Hygiene

One of the most common concerns I hear from massage therapists, including myself, is personal hygiene.

Massage therapy involves close, hands on contact with the skin. Good personal hygiene is therefore important not only for the comfort of your therapist, but also for maintaining clean linens, equipment, and a professional treatment environment.

You do not need to arrive at your appointment smelling like a luxury spa. You simply need to arrive clean and reasonably prepared for close contact.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Hair Products

If you are receiving a scalp massage, please avoid heavy amounts of gel, pomade, hairspray, or other styling products immediately before your appointment.

Massage oil and hair products do not always mix well. When combined, they can create a sticky residue that transfers onto the therapist's hands and potentially onto other areas of your body.

If you know your massage will include significant scalp or head work, freshly washed hair with minimal styling product is ideal.

Spray Tan

A spray tan is not necessary for a massage, and freshly applied tanning products can create some challenges.

Massage lotion, oil, or gel can cause tanning products to smear, particularly when there is prolonged contact and friction. The product can also transfer onto massage linens and potentially stain the therapist's clothing.

If you have recently applied a self tanner or received a spray tan, consider allowing it to fully develop and showering according to the product's instructions before your massage.

Excessive Sweating

If you experience hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, particularly of the hands and feet, please let your massage therapist know.

There are simple ways your therapist can make the session more comfortable. A small towel can be provided, or certain areas can be uncovered temporarily to allow the skin to dry.

Excessive perspiration combined with massage oil or lotion can make the skin extremely slippery, which can affect the therapist's ability to maintain appropriate contact and control.

There is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed about excessive sweating. Just let your therapist know so they can work with you.

If you prefer to keep your socks on because of sweating or another personal concern, simply communicate that preference.

Feet

Your massage therapist may spend considerable time working on your feet, so please give them some attention before your appointment.

A quick rinse is not necessarily the same thing as thoroughly washing your feet. Feet accumulate sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris throughout the day, even when enclosed in shoes.

Please wash your feet thoroughly before your massage and, if possible, wear clean shoes and socks.

Your therapist may not tell you that your feet have an odor. Instead, they may adapt their technique by keeping your feet covered with the sheet or using a different massage medium.

If your therapist suddenly changes how they work on your feet, there may be a very practical reason.

Good foot hygiene is beneficial for you as well. Regular washing can help reduce unpleasant odors and maintain healthy skin.

Your Back and Sunscreen

The back can be another surprisingly difficult area to keep clean because many people cannot easily reach it.

Some people rely on the water and soap running down their backs while washing their hair, assuming that is sufficient. Others simply cannot comfortably reach the entire area.

This can become noticeable during a massage, particularly when sunscreen, body products, sweat, and accumulated skin oils have built up on the skin.

I have occasionally applied massage oil to a client's back only to discover that old sunscreen or product residue begins rolling and collecting underneath my hands.

It can feel a little like trying to remove dried glue from your fingers. The massage medium does not necessarily remove the residue. Instead, it can cause the buildup to move around with the therapist's hands.

A thorough shower before your massage, particularly after spending time outdoors, can make a significant difference.

Exfoliation and Skin Buildup

Some clients also have significant amounts of accumulated dead skin or keratin buildup on the back.

When massage begins, friction can cause small keratin plugs or pieces of hardened skin to loosen from the surface. This is not the massage oil, lotion, or gel. It is material that was already present on or in the skin.

A gentle exfoliation during your normal bathing routine can help remove excess dead skin and keratin plugs and keep the skin's surface smoother.

You do not need to scrub yourself aggressively. In fact, excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin. Regular washing and gentle skin care are generally sufficient.

Full Makeup

I understand that some people do not feel comfortable leaving the house without makeup. Makeup can be an important part of someone's routine and confidence.

However, if you are coming in for a massage that includes facial, scalp, neck, or shoulder work, full makeup is usually unnecessary and can create a mess for both you and the treatment room.

During a typical massage, you may spend 30 minutes or more face down with your face resting directly in a face cradle. Your therapist may also move your head and neck, which causes your face to shift against the face cradle cover.

Foundation, mascara, lipstick, eyebrow products, and other cosmetics can transfer onto the cover.

Most spas use washable face cradle covers rather than disposable paper covers. Makeup stains can therefore become a laundry issue, and some products can be surprisingly difficult to remove completely.

If you are comfortable doing so, arriving with a clean face is ideal, particularly when facial or scalp work is part of your treatment.

And remember: you are coming to a massage, not a photo shoot.

Your therapist is much more interested in helping you relax than in whether your mascara is perfect.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Personal hygiene before a massage is not about judgment or expecting perfection. It is about mutual comfort, professionalism, and respect.

Take a shower, wash your feet, remove excessive hair products, give your back a good cleaning, and consider skipping heavy makeup if your face will be in the face cradle.

Your massage therapist will appreciate it, your linens will appreciate it, and your massage will be a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Masseuse, Masseur, Massage Therapist

TThe professional term for someone who has received formal training in massage therapy is Massage Therapist.

I see countless online reviews that refer to the practitioner as a “masseuse,” even when the therapist is a man. While the word may seem harmless to someone unfamiliar with the profession, there is a long history behind the preference for the term Massage Therapist.

Masseuse, Masseur, and Massage Therapist

Historically, masseuse referred to a woman who performed massage, while masseur referred to a man. The terms were used in various countries and contexts, and they are still used in some places outside the United States.

In the United States, however, Massage Therapist has become the preferred professional designation for someone who has completed formal education and training in massage therapy and meets the applicable licensing, registration, or certification requirements of their jurisdiction.

The distinction is important because massage therapy has evolved considerably as a profession.

Unfortunately, the words masseuse and masseur also acquired associations with commercial sex and illicit massage establishments. Because of that history, many professional massage therapists strongly dislike being referred to by those terms.

It is not necessarily that someone using the word intends to be disrespectful. Often, they simply grew up hearing it and have never been taught the difference.

But when someone has invested hundreds or even thousands of hours in professional education, passed examinations, completed continuing education, maintained professional credentials, and built a career in legitimate massage therapy, Massage Therapist is the title they earned.

I Have Watched the Profession Change

I have been practicing massage therapy since 1998, so I have personally watched the profession change considerably.

When I was younger, massage therapy in Southern California was regulated very differently from today. Depending on the city, people who wanted to work in massage could be subject to local permits, background checks, fingerprinting, examinations, health requirements, and other municipal regulations.

The profession was also frequently associated with the adult entertainment industry. Massage advertisements could appear alongside sexually oriented advertisements, creating an unfortunate association between legitimate therapeutic massage and prostitution.

This created a difficult environment for people who were trying to establish massage therapy as a legitimate profession.

I remember the stories and experiences from those years, when legitimate massage therapists had to work hard to distinguish themselves from establishments operating under the guise of massage businesses.

Over time, massage therapists and professional organizations advocated for greater education, professional standards, and regulation. Educational requirements increased, professional examinations became more common, and national credentialing developed.

In California, the creation of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) was a particularly important development. CAMTC certification established a statewide credentialing system that helped qualified massage professionals demonstrate that they had met defined educational and background requirements.

That was a major change from a system in which requirements could vary substantially from one city to another.

From “Massage Technician” to Massage Therapist

At various points, massage professionals were also referred to by titles such as Massage Technician on local permits and documents.

The terminology matters because professional language reflects how an occupation is understood by the public.

Massage therapy is a profession that requires education in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, ethics, professional boundaries, contraindications, and hands on techniques. A qualified therapist is expected to understand when massage is appropriate, when it should be modified, and when a client should be referred to another health care professional.

That is a very different concept from simply being someone who happens to have “good hands.”

Please Retire “Massage Parlor”

There is another term I wish people would retire along with masseuse and masseur:

Massage parlor.

The phrase carries many of the same historical associations with illicit massage businesses.

Today, legitimate massage businesses are more commonly described as spas, massage studios, wellness centers, clinics, boutiques, or massage practices, depending on the type of establishment.

What About the Word “Spa”?

The word spa can sometimes confuse people because many associate it with Jacuzzis, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and elaborate facilities.

Those amenities may certainly be part of a spa, but they are not required for a business to use the word.

The concept of the spa has historical connections to bathing, hydrotherapy, relaxation, and wellness. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, developed extensive bathing traditions, and various cultures throughout history have incorporated bathing, massage, oils, fragrances, and other forms of personal care into their wellness practices.

Modern spas have evolved from these traditions into a broad industry that may include massage therapy, skin care, hydrotherapy, sauna and steam facilities, beauty services, and other forms of relaxation and wellness.

A massage studio does not need to have a Jacuzzi to provide a professional spa experience.

And no, the absence of a hot tub does not mean the establishment suddenly becomes a massage parlor.

Please don't call it that.

Words Matter

I understand that most people who use the words masseuse, masseur, or massage parlor are not trying to offend anyone. They may simply be using terminology they have heard their entire lives.

But language evolves.

The massage profession has worked for decades to establish itself as a legitimate field requiring education, professional standards, ethical conduct, and appropriate regulation. Using the terminology associated with that professional standard helps reinforce the distinction.

So, the next time you leave a review, instead of writing:

“My masseuse was wonderful at the massage parlor.”

Try:

“My Massage Therapist provided an excellent massage at the spa.”

Your therapist will probably appreciate it.

A Massage Therapist earned that title.

Revolutionize your vocabulary.

Celebrity Massage Therapist

One question I’m often asked is, “Have you ever massaged a famous person?”

Yes, I have.

Celebrities are, in many ways, just regular people with very unusual jobs. They arrive wearing ordinary clothes, speak normally, and look much like anyone else. Well, almost anyone else. I have to admit, one of them was phenomenally handsome. He was wearing a guest robe, and he looked exactly as he does on television and in magazines, right down to the perfectly groomed hair and brows and beautiful skin. I have even had the opportunity to provide massage therapy in the homes of some of my celebrity clients.

Of course, the next question is always, “Who?”

Wouldn’t you like to know?

Only my closest friends and family get the details. I believe strongly in maintaining my clients’ privacy, and that is especially important when working with public figures. Celebrities have to be particularly careful about whom they allow into their personal space because of their visibility, finances, professional connections, and public status.

I will simply say that, throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with A-list and B-list celebrities from a wide variety of professions, including professional baseball players, both active and retired; poets; UFC fighters; authors; stand-up comedians; professional surfers; professional skateboarders; singer-songwriters; producers; film actors; choreographers; commercial actors; and news anchors.

I have been a massage therapist in Southern California since 1998 and have worked in clinics, spas, high-end hotels, and private practice. Over the years, my career has brought me into contact with people from all walks of life, including some whose faces are instantly recognizable.

I do not ask celebrities for photographs or autographs, and I don't even make a point of telling them that I know who they are. I keep the experience as low-key and professional as possible. After all, massage therapy is ultimately about relaxation. They came to me to decompress, not to talk about their careers.

So, yes, I suppose you could call me a “celebrity massage therapist.” But my approach to every client remains the same: professionalism, discretion, respect, and quality massage therapy.

Because at the end of the day, celebrities are people, too. Just like you, they sometimes need a massage.

How to Get The Most Out of Your Massage

If you are preparing for your first massage, there are a few things you can do to make the experience as comfortable and productive as possible.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Your massage therapist may ask you to complete an intake form and will usually conduct a brief consultation before beginning the session.

An intake typically includes questions about your current aches and discomfort, areas of concern, allergies, relevant health information, and what you hope to accomplish during your massage.

Arriving early also gives you time to use the restroom, complete any necessary paperwork, and settle in before your session begins.

Remember that your scheduled appointment time is generally the time your hands-on session begins. If your massage is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and you arrive at 3:00 p.m., the time required for checking in, completing an intake, discussing your concerns, changing, and getting onto the table may reduce the amount of time available for hands-on work.

This is one reason some establishments advertise a “60-minute massage” but provide approximately 50 minutes of hands-on treatment. Arriving early helps ensure that you receive the full benefit of your scheduled session.

Know What You Want From Your Massage

Before your massage begins, take a moment to consider your intent for the session.

Are you primarily looking to relax? Are you experiencing muscular tension or discomfort? Would you like to work on flexibility or mobility? Are there particular areas that you would like your therapist to address?

There is no single correct answer. Your goal may simply be to quiet your mind and enjoy an hour of relaxation.

Whatever your reason for scheduling the appointment, tell your massage therapist. The more clearly you communicate your goals, the better your therapist can customize the session to your needs.

Massage Should Not Be a Test of Pain Tolerance

Massage therapy should not be based on the philosophy of “no pain, no gain.”

If you find yourself tightening your gluteal muscles, stiffening your legs, clenching your fists, holding your breath, or making strained facial expressions, you may be experiencing more pressure than your body can comfortably tolerate.

Massage does not have to hurt to be effective.

If a technique or amount of pressure becomes painful, tell your therapist. Your therapist can adjust the pressure, modify the technique, or work differently with the area.

Communication is an essential part of a successful massage. If your therapist asks, “How are you doing?” and you are uncomfortable, please don't automatically respond with “I'm fine.”

Be honest.

Your massage therapist would much rather know that something is too intense than have you silently endure discomfort throughout the session. The goal is for you to leave feeling better—not worse.

Your Therapist Is Not a Mind Reader

Every person's tolerance for pressure is different. What feels therapeutic to one client may feel excessive to another.

Do not be afraid to speak up about pressure, temperature, positioning, music, draping, or anything else that affects your comfort. Your therapist needs your feedback in order to provide the best possible treatment.

A good massage is a collaborative experience between the client and therapist.

Don't Overlook Aftercare

Aftercare is an important part of massage therapy.

Depending on your individual needs, your therapist may recommend stretches, mobility exercises, changes in activity, or other simple self-care practices between appointments.

If your therapist demonstrates stretches for you to perform at home, pay attention to how they are performed and follow the instructions you were given. Consistency can make a difference.

For example, if your therapist notices significant tightness in your calves and recommends a few simple stretches to perform regularly, following those recommendations may help maintain mobility between sessions and make subsequent treatments more comfortable.

The goal should not be to repeatedly treat the same problem without addressing the contributing factors. Ideally, massage therapy should be part of an overall approach that helps you feel and move better over time.

Of course, not every issue can be resolved through massage alone. Some conditions require evaluation or treatment from another healthcare professional. A responsible massage therapist should recognize those situations and refer you appropriately when necessary.

If you return for another massage with the same areas of tension and have not followed the recommended self-care, we may simply find ourselves having the same conversation and addressing the same issues again.

Your participation matters.

Massage therapy works best when the therapist and client work together.

And with that, namaste.

5 Best Massage Guns for Under $100

It is very important to do your homework after your massage treatments, to continue healing or maintaining what your therapist has assisted you with. Sometimes, that includes having to massage yourself after your exercises and stretches. My personal physical therapist in Oregon used to have me hold a massage gun to my Iliotibial bands (IT Bands) while in mid-stretch. Stretches were to be held for at least 30 seconds for best results.

When I got back to California, my coworkers were using a massage gun between clients. I thought why not? So, here's a list of the 5 best massage guns for under $100.

The DDVWU Deep Tissue Muscle Massager has one of the highest ranking reviews on the internet. It lasts 8-15 hours on a single charge, has 12 massage heads, and 7 speed levels. It is also considerably quiet compared to other massages, and comes with a carrying case.

The TOLOCO Upgrade Percussion Muscle Massage Gun has 20 speed levels, 15 replaceable massage heads, and has an ergonomic silicon handle. It's lightweight and comes with a carry case. It probably has the most reviews online of the 5 massage guns.

The Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun has an LED panel, super quiet and portable, has a 3-6 hour run time on lithium batteries, 5 levels of intensity with 8 massage heads. It also comes with a 100% Satisfaction Lifetime Warranty.

The FlyBy Percussion Muscle Massager has 50 pounds of pressure for a 1.8 pound tool. It has 3 powerful speeds, and comes with a 4+ hour rechargeable battery. It comes with 6 interchangeable massage heads, and is quiet.

The FlyBy F2Pro Percussion Muscle Massager is an upgrade from the FlyBy Percussion Muscle Massage (view in list) and has approximately 2,800 strokes per minute. It comes with a rechargeable battery that has 3.5+ hours of battery power. There are 5 powerful speeds and 4 interchangeable massage heads. It is also quiet and lightweight.