RMT Massage Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts

Burnaby Massage Therapy

For our Burnaby massage therapy clinic clients looking to book a RMT massages there are many etiquettes for do’s and don’ts when it comes to proper conduct. There are some unwritten rules that are common and some that are uncommon when it comes to a RMT massage. At our Burnaby massage clinic at Elu Wellness, we get a lot of people who might say things that aren’t quite taken as well as you might think. It’s not because we are sensitive, it’s because we get people who say things that just aren’t okay and tend to be more inappropriate than you might think.

Massage therapy is a wonderful way to relieve stress and tension from our bodies, and it has many health benefits. However, getting a massage can also be an intimate experience, and it is important to understand proper massage etiquette to ensure that both you and the massage therapist are comfortable and safe.

Here are some important massage etiquette tips to keep in mind:

Arrive on Time – The first rule of massage etiquette is to arrive on time. In fact, it’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early so that you can fill out any necessary paperwork, use the restroom, and get comfortable before your session begins. If you arrive late, your massage therapist may have to cut your session short or rush through it to accommodate their schedule, which can be frustrating for both of you. We require mostly for first time visits a signed consent form and intake form. If you do not fill this our online you will have to fill out before your massage session. This will ultimately cut into your massage time.

Communicate with Your Massage Therapist – Before your massage begins, your therapist will likely ask you about any health conditions or concerns you may have. This is your opportunity to communicate any injuries, areas of pain, or other concerns you may have. It’s important to be honest and open with your therapist so that they can tailor the massage to your specific needs. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during the massage, you should speak up and let your therapist know.

Respect the Massage Therapist’s Boundaries – Massage therapy is a professional service, and it’s important to respect your therapist’s boundaries. They are there to provide a service and are not interested in any romantic or sexual advances. At Elu Wellness we DO NOT allow any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and could result in the session ending early or being terminated altogether.

Dress Appropriately – It’s important to dress appropriately for your massage. Most people choose to undress completely, but you can also leave on your underwear or other clothing items if that makes you more comfortable. Your therapist will drape a sheet or towel over your body to ensure your privacy and only uncover the area they are working on. At Elu Wellness we have hospital gowns or shorts if you want to feel more uncomfortable.

Maintain Good Hygiene – Another important aspect of massage etiquette is maintaining good hygiene. Take a shower before your massage, and avoid wearing any strong perfumes or colognes. If you have any open wounds or contagious illnesses, it’s best to reschedule your appointment to avoid spreading germs.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone – One of the most important massage etiquette rules is to turn off your cell phone before your session. The last thing you want is for your phone to ring or vibrate during your massage and ruin the relaxing atmosphere.
Relax and Enjoy – Finally, the most important rule of massage etiquette is to relax and enjoy the experience. Let go of any stress or tension and allow yourself to fully unwind. Focus on your breathing and let your therapist work their magic.

Professional relationships can be a bit tricky, especially when you can connect so much with an individual. We want you to share what you want to share about you and your life. We also want to maintain that appropriate distance. If you have questions about massage etiquette or what not to say or do during your next massage, don’t hesitate to ask.

There are not only the protocols for working with an RMT but there are also some other massage etiquette areas that may or not be as common.

Some of these items what to say or do during your visit at our Burnaby massage clinic include:

Ask your massage therapist personal information or over filtrating with them – At Elu Wellness our RMTs are professionals who went to massage therapy school for a long time. All our RMT’s strive to retain a professional relationship and prefer a professional setting alone. Please do not ask inappropriate questions or delve too much on their personal lives like ask for phone numbers, dates or other propositions.
Excessive noises. We all know noises happen during an RMT session. Moaning when something feels good happens. Please bear in mind that there are other people in the clinic and you may ruin other peoples experience.
Comment on looks/attractiveness. Again this comes back to inappropriate behavior but again our staff are professionals in every massage. So when someone comments on how we look or other comments it can come off wrong.
Start undressing while we are still in the room – While some are comfortable with undressing please remember that you are in professional massage clinic. Again, to maintain a professional relationship please start disrobing or changing after the therapists leaves. Disrobing before the RMT leaves the room is exposing areas that may or may not convey uncomfortableness.
Touching. We touch you. Please DO NOT touch your therapist. This is a professional setting and you are definitely crossing the lines in terms of professional conduct.

In conclusion, massage therapy is a wonderful way to improve your physical and mental well-being, but it’s important to follow proper massage etiquette to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both you and your therapist. Arrive on time, communicate with your therapist, respect their boundaries, dress appropriately, maintain good hygiene, turn off your cell phone, tip your therapist, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience. By following these rules, you’ll be sure to have a positive and rejuvenating massage therapy experience.