Communication is Key

Have you ever received a massage that you did not like for one reason or another? Did you ever feel that the pressure applied during a massage was either too light or too deep? Every once in a while, a client will tell a story about a massage they received but did not like for one reason or another. My question to this client is, “Did you tell your massage therapist how you were feeling during the massage”? Many times, the answer is no. I ask why, but they usually shrug their shoulders and say they don’t know why they said nothing. Sometimes they just didn’t want to “hurt the feelings” of the massage therapist or figured the massage therapist knew best and thought they should just stay quiet. To this I say, speak up!

Over time, many massage therapists develop an intuitive sense as to how a client is responding to a given massage approach, but massage therapists are never mind readers. Regardless of their level of experience, massage therapists cannot always know that a client is experiencing some sort of uneasiness. If you ever feel pain or discomfort during a massage session, let your massage therapist know! If you don’t like a particular move, or the depth of pressure applied during a massage needs to be adjusted, let your massage therapist know! Client feedback is critical to your receiving a truly beneficial massage. Many times the massage therapist can make a minor adjustment and the situation is resolved.

Client feedback is especially important for student massage therapists who are still developing proficiency in the art of massage therapy. If a student therapist is not aware that something doesn’t feel right to the client, they will never learn how to correct the problem. So, if you come to the massage therapy student clinic at Northwest Career College, please communicate with your student therapist. The massage session will be much more relaxing and enjoyable for you. Also, after the massage concludes, be honest and forthright when completing the evaluation of the student therapist. Your straightforward feedback, whether positive or negative, is essential for that student’s continued growth and development as a successful massage therapist.