What Your Massage Therapist Needs to Know Before Your Appointment
- Nicci B
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Booking a massage isn’t just about securing a time slot - it’s about starting a personalised wellness journey. To ensure you receive the most effective and therapeutic experience, there are essential details your therapist needs prior to your session. Sharing this information in advance helps tailor the treatment to your unique needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and optimal results.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, stress reduction, post-operative support, or general relaxation, communication is key. Here’s what you should consider when booking your appointment with a qualified massage therapist.
1. Share Your Health History and Medical Conditions
A responsible therapist will always request a detailed intake form or consultation before your session. This isn’t red tape—it’s a necessary step to customise your treatment and avoid complications.
Please disclose:
Chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, or sciatica
Circulatory issues including high blood pressure or a history of thrombosis
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or recent rashes
Past surgeries or injuries, especially within the last 12 months
Pregnancy or postpartum status
Autoimmune conditions or cancer history
Even minor details (like taking blood thinners or recently starting a new medication) can influence the approach we take—particularly the pressure used and the techniques applied.
Why this matters: According to industry guidelines followed by leading massage professionals in Ireland and globally, failing to disclose health conditions can result in ineffective—or potentially harmful—treatment. Reputable practices like Urban Massage, Zevo Health, and Therapy Academy stress client education and informed consent as critical to safety and outcome.
2. Clarify the Purpose of Your Massage
Massage therapy can serve a wide range of purposes—from relaxation and stress relief to targeted pain management and injury recovery. Clearly stating your primary goal helps your therapist prepare the right techniques and tools for the session.
Common client intentions include:
Relaxation and nervous system regulation
Sports recovery or injury rehabilitation
Postural alignment
Relief from muscular tension or knots
Lymphatic drainage and detoxification
Emotional release or trauma support
Tip: If you’re unsure what your body needs, that’s okay. A skilled therapist will assess your posture, muscle tone, and breathing to guide you.
3. Note Preferences and Sensitivities
To create a truly supportive and nurturing space, it’s helpful to share preferences that might enhance or interfere with your comfort.
Please let your therapist know:
Preferred pressure level (light, medium, deep)
Areas you’d like to focus on or avoid (e.g., feet, stomach, neck)
Allergies or skin sensitivities (to oils, balms, or scents)
Sensitivity to temperature, lighting, or music
Any mobility challenges or limitations in getting on/off the table
This ensures you’re not just safe, but also fully relaxed and supported during your session.
4. Timing: Plan for Pre- and Post-Massage Care
It’s important not to book your massage during a stressful, rushed part of your day. Ideally, you should:
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork or decompress
Avoid eating a heavy meal within an hour of your appointment
Plan a buffer post-session to rest, hydrate, and allow the benefits to integrate
Post-Massage Tip: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and give your body time to recalibrate. Your therapist may also offer aftercare guidance specific to your session type.
5. Communication Is Key—Before, During, and After
Your therapist is a trained professional, but they aren’t a mind reader. Speak up if:
You feel uncomfortable with a technique or level of pressure
You experience pain (beyond therapeutic intensity)
You become too cold or too warm
You’d prefer silence or soothing conversation
Also, feel free to ask questions. A good therapist will be happy to explain techniques, share self-care tips, and guide you in building a consistent wellness routine.
Booking Tips: What to Consider When Choosing a Therapist
Not all massage providers are created equal. When choosing where to book, consider:
Qualifications and certifications (especially if you need lymphatic, sports, or remedial massage)
Client reviews and professional recommendations
Cleanliness and professionalism of the treatment space
Range of services offered and whether they match your needs
Continuity of care—does your therapist create a wellness plan or is it a one-off?
Nicci B Wellness offers a warm, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach, combining multiple techniques with extensive knowledge in energy healing, lymph drainage, and remedial therapies. Our goal is not just to help you feel better - but to support your long-term wellbeing.
Ready to Book?
Take the first step by sharing your intentions and health needs clearly. The more we know about you, the better we can care for you. Massage is more than a luxury - it’s a vital part of self-care and healing.
🌿 Book your massage with Nicci B Wellness today and experience the difference that thoughtful, therapeutic touch can make.
Comments