Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

Fall 2024 • 85

Protecting A Client’s Autonomy Giving clients information up front creates a sense of safety that can easily flow throughout the massage session. Many clients will only have preconceived opinions about massage, especially if you are giving them their first massage. Informing the client of massage session details before they are on the table can calm anxiety of the unknown. Massage therapists should be clear that the client has complete autonomy throughout the session, which can help alleviate any fear or apprehension around the existing power differential. Clients who are verbally given the power to speak up and protect their autonomy are intentionally being made aware that the therapist is present and aware of the client’s individual needs. Checking In During A Massage Session Therapists should be accustomed to checking in with every client. Checking in should not only be limited to the amount of pressure being delivered, however, but also include assessing how safe the client is feeling. Many clients, for example, will tense up when pressure is too deep or they would like different music, level of conversation or oil scents. Because there is an inherent power differential between a massage therapist and their clients, many people may be less comfortable speaking up if they’re feeling physically or emotionally vulnerable. Massage therapists should be aware that changes in a client’s behavior during a session can be a sign of emotional release, being triggered or a PTSD flashback. Massage therapists should be proactive and ask questions when noticing signs of change. Getting the Feedback You Need After each session, a request for feedback can be a powerful tool to educate the therapist further around safe touch. As humans, we all have our own intentions and perceptions of our actions. How they are perceived can look and feel completely different to others based on where they are emotionally and physically in the moment.

Sending a follow up email to clients checking in on them after 24 hours or so and asking what worked for them about the massage session, as well as what could have been done differently, opens the door for them to reflect on their experience and be honest. Perhaps the music was a little too loud or maybe an artist that played reminded them of a dark time. Maybe since the last session they have decided they would rather not have a certain area of the body worked again. Whatever information is shared should be documented and implemented for the next session. Massage therapists have the opportunity to watch their clients grow and improve

FURTHER READING Learn more about communicating with clients about what they can and cannot expect from massage in “Create A Client Connection,” available at amtamassage.org/mtj.

from session to session, not only due to assisting in the physical treatment of the client, but also emotionally and mentally

Developing eye contact with positive body language

by having the honor of creating the safe space needed to encourage that growth.

such as nodding as the client speaks … is important.

Tip: use a clipboard to create a physical boundary

Photo by Mark Hansen

amtamassage.org/mtj