For most massage goers if they are regulars, they understand how to prepare for and what to expect in a massage. For those who randomly get massages, their experience may vary and for those who never get a massage and then decide to, they may have no idea on how to prepare for a massage so that you maximize the experience. Let’s begin.
Normally, you do not get a message sent to you about expectations for the massage. That is very different at Concierge Massage Spa. Here, once you are scheduled, you get reminder messages by way of email, but you may also get a follow up email containing all the oils used for your selection, and what you can expect in addition to clothing to wear for stretching or otherwise.
For all, when you come to your massage appointment, please ensure you do and consider the following.
- If you are going to cancel the appointment, do so within 24 hours before the appointment or longer. This will prevent you from incurring a no-show fee. If you fail to come to the appointment without notifying the massage therapist in the appropriate time, you may be flagged in the system and required to pay in full before your next appointment. The point: communication is key.
- Come to your appointment well showered. There is nothing worse than having a smelly client on the table who expects a high-quality massage experience while their smell is offensive.
- Get a pedicure or manicure before you come to your massage. Some therapists like me, will massage the whole body which includes the feet. There are some therapists which do not massage feet at all. This being the case, remember to ask your therapist if they massage feet or not. This may determine whether you use them or not. Continuing on, men are the worst offenders of this. Men, getting a pedicure can make the difference in getting a foot massage and not getting one. Just because the therapist does it once, doesn’t mean they will do it again. Good hygiene is a display of good manners.
- Wear something light and easy to disrobe with no jewelry. Jewelry is not a problem except for when you forget to take it off for the massage or when you leave it. At Concierge, we have a lock box that you can use to lock up your valuables for the duration of the session. Most therapists do not have this. Spas will have lockers, but a lot of contract or self-employed therapists do not.
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- When you get on the table, be nude or keep your underwear on. For females, please disrobe your bra. However, when you are on your back getting the massage, you may elect to keep the bra on, however when you turn over, it will impede the efficacy of the massage experience. For men, it is understandable that you would want to keep your underwear on in case of an erection during the massage whether it’s a male or female therapist. Please be advised that all professional massage therapists realize this, and it does not bother them. At Concierge, the blankets are a bit heavier so as to not make you feel like you are “flapping” in the wind, and you can be nude and enjoy your massage. When females keep their underwear on, it usually does not impede the massage as it is usually a thong or a pair of undergarments that reveals the whole leg and thigh. When men wear underwear, however, usually it gets in the way because they wear boxers and the therapist has to roll up the underwear to massage the whole leg. Men, if you wear underwear, it is recommended that you wear traditional underwear and not boxers, or wear boxers loose enough to be adjusted for the massage.
- Shoes. Depending on the location, it is customary to take shoes off when entering to keep the client area cleaner. Consult your therapist on customs. At Concierge, we ask that you take shoes off upon entering.
- If you must use the restroom while on the table, tell the therapist. They won’t mind. At Concierge, we have robes and slippers for you to wear when going to the restroom. They are sanitized and washed after use.
- Don’t be conscientious about your body. A professional massage therapist is familiar with working and adapting to all body types. At Concierge, our massage table is extra-long and extra wide and padded for a relaxing comfort that makes you feel right at home.
- Do not eat or drink excessively at least two hours before your massage. This will ensure that you do not use the restroom while on the table and that you do not release any pungent gases during your massage that may offend your massage therapist and affect the quality of your experience.
- Be clear on what your foci are concerning your massage, and what tools you would like to be used on you and not used on you. Ensure you have adequate information on techniques, such as cupping, which may leave marks on the skin afterwards. It is your responsibility to ask for what you want or expect. This being the case, at Concierge, you are sent a digital intake form, and you are briefly interviewed upon arrival to ensure the client and the therapist are on the same page.
- Do not bring others with you to a massage, even if there is a waiting area. If you do intend on bringing someone else, let your therapist know. This is for security purposes. At Concierge, we take security very seriously, even though we are in a great crime-free region. Inside, we do have a couch area for single mothers to sit their children and for couples to relax when they get their massages as a couple back-to-back.
- Tipping. If you decide to tip and feel like it, then by all means, tip. If you feel you have received one of the best massages of your life, then tip. However, at Concierge, the prices are listed to accommodate the services received. Whether you tip or not, you will have paid for the excellent service that you receive. Though we love tips, you are not pressured into giving a tip, so don’t feel pressured.
- Snacks. Feel free to take all snacks that are provided for you guilt-free.
- Allergies and medications. As many therapists use oils, lotions, and butters, it is paramount that you let your therapist know any allergies that you may have to the oils, butters, or creams used. Additionally, ensure that you mention any medications you may be on. The reason being that if you are on a medication that makes you drowsy, a massage may enhance that state and you must drive back home (may not apply if someone else is driving you home). Also, ensure that you communicate any medical issues or profiles that physicians have said prevents you from having a massage. Work with your therapist and include this information on the intake form. Discuss any issues with your therapist.
- Pressure. Pressure for a massage ranges from LIGHT to FIRM to MEDIUM to DEEP pressure. Ensure you discuss with your therapist the pressure you need and like, as pressure varies from therapist to therapist. Additionally, if you like deep pressure such as that used for deep tissue massage, communicate to the therapist whether you would like more or less pressure.
- Ticklish or uncomfortable sensations. The purpose of the massage is to relax. If the therapist is making you ticklish, then you should communicate that and the therapist should immediately change techniques. You should never be told to “deal with it” or “suck it up.” Discomfort in any way should not be tolerated by the client.
I hope that these nuggets will help you maximize your massage therapy session!
