Characteristics Of A Good (And Bad) Massage Treatment
Massage therapy is a great way to relax, reduce blood pressure, release endorphins, facilitate healing, reduce stress, and more. But what makes a good massage? Here are 5 personal likes and dislikes of a great massage therapy treatment as preferred by the owner of Strive Holistic, Miranda:
1. A proper assessment: A good massage therapist will start by assessing your needs and any problem areas you may have. This includes getting you to move your body through its range of motion and asking more than two questions. This could also include doing those same movements after your treatment to see if the affected area is moving better, if this is applicable. I enjoy when I feel like my massage is tailored to my specific needs.
2. A comfortable, relaxing environment: It's important to feel comfortable and relaxed during a massage. A good massage therapist will create an environment that is conducive to relaxation, with soothing lighting, a comfortable temperature, and a heated massage table. This, to me, will hopefully include some or all of the following: a heated table, comfortable sheets and blankets, good music (no pan flutes and waterfalls, please), and low, soft lighting.
3. Knowing when to make small talk and when to be quiet: this is one that deserves a bigger paragraph; it’s a common complaint I’ve heard amongst many patients. It is an incredibly common issue that massage therapists could improve to own personal problems, opinions, or uninvited interpretations of your patient’s personal life’s issues. Some people prefer to chat during a massage, while others prefer to relax in silence. I personally prefer to relax in complete silence which feels lovely to breathe and simply enjoy. :)
Read the person’s responses to determine whether chitchat is a good idea; if the person is giving a one word reply or trailing off in their response to you, then do not continue the conversation. A good massage therapist will be able to read your cues and know when to make small talk and when to invited into a therapeutic silence. Even when you have seen the patient for a long time and you feel a certain camaraderie and friendship, it can be tempting to think you’re able to share intimate details like you would with a friend. It absolutely feels like you’re friends, and you certainly can and do care for one another as two human beings feeling stimulated by a pleasant and wonderful social connection, but I think it’s safe to say we can connect deeply while also maintaining a professional manner that feels authentic and comfortable for you!
4. A 24-hour follow-up and decent home care plan: After the massage, a good massage therapist will follow up with you to make sure you're feeling okay and to give any feedback. As the owner, I have personally followed up and been in contact with clients post treatment, monitoring their feedback and progress, in the eight years I’ve been in practice. This can feel rare to find sometimes but always greatly appreciated; I have seen hundreds of practitioners and I’ve had some incredible experiences, and wanted to hear from my massage therapist the next day! A good practitioner will also provide you with a home care plan that will help you continue to benefit from the massage after it's over. They’ll be happy to check in with you about the progress and perceived benefits of the home care plan that’s assigned before or during the next treatment time. They’re excited about your improvement and health!
5. Meeting your requests: A good massage therapist will listen to your requests and make sure to include any specific areas or techniques that you've asked for. This includes listening to requests about pressure, checking in after you’ve changed the pressure to ask if the new pressure level is acceptable, and ensuring not to miss any body parts the client needs worked on. If for any reason you must miss a patient request, communicate that during the treatment and explain why there is not adequate time to address that issue, with a plan to address it in future treatments.
In conclusion, a good massage is all about meeting your needs and making you feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely taken care of. Be sure to communicate with your massage therapist and let them know what you need to get the most out of your massage. I am passionate about offering a consistent and high quality massage therapy treatment in our charming local massage therapy business in downtown Edmonton. We’re located just inside Evolve Strength downtown, and I’d love to see you in clinic for the incredible massage therapy treatment your body’s been craving!
Book a treatment here, or email myself, the owner, for any questions you may have prior to treatment at info@striveholistic.com.
