Massage Etiquette 101

New to massage?

Unsure of what to do, how to dress? This blog post will help answer your questions! Massage therapy etiquette when visiting a clinic for the first time can create anxiety for some. Here are 8 tips that can put you at ease before your first appointment.

1. Be On Time:

Our massage appointments are scheduled for 60, 90 or 120 minutes. We ask that clients arrive a few minutes early to ensure that there is time to fill out any paperwork if necessary. Also, if you are cutting it close with your arrival time, we often find people arrive very stressed and tense. It then takes longer for you to relax. If you are late, our staff will be sure to call you to ensure you are on your way. We, unfortunately, cannot extend the missed time due to late arrivals as our therapists typically have another client following your appointment.

2. Turn Off Your Cell Phone:

You can’t relax if your phone is constantly going off. Please remember to turn your phone to silent or off before your massage begins. A ringing phone will disrupt your own session but also disrupt those in other rooms.

3. The Nudity Question:

It’s important that you are comfortable during your massage. Most people will choose to undress completely for massage. Some choose to keep their underwear on. The choice is yours. You will be covered by a sheet during your massage. Our therapists have been trained in appropriate draping techniques to ensure you are comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed during the treatment.

4. Don’t Worry About Unshaven Legs:

Women come in and apologize for unshaven legs regularly. It’s really nothing to worry about. Men typically don’t shave their legs and our therapists are quite happy to work on them. There’s really no difference.

5. Speak Up:

When you call to book your massage, our chiropractic health assistants are happy to help find a therapist to meet your needs. When booking online, you can access the bios of all of our therapists at both our Glebe and Byward locations. During the massage, please advise the therapist if you would like more or less pressure, or if you are cold, or too warm. Our therapists are more than happy to oblige your request provided it is in your best interest.

6. To Talk Or Not To Talk

Some people love to chat the whole way through their massage. Others prefer to use their massage time as a quiet time. The choice is yours. If you would prefer a quiet and peaceful massage, just let your therapist know that’s what you would prefer. They will not be offended!

7. Tipping:

At both Glebe Massage Therapy Centre and Byward Massage Therapy Centre, our therapists do not accept tips. This is because we are a healthcare facility. If you would like to compliment our therapists for a job well done, we would suggest that you refer a friend to see them or write a positive review on Google or social media.

8. Cancellation Policy:

To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let us know 12 hours ahead of time if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. If your appointment is booked the same day you call, please be aware that the cancellation policy will be in effect once your appointment is set. This is done in fairness both to clients who would otherwise have wanted the appointment as well as the Registered Massage Therapist, who is not paid if they do not perform the session. If you are late to your session you are welcome to receive whatever time is left in your appointment. Due to our tightly booked schedule, we are generally unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.

Massage therapy has many benefits such as enhancing physical and mental well-being. People suffering from certain conditions relating to muscular tension and stress tend to achieve much relief after a massage. Check out our prenatal massage blog if you want to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy.

Book your massage appointment online at CURAVITA or by calling our Byward Clinic at 613-860-8600 or our  Glebe Clinic at 613-237-9000.