By Larisa Goldin, MBA, LMP 

It is not uncommon for folks to behave in a massage clinic similarly to how they might in a doctor's office. In a doctor's office the doctor holds most of the authority and chooses for the patient what course of treatment should be followed.

Such folks may not think to communicate with the practitioner about what they want from the massage session. They are more likely to start the session exchanging few words and expecting the practitioner to perform some sort of predetermined routine. The problem with this approach is the individual misses out on the opportunity to get maximum benefit from the massage treatment. A more fitting relationship between the client and the practitioner is one where clients communicate freely about their preferences pertaining to the bodywork, both before and during the massage session.

Given the more interactive relationship, clients can ask the practitioner to work exactly on the body areas they want. Say you have an aching back -- you can request that the practitioner spend the full massage session working on your back. Or you may experience tension headaches -- you can ask for focus mostly on head and neck areas. You can request only upper body massage, or conversely ask for an overall relaxation massage with equal attention given to all body areas. As yet another example, you can even request abdominal massage. All qualified massage practitioners are trained to provide it and it can be beneficial for lower back pain and digestive problems.

Massage should never be uncomfortable and does not have to be painful to be effective. Just as you should communicate freely about your wants before the massage, you should continue to communicate during the massage session. If a practitioner is doing deep friction on your legs, for example, using too much strength, you can ask the practitioner to use lighter pressure. Or if a part of your body, like the feet, is too sensitive you should speak up about this as well. Practitioners appreciate your open communication since their goal, like yours, is for you to have a positive experience.

As the client, you are in charge of your massage therapy sessions. These sessions should work for you. Being aware of your body, its likes and dislikes, and then communicating with your massage therapist will make a tremendous difference in the quality of the bodywork you receive.