The Importance of Communicating with Your Massage Therapist

Communication starts from the first phone call. When you set up your appointment, your massage therapist may ask you a few questions about your general health and well-being. She may ask if you are currently suffering from any type of illness or injury. While you may not feel it is her business to ask these questions, know now that your answers are incredibly important. Your massage therapist is listening for key symptoms that may raise a red flag - meaning that massage may not be good for you until after you've received professional medical attention.

A more in-depth conversation will occur when you arrive at your therapist's office. You will be asked to complete a health history form detailing any recent or current illnesses and past injuries. Perhaps you don't feel it's important to tell your therapist that you've had a common cold, but your therapist would disagree. Massage stimulates the function of the circulatory system, and if you don't tell your therapist about a cold or fever, for example, it may spread or become worse after the massage.

Not every injury or illness will prevent you from having a massage altogether, but that knowledge will help your therapist to determine exactly what type of massage is best for your body that day. For example, your massage therapist may be able to position you more comfortably, pay extra attention to areas that need specific work, or avoid areas that should not be worked on for whatever reason you indicated.

After you've completed your paperwork your therapist will probably ask you if you have any specific tender areas or if you have any specific goals for the session. Do not say, "Oh, I'd really just love to relax," if what you really mean is, "I'd love to get rid of this constant ache in my left shoulder." Telling your therapist the truth will enable him or her to tailor your massage to suit your desires. If you don't tell her what is bothering you, it will not be her fault if you still have that nagging ache when you leave at the end of the session.

Communication during your session is important as well. Your massage therapist is trained to treat your muscles, but he or she can not feel your pain or discomfort. You need to answer honestly when your therapist asks if you need more pressure, less pressure, or if you are in any sort of pain. You should feel free to let her know if you feel pain, regardless of whether or not she has asked.

Proper communication is essential to a successful massage session. Be open and honest with your massage therapist, and she will be able to give you the best massage or bodywork session possible - guaranteed.