21. facts you can do to get the best massage

1. Don't say “You can't hurt me” or “Do what you want”. A massage therapist can harm you.

2. Stop thinking that a massage has to hurt to be useful.
Some need deep muscle work. Some need a calming of the nervous system. Some just need an hour of silence while someone else takes care of them.

3. If possible, choose your therapist carefully.
I know that sometimes you go on vacation and you want a massage and you don't care who does it. But if you can, find out what your therapist specializes in and choose them based on that.

4. Get regular massages or at least do things that will ease your aches and pains like stretching.

5. Come already hydrated.
This does not mean drinking a liter of water 10 minutes before the massage because you will be uncomfortable about half way through the massage. You should drink about a liter of water a day.

6. Take a shower or at least clean your feet.
Want to make your therapist happy? Don't come in after a workout, hike, or hot yoga without showering first. They will still work on you but they will do it with a smile.

7. Keep in mind that the physical therapist is not your advisor.
Here's the deal - you're in an intimate situation with another person. Sometimes the person is a stranger to you and you feel that you have nothing to lose by sharing the intimate details of your life. Sometimes that person is your regular therapist and you think you can trust them.

8. Does not help them by moving their arms, legs, head, etc.
This usually makes their job more difficult. If you lift your head up, the neck muscles are tense and can't work on them.

9. Stop worrying about cellulite, scars, unshaven legs, bony backs, etc.
Really. They don't care or really notice. While you're on the massage table, they're only focused on your muscles and fascia. They don't care what's wrong with them. So stop apologizing for those stretch marks and hairy legs.

10. Do not make sexual jokes or make out.
Not before, not after, not while it's being done to you. It's rude, inappropriate, against the law. It's insulting - they've trained for years and have to be licensed and insured to be massage therapists.

11. The correct term is "massage therapist", not "masseur".
That's more professional.

12. Advice.
If I don't work in an environment where you will be billed for insurance, I make a small fraction of what you pay. I rely on your advice as part of my salary. That doesn't mean you should tip if the service was bad or I didn't do what you asked.

13. Do not drink drinks/alcohol before or after the treatment.
You will feel bad.

14. Remove clothing at your convenience, but understand how it may limit their work.
If you choose to leave your clothes, I cannot work in that area. That's all. If you really don't want to take off your sleeves. But it probably won't work your glutes, which can affect your legs and back. And if you leave the bra open, I can't make moves towards the back. If you are concerned, talk to them.

15. Show up early or at least don't be late.
Most places have a rule that takes you 60 minutes at the time the session starts.

16. Do not mistreat me, talk unnecessarily, tell me what to do, etc.
They are professionals, experts in their field. Again, they have years of training and experience.

17. Book your appointment in advance.
But last-minute ticket bookings are also fine, they help me fill in the gaps in their working days.

18. Don't choose trendy treatments like hot stone.
Most therapists don't enjoy that trendy new hot stone massage or foot wraps or hand treatments. Using hot stones means he is focused on the temperature of the stones and not putting them down instead of thinking about how to work your muscles.

19. Learn more about the types of massages the therapist offers you.
Your therapist says she likes doing Thai massage? Ask them more about it! Or Google. It might just become your new favorite. Or you can decide in advance which is not for you.

20. Don't say you don't want additional massages like deep tissue or similar and then ask for them in the middle of the massage.

21. Do not discuss politics, religion or controversial topics.
Please do not put them in this place. Part of what you're paying for is my attention and empathy.

So give us a break and let's enjoy some quiet, healing time together.