Massage Etiquette & FAQ
Although massages are supposed to be relaxing, and therapeutic, many people are unsure of the proper etiquette.
Should you shave your legs? Should you chat with the massage therapist? Just how naked are you supposed to be? To deliver some peace of mind, we have listed a few dos and don’ts of massage etiquette.
How do I (politely) let a massage therapist know that what they're doing doesn't feel good?
Communication is key
This is super important and why it is at the top of the list. We would rather clients leave happy and satisfied than to leave polite. This is YOUR massage, and we want to deliver the best possible experience we can, so please DO NOT hesitate to let your therapist know if any part of the massage is not enjoyable. Here are some commonly requested examples: ‘that’s a little too much pressure’ or “could you work that area with a bit more pressure”, or “could you not work my feet, I’m ticklish”, or could you turn the heat off the table, I’m getting too hot”, whatever the situation, COMMUNICATION IS KEY and very much appreciated by therapists.
How much do you tip a massage therapist?
How clean should I be?
Having a freshly cleaned body is not only preferred by your therapist, but we are proud to use Organic oils and all natural products, and when your skin is clean it will better absorb these wonderful products better during your massage.
Should I shave my legs beforehand?
This is an often brought-up topic. Ladies, not shaving for a few days, weeks, or not at all is a personal choice, but let us reassure you, it is NOT A BIG DEAL, and no reason for hand-wringing… most therapist can’t tell the difference, and remember, we work on men too
What kind of information should I share with my massage therapist before my massage begins?
In order to get the most out of your massage, we recommend being as specific as possible with your health history. Definitely tell your therapist about any major ailments or issues you are having at that time. Information about your daily activities can also be helpful—for example, are you an avid runner? Do you often travel for work? The more your therapist knows, the better they are able to customize your experience.
Should I get totally naked?
This is an area where we let the customer take the lead. “We inform clients that they can undress to their comfort level, and that they will be draped for the entirety of the massage.”
If you’re having lower-back issues, though, consider the benefits of being in the buff: We recommend removing underwear because a glute massage is essential for these types of ailments. And if you’ve never had your glutes and hips worked on, I highly recommend it. There are so many thick muscles in these areas, muscles that hardly ever get attention, and they all criss-cross and cause serious lower-back and hamstring issues.
During my massage, should I be quiet or make small talk?
If they’re asking questions or bringing up a topic, we will answer or join in. If they’re quiet, we remain quiet. We think some people get nervous, so they may be a bit chatty at first, but once the sedative nature of massage takes effect, they usually become more comfortable and less talkative. As a rule, we tend to follow the lead of our clients, but most clients make small talk for the first 10–30 minutes, then zone out for the remainder of the massage.
What do I do if…
This goes both ways and is as much for the client as it is for the attending therapist. If you EVER experience any unwanted behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it is 100% within your RIGHT to ask for your session to end immediately and inform management. This goes both ways, as we protect the integrity of this important and valuable therapy.