Etiquette

Rules as a houseguest: Make your bed, help with the dishes, and bring candy.
Rules as a Massage Therapy Client: Turn off your cell phone (not on vibrate), don’t leave your clothes on the floor (hang them up or put them on the chair so the Massage Therapist does not trip on them), keep your voice down (no need to yell into the face cradle), and bring candy (just kidding).

It’s also common courtesy and a sign of a professional R.M.T. if he or she keeps conversation to a minimum and only responds to questions the client asks. It’s not that we don’t want to engage in conversation, actually it’s a lonely profession and like the elderly, we love someone to talk to! The point is that this is your massage, and every client relaxes differently. Some clients are very talkative and I am lucky to know the details from their latest vacation and where their kids are thinking of going to University. Other clients prefer to relax with no conversation after the “how do you do's.” A great Massage Therapist will respect and respond to each client's needs individually. I have heard from many clients who changed Massage Therapists because the Massage Therapist talked too much. Surprisingly, I have also heard that some clients try to engage the Massage Therapist in conversation and the Massage Therapist will tell the client not to talk, as it is better for the overall relaxing atmosphere. Seriously? Who are these Massage Therapists?

So, as a Massage Therapist, do you prefer a talkative client or an hour of complete silence to be in your own thoughts? As a client, would you prefer to engage in some conversation, or appreciate a quiet Massage Therapist?