Okay, so we all know Burger King’s slogan “Have it your way”.  I’ve adopted that slogan, and I would love for my clients to do so as well.  You would not believe some of the things that clients have said other Massage Therapists have told them.  One of the worst was when I was meeting with one of my elderly clients for the first time, and I noticed how nervous and agitated she was.  Before I could ask what I could do to help her calm down she said to me in a very shaky voice, “I do not really want to take all of my clothes off, but the other lady I saw told me I had to take everything off…even my underclothes.”  That really floored me!  Under no circumstances should anyone tell you that you have to take off any clothes.  When massaging it is easier to really work the muscles with as few layers between my hands and the actual muscles as possible, but no professional Massage Therapist should/will ever tell you that you HAVE to remove your clothes.  Heck, wear all of your clothes and throw a parka on top if you want to!  However you are going to be the most comfortable and the most relaxed, your way is the best way!

Communication is not only important to you, the client, but is also the only way that we as Massage Therapists are going to know if the treatments are working for you or not.  For some, it is difficult to be able to say “Hey, you are hurting me”, or “That may be a little more than I can handle”.  Remember, pain is not good, even if you have been told so or if you feel that to really get better you should feel some pain.  That just isn’t true.  Be mindful of the difference between ‘good pain’ and ‘bad pain’! (more…)