Massage Therapy Ethics and Etiquette
Posted on: May 12, 2014
Becoming a massage therapist is one of the hottest careers on the market right now and it is important to make sure that you are always keeping firm with your ethics and up to date on your etiquette. There are many instances in the massage industry where it is important to maintain your ethics because if you do not, it can become potentially harmful to your career. There are some basic ethics and etiquette guidelines you should keep in mind. Boundaries and Keeping Them There are boundaries that all massage professionals need to remember and follow. Many people who come into your facility want a relaxing experience and a massage is a sensual experience that will help them relax and feel better. It is important to respect any boundaries that your client establishes before the massage. Some clients may not be comfortable with you massaging a certain area of their body and you should respect that. It is also important that you never cross the line when it comes to sexual comments. You should always decline and address them in a professional manner. Optional Clothing One thing that is important to remember is that the client has the choice of whether or not they want to wear clothing. While a massage may be better performed without clothing on, if a client is more comfortable with it on, then they should be allowed to wear it. Typically, clients are naked but some may want to keep their undergarments on during the massage. As a massage professional, it is important to make sure that you keep the client covered constantly and you are only uncovering the parts of the body that need to be massaged. Communication with Client You should always communicate with your client and express any concerns you have and address any that they may have. Your relationship with your client is extremely important and it is based on trust. If you or your client have uncommunicated concerns, this can cause the massage experience to deteriorate and not go well. Pressure and the Massage Itself Always be cautious when you are giving a massage and ask the client how much pressure he or she would like. Some clients like more than others and to avoid hurting someone, you should get a feel of what they like. You should also encourage your clients to let you know when they are not comfortable or when they experience pain. Ethics and Etiquette All the Time It is important to hold true to the ethics and etiquette of a massage professional. Without the proper trust, your clients will seek someone else to carry out their massage. You need to always be respectful of your client and treat them the way you would expect to be treated during a massage for yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions and always keep the relationship professional.