In my short time as a massage therapist, I have observed that both the therapist and the client have distinct roles to play. Whenever these roles are interchanged or ignored, it can lead to an alteration in the dynamics of a massage session. It could possibly affect the outcome of the session and could determine the level of satisfaction for both the client and the therapist. I will split these into two parts by using the term MASSAGE SESSION.
MASSAGE: This can also be referred to as massage therapy. It involves all the things the therapist has to do to ensure that everything goes well. This is the part the therapist has control over. It involves the lighting, choice of oils, the bed setting, the fragrance of the room, and other environmental factors such as choice of music. Other responsibilities include promoting
a relationship of trust and communication free of prejudice or judgment, providing high-quality bodywork, giving the highest regard to the clients’ needs and expectations, communicating your expertise honestly, working within my scope of practice, and referring to other professionals as needed, protecting the confidentiality, privacy, and modesty of your clients at all times, and promote your client’s engagement in self-healing and wellness.
SESSION: this mostly is the responsibility of the client and it involves openness to wellness and healing and the wonderful benefits that massage therapy has to offer, promoting a relationship of trust and communication with your therapist abo
-ut goals and expectations, providing accurate and honest information and informing your therapist of any current infectious conditions, treating staff and other guests with courtesy and respect, providing at least prompt notice if an appointment is to be missed, to provide prompt payment as agreed, to never arrive at a session impaired by drugs or alcohol, to become an active participant in complete wellness of body, mind, and soul, and to routinely take time for self-care.
The one area where both client and therapist roles overlap is in the choice of which massage, they have. As a therapist, you can advise your client on which massage they should undertake based on your initial assessment. But it is left to the client to choose what they want. I will always recommend that if you encounter an issue that would require you to use a different technique different from what the client chose, in the course of the massage, communicate this with the client before switching the massage modality used.
Do not forget to enjoy your massage session. If you are interested in a massage, do well to contact me
Written by,
Obomate Tobins.
Comments