Do’s and Don'ts: Professional Massage Etiquette

Whether you’re getting hold of some luxury products to try a massage at home, or heading to a professional for some much-needed muscular relief, it can be daunting if you don’t really know what to expect.

What to Expect From A Professional Massage

When you first go for a massage, it can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you are visiting a professional who will be able to walk you through the whole process and ensure you have a relaxing and productive appointment.

Professional massage services will be able to answer all of your questions and outline what you can hope to get from the session, relieving any anxieties, and making sure you enjoy the experience and leave knowing that you’ve received high-quality help.

Knowing what massage etiquette is expected ahead of time can help alleviate some of your worries. Here are some do’s and don'ts when it comes to receiving a professional massage.

DO consider personal hygiene. A massage usually involves skin-to-skin contact with professional oils and creams. Sweat and oil on the skin can make it hard for these to absorb properly into the skin and will reduce the effect they have. If you are doing heavy exercise before a session, showering will really help you get the most from it.

DO be aware of allergies. Many oils used in massage are made of natural products, but some can still cause reactions if you have particularly sensitive skin or specific allergies. A professional will ask about any allergies before using products, but if you’re looking into at-home massage this is something to be aware of. When buying products online, you can check the ingredients.

DO show up on time for an appointment. To ensure you get the full allotment of time and are able to maximize the impact of your relaxing massage session, be sure to arrive on time (or even 5-10 minutes early). This also helps your professional and doesn’t impede on the sessions of others.

DO dress for comfort. For many who are experiencing massage for the first time, this can be a big question. What do I wear? The simple answer is, whatever you feel most comfortable in. Different types of massage will have different expectations when it comes to how much clothing, but typically, you can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. 

If you’re going for a massage where you’re in your underwear (or maybe even less) the professional will advise you on what to do when you arrive and leave you alone to get comfortable (and covered) on the table to make the whole thing feel easy.

DON’T hide any injuries or soreness you are experiencing. If you have any injuries or soreness that will impact the massage, let your professional know. If they’re a specialist, they may be able to help, or, they can avoid the problem area to ensure you don’t experience pain and discomfort.

DON’T eat immediately before a session if you can help it. Massage encourages blood flow throughout the body. When we eat our blood acts slightly differently to be able to absorb the nutrients from our food. Massage immediately after eating can impede this and cause some digestive discomfort.

DON’T feel self-conscious. Massage experts are, well, experts. They are focused on muscle relaxation and helping you to solve the muscular problems you are experiencing. They will not notice things like body shape, makeup, body hair or anything else that might make you feel self-conscious. All bodies are beautiful and as professionals, they are focused on helping you feel comfortable (and pain-free) in yours.

Want to give massage a try? We have a range of at-home and professional massage products that are guaranteed to provide an excellent experience and leave muscles feeling relaxed and revitalized.