Things to Keep in Mind Before, During, and After Your Massage Appointment
First-time massage therapy clients and seasoned massage enthusiasts alike tend to book professional massage appointments to experience 60 minutes of relief, relaxation, and bliss at the hands of a talented massage therapist. Whether you are preparing for your first-ever massage or getting ready for your monthly massage session, it is helpful to understand the ins and outs of proper massage etiquette to ensure every trip to the massage room is a pleasant experience for you and your registered massage therapist.
Knowing how to practice proper massage etiquette might feel a little overwhelming, especially if you are new to the massage table. There are many things to learn, from respecting booking policies to accurately filling out client intake forms to communicating treatment preferences and understanding tipping protocol. At Urban Massage & Wellness, our registered massage therapists (RMTs) are trained to make every client feel safe and comfortable every step of the way, following widely-respected guidelines that prioritize their safety as well.
Massage Etiquette in a Nutshell
Every massage clinic is different, but despite so many locations having their own policies in place, there are a few universal guidelines to keep in mind when preparing for your next massage. At Urban Massage & Wellness, we do our best to make sure our clients know what to expect and how to prepare for every visit. To help, we have curated a list of common topics that might come to mind if you are planning to visit our St. Albert massage clinic.
What to Wear to a Massage Appointment
One of the most frequently asked questions by our clients is what they should be wearing to their massage appointment. It is often assumed that you have to remove all of your clothing when you get on the massage table, but the reality is that you, the client, are in control of what you wear during your massage service.
Your massage therapist will simply ask that you undress to your comfort level. For some individuals, this means they prefer to expose as much skin as possible for the massage, while others prefer to remove partial clothing items or none at all. If you choose to remain fully clothed, your RMT will accommodate your choice as much as possible. In the event that you are wearing a loose-fitting outfit that obstructs your RMT’s ability to perform a certain technique, they might ask for your permission to take off or shift that article of clothing while they work on that area, but you can always say “no.”
To Talk or Not to Talk: Interacting with Your Therapist
Your massage appointment is entirely for you, from what types of massage you choose to which body parts require the most attention to whether you want to engage in small talk with your massage therapist or not. At Urban Massage & Wellness, our team is committed to making your experience as relaxing and blissful as possible, so if you would like a break from talking, you are welcome to request a quiet appointment.
The only time talking is necessary is when your massage therapist is reviewing your client intake form when you arrive for your appointment. It is crucial that you are honest and upfront with your RMT about any medical concerns, conditions, or mobility restrictions before your treatment starts, so they know which areas of the body may need extra care or less attention.
Familiar Sounds that Come Up During Your Massage
Massage therapy appointments are generally quite calming and quiet, depending on how much you are chatting with your massage therapist and the volume of any music that might be playing. Because of this, you might notice barely audible sounds, such as joints cracking, that seem louder than normal. You might even pass gas involuntarily if your RMT is massaging your abdomen or working on lower body mobility. Don’t worry, though, because your therapist is used to hearing these noises since they are completely normal bodily functions.
Why Massage Clinic Policies are so Important
If there is one thing the last few years have taught us, it’s that life loves to throw curveballs when we least expect it! These unexpected events can lead to cancelled appointments and complete no-shows without notice, which is why many massage clinics enforce strict booking and cancellation policies.
Good massage etiquette is respecting that your massage therapist is only human, just like you! Massage cancellation policies are put in place to give massage therapists enough time to find a replacement if a client can’t make it to their scheduled appointment. As much as we try to accommodate our clients, each late cancellation or no-show appointment eats into our therapists’ valuable time.
Urban Massage & Wellness Policies
- Any appointment cancelled with less than 24 hours notice is subject to a cancellation or no-show charge.
- Late arrivals will eat into your appointment time, so try to be on time for your appointment.
- There is a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate comments; any insinuation, joke, gesture, conversation, or request with sexual undertones will result in an immediate end to the treatment, as well as a ban on all future services.
Let’s Touch on Tipping
Massage therapy is a health and wellness service that our RMTs are passionate about and specially trained for. We get a lot of questions about tipping and how much a massage therapist should get for their service, and although we always appreciate tips, we understand that only some have the means to give a little extra. Our only hope is that, if you can, you will share your experience with us through online reviews! Tipping is not mandatory or expected, but it is very much appreciated.
Massage Therapy Services in St. Albert
Our experienced massage therapists are committed to making you feel comfortable on and off the massage table. If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming appointment, we encourage you to check out our massage FAQ page. You can also give our receptionist a call or speak with your RMT at the start of your visit.
Learning about good massage etiquette will set you up for success when it’s time for your next massage therapy appointment at Urban Massage & Wellness! Book your next massage online and experience relief, comfort, and hope at St. Albert’s trusted massage clinic.
