13 things your massage therapist wants you to know!

As a therapist, there are many things that you uncover as you delve into the world of massage. Things you never thought you would have to deal with, on both the good and bad ends of the spectrum. Although there are many studies on the health benefits of massage, there are still questionable aspects that leave people uncertain about this method of healing. Below are attributes of and interesting findings in the practice of massage therapy that I have picked up over the years and I hope it clarifies things for those still mistaken.

1. The proper term when referring to someone in this profession is MASSAGE THERAPIST. We are actually taught in school to correct people when they use "masseuse" because it is outdated. Licensing and regulations have come into play to limit inappropriate conduct, largely associated with sex trafficking. This is a serious problem, not a joke and you're very likely to irritate a therapist if you try to associate them with these unprofessional, disrespectful, and condescending comments. Therapists go through potentially years of schooling (a year and a half in my case) consisting of anatomy, biology, kinesiology, and ethics classes, along with the massage curriculum. On top of that, we are required to complete regular continuing education before we can renew our licenses so a lack of education is extremely rare these days. If we shouldn't assume that you partake in inappropriate behavior at YOUR job, why would you assume we do?

2. Many people assume my hands hurt and get tired easily. Honestly... they don't. They do get stiff but if anything hurts or gets tired, it's my back and shoulders! There are also many tools on our body that we can, and are trained to use like thumbs, reinforced fingers (with our other hand,) the palm of the hand, the forearm, the pointy elbow, and the flat elbow. Some therapists use knees as well! We are not at all "playing the piano," and use our legs to provide most of the pressure we apply.

3. There are laws enforcing how we drape the sheets over our clients that vary state to state. Typically, only the body part that we are working on can be uncovered at one time. When we set that boundary, we respect it and are not to go under it.

4. Do not feel like you have to wear underwear for our sake. We honestly prefer that you do not wear it because it is one less thing to work around. If YOU will be more comfortable with them on, by all means keep them on.

5. Your butt (a.k.a gluteus maximus,minimus, and medius) is just a big muscle on your upper leg. We do not think it is weird to touch and most of us need glute work but it is generally avoided unfortunately because it could be considered a "private part." Glute work may come with time as you begin to trust your therapist more but remember we are professionals who know the importance of massaging the MUSCLE known to most people as the butt.

6. Please do not feel self-conscious around us! Of course regular hygiene is expected and courteous especially before your session but we do not judge your body and how "fat" you think you are and we do not care if you have stubble on your legs. We are paying attention to the muscles and giving you the best treatment we can, not scrutinizing your skin and body-shape.

7. Massage does not have to hurt to work. There are layers of tissue that sometimes require slow, concentrated pressure to avoid the muscle resisting deep pressure by tensing up.

8. Massage does not flush out toxins. There are many healing benefits of massage including the release of lactic acid from muscles as well as movement of lymphatic fluid but it generally does not get rid of "toxins" like you wished it did. Many products and services that claim this are misinforming you.

9. Since skin and tissue and fluids do move around during massage, you should not get one if you are sick or beginning to get sick. Massage can exacerbate your symptoms bringing on a full-on cold... and also get US sick!

10. The cause of your pain is can, very well be, the opposing muscle(s) of the site of the pain. For example, when low back pain is present we will most likely work on your abdominals and diaphragm. Determine whether you want to feel good for the moment or feel better down the road before you try to divert your massage therapist away from their treatment plan. It never hurts to ask what we are working on and why, and most likely would love to educate you on it.

11. Please let us know if you prefer other music than typical zen/spa music. We get sick of it too sometimes! Some spas play the same music throughout but check with your therapist to see if they may have other options.

12. Do not be afraid to communicate with your therapist. If you have concerns about pressure, music, temperature, an uncomfortable face rest, or why we are spending more time in one area than another, please voice them to ensure you are getting the most out of your session. Remember, we want you to like it so you come back!

13. If your friend is a massage therapist, you may want to consider a different one. From my experience, some friends are at a level of comfortability where both of us work together well. Others... it can be inexplicably awkward! Sometimes it is best to keep those boundaries between friend and therapist so please do not be offended if we tell you we like to separate our work and personal life.

Again, I hope this brings light to certain misconceptions about massage therapy and the therapists who practice. Please feel free to leave comments or ask any additional questions you may have.