Massage Therapy:

How To Get Your Expectations Met!

A familiar scenario: You have finally decided that today is the day to treat yourself to a massage, you book an appointment at a reputable spa, check in, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy the anticipation. Then your name is called, your session starts, and it doesn't take long for you to realize that this is not what you wanted. The pressure is not deep enough, the room is too cold or too warm, your areas of concerns aren't addressed, and soon you find yourself thinking, "That wasn't worth my money."

Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence in the massage world, and frustrating for clients and therapists alike, because often it could be easily resolved with communication. Please know, that as massage therapists, we want you to speak up and make sure that the session is to your full satisfaction! And yes, there are things you can expect from a good therapist: At the beginning of a session, your therapist should take a few minutes to get to know you and your purpose for getting a massage. The therapist should inquire if you have any injuries or allergies to be aware of, any areas of discomfort that you want addressed, and if you like moderate or deep pressure. During a session, your therapist should check in with you about the pressure used and invite you to ask for more or less if needed.

Often I hear stories where the client wished that the therapist would have gone lighter or firmer but didn't say anything because they did not want to "hurt" their feelings. I will speak for most therapists when I say that it does not hurt our feelings – on the contrary, we are glad that you give us feedback that allows us to make our service more enjoyable for you!

If all fails, know that it is okay and encouraged to voice your concerns – and praise — at the front desk. Employers want to know if their therapists are providing a valuable service, and communicating your experience is helpful for everybody involved. After all, getting a massage is your time, a time to connect with your body, to recuperate, and to take a moment for yourself — and we are happy if we can help you achieve this!

Our training here at McKinnon Body Therapy Center is designed to ensure that our graduates are versed in all aspects of providing excellent massages. Technique is only one part of the experience; equally important are presence, communication, and being grounded. All combined create what McKinnon BTC is known and famous for in the field of bodywork: "quality of touch."

Experience McKinnon's quality of touch by booking a session at our professional clinic. Interested in providing that quality of touch for others as a Massage Therapist? Check us out!

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