By Renee’ Garcia Fulkerson
Do you have realistic expectations when receiving a massage?
Does your expectation or hope affect your outcome?
How can you get the most out of your massage therapy session?
I have been offering massage therapy services for six months at a new location for me on Maui. Starting a new project is exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. You never know how the existing staff and clientele will take to you. It is a bit of a rehearsal period in the beginning. My experience has been positive on both fronts. I am enjoying working with the current and new clients.
This establishment has been in business for sixteen years in its current location and has maintained a percentage of its local clients. If I had to guess based on my experience, 90% are local repeat clients, and 10% are drop-in tourists visiting Maui. Existing clients will have an intake form and documentation charted after every visit. New clients fill out a new intake form on their first visit.
At the beginning of my shift, I have all the charts for my clients that day. The first thing I look at when reading an existing client’s chart is the answer to the question, what is your focus for today’s massage? What is interesting here is the new client writes what is happening at that moment. The existing client filled out their intake form and answered that question maybe 5 or 10 years ago. I look at the notes from the previous sessions to get some clues before I can ask them directly. What is your focus for today’s massage therapy session? The answer to this question is the most valuable information I can receive from the client. The information session scenarios for a new or existing client will be different.
Existing client
- The notes in the chart may go back ten years. I look at the answer from ten years ago. What is your focus for today’s massage? I take the client back to the massage room and let them know I have read the notes in their chart from previous sessions. And to let me know why they are here today and the focus of their massage session. Unfortunately, I hear the answer more often than not a verbal repeat of what they wrote ten years ago. That is not progress. What are the expectations here? Not only the therapist’s part but also the client.
New or drop-in client
- The intake form may be brief or detailed. In my experience, it depends on what has happened or not happened in the last 24 hours. Maybe they are on vacation bliss, and relaxation is the answer. Or a stiff neck and migraine came on after their plane ride. A new mom and a family member who is a regular client referred her. The answers to what they want to receive from their massage session will vary. Is one visit enough to meet the client’s expectations? Will they understand and find value in the session?
Time, type of massage, pressure, and cost all play a part in realistic expectations.
60 and 90-minute massage sessions are the time allotted for a massage session at my work. Occasionally, clients would prefer a 120-minute or two-hour massage. Have you booked enough time for your expectations? I let clients know a 60-minute massage includes intake, undressing, and dressing if necessary. And ask what would make that amount of time meaningful for them. Do we want to focus on one area more than another or an overall tune-up? You can request more time if the therapist is open after you. Communication is everything. If you do not speak up or respond, you may be disappointed.
There are various styles and methods of massage therapy. You may have experience with or are aware of some. Do you require a therapist trained in a specific modality? Not all therapists are pregnancy massage trained. Referrals and research are the best way to find therapists trained in specific massage methods. If you are an athlete in training, a sports therapist would make the most sense for your needs. In my opinion, anytime you receive a massage, you will benefit. But if you are looking for something specific, you may be disappointed.
Letting your therapist know the type of pressure you prefer during a massage is helpful. At the beginning of the session, the therapist will check in and ask how’s the pressure. And again later in different areas of the body because we know some areas may be more tender than others. Don’t let yourself get caught up in a no pain no gain mentality. Massage therapy is not supposed to hurt. You may feel discomfort in a tight muscle bundle or a sore area. However, pain is never the goal. Ice and heat are also options when dealing with discomfort. Deep tissue has become the buzzword for massage, but not everyone or every muscle needs deep tissue. There are plenty of other techniques that work beautifully. A therapist will work with the information presented to them by you.
The exchange of money can create expectations. I want to get my money’s worth. A massage therapist’s reputation is everything. Delivering a valuable service is necessary. A great massage does not have to cost upwards of hundreds of dollars. Again, this is where referral and research come into play. And yes, sometimes you do get what you pay for. If you want a bargain massage, you may get a bargain massage. Weekly workmen’s comp clients come for massages paid for through workmen’s comp. And receive so many sessions for so many minutes on specific body parts. And that is the protocol followed. Clients are gifted gift certificates for a 60-minute Swedish massage. And that is what they expect. Being clear about realistic expectations is the best way to get the value out of your service. Massage sessions all have an ending point. And therapists want to make the most of the time allowed. A 60, 90, or 120-minute massage includes intake, undressing, and dressing if necessary (allow 10 minutes). Showing up late to an appointment will also decrease your time and value.
The massage therapist’s role in managing a client’s expectations is communication. Ask you about your needs and expectations. They should always check in about the pressure during your massage, especially with new clients who have never had a massage. It can be intimidating to be unclothed with a stranger and voice your needs. Communicate with you about the area they are treating and how they are treating it. Is it meaningful, or should they move on? Let you know there may be extra time, and do you want to revisit an area? Massage Therapy is a valuable service on so many levels. However, we are not doctors and cannot diagnose or fix all that ails you. I speak from the heart when I say it is devastating to me, and I am sure most therapists, when a client gets off my table unhappy with their massage therapy session. But it does happen. Being clear about what we offer and what you expect can create favorable conditions for a positive outcome.
Aloha
Inner Breath Yoga 