Using My Voice
October 27, 2023 Author: Renée
Do you use your voice when you see your massage therapist? Do you believe that you have the right to do so, or is your massage therapist "the professional who knows how to do their job, no matter how uncomfortable it is?"
Many people who get massages, even those who get them regularly, do not realize that they are the ultimate "leader" in the session. They think that because the massage therapist is the professional, they automatically get to call the shots during the massage.
Yes, we are the professionals-- which means that we are supposed to listen to our clients on what you need and want during your session.
And while some techniques do require certain protocols/steps to be followed, you should feel free to ask for adjustments or for clarification on why your therapist is doing what they are doing at any point during the session.
[Y]ou should feel free to ask for adjustments or for clarification on why your therapist is doing what they are doing at any point during the session.
You even have the right to withdraw consent for any aspect of a massage, at any point during the massage-- or even to stop it altogether!
During a recent trade-off with a colleague, Jonathan V. of Blissful Mind Bodywork, I experienced a wonderful example of a therapist listening to, hearing, and immediately accommodating his client's (my) need. As he was working my lateral scapula attachments (a very tender area for most people), I told him that his pressure was a little much.
In the video we recorded of the session, you can see him lighten his pressure within one second of me asking him to. He didn't argue with me, tell me that I was being a wimp, try to convince me that "we NEED to use this pressure for it to work," or anything like that.
He simply listened to me, and immediately acted to accommodate my need. And I only had to ask once.
Thank you, Jonathan, for your excellent work (and you really are an amazing massage therapist), and for listening and accommodating my needs while on your table (even though it was my table, LOL!)!
"Because touch is a basic human need, and safe touch is a basic human right." And being heard is an integral part of experiencing safe touch.
Contact me today if you are in need of a good, safe massage!
