Massage Etiquette

Webster's Dictionary (August 1995) defines etiquette as: (n.) the conventional requirements of polite behavior; proprieties of conduct; good manners.

How does etiquette apply to massage and the clients? There are many factors to consider when you schedule an appointment with a professional massage therapist.

Keeping Your Appointment

First, be on time or early for your appointment. If you are late arriving for a massage appointment, you may not get the full amount of time allotted for your massage. The therapist may have another appointment scheduled after yours. It is not polite to make the next client wait because you were late arriving for your appointment.

Most massage therapists are paid on a commission basis. They receive a portion of the fee you are charged for your massage. When you fail to show up for your appointment, the massage therapist does not get paid. He/ she will have to sit around waiting for the next appointment. That time is lost and no money is made.

If you must cancel your appointment, please do so with as much advance notice as possible. Most massage offices ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you can give more notice that you have to cancel, please do so. It allows more time for that appointment slot to be filled.

Listening To Your Therapist

When your therapist does the initial interview before the start of your session try to focus on what is being said. I know this may seem difficult to understand, but many clients are in such a hurry to get the massage started they do not hear what the massage therapist is saying. I have had people start undressing at the beginning of the interview; forcing me to leave the room without the information I would like to have from the client.

There are certain things that must be covered by law, along with the therapist needing some history as to the clients complaints. If you are just wanting a general relaxation massage, this is OK. But if you have some pain that you are wanting relieved, your therapist must know some important information. You must listen and answer all the questions the therapist asks, to the best of your ability. The outcome of your massage depends on this.

Tipping Your Therapist

Most therapists can and will accept tips. Even though you are paying for your massage service, your therapist will only get a portion of that fee. If you are happy with the massage you received then offer a gratuity. Your therapist will appreciate the tip you leave for him/ her. According to The Nest magazine (Winter 2008) The standard tip for massage therapy is 15-20% and during the holiday season a tip can be up to the price of one session.

Sexual Conduct

Your professional massage therapist takes great pride in his/ her chosen profession. They are there to offer help, try to make you feel better, and give you the relief from pain, stress, and anxiety. Any sexual misconduct by the client is a huge insult to the therapist. This means offering or asking for sexual favors. It is not only against the law, it is very offensive towards your therapist.

The next time you make an appointment remember to follow good massage etiquette. Arrive early for your appointment. If you must cancel, give as much notice as possible. Listen to your therapist. Leave your therapist a gratuity if you feel they deserve one. Do not insult your therapist with any sexual misconduct.