefit from this one-on-one time.
If you show up late, can we skip the treatment plan time? No. This is more of a health hazard than a benefit.
This is quite irresponsible and unprofessional of the therapist and your treatment plan can be generic. You will fill the difference in lower quality and result. Clients have expressed it felt, “unfocussed” or “unproductive”.
Creating a tailored treatment plan is a vital part of the massage therapy treatment, designed to address the specific needs and goals of each client as well as time to allocate for each area. The massage therapy treatment plan is a roadmap for the practitioner and the client, it is a consent work plan, as well as an outline of the methods and techniques to be used in the sessions. The process of designing massage therapy involves the therapist understanding the client’s physical and emotional state, pain points and what triggers them, and their desired outcomes.
Remember: no pain and no gain will not work if the body is already inflamed and in pain. The therapist will modify the pressure to get the best and fastest result for pain management.
Client’s Needs | Massage Therapy Approach |
Chronic back pain | Therapeutic tissue massage combined with Thai Yoga stretches aka Combo Massage at Exige Medi Spa |
Stress and anxiety |
Lighter pressure and meridian point massage with essential oils and scalp and face massage. Hot stones and/or foot massage can be great for grounding. |
Muscle tension |
Slow tempo and therapeutic pressure focusing on tension spots – add gliding or stationary cuppings and hot stones to access deeper muscles faster. |
Post-injury recovery |
Red Light Therapy mixes with lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and remove scar tissue buildup. |
Each treatment plan is individualized and may be modified over time based on the client’s progress and range of motion or pain threshold.
This is the treatment plan between the therapist and the client is essential.
Have you ever been in a setting where you can hear the entire conversation and the person is out of tune with the environment? Disregarding the Zen vibe atmosphere? How crucial is it to maintain a serene and distraction-free environment during a massage session? It’s paramount.
The noise pollution is triggering the nervous system to fire even when we think we are relaxed and decompressing.
Another critical part of massage etiquette is understanding that a massage is a place of tranquility, peace, and recovery. Hence, turning off your cell phone not only demonstrates respect for the massage therapist and other spa-goers but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the relaxing experience. This is your “me time” and we will assist in protecting it.
Side note: Have you ever had a massage from a therapist with their earpods in and listening to a podcast or music that is not the same tune in the massage room? Yup, the energy and pace of the treatment is not in congruent with your vibe. Introducing cell phones and interruptions kill the restorative time.
Quietude is a significant component of spa etiquette massage. It is an escape from the hustle of the world and re-energize yourself to be the parent, partner or friend that our family and friends need. Giving them the best version of us.
While the tranquility of a massage session is significantly enhanced by turning off your cell phone, another consideration of massage etiquette is undressing your comfort level. It’s crucial to understand that no standard undress level exists; it’s a personal choice made by each client. (If the therapist’s comfort is for clients to keep underwear on, they will express it.)
When preparing for a massage, consider these four points:
Have you ever wakened yourself up by your own snore and realized you are at your massage session? I have many times LOL and the first reaction is embarrassment, but guess what? Your therapist’s goal is to put you to sleep.
When your body and mind are relaxed and fall asleep, the nervous system is not fighting back the pressure or treatment. We actually take your sleeping and snoring as a win!
Repeat: Falling asleep during a massage session is a common occurrence and can significantly enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of the treatment. This is a positive indication of a relaxed nervous system, a crucial component of getting a massage.
As the body transitions from the fight-or-flight response, prevalent in our stressful daily routines, to a state of deep relaxation, it is not uncommon for clients to drift off into sleep.
While reaching a state of profound relaxation may potentially lead to a client falling asleep during a massage, it’s equally natural for some clients to experience arousal due to increased blood flow throughout the body.
This physiological response can occur without any sexual intent. In the context of massage etiquette, it’s important to handle such situations with professionalism and respect.
Please do not touch or increase the frequency of touching the groin area. Should the therapist observe this behavior, the therapist will stop the massage, inform you the massage will not continue and leave the room.
It is recommended to leave your hands along side your body or resting on your chest. You may also verbally communicate to the therapist that no ill intent was meant (this may also reassure them).
You can request a towel to be placed on top of the sheet, to add additional coverage to the area. Most massage rooms will have extra towels available.
Following your massage treatment, we encourage you to take a few moments to relax and allow your body to wake up and adjust before meeting up with your therapist.
We recommend that you stay in the massage room for about 5 minutes after your session has ended. This will give you time to wake up, gather your senses, get dressed, and transition back into your daily routine.
If you require more time to rest or have any concerns, please inform your massage therapist during the aftercare. We will do our best to accommodate your needs while ensuring that we maintain a smooth flow of appointments for all our clients.
The reason we kindly request that you vacate the room within 5 minutes after your treatment ends. Is to allow our therapists sufficient time to remove the sheets, replace them with new ones and dress the room for the next client. This is an important step and ensures that all appointments start and end on time.
Should you need a bit more time to relax after the aftercare, we invite you to use our designated relaxation area (please ask your therapist), where you can enjoy the view, perhaps unwind a bit more before going about your day.
Should you need a bit more time to relax after the aftercare, we invite you to use our designated relaxation area (please ask your therapist), where you can enjoy the view, perhaps unwind a bit more before going about your day.
After your massage treatment, your therapist will be waiting for you to discuss your treatment plan and will go over;
Gratuities, although optional, are always deeply appreciated by your therapist. A great way to express your gratitude for a great massage is by leaving them a tip.
You may do so by leaving cash on the massage table when you leave. Or, since your therapist will be waiting for you outside, you may also give them a tip during the aftercare portion of your appointment.
And finally, you can also leave a tip with front desk when paying for your treatment. In this case you can opt to leave a gratuity amount when paying with credit card or debit card.
Tipping is also welcome in the event you come in with a gift certificate.
In a clinic or hospital-like setting, there is an unspoken consensus that a tip is not needed. The power and intuition of the human healing touch are irreplaceable, something not achievable even by AI or machines.
As a general guideline, we recommended to drink at least 10 ounces (300ml) or one bottled water after a massage and to continue drinking regularly throughout the day to stay adequately hydrated.
A considerable number of massage establishments adhere to an industry standard that a full charge for no-shows and a 50% charge for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment. This no-show policy is designed to respect the time and livelihood of massage therapists, who may have turned away other customers to hold your appointment.
The late cancellation fee is similarly instituted to compensate therapists for lost time. While most establishments understand that emergencies can and do occur, frequent late cancellations demonstrate a lack of respect for the therapist’s time. As such, it is considered good etiquette to cancel at least 24 hours in advance as much as possible (in fact it is Exige’s policy to provide 24 hours notice when cancelling).
To enforce these policies, many establishments require a credit card held at the time of booking. This serves as a guarantee that, in the case of a no-show or late cancellation, the fee can be charged directly to the credit card. This system protects the therapists and encourages clients to respect their appointment.
At Exige Medi Spa, we do not require credit card held, unless the booking is for 3 or more appointments and when the booking is for a couples massage (over 90 minutes). We do reserve the right NOT to rebook anyone who has an outstanding fee due.
It is important for clients to be aware of and understand these policies before booking a massage appointment.
We are very fortunate to be in an industry that allows us to support our families financially and also heal our community. The gratification at the end of the day knowing we returned clients back home and into the community healthier, more relaxed, and physically equipped to live life to the fullest.
That is why, we have a strong restriction against aggressive behavior and offensive language in place, as they disrupt the healing and rejuvenating environment that is essential for clients and therapists alike. The industry is devoted to creating a nurturing space for physical and mental wellness. This commitment necessitates a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse or negativity.
The etiquette for massage therapy places respect and care at the forefront. Here are four key points to remember:
In adhering to proper massage etiquette, clients contribute to a positive, healing environment, ensuring the well-being of both themselves and their therapists. Respecting these guidelines promotes a healthy and productive massage experience.
If you experience a sudden health issue right before your appointment, it’s crucial to notify your massage therapist immediately. Health issues can impact the safety and effectiveness of massage therapy.
Your therapist can advise whether to reschedule or adjust the treatment based on your situation. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and open communication ensures you receive the most beneficial and appropriate care.
If you experience a health issue right before your appointment, it is crucial to notify the spa or massage center immediately. Health issues can impact the safety and effectiveness of your massage.
Front desk can provide suitable options and whether to reschedule or adjust the treatment based on your situation. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and open communication ensures you receive the most timely and appropriate care.
After a massage, it’s recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This helps to flush out toxins released during the session. Think of it as lactic acid flushed out of the muscles and assisting the recovery to speed up so you can go back to being active faster.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also advised, as they can dehydrate the body. The muscles feel and react differently when they are hydrated.
Light, healthy meals are preferable to heavy ones, as they are easier to digest and won’t counteract the relaxation benefits of the massage.
Always listen to your body and eat or drink based on its needs post-massage.
Unfortunately, no. Our sound system is for the entire spa. We do however have selectively chosen each music piece to induce relaxation and destress the body. The calming effect is for both the clients and therapists.
For a massage appointment, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and put back on.
If you plan to return to work or attend another event afterward, consider bringing a change of attire suitable for that occasion.
We offer hot body towel cleanse, so please request for that so any excess oil can be removed before redressing into business attire or event.
(Depending on the type of massage received, there might be residual oil or lotion on your skin which could potentially stain certain fabrics. Please address this with your therapist or the front desk team in advance to see if there are other options).
At Exige Medi Spa, our treatment plan will outline the pressure and area of focus; however, when you are on the massage table and experiencing any discomfort, please raise your hand and let your therapist know. We do request you use whisper volume to keep the tranquility of the spa ambiance.
Please do allow the therapist to work on their expertise. Asking pressure changes every 3 to 5 minutes is counterproductive. Not all pain is in the main muscle group. Some pain can be referral pain, nerve impingement, fascia induced, decrease in range of motion, or inflammation.
Constant deep painful pressure triggers the body to tap into fight or flight mode and the body will leave feeling pain versus addressing the root of the problem. Some therapists will decline the treatment when the request is harmful or contraindicated.
Analogy: When the body feels pain, muscles tighten up and push back. The therapist applies deeper pressure, and the body matches it and pushes it right back. It is a constant tug-of-war. The objective of massage therapy is to realign, correct, alleviate, and assist the body back into optimal health.
Understanding and practicing proper massage etiquette is essential for ensuring a comfortable, relaxing, and respectful experience for both the client and the massage therapist. By arriving on time, communicating your needs and preferences clearly, and respecting the therapist’s professional boundaries, you can foster a positive and trusting relationship with your massage therapist.
Remember to practice good hygiene, turn off your electronic devices, and provide feedback to your therapist when necessary. Be mindful of the therapist’s time and expertise, and avoid making inappropriate or offensive comments or actions.
By following these guidelines, you can create a mutually beneficial and enjoyable massage experience that promotes relaxation, healing, and overall well-being. Proper massage etiquette not only enhances your experience but also contributes to a pleasant and professional atmosphere for everyone involved.
