Before starting your massage, I’ll tell you that I’ll ask how the pressure feels and that you are free to comment any time about it even if I haven’t asked. My simple request is for you to tell me the truth.
I try to use the right amount of pressure depending on what I am feeling, but it is your body, so you know how it feels. You can let me know if something feels fabulous or if I have found just the right spot.
Some people have had unsatisfactory experiences with massage at other places. Most commonly I hear that the pressure was too light and some say it was too much. I want to use the pressure that feels right to you. I know that you have been looking forward to this massage. I don’t want you counting down the minutes until it is over.
I’ll pay attention to the clues you give about how things feel also. If you are clenching your jaw or your fists, or are trying to strangle me, I’ll get a hint that something is not just right.
Related to pressure, there are some areas of your body and some situations that for your safety I may not use all of the pressure you would like. I want to make things better, not worse for you. Also, some areas of the body have layers of muscles. To work on the deeper layers, the top ones must be warmed up and loosened first before I can get to the deeper muscles.
I have found that some people are hesitant to say anything about any changes. A few apologetically ask if I can turn up the table warmer. I start with it set in the middle so it can go up or down. I doesn’t matter to me at all what it is set on; it’s for your comfort.
Speak up for what you want. I want everything about your massage to be excellent. I’ll make some notes so when you come again, I will be reminded what you prefer. I won’t be insulted.
Barry is a licensed Massage Therapist at Main Street Massage in Hudson, Ohio. Find out more about him, his business, and massage at www.HudsonMassageTherapy.com
