Massage therapy is a wonderful way to unwind and relax. It can help you deal with stress, anxiety, and pain. And it can even help your body recover from injury or illness.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a massage, congratulations! You’re going to love it. But before you do, there are some things that you should know about what not to say or do with your massage therapist.

Massage therapists are trained professionals who frequently spend years perfecting their skill, but they are also people like you and me who experience emotions. In order for them to provide you with the best experience possible, it is crucial that you approach them with deference and consideration as their customer.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what NOT to say or do with your massage therapist.

1) ASK YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST TO GO SEE A MOVIE / COME TO YOUR HOUSE / ETC.

One of the most important things to remember when you’re working with a massage therapist is that they’re not your therapist. They are not your doctor. They are not your friend—at least, not in the way you might think.

A massage therapist’s job is to offer massages to clients. They don’t care about your ex’s infidelity, how much you spent on this blouse, or why it didn’t fit properly. They don’t want to go to a movie with you or be asked over to watch Netflix with you and your dog. A massage therapist expects to be handled with respect and professionalism, just like any other professional.

Your massage therapist will probably ask some questions about what’s going on in your life, but this is generally because they need context for what kind of massage treatment would be best for you. If you tell them about how much stress you’ve been under lately, for example, they’ll know that deep tissue work might not be the best choice for what you need right now—maybe try out some relaxation techniques instead!

2) DON’T MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISES IN MASSAGE ROOM

If you want to make sure that your next massage is as relaxing as possible, there are a few things you can do to help the situation. First and foremost: don’t make excessive noises in the room. Even if you’re having a fantastic massage and can’t quite believe how great it feels, it’s important to keep your vocalizations to a minimum—you don’t want to distract your therapist from what they’re doing!

Additionally, you must be aware that you are not the only client in the space and that creating loud noises can be very upsetting to others. Try to keep your volume down if you’re having a good time so you don’t annoy other customers!

Also, excessive noise can be interpreted as a sign of impatience or frustration. If you’re not enjoying your massage, it’s important to communicate this to the therapist in a calm and respectful manner.

3) COMMENT ON OUR LOOKS/ATTRACTIVENESS

Finding your massage therapist attractive is common, and remarking on their appearance is also acceptable. However, it’s crucial to consider how the individual you’re making these remarks about will take them. Your massage therapist won’t likely like being treated like a sexual object because they are an expert. They should be treated with the same respect that you would accord to any other expert because they are there to provide a service. (such as a doctor or lawyer). It’s best to praise someone’s appearance in a respectful manner that doesn’t make them feel awkward or ashamed.

4) POKE YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE ROOM TO LET US KNOW YOU’RE READY

You’ve scheduled your massage appointment, making sure you know where the studio is located and arrive on time. Now what? Your massage therapist may be ready for you to come in immediately, or they may need a few minutes to prepare for your session. It’s important that you accept their need for privacy and respect their time. They, too, are humans with basic needs, and they may need to use the restroom or make a quick phone call before your session begins. If you’re ready to go in immediately, let the receptionist know that!

5) Start Undressing While We Are Still in the Room

When your massage therapist goes to get their supplies, this is the perfect opportunity for you to start removing your clothes. This will let them know that you’re ready and give them time to prepare the room before they come back out. This also helps eliminate that sense of discomfort or awkwardness that sometimes accompanies the first meeting of a massage therapist and their client. The more at ease they are, the better your experience will be!

6) DON’T TOUCH US

Not touching the massage practitioner is arguably the most significant massage etiquette guideline. The massage therapist is in charge because massage is a sacred craft. It’s just a natural part of the process that you aren’t permitted to touch them. Touching them could be seen as sexual abuse, which is not what massage is intended to be. Because it’s such a unique experience that calls for total trust between the two parties, it’s crucial to adhere to the conventions of etiquette.

Related Article: What Percent Do You Tip Your Massage Therapist?