Massage Therapy Faux Pas!
I’ve compiled a Top 10 list of massage therapy faux pas, based on my own practice and from speaking with my colleagues. I know a lot of clients and friends who have asked me for this list so here it is:
1. We are not masseuses or masseurs… and our place of work is never called a “parlour” . Please refer to us as Massage Therapists, Registered Massage Therapists, or RMTs. We know most people don’t mean anything by this, but this is a common pet peeve for us. Anybody without any training can call themselves a masseuse, but only those with proper professional training can use the designation of “Massage Therapist, RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist”. We are proud of our training!
2. Hygiene is highly appreciated! Clean feet, clean bum please… for obvious reasons.
3. Please contact us to reschedule if you are sick. Getting a massage while you are ill is not beneficial to you, will not make you feel well, and will likely get your massage therapist sick as well. Remember most massage therapists are self-employed so we don’t get any sick days!
4. Please don’t ask us for every availability we have over a long period of time. It’s just not possible since our availability varies by duration of session.
5. You don’t want to fill out a health history form… No problem, but you’ll need to find somewhere else to go for your massage. We don’t ask you for this information because we’re curious. We ask you because it is required for us to plan a safe and effective treatment for you.
6. Don’t ask us to write inaccurate receipts for insurance purposes. It’s uncomfortable for us to be forced to remind you that that’s insurance fraud. We could lose our license over this so it’s a pretty big deal for us.
7. Some therapists don’t mind, but I find it very difficult to massage someone who is wearing a lot of scented products. I have allergies to perfumes and being in close proximity makes it very uncomfortable for me. I also have other clients who have sensitivies/allergies to scents and it’s difficult to air out a massage room quickly for the next appointment. They smell so good, but unfortunately they also give me a headache.
8. Don’t ask us out on a date! It is illegal for us to date our clients. Personal questions and advances always end up causing discomfort for both client and therapist. Absolutely no sexual innuendo or advances!
9. Unless there has been an emergency of some kind, not showing up to your appointment is a big no no. We have reserved that time for you. If you don’t show up we are unable to book anybody else, not able to leave, and we won’t get paid.
10. Please communicate with us. If you find the pressure too light or too firm we want to know. If anything else makes you uncomfortable we need to know. Our goal is to give you a great treatment!