Can someone advise me ways to handle sweat on your face while giving massages? I am still in college and I ran into this issue at my college student massage clinic. Maybe they had turned up the heat. Not sure about that. Would love to hear how others handled this if they ever encountered this.

I don't get massages often, but the last three times I have I've been EXTREMELY ticklish on the left side of my back, to the point where I'm tensing up as to not to squirm too much. Right side is totally fine, but I get so tense from left side that it seems like it's not even worth it to get a massage. Any ideas on why this happens? Anything I can do to prevent this next time? Thanks!

I’m thinking about getting a massage but I have a history of physical and sexual abuse and the thought of being naked on a table (yes, I know you go in parts/pieces) and a stranger touching/massaging me makes me nervous just thinking about it.

I know I would benefit from massages…I’m constantly tight, subconsciously clenching my muscles in response to stress, and I get migraines a lot and I think it’s because my neck is so tight.

Anyone have any ideas of ways I could possibly start? Are massage therapists typically trauma informed, or is there certain certifications therapists can do to be more trauma informed…and if so, what is it called? Is the first appointment typically like a consultation, or do you just briefly go over problem areas and then get right to work?

I am in Canada and recently had a registered massage therapy session.

I’m a female and the therapist is a male.

On our session the lights are fully on and the single cotton sheet that was placed on me was very thin and semi transparent which made me a little uncomfortable.

I was asked to remove my bra at the beginning of the session so while I’m faced down it was ok. When I was turned around , I could see my nipples were clearly visible in the bright lights and thin sheet.

It was uncomfortable and he was making comments about my tattoo.

Am I overreacting or normal practice?

Certainly not the most soothing answer. She felt like she was just saying it like it was and maybe that’s her experience with her clients.

Has anyone here had personal body pain/tension experience or massage therapist experience actually witnessed complete healing overtime? Or at least a noticeable difference like 90% sore/tension/pain free?

For the last 30 years, I’ve had many different types of bodywork - from physical therapist to chiropractors, to massage, to trigger point release, fascia, release, etc.

A lot of the release type stuff I’ve somewhat learned to do on my own.

Body, spine, hip tension is really a huge puzzle and unfortunately, many of the professionals stated above who’ve worked on my body, do not look at the overall big picture as good as they could. It’s like they’re too specialized in their specific area.

In my 50s I feel like I’ve hit the end of the road and don’t really know what to do next. It seems like my next point of interest will be gluteus and TFL. When those are tight and stiff, it spreads up my spine.

The longest uninterrupted sleep I can have is four hours, and it is partially because of the body tension pain. at least I’ve learned how to roll over onto the other side. Let the tension melt away and then I can sleep again a little more.

But a solid eight hours sleep, ? that would be a dream.

Some coworkers and I are signing up for the bubble run (we are all massage therapists) and need a "team name". Something funny and punny, my brain just doesn't want to cooperate in this creative task!

What's a good side job other than being a massage therapist that doesn't require college?

I work at a high end spa with the same, corporate approved spa music playing all day, every day. Our shifts are 8 hours hands on, ~10 hours there total. With everything going on in the world and everything I'm trying to balance in my life, I feel like I'm going crazy in those dark rooms.

I know the focus needs to be on the client, but a lot of these clients really just want to be lightly rubbed for an hour. They don't come in needing work, they come in to be pampered. As much as I try to stay focused, I end up dissociating for hours all day and it's taking a toll on my mental health.

Do you think it'd be ethical to listen to some audio books while I work? On a very low volume for communication purposes. I'm having a moral dilemma thinking about it, lol.

When I tried to massage my boyfriend's back, he complained that his back hair was being tugged when I moved my hand around, which hurt him.

What is the protocol for dealing with this? I am, of course, not a professional. Just tried to do my boyfriend a favor.

Some clients want massage and lymphatic drainage in one session.

I didn't Swedish massage first, then lymphatic drainage, then traditional massage...

Not sure if it is ok?

Have you ever done this combination and explanation?

Thanks.

I (27F) got a massage on Wednesday and focused on neck, pectorals, and back (pectoral work is newer to me). The massage itself was GREAT and despite the pectorals being tender to work on, I physically felt awesome immediately after the session and beyond. However, since I’ve had this massage I haven’t been able to stop crying. I’ve had massages before and have never had this level of emotional release afterwards. I can’t tell if this is normal or if I’m cracking up… Thank you for the support.

Today I had a client calmly and jokingly tell me that the last deep tissue massage they got left bruises. This is not normal or okay. A normal deep tissue massage should never result in bruising. If this happens to you please call the facility you got your massage at and let them know. You're safety in every way is the biggest priority to us

Hi there! What advice can you give a new massage therapist?

What resources (books, websites, courses, etc.) helped you when first starting out?

What mistakes did you make or great business moves did you make early on that you could pass on?

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Context:

I'm about to start professional training and I'm getting some practice in with the view to officially open in the next couple of months.

Would love to hear from anyone but especially from London- or UK-based practitioners.

Thanks in advance. Lots of love!

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More context:

– I'm doing more gentle massage now, the aromatherapy and gentle Swedish stuff, but I'm going to continue training in more rigorous methods as time goes by.

– I'm currently just working on friends and friends of friends for donations, and I haven't got paperwork or anything together as it's all private unpaid stuff. I've been doing one-off massages for friends all my life.

I’m a toddler massage therapist (3 years in), and I have a client asking if I could show her husband a few back techniques for him to use at home. When I was taught to do infant massage in school it was more about teaching the parents how to give their own infant a massage, is this anything like that? Wouldn’t I need a teaching certificate of some kind to do that? I can’t find a good answer online and I’m too scared to do something outside of my scope.

Hiii I’ve been working on my business and I’m finding it hard to get things off the ground. I was wondering if any one has experience in massage memberships? Pros/cons? How did you structure them? Any other tips for a new business owner? 😁

Thank you in advance for your input 🫶🏼

Hey guys. I'm not too active on this sub but so far I haven't seen too many posts about self care for pregnant massos and how your practice changes during the 9 months. I'd like to read tips, tricks and experiences about this topic.

Hello! My boyfriend booked me an appointment for a cupping massage and just before getting a coffee he found online that I shouldn’t have caffeine before or after. This kind of bothered me because I drink coffee everyday and you know how that is- we were making a day trip out of it so we woke up really early and have an hour drive. Does it really make that much of a difference to drink coffee or not? Online it doesn’t go into detail it just says it isn’t as effective and I don’t understand why or how. I also just quit smoking this month so I’m all over the place- might sound annoying but yeah 😭. Thanks for any advice.

I’ve (M) received many many massages over my life including local independent places and five star resorts at Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria. In all these times I’m usually instructed to strip down to my level of comfort; I usually go nude.

I recently got a deep tissue massage at a new spa close to my work and the therapist (F) instructed me to strip down to my underwear. After discussing what I was looking for I asked her again about underwear to make sure I heard he correctly. She confirmed.

The massage was fine but I find the instructions unusual given what I experienced in the past. It actually makes me feel like she felt uncomfortable with me which makes feel a little less satisfied about the spa experience.

Any ideas why this would be about?

Long story short I’m at the point where I’m under water in debt from a slurry of happenings over the last 5 years that I’ve been unable to recover from (waiting for licensing, covid not allowing me to work as an rmt, being forced to move due to landlord selling, getting super sick with my first pregnancy etc) I’m trying to find a way to fix this without having to file for bankruptcy and I’ve come across the option of having a consumer proposal.

Will filing a proposal affect my rmt license?

Don't mean anything sexist, but is there a difference in the massage received when it comes to needing strong hands to really get into muscle fibers?

Note: I've never had a massage before so am curious. Wondering because I've had a male and female physio before to help with shoulder/neck pain from muscle problems around the shoulder blade. The lady didn't seem to be able to do anything effective manually and it took time with the stretches/exercises she prescribed. The man did some manual manipulation (massage?) and was really able to get his hands/elbow deep to free up the tension.

Edit: Thanks for the replies everyone! I should just not worry about it being a guy or gal and just get one I guess!

Hi fam. I’ve been a client at massage envy forever but I’m starting to get really effing frustrated because I’ve had 4 appts scheduled with my massage therapist over the last two months and she’s canceled 3 of them. It’s also impossible to get scheduled with anyone else because everyone books up so quickly or I’d have to take time off work.

At what point do I just admit defeat and bail? I’m so tired of looking forward to my session only to get a last minute cancelation the night before. (This has literally happened the last three times I’m not exaggerating) and, even with freezing my account, I feel like I’m just hemorrhaging money.

Hi all, I’m looking for advice and guidance (and maybe just reassurance about something that’s making me feel very sad and scared for somebody I love).

My mom and I used to see the same massage therapist whom we both love, but she was pretty overbooked for a while and she referred my mom and I out to somebody else in the area. I went to the new therapist and she was fine, if a bit intense as far as pressure and stretching went. I only went once.

My mom went to the new person as well, and while the massage therapist was working on her she felt intense, sharp, radiating pain when the massage therapist pressed (grabbed? Not entirely sure on the details here) the side of her neck, in the soft spot right behind her jaw/under her ear. My mom said it was sore for several days afterwards, and she never went back to that practitioner.

Over the next few weeks, she started having consistent, recurring issues with TMJ on the side of her jaw where the pain was. This has been ongoing and worsening for several years apparently. I saw her recently, and she said that it’s gotten bad enough that she cannot physically close her jaw all the way. Like her teeth don’t touch at all. She showed me. It’s terrifying. She says she hasn’t found any solutions and her dentist isn’t any help.

I don’t know what to do. I’m so sad and scared for her that she’s living with so much pain and disability, and I can tell she feels awful that she never documented/said anything to the massage therapist at the time, so there’s likely no recourse. She says the only “practitioners” who seem to be offering treatment for something like this don’t take insurance, cost 50k, and break your jaw in multiple places, and she feels like they aren’t legitimate doctors.

I’m really, really hoping somebody has anything to say that could be helpful, whether it’s advice on if there’s any recourse with the massage therapist, or a doctor/medical speciality that would be worth looking into. I love my mom so much and I don’t want to see her suffer, especially all because of something that should have been therapeutic and relaxing.

Thank you all for reading.

When my bf massages my foot on my inner arch, it is super painful but also feels amazing? Like I am squirming, is there some issue going on with my foot? I don't not stand for long periods, my work and life are pretty sedatary. Also when he massages that part it makes the inner arch of my other foot feel like it's a cold burning sensation and feels so tense even if it wasn't touched. Really confused what is going on with my foot/feet during these messages.

He has started making Shameless jokes when he rubs my feet now 😂

Hello I'm in the UK and I'm trying to find an accredited course to start becoming a sports massage therapist. Problem is I can't find who actually accredits courses, alot of places claim to be accredited by the CNHC however the CNHC don't accredit courses. I'm at a loss, how am I supposed to find a good course when I don't know who's accredited? Thanks

I (26 F) got a Thai combination massage on Monday for the first time in years. I was fully on my front with my back being massaged, especially my neck and shoulders. I have some random bruises around my body now from it, mainly on my arms and legs, which does not surprise or concern me since I am someone who bruises rather easily and sometimes randomly. However, my breasts have felt more tender lately (unusual for me) and both today and yesterday morning I have woken up early from chest pains. Is this from the pressure that was put on my chest during the massage? How can I make this go away? How do I check to make sure it’s not anything more? Yesterday when I first felt this, the chest pain went away once I got up. I am concerned because it is back today after I have been laying horizontal; do I maybe have lactic acid or something trapped in my chest? Thank you for any help and advice. I also struggle with anxiety, though chest pain is not a symptom I ever have, so this is making me very nervous and my mind is going to the worst case scenario. I appreciate any and all insight.

What is the process for a remedial therapist to provide NDIS treatment in Australia?

I'm actually a student in massage therapy and whenever a classmate goes super deep over the adhesions/knots along the medial border of my scapula I get waves of absolute euphoria!! But other people in my class say that it hurts them to massage their knots. What is it about the knots in that area that makes them feel so good (for me) to get absolutely destroyed?

The title kind of covers it but I'm just trying to get some feedback on what is going wrong with massages I've gotten in the past. I would think I'm pretty close to the ideal customer; I schedule longer sessions to avoid any need to rush, tip pretty fabulously, am generally healthy and able to endure pretty much anything a MT wants to do, am able to point out specific spots (ankles/feet from old injuries, low back, and shoulders/upper back) that are troublesome as well as areas that are very comfortable and relaxing even with just light touch (scalp, arms, calves) etc.

That's not to say I'm directing anyone, but I'm able to tell them anything they need and am well in tune with my body.

But...

I've gotten maybe a half dozen massages at 4 different places and not a single one has left me feeling refreshed or physically relieved, or really had any positive effects at all that lasted longer than the time it took to get to the door. I never feel sore that day or the next, I never feel like I'm less tense, and while the mental break is nice I could get that from a lot cheaper endeavors.

So.. what am I doing wrong? Is it me? Are my expectations too high? I've tried reserving the deepest massage from the strongest people they had and while yeah I guess they pressed harder it mostly just felt like they were trying to bruise me more than anything haha.

Thoughts?

Hi. I recently applied to a massage envy. The interview went well and I did my first massage in a little over 4 months, but it's like riding a bike. I did have some lower back pain, but that's because my posture was off and also I haven't given a massage in months.

I'm fresh out of school, just got my certificate a week ago, idk why it took nearly 4 months to get...lol

Uhm I guess I'm wondering. How working at massage envy is? I asked for $27 an hour and the lady is going to get back to me in the next couple days, she said she is approved to go up to $25, but will request the $27 from her manager.

My school offered me a job and now I'm realizing I was foolish to pass it up, once my lease is over I'll likely go work for them. They pay 45/55 split I believe. Essentially the market as $38 an hour, but that's for deep tissue and then everything else is dependent on the modality or additions. Looking over their contract today, I realized it was a good offer. Essentially making $60-$70 an hour with tips.

Idk I've also been skeptical of working in massage therapy. I'm a 33 year old male, who only ever got a massage for the first time while in school. 😅 Change can be frightening, something lead me to this path, but it's an uncertain road. I know to be super successful I'd want my own business or practice on the side. A place that does 50/50 splits isn't bad either.... I worry about the longevity and financial instability of doing this type of work. Do I just give it 5 years and within 5 years if I don't like it become a manager? Lol

Thoughts, opinions, tips and tricks, I'm open to everything as a brand new LMT.

What are some things I can do that might help attract clients? I have recently started a new job at a spa and wellness center after leaving a chiropractors office. Many of my clients had planned to follow me but haven’t. The prices at my current place of employment are quite a bit steeper compared to my previous location. So I feel like I’m starting over in building clientele. Any tips and tricks I would so appreciate. I am only working Tuesday Wednesday Thursday right now.. there are other therapists working weekends that have built up clients and are now working on Tuesdays with bookings already. Feeling discouraged- trying to stay positive.