What Questions Should I Ask My Massage Therapist?
 

How often should I have a massage? 
 

We recommend a minimum of one massage every two weeks, but we know that some people have more pain or need benefits than others. If you are seeing therapists once a week, please be sure to allow enough time in between sessions so you can recover from your last appointment.
 

How will my massage help me?
 

Oftentimes, questions regarding the purpose of treatment can be answered by educating yourself on what a massage is and how it works. We have found the most success using science-based approaches such as neuromuscular therapy (which looks at muscles and nerves) or structural integration (Rolfing). Keep in mind that there are many differing opinions when it comes to questions like this- you choose which approach best suits your needs.
 

What type of pressure do you use on me?
 

Decide if you prefer deep tissue massage or neuromuscular therapy- both approaches are different, but each have their place in treating an individual's needs. For questions regarding preference, consider questions 1 & 2 (above) and knowing which type of approach to use for your specific condition. If you're still undecided after time spent with your therapist, one of them will likely recommend a book or handout on techniques they feel would best treat your condition- this is another great question to ask.
 

Do you offer aromatherapy or hot stones during my session?  
 

This is a great question to ask whether you want these additions or not. Many times we take for granted that the service will include things like aromatherapy and hot stones- but it's always best to double-check, especially if you are paying a high price for your massage therapy session. 
 

Do you offer any other types of services that may benefit me like cupping or acupuncture?
 

 Many people are aware that massage therapy is often paired with other treatments, but questions like these help you determine what other possibilities there may be. Sometimes they will recommend a service such as cupping or acupuncture in addition to your routine massage- don't be afraid to ask questions about how it differs from your massages and which would be most beneficial for you.
 

What should I wear during my massage? 
 

There is no hard-and-fast rule for this question, but there are things to consider when choosing an outfit. If you plan on getting a deep tissue massage or need to be stretched extensively, wearing clothing that allows for ease of movement and mobility is best. After your appointment, many therapists recommend loose clothing that allows for optimal recovery (i.e.- pajamas). Be sure to ask questions about what the therapist prefers instead of just taking off your clothes without asking first!
 

What's the difference between Swedish versus deep tissue?
 

This question is similar to questions previously asked, but it's important to get the whole picture.  As mentioned earlier, Swedish massage therapy and deep tissue techniques are quite different in practice. One involves long strokes, while the other uses short strokes that often require more pressure. It may be a good idea to have both types of massages if you want one or don't know which approach will benefit you most.
 

How much time should I expect my appointment to last?
 

Some therapists prefer a shorter session (1 hour), but others like longer appointments (90 minutes). If your therapist offers multiple sessions at an extremely low cost per session (i.e.- $20/hr), he/she may have a lot of appointments scheduled consecutively, which can make it difficult to schedule appointments with them. It may be a good idea to ask questions about how much time is allotted per appointment so that you can decide if the amount of treatment will be enough for your needs or whether additional sessions would be beneficial- questions like these help clarify questions later on.
 

What should I do after my massage? Will I need to take any medication?  
 

Questions like this are important to discuss before starting a new regimen (i.e.- daily stretching exercises after receiving massages). Your therapist will likely give you follow-up advice that includes information on following up with stretches at home and other post-treatment habits that you'll want to consider.
 

Do you have any questions for me?
 

This is a great question to ask at the end of your session because it will allow you to gauge if your questions were answered or if there are questions that still need answers. If the therapist seems confused by something you've asked, be sure to clarify- questions like these also help you better understand how much time was spent on each individual issue and what problems, in particular, they discussed during your appointment.
 

Leading questions such as "How long until I see results?" may seem easy to respond to but can be difficult for some therapists since everyone's treatment plan is unique. It's always best to ask questions about specific aspects of your condition rather than broad generalizations- this helps lead both parties toward finding the questions that are most pertinent to your case.
 

We're all trying to get the most out of our time at the massage therapist, but it can be hard when you don't know what questions to ask. Just because we've been going for years doesn't mean that there's no something new in store! Check out these ten great questions and see if they'll help with your next visit. If you have any other thoughts or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below.