I cam accross this articvle and wanted to post is because these are common questions that I am asked. It is important that you have trust in the person that you decide to see. The more times you see your massage therapist the more comfortable it will become. We will also learn each others body.
"Should I Tip My Masseur?"
...And 20 other commonly asked questions about massage therapy
What is the difference between an incall and an outcall?
An incall means you travel to the masseur’s studio or home for your massage. An outcall means the masseur comes to your home or office or hotel.
How is payment arranged?
Traditionally, the massage is given first, and payment is made after. The masseur you choose may have a different arrangement.
Is it customary to tip a massage therapist?
Tipping is customary, and is based on how well you enjoyed the experience. The normally tipping range falls between $10 and $30, but your decision to tip and how much is personal, and entirely up to you.
Do massage therapists use tables?
Most Western varieties of massage, like Swedish, utilize massage tables, which give support to the client as you lie on your stomach, and cradle your face in a comfortable position. If your massage is an outcall, you’ll need to make sure you have room, if your masseur uses a table. Some therapists practice massage varieties that use the floor, like Thai or Ayurvedic. Some masseurs prefer to work on a bed, if it is large enough. If the therapist’s website does not specify, feel free to ask him when you contact him for the first time.
Which is better, oils or creams?
Many styles of massage require the use of a lubricant between the skin and the hands of the masseur, and oils and creams are equally popular. Your therapist may have developed a preference for one depending on which makes his technique most effective. He may give you a choice between cream or oil. For the most part, creams are water-soluble and wash off a bit more easily. Oils tend to soak into your skin and help moisturize more intensively. Many therapists scent their oils and creams with essential oils, which is known as aromatherapy. If you have sensitive skin, or specific allergies, it is always best to tell the masseur, so he can avoid the use of scents which might be irritating.
Will the massage hurt?
Most varieties of massage are not intended to be painful. However, some therapeutic varieties can be uncomfortable, like Deep Tissue or Acupressure. If you are experiencing pain, let your therapist know! He will tell you if you need to endure it, or he will change his pressure and technique to ensure that he doesn’t cause pain again. If you are having a therapeutic massage which is painful, it is best to breathe deeply and evenly and not panic.
How do I go about booking a massage, from start to finish?
Choose a masseur from our database that interests you. If the masseur has a website, it is customary to visit his website first to gain information about his technique and training. Then contact the masseur via phone or email. If his website does not specify, feel free to ask questions like “How long have you been practicing?” “Do you use a table?” “What types of creams or oils do you use?” “Are you clothed?” or “Do you offer release?” Very few therapists are offended by these questions and would rather clarify their position before the massage is booked. Never be afraid to ask questions up front. Once all your questions are answered and you are ready to book a massage, give the masseur your preferred time, and whether you want an incall or an outcall. He will find a way to schedule a massage that works for both of you. If the massage is an incall, make sure to get good directions to the therapist’s location. It is alright to ask if he works out of his home or a studio. If the massage will be an outcall, give good directions to your location, complete with a phone number where the masseur can call if he is lost or stuck in traffic. Agree on your form of payment at the time of booking, whether you will use cash, check, or credit card. The masseur may give you instructions on how to prepare for your massage. (The basic rules of thumb are to make sure you’re very clean and that you have a warm environment free of distractions.) When the therapist arrives for your massage, it is best to just let him guide you through the entire experience without trying to exert too much influence of your own. This is his profession, he went to school for it, and he does it every day. Let him set up, then enjoy your massage, square away payment, get a business card, and say goodbye!
I pulled a muscle while working out or jogging. Should I get a massage?
Muscle strains are common problems. The fascia (connective tissues which surround our muscle fibers) can tense up under stress, which causes muscles to retain lactic acid, and keeps out lymph, the fluid which bathes muscle cells in oxygen and eliminates waste. Massage is an excellent way to help heal these problems. But you should choose a variety of massage that is medically therapeutic in nature, like Deep Tissue or MyoFascial, and ensure that your therapist is well-trained. Communicate with him very clearly about how you injured yourself.
I’ve been in a car accident and my neck and back are really sore. Should I get a massage?
Anytime you’re involved in a serious accident of any sort, you should first check with your doctor if you’re planning on getting a massage. Massage can be an excellent way to help treat pain from auto accidents, but you should be thoroughly checked to ensure that you have no herniated discs or skeletal injuries before a massage therapist works on you. Also, make sure you explain your pain and injuries to your masseur before he begins to work on you, and tell him if you feel pain or discomfort during the massage.
I’m really stressed from work, and my back and neck are killing me. Should I get a massage?
This is an excellent time to book a massage, especially one of an Eastern variety, like Thai, Reiki, Esalen, or Hot Stone Therapy, or even lighter Swedish work. These massages were designed to help calm and balance the body, and are extremely relaxing. Deep therapeutic work, like Deep Tissue, may not be advisable at this time, as it can provide additional stress to the body.
I’m diabetic. Is it okay to book a massage?
Advanced diabetes can cause a decrease in circulation to the extremities. Massage can help revitalize circulation. It can also directly affect blood sugar levels, which can be both good and bad. Consult your doctor before booking a massage, and make sure your therapist knows you’re diabetic.
Is there a bad time to book a massage?
You shouldn’t book a massage when you’re sick. Massage causes a release of toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream, and if your immune system is already under attack from sickness, this can make you feel worse. If you’ve just had a major operation, ask your doctor before booking a massage. Likewise, if your immune system is compromised due to medication or disease (like diabetes or HIV) you should also consult your doctor before booking a massage.
You shouldn’t book a massage when you’re sick. Massage causes a release of toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream, and if your immune system is already under attack from sickness, this can make you feel worse. If you’ve just had a major operation, ask your doctor before booking a massage. Likewise, if your immune system is compromised due to medication or disease (like diabetes or HIV) you should also consult your doctor before booking a massage.
Will I be naked?
Each massage technique is different. Some are performed on top of clothing. Most are performed on bare skin. Every masseur should give you the option to be draped, which means to cover your groin area with a towel or sheet, should you want to retain that modesty. Many therapists who practice Western styles of massage, like Swedish or Deep Tissue, customarily drape their clients. Many masseurs who practice Eastern varieties like Thai, Lomi Lomi, or Reiki, do not drape unless their clients request it, as draping tends to isolate and separate the groin area as being bad and thus associates negativity with it. You should not hesitate to request draping if you desire it.
Do massage therapists have to be licensed?
It depends on the state and/or city in which they live. Many states require a certain number of training hours, followed by a test. If the state in which you live does not require the licensing of massage therapists, the city where you reside may. California is an example that has no state-wide regulation, but most cities have very strict regulations for licensing massage therapists.
What is RMT, CMT, MTI, NCETMB, etc?
RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist and is a common way for states to refer to legal practitioners of massage. CMT is the same thing, just meaning Certified Massage Therapist. MTI stands for Massage Therapy Instructor, and generally indicates a higher level of education, as an MTI masseur can also train others to become masseurs. NCETMB is a test administered by a national organization and accepted by most states, and any therapist who has passed this test can be considered well-educated. In addition, you may see many credentials listed by masseurs on this website which relate specifically to the style of massage they practice, such as Reiki Master, or Sacred Intimate. For information on these you may ask the masseur, or contact the regulating organization for the style of massage he is practicing.
Can massage be dangerous?
In the hands of a good masseur, massage is overwhelmingly beneficial. In the hands of an untrained therapist who is working very deeply, however, stress to the muscles and connective tissues can in some cases be damaging. If you are seeking a therapeutic massage like Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Sports, or Trigger Point, it is best to ensure that your masseur is licensed, well-educated, and has been in practice for awhile. It doesn’t hurt to get feedback from his clients, either.
– Benjamin Starr, C.M.T.
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