The Perfect Massage

The Perfect Massage

The Perfect Massage

Having the perfect massage experience goes well beyond booking the best therapist at the hottest spa. There are a number of things you, as a potential client, can do to ensure that your session is the experience that you seek.

The best massage sessions are a combination of the energies of both therapist and client as active listeners and receivers. Communication is critical for your first, and indeed, for all therapy sessions. Based on almost 20 years in the massage therapy business at Sanctuary on 2nd, here are a few recommendations we found that help to insure the most positive experience for you before, during , and after your massage:

  • The best way to find a therapist is to listen to what others are saying whether in person or online. Word of mouth recommendations, actual and virtual, allow you to select a therapist that best aligns with your needs based on what others are saying so pay attention to the details.
  • Besides the online buzz, check out the therapist’s website or other internet footprints. This will give you a better feel for their personality, philosophies, education, and business practices. Feel free to call the therapist with other questions you may have about your specific goals and needs. Most good therapists will be more than happy to chat about their history and strengths as well as their experience working with specific issues without an appointment commitment. We delight in these calls at Sanctuary on 2nd. After all, we want to make sure we’re a good fit just as much as you do.
  • Give yourself enough time for the actual session. We book our sessions with at least a ½ hour between so we can give you just that—time. At Sanctuary on 2nd, we find our best work is when we are able to confer with our clients about what their session goals are and how we can best address them. Our priority is for a relaxed and effective session with enough time to prepare and optimal time on the massage table. For most people, massage doesn’t come along every day so make yourself a priority and give yourself enough time to do it right.
  • Don’t be afraid to speak up. The best sessions are those where there is a great rapport between therapist and client. Granted, this deepens with time but effective communication can be established from the outset. As massage therapists, it is our responsibility to put you at ease by answering your questions and providing a safe and comfortable environment. We’re pretty good at anticipating a client’s needs but we may not be an expert on you so never hesitate to speak up. The only successful session is the one that leaves you happy so your feedback is invaluable. Without ruining your relaxation experience, it is important that you let us know your preferences: room temperature, lighting, music as well as massage styles (from deep to energetic) and areas sensitive to touch. So request more head work, no oil on your face, to keep your socks on, softer music–but do it in the moment when we can address it. We’d rather your input now than regrets later.
  • Provide feedback after the session is complete. Most massage therapists keep treatment notes so your input about what worked well for you vs. what may not have will do nothing but make your next session that much better. This is also the time for your therapist to debrief with you about their findings/thoughts on your session, what effects you may anticipate, and possible treatment goals for a future session.

Seeing folks in a state of after-massage bliss is one of our favorite moments at Sanctuary. With a bit of preparation and a little participation, it’s easy to achieve the perfect massage.

Sally Bingham, NCTMB

Sanctuary on 2nd

Sanctuaryon2nd.com

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