32 massage & bodywork july/august 2010

fingertips for the client

Note to massage therapists: each issue of Massage & Bodywork coNtaiNs the columN fiNgertips for the clieNt, which is

targeted to clieNts. this columN is available oNliNe at www.massageaNdbodywork.com as a priNtable file. priNt the faciNg

page, attach your busiNess card, aNd seNd it home with clieNts, courtesy of associated bodywork & massage professioNals.

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Clients commonly request deep tissue massage for its lasting benefits—and it just plain feels good. But it’s important to let your therapist know just how deep you want your massage. Here are some ways to help you communicate with your therapist to increase or decrease the intensity.

Verbal FeedbackYour therapist really wants to know how you feel about your massage. Feedback early on in the session is important. • Usepositivereinforcement.For

instance, if the work is too light, a gentle, “That feels good, but I could take more pressure” is usually sufficient. As more pressure is applied, compliment your therapist for applying the proper deep pressure (“That is a great depth for me to really relax”).

• Alwaysletyourtherapistknowiftheworkistoointense.Eventhemostcareful therapist may sometimes go too deep. Simply saying that the pressure is a “bit much for me” is usually perfect so that your comments don’t sound like criticism.

• Helpestablishtheproperpace of the session.

1. Pain may be a result of working too fast rather than too hard. Let your therapist know that you could relax into the stroke a little easier if it were slower.

2. Working too fast might be a result of trying to accomplish too much in too little time. If youhaveproblemareas,considerbooking a longer massage or havingspotworkratherthana rushed, full-body session.

Deep, but Not too DeepBy Art riggs

• Theone-to-10scaleisagoodguideline. If necessary, speak out when the intensity reaches a six orsevensothetherapistknowsnot to increase pressure.

NoNVerbal cuesYour therapist constantly monitors your body’s reaction to the massage. You can use these cues to your ownadvantage,soyoucanhelpthetherapist without pulling yourself out of the massage experience.• Allowyourmusclestotightenifthe

work is too intense. Your therapist should immediately recognize this asaresponsetoexcessivepressurerather than normal muscle tension.

• Useyourbreath.Slow,deepbreathingusually signifies the perfect pressure. Fast or labored breathing usually indicates nearing the threshold of pain.

• Usenonspecificsounds,suchasa deep sigh, to let your therapist know the depth and speed of the work are perfect.

As in most relationships, it sometimes takes a bit of time to establish a common bond of communication, so experiment to find the best cues for your therapist.

art riggs is the author of a textbook and dVd series on deep tissue massage. For more information, visit www.deeptissuemassagemanual.com.

Always let your therapist know if the work is too intense. Even the most careful therapist may sometimes go too deep.