For people who are new to the concept of therapeutic touch the idea of undressing, getting under a sheet, and having someone touch your skin can be a little unnerving. Many people feel awkward and embarrassed, because they don’t know what to expect. Here are 7 things Your massage therapist wants you to know:

Be on time.

We are busy, and have many appointments in one day. If you arrive late, you are only shorting yourself! We can’t always go over your scheduled appointment time, especially if we have other bookings.

I am not a masseuse.

The terms “Massage Parlor” and “Masseuse” make all massage therapists cringe. They are outdated and have negative associations. Massage therapists study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology extensively. Give us the respect we deserve!

Your body is beautiful.

Massage therapists see all different body types all day. Everyone deals with stress and can find benefit from a massage, not just people who work out at the gym everyday! Do not let self-consciousness be the reason you don’t get a therapeutic massage!

It’s ok to take your underwear off!

If you are more comfortable keeping them on, that’s ok too! But it is perfectly acceptable to lose the underoos when you jump on the table. If you struggle with low back pain, not wearing underwear during your massage may actually help your massage therapist by allowing them to better work your glutes. Tight or overworked glutes are often times the reason for low back and hip pain! Your butt is the largest muscle in your body, it should not be neglected in a massage.

You can speak up!

I think a lot of my clients have this: “no pain no gain” mentality when they are getting a massage. Massage doesn’t have to hurt for it to be effective! In fact, you can do damage to already sore tissues if you overwork them. If your therapist is using too much pressure, or over stretching an area: TELL THEM. Your comfort is important!

Feel free to tell your therapist your life story…or not.

If you want to come and talk about your life, your cat, your kids, your dog, how annoying your roommate is. WE WILL LISTEN. If you want to come in and go to sleep, we’re ok with that too! We care about you!

Sharing is Caring.

If your therapist does awesome work, tell other people about them. Word of mouth is the best advertisement, and a few kind words go a long way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brittany started her journey of helping women in 2012, as a pregnancy consultant. She was certified as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through Stillbirthday in 2015 and gained certification as a Gena Kirby Rebozo Doula later that year. She is the Birth Doula for modern women. She is intuitive and open-minded; she is attentive and ready to support everyone. Brittany received over 800 hours of advanced training in the practice of massage therapy in her quest as a healer, and is continually researching and attending training in the art of holistic health and wellness. She volunteers with the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support Group for mothers and families who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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