How to Handle Discomfort During a Massage

Picture this scenario: You arrive for your scheduled massage and are looking forward to a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The massage starts, but then something keeps distracting you from the experience. You are too hot or cold. The pressure is a bit too much on your back. That hip injury is causing some discomfort as you lie on the table. Your acid reflux is acting up again.

There are many little and big things that can cause discomfort during a massage, but your massage therapist is equipped to handle those things and help you have a relaxing experience. Here are three simple steps to handle discomfort during a massage.

Step 1: Speak up

As your massage therapist, we always want to know if you’re feeling discomfort! Always. It’s your massage, and we want it to be the relaxing experience you expect. So, if something is causing discomfort (whether it’s you or us), please speak up immediately. Our job is to help you relax and aid your body in healing, and the best way to do that is to know how you’re feeling during the massage.

Step 2: Make adjustments

There are many things we can do to address any issues and ensure a comfortable and relaxing massage experience.

●      Temperature - We can add a blanket for our cold clients or turn up the fan for those who are too warm.

●  Pressure - We are happy to adjust the pressure of the massage or avoid a particular area that may be extra sensitive due to an injury or other issue.

●  Positioning – We can use pillows to help prop you up, support a specific area, or adjust your positioning. There may be times when lying on your side is more comfortable than lying on your back or your stomach.

●  Different massage equipment - Sometimes, a massage chair may be needed rather than a traditional table. This approach can be particularly helpful for clients with acid reflux troubles.

Step 3: Accommodate in the future

The benefits of massage magnify when clients schedule regular massage. For some, accommodations will be needed with every massage. Feel free to discuss your ongoing preferences, whether it’s always having a pillow to prop your head a bit, or beginning your massage face up instead of face down. We can save your preferences in our notes and ensure we start each massage with the accommodations you need. 

At the end of the day, it’s your massage, and we want it to be a quality experience. Don’t feel bad about speaking up if you are uncomfortable. In fact, we encourage it! With a few adjustments, we know you’ll be on your way to the rejuvenation you want.