Today, we had a couple clients come out of their massage session and proclaim that they had never had a massage that felt as customized as that. And it occurred to me that many Massage Therapists have a tendency to fall into a comfortable place and give a kind of 'go-to' massage that has worked well for them in general. It also occurred to me that many people tend to accept whatever is presented to them without question, because 'the therapist knows best.' And the sad truth is that
neither practice is beneficial to either one! What makes a good massage is an open communication between therapist and client, both before the music is switched on and once the session has begun.
No matter how many times you've had massage, and no matter how many of those times were with your current therapist, time should always be taken to talk about what's new. How are you doing today? Is your body feeling anything in particular? How's life been treating you? These questions allow you to think about how you're really feeling, and how your therapist may be able to help. Maybe you've had a very stressful week and your neck and shoulders are a mess. Maybe the garden has been getting a lot of attention and your back and knees are complaining. These details allow your therapist to devise a strategy to ease your body back to less discomfort and more normalcy. Once on the table, your therapist should check in with you periodically to make sure that the pressure is appropriate. But just because she hasn't asked doesn't mean you shouldn't speak up if you are feeling discomfort. It's important to remember that when it comes to your body, you are the expert. We, as therapists, have the tools and knowledge to provide you with what you need. Intuition is always helpful, but we can't read minds!
So, the next time you come in for some well deserved 'me time,' let us know how you really are feeling. It helps us give you customized attention and ensures you will walk out feeling refreshed and satisfied.
C.
No matter how many times you've had massage, and no matter how many of those times were with your current therapist, time should always be taken to talk about what's new. How are you doing today? Is your body feeling anything in particular? How's life been treating you? These questions allow you to think about how you're really feeling, and how your therapist may be able to help. Maybe you've had a very stressful week and your neck and shoulders are a mess. Maybe the garden has been getting a lot of attention and your back and knees are complaining. These details allow your therapist to devise a strategy to ease your body back to less discomfort and more normalcy. Once on the table, your therapist should check in with you periodically to make sure that the pressure is appropriate. But just because she hasn't asked doesn't mean you shouldn't speak up if you are feeling discomfort. It's important to remember that when it comes to your body, you are the expert. We, as therapists, have the tools and knowledge to provide you with what you need. Intuition is always helpful, but we can't read minds!
So, the next time you come in for some well deserved 'me time,' let us know how you really are feeling. It helps us give you customized attention and ensures you will walk out feeling refreshed and satisfied.
C.
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