How to Talk to Your Massage Therapist: Pressure, Areas to Avoid and Health History

Why Speaking Up Is Part of the Service

In Ontario, Canada, the regulator CMTO tells patients they have the right to ask questions or raise concerns, to decide how much clothing to remove and what body parts get worked on, and to choose the amount of pressure that is comfortable. [3] It adds that you should always feel empowered to ask questions and raise concerns before, during or after treatment. [3] These are one regulator's published patient rights. Speaking up is still reasonable anywhere you book.

Therapists are also expected to listen. The CMTO consent standard requires therapists to monitor the patient throughout treatment and, when appropriate, check consent again. [4] That does not mean you should wait to be asked.

Health History and Intake Forms

You will usually be asked about your health before the first session. CMTO tells patients that it is important to share this information and be honest, because the therapist needs to know about any conditions and medications so they understand how these may affect treatment. [3] It adds that this information is confidential and cannot be shared without your consent. [3]

Things worth mentioning, which our safety pages explain with sources, include:

• blood clots or a clot history, blood thinners or bleeding problems (blood thinners)
• cancer or cancer treatment (cancer)
• fragile bones (osteoporosis)
• skin conditions, wounds or infections (skin)
• pregnancy, recent surgery or injury, heart conditions, numbness or reduced feeling

NCCIH notes that therapists may need to modify their usual techniques with people who have cancer, for example using less pressure than usual in areas sensitive because of cancer or its treatment. [2] NCCIH also suggests telling all your health care providers about the complementary approaches you use, so care is coordinated. [5] The longer list is on preparing for a massage.

Talking About Pressure

Pressure words mean different things to different people, so use plain feedback during the session. You might say "lighter", "firmer", "that spot is tender, please go gently" or "that is enough there". Pressure is your choice. [3] Pushing through pain is not something we recommend. If something hurts in a sharp or alarming way, ask the therapist to stop. Our pressure levels guide describes light, medium and firm in more detail.

Areas to Avoid

You can name areas you do not want touched, such as an injury, a skin problem, a ticklish spot, or any area you simply prefer left alone. In the Ontario standard, the therapist should explain which part of the body they intend to treat and ask whether touch should be on skin or through a cloth barrier. [6] You can say no to any of it. If the therapist proposes something you did not expect, you may ask what it is and why before agreeing.

If You Have Used Alcohol or Cannabis

The CMTO consent standard says therapists should use professional judgement about whether a patient who has used an impairing substance, such as cannabis or alcohol, can understand the benefits and risks, and notes that perception of pain or pressure could be affected. [4] Avoid arriving impaired, since pain and pressure may feel different.

Signals to Stop or Change

Say "stop" for any of these:

• sharp pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• dizziness or feeling faint
• chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911 in the US)
• feeling unsafe, or touch you did not agree to

CMTO tells patients they can stop treatment or request changes at any time, for any reason, and can withdraw consent during treatment. [3] Our warning signs checklist goes further.

Questions Before You Start

NCCIH suggests asking about the therapist's training, experience and credentials, the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost and insurance coverage. [2] See how to choose a qualified massage therapist.