Articles about Massage
Massage for Cyclists
10 Natural Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate
Breathe Into Your Massage
Yoga and Bodywork
Bodywork - a Sampler
Bodywork Etiquette
Massage and the Cancer Patient
Exercises for Musicians (warm-ups and cool-downs)
Quick Shoulder Releases
10 Natural Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate
Breathe Into Your Massage
Yoga and Bodywork
Bodywork - a Sampler
Bodywork Etiquette
Massage and the Cancer Patient
Exercises for Musicians (warm-ups and cool-downs)
Quick Shoulder Releases
Massage Etiquette FAQ’s
Guidelines to help you get the most out of your massage
What If I'm Late? For you and your therapist, rules of common courtesy apply. The appointment should start and end on time. If you must cancel an appointment, call 24 hours in advance.
What Should I Do During The Massage? Breathe. Therapists pace their strokes alongside your breath or breathe with you. If your therapist is performing deep-tissue work on a tight muscle, inhale deeply and exhale an audible sigh. Stay in the moment. Make massage a meditation.
Must I be completely undressed? Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will I be covered during the session? You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. What parts of my body will be massaged? A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. The face, gluteal area, and abdomen can also be addressed on request and always to your comfort level.
Can I talk during my session? Freely voice your needs--on room temperature or the pressure exerted on that tender shoulder. But also get comfortable with silence. Stillness multiplies the restorative benefits of massage.
Should I Tip? A tip is not a requirement, but if you feel you've received excellent service and you'd like to tip, 15-20 percent is a good guideline.
What If I Laugh Or Cry? Exhilaration, exhaustion, giddiness, and tears are all natural responses to massage. Know that your therapist understands this and is comfortable with whatever responses you might experience.
How Can I Compliment My Therapist? Fall asleep during massage, refer friends to your therapist, or tell your therapist the session passed too quickly. Returning regularly for massage is the best compliment a client can give!
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
What If I'm Late? For you and your therapist, rules of common courtesy apply. The appointment should start and end on time. If you must cancel an appointment, call 24 hours in advance.
What Should I Do During The Massage? Breathe. Therapists pace their strokes alongside your breath or breathe with you. If your therapist is performing deep-tissue work on a tight muscle, inhale deeply and exhale an audible sigh. Stay in the moment. Make massage a meditation.
Must I be completely undressed? Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will I be covered during the session? You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. What parts of my body will be massaged? A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. The face, gluteal area, and abdomen can also be addressed on request and always to your comfort level.
Can I talk during my session? Freely voice your needs--on room temperature or the pressure exerted on that tender shoulder. But also get comfortable with silence. Stillness multiplies the restorative benefits of massage.
Should I Tip? A tip is not a requirement, but if you feel you've received excellent service and you'd like to tip, 15-20 percent is a good guideline.
What If I Laugh Or Cry? Exhilaration, exhaustion, giddiness, and tears are all natural responses to massage. Know that your therapist understands this and is comfortable with whatever responses you might experience.
How Can I Compliment My Therapist? Fall asleep during massage, refer friends to your therapist, or tell your therapist the session passed too quickly. Returning regularly for massage is the best compliment a client can give!
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
