5 Things a Massage Therapist Is Begging You to Stop Doing

Is there anything more relaxing than a good massage? In my humble opinion…not really. And as someone who loves a massage but who’s also a people pleaser through and through, I wanted to make sure I was the best client I possibly could be, so I asked Matthew Perry, a licensed massage therapist and the learning & development manager at The NOW, for five things he wishes folks would stop doing during their treatments. Act accordingly (I know I will). 

Matthew Perry is The NOW’s Learning & Development Manager. Perry is a licensed massage therapist with more than eight years of industry experience. He graduated from Cortiva Massage Institute in 2016 and has since been certified in various massage modalities including myofascial, reflexology, neuromuscular and trigger points, lymphatic drainage and prenatal techniques. In his role at The NOW, he provides mentorship and training to The NOW’s network of massage therapists, including developing and launching new massage modalities and enhancements, training new boutique teams, fostering opportunities for continued education and more, helping to elevate the skills and expertise of team members across the brand.

“Open communication throughout your massage is key in order for your massage therapist to tailor the massage to what your needs are now,” Perry stresses. If something feels off, be open and honest with your massage therapist—this is not a situation in which you should smile through the pain.

Especially if you aren’t used to getting massages on the reg, it can be tempting to tense up during your appointment. Perry says you should try your best to avoid doing so, and instead let your massage therapist move your body naturally. He tells me, “Some guests unintentionally tense up or try to ‘help’ the massage therapist by holding their arms or legs rigid. While it’s well-intentioned, it makes it harder for your massage therapist to access the muscles effectively. Take deep breaths often and trust your massage therapist to guide your body naturally.” 

Whether your session is 60 minutes, 90 minutes or anything in between, you want to get the most of every second, right? Arriving late can cut into your massage time, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of the massage. Perry adds that it can also create a rushed atmosphere, which interferes with the calming benefits of your massage. He recommends arriving at least ten minutes before your appointment to settle in before treatment begins. 

This one’s more about the folks around you: When getting a massage, it’s crucial to be mindful of your surroundings and others' experiences by silencing your cell phone and keeping your voice low. You wouldn’t want your massage interrupted by someone loudly talking about their weekend plans—afford them the same courtesy. 

“Staying well hydrated before your massage improves treatment effectiveness by making your muscles more pliable allowing for deeper, more therapeutic body work,” Perry says, adding that it’s recommended that you avoid eating a heavy meal or consuming coffee prior to your massage.