What should the public know about their massage experience? Are they aware of the customs and rules they should follow? Many do not know the etiquette of massage, so it is our responsibility to teach them.
Massage is wonderful. It is an opportunity for us to explore the beautiful facets of being human. It allows us to make the most of each moment as we savor every sensation, smell and second. A great massage transforms how we experience our world. Life seems to lighten as burdens lift from our shoulders. Our journey becomes easier to walk and our spirit glows with vibrant light. A massage can feel magical, heavenly and out of this world. It can liberate our senses and send us to a fairy-tale wonderland.
With every great thing comes a certain degree of responsibility. No matter how many times people watch a Spider Man movie most never apply Peter Parker’s golden rule to their own life. As massage therapists we have dedicated our lives to helping others. We want to heal the hurt of those who need it most, lift the suffering from their shoulders and send them into the world ready to take on any challenge. To do this we need to make sure our guests are respectful and considerate to the facility, our team, and other guests.
Health and Cleanliness
As massage therapists we need to make sure we remain aware of our own health and cleanliness. We must serve as the example. Birds of a feather flock together so wear the feather of the cleanest bird you know and you will attract the same. Unfortunately this doesn’t always work, so when it doesn’t we must use sound judgement, empathy, and humility to creatively naviagte situations where a guest may have an unpleasant or offensive odor.
If you are running your own massage business create a page on your site that discusses the expected etiquette of your facility. So many of us forget that common sense is not common, and so we expect it when we shouldn’t. We need to tell them in as subtle as possible way to come in for their session with a clean and odorless body. We may be servants, but we are not slaves. As professionals we should have the expectation of comfort and safety while at work. Terrible odors have no place inside of a spa, or within your nose.
The guest needs to know that they are unwelcome if they are sick. As massage therapists we work in close proximity to the public, so if they have the cold we need to know. If a guest comes in and gets us sick we can’t work. If we can’t work our bills don’t get paid. Be sure to be firm with your clients anytime you think they may be ill. Don’t let someone else’s comfort ruin your ability to practice, or take care of your family.
At Jennifer Brand Spa we invite our guests to freshen up in the washroom if they need to. We provide complementary deodorant, mouthwash, mints and pre-pasted individually wrapped toothbrushes for our clientele.
Time Etiquette
Everyone’s time is important and it sucks when people waste it. When a client arrives late it is disrespectful, avoid putting yourself in a bind by giving them all of their time, especially if you have another appoint immediately afterward. Never steal from Peter to pay Paul. Protect your other clients by holding each client to their previously decided end time.
At the end of each session each guest must have some time to settle their soul and get dressed. Make sure there is enough time between each session to facilitate this. Most people are massage-drunk after an amazing massage, be patient with them, yet remain firm if they have exceeded the reasonable amount of time to leave the room.
Please be Courteous
A client should be the center of the universe during their massage, we want to help them celebrate the beauty of their humanity, and to feel like a king or queen. However this has limits, just because they are being treated like royalty it doesn’t mean that they own you. In some facilities, especially at the mega chains massage therapists are often treated life sub-humans. This isn’t cool, and no professional should stand for it.
Every guest should be respectful to the receptionists, the staff and other guests. A spa is a place of peace and serenity, not a time to take out their woes on others like a tyrant. If a client disrespects you be firm, professional and empathetic. Take a few seconds to calm yourself before you react to whatever they just said or did. Then humble yourself and decide on what you are going to do.
Jewelry, Watches and other Adornments
Our clients should take off most of their jewelry, watches and other adornments before the session begins. Some items should never be specifically requested to be removed, these are usually things like wedding rings, undergarments, and clothing. Before performing a massage we need to be requesting them to undress to their comfort level. If they are unwilling to remove a ring, a bracelet or a necklace, simply avoid the area and explain why. If they remain partially or fully clothed perform the massage as best as you can. If they are fully clothed there is a reason, so respect it and do your best.
When a client leaves their rings on I typically avoid their hands, especially if they have stones or sharp edges on them. It hurts when you run your hand against these kinds of things, so be watchful and aware.
Intake Forms and Private Data
Clients are required to fill out an intake form before they get a massage. Some clients are resistant to this process and when they are this should be seen as a warning. Many times creeps don’t want to give us their personal information because they know they will be held accountable for their actions if we know who they are. If a client refuses to fill out the intake form simply refuse service. The last thing we want in our treatment room is a power struggle, if the client is already attempting to dominate you before the session begins it will fill the room when it does. Make sure the client fills out every section that is on the intake form, sometimes people fail to fill it out correctly because they see areas that don’t pertain to them. When this happens simply hand the intake form back and ask them to put NA next to anything that isn’t relevant.
Cell Phones
Our cell phones do not belong in the treatment room, your focus should be on the client. Your Facebook and Twitter feed can wait till your break to check it out. Cell phones have become a new organ in our unfortunate lives. They go with us everywhere and we are so addicted to them they accompany us to all sorts of places. As a society our dependence on these dopamine hits are so profound we experience anxiety when they are not around. We cannot expect our clients to leave their phones in the car, so ask them to silence their cell phones, pagers, and other digital devices before entering the spa. If they are resistant we need to inform them that this is a means to make sure our spa is a serene, tranquil atmosphere that promotes peace.
Goals and Expectations
When you meet you meet your client you need to speak with them to discover their needs. This should be done every time. For many massage therapists they simply do SALT for their regular clients. What does SALT mean? Same as last time. Every massage should be unique, because each visit is a unique experience. Your massages should be a wonderland adventure of pleasure and joy, it should be a treasured series of seconds that tell a terrific tale to our special guests.
Ask them what their goals are, what their pressure expectations are, and what their desired outcome is for the session. Do they have specific areas they want additional focus on or to be avoided? Maybe last time they really loved the shoulder work you did, but last week they burned it and now it hurts. This is information you need to know that might be missed if you gloss over the consultation that should be performed before each session. In addition to this you should check up on your client throughout the session to ensure they are comfortable, if the pressure is perfect and to make sure they are feeling as wonderful as can be.
