Being a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), you see all kinds of people, hear all types of concerns and treat all types of conditions - from the routine, to severe, to weird, even funny. In my practice, I've seen some common re-occurrences emerge. After consulting with some colleagues, they seem to have noticed a few patterns too. So, I've compiled 10 items that stick out the most and what your LMT are really thinking (despite their polite response):
1. Confirm Your Self-Diagnosis
While Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) have some medical training and will do our best to answer your questions within our scope of practice, if you are really concerned GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR. We will probably refer you if we are concerned or notice something unusual. Sometimes, we can provide you with specific questions to ask or offer possible alternative-care remediies which your doctor may not necessarily initially consider, but will understand (and know the potential side effects) as they apply to your unique situation and health status.
2. It Really Doesn't Matter That You Haven't Shaved (or didn't apply your make-up or fix your hair).
Seriously, We truthfully don't even notice....until you mention it. it has absolutely no affect on our treatment. If it does, that is what oil and lotion is for - I mean it!
As for applying make-up and fixing your hair - it's probably better if you did NOT take the time to do those things as they only get messed-up during your massage. Your make-up will be left on our face cradle for us to try and wash out. And, if we can't, then we have to throw away the face cradle cover and replace it - which costs us money (and could cause us to have to raise our prices). Odds are we are going to either keep moving your hair (if it's not pinned up) or leave you with 'massage hair' from laying on our massage table. If you are planning on going out after your massage, then feel free to take a few moments to tidy yourself in our restroom before you leave.
3. Do Your Stretches
And your exercises, and drink your water, and do your home care, and... Any homework LMTs are giving you is designed, along with your treatment plan, to help you resolve your pain and dysfunction. If you want to get better (and truly avoid potential worsening of your condition or issues), you need to do your homework.
4. Your Body Is Beautiful
Licensed Massage Therapists treat hundreds of patients; that means seeing and touching their bodies. Guess what? They are all different. Not a single one looks like what you see airbrushed in the media; male or female. A few may come close, but no cigar. It breaks our hearts when we see patients who are insecure about their bodies. Each Client is uniquely beautiful - each in their own way.
There is only one condition your body should be in, male or female, young or old: HEALTHY! And, that looks a little different for everyone. Your LMT is here as a vessel for health. We are NOT here to judge. And, we want to tell you: Your body is beautiful, just how it is, as long as you are on your journey to health.
5. "NO Pain, NO Gain"
While you might hear this phrase when you are working out with your trainer or at the local health club, generally it does NOT apply to massage - or, shouldn't. In most cases, massage does not need to hurt to be effective; especially if your massage therapist knows what he or she is doing. As LMTs, we have studied the human body's muscles and our job is to coax them into relaxation. 'Pain' is a symptom that something is wrong.
So, please - SPEAK UP and tell your massage therapist when he or she is doing something that is causing you pain or discomfort. Don't think you need to 'suck-it-up' or 'man-up' or whatever other silly phrase is currently circulating. SPEAK UP - and the sooner, the better so your therapist will know the exact area experiencing the discomfort. This will go further in helping your therapist treat your condition or issues as it will help them pin-point the underlying muscles which are inflamed and work connecting muscles towards achieving relief.
6. Please Do Not Call Us "Masseuses"
We are Massage Therapists; with years of training, education then certification, licensing, experience and legal responsibilities. The word "masseuse" really has developed a negative connotation and some massage therapists find it very offensive. It's associated with under-the-table, sketchy, 'happy ending' type of massage. And, that is NOT what we do. LMTs provide well thought out, research-based treatment plans to assist our patients return-to or maintenance-of health. Please refer to us by our hard earned titles: Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist or simply LMT.
7. Don't Be Shy About Your Butt (or Belly).
In our world, your 'bum' is a large muscle....well, actually, it is three muscles. We call your 'bum': gluteals or glutes. it is not a booty or ass and we don't see it as fat, tiny, jiggly, bony, lumpy or flat. We observe your body in a clinical sense, and if you have pain associated with your lower back, legs, hips and/or gluts, don't be shy.
The same is true with your belly. Your stomach is surrounded by a bunch of different muscles, including your diaphragm. If you are having trouble 'pooping' (yes, I said it), we actually have a technique which can assist in getting things moving again. If you are having other problems, like breathing, we have techniques which can help with that as well. We are here to help, let us know!
8. ...But, Please Do NOT Un-Drape Yourself
As Licensed Massage Therapists, we are legally required to follow draping protocals to protect you and ourselves. We only undrape the area being treated at that time, then re-drape fully, before un-draping any other areas. Please keep yourself covered. And, no, we are not interested in seeing your 'bits' (see #6 if you need clarification of what we do - and do NOT do).
9. Bodily Functions Are Normal
Most massage therapy treatments have some component or relaxation. During which your parasympathetic nervous system starts to shine, meaning the rest-and-digest functions are in gear. And, yes, that means stomach grumbling and growling, snoring, even passing gas are normal. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, that's a good sign you are relaxed. As healthcare professionals, it doesn't faze us. We don't judge, we are here to help you.
10. We Care
Yes, we rally do care if you how you feel, if you are doing better, if you do your home care. yes, it really matters what you tell us and how you are feeling. And, yes, even though we shouldn't, we worry about you when you are struggling. Your success is our success.
We hope we can make it better, that's our goal, that's why we do what we do. That's also why LMTs may refer you to other practitioners, because we truly think their training, tools, experience and knowledge could help your recovery. Because your recovery is our priority and you matter to us. And, most importantly, because we really care about you and your health.
Next time you see your Massage Therapist, keep these 10 points in mind.
Know we love what we do, helping people is the best job in the world. We truly feel just as good as you do after a rockstar treatment! we are genuinely grateful when you consider trusting us with your health, and we consider it a privilege to share that time with you!
(c) Muscular Harmony, Inc (2015)