Deb T Massage Therapist

The 4th topic in the series of “Things your massage therapist wants you to know” is about arriving to your appointment fresh and clean for your massage. Smells such as perfume can become a little overwhelming for us as we work in such close proximity to you. Generally, we like to smell nice which perfumes allow. However, some perfumes can have a strong fragrance that can linger in our massage space. Some of our clients have allergies to perfume and it can be hard to air out our massage space quickly. Wait until after you leave and put your perfume on. This will also save you from wasting it as the massage oils/creams are more than likely wear it away during the massage.

We want every client to feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome during their treatment. To help create a pleasant experience for both our clients and therapists, we kindly ask that you arrive feeling fresh and clean for your appointment.

We understand that life can be busy, so we appreciate your consideration in helping us maintain a comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone. We thank you for your kindness and understanding as it can be a tricky subject.

Continuing on with the series of “Things your Massage Therapist wants you to know”, the next topic is about the stubble on your legs. We really don’t mind.

The number of times we hear “I’m so sorry, I didn’t shave my legs” from females is more often than not. We do not care about the stubble on your legs. We really don’t mind and will not flip out about leg hair. We massage plenty of males and they have hair which can be rough and wiry, especially stubble on their faces but it doesn’t bother us. They do not apologise for the hair on their bodies.

I think the more importantly is to be reasonably clean. The bigger problem, at least for me, is things like sand when you have come straight from the beach and haven’t washed off the sand from your body, mostly legs and feet. This is rough on our hands and can become irritating while massaging.

Please arrive on time. When booking and arriving for your massage treatment, be concise of your treatment time. We run on a schedule, like all appointments, and when you run late you shouldn’t expect your therapist to run over their time. More often than not we have another client coming in right after you, so, it is unlikely that we will work on you past the scheduled appointment time.

Ensure you allow time to park your car (or walk or cycle) rather than racing in and being all stressed and bothered about being late. Time gets away from all of us and unexpected things can happen on your way, so if you are going to be late to your appointment, please give us call and let us know. This can allow us to re-arrange things if we have the capacity to do so. More importantly, it lets us know that you are okay and still on the way.

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads. Have a fabulous day celebrating with all your families.

As a Remedially trained Massage Therapist, I liked to be known as a Massage Therapist. Over the years I have been referred to as a masseuse, masseur, one of those massage people, don’t you massage in a massage pallor. The connotations of these terms are not particularly pleasant, these terms sometimes carry unintended insinuation. Hence the reason why massage therapists like to be known as a Massage Therapist.

Traditionally this is what the following terms mean:
• Massage therapist – professional, gender-neutral, and commonly used in clinics and businesses.
• Masseuse – traditionally refers to a female massage practitioner.
• Masseur – traditionally refers to a male massage practitioner.

However, words can have different connotations depending on the context:
• Traditional meaning - a female/male massage practitioner.
• Everyday use - some people simply use it to mean a woman/man who provides massages.
• Professional setting - “massage therapist” is preferred because it sounds more professional and includes therapeutic massage.
• Sometimes - “masseuse/masseur” can be used in a sexualised or suggestive way, particularly when someone is not actually referring to a professional massage therapist.

The term Massage Therapist is clear cut and professional. Massage Therapists are trained professionals who uses hands-on techniques to work the body’s soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons and connective tissues). We specialised in techniques to help the body release muscle tension, improve movement, ease discomfort, support overall wellbeing along with placing the body in a state of relaxation.

Here is another quote from the Gentle Reminder I found on social media. Don't be in a hurry. Stop and let things happen naturally, no need to always be in a rush.

I came across theis Gentle Reminder series on social media and thought they were quite interesting so I thought I'd share. They make you stop and think and realise the importance of what it is saying.

Looking after yourself with massage can be one part of a healthy self-care routine. While it's not a cure for all aches and pains, it can support both physical and mental wellbeing when used alongside other healthy habits.

Massage provides relief for many people, but it doesn't treat every cause of pain. If you have persistent, worsening, or severe pain—or symptoms such as numbness, weakness, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control—you should seek medical advice promptly.

Making time for self-care isn't a luxury; it's an investment in your physical and mental health. Even an occasional massage can help you relax, recover from everyday stresses, and support your overall wellbeing.

Massage works best as part of your overall self-care.

Massage is most effective when combined with other healthy habits, such as:
• Regular physical activity and stretching.
• Good posture and ergonomic work habits.
• Adequate sleep.
• A balanced diet and staying hydrated.
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness.

Making time for self-care isn't a luxury; it's an investment in your physical and mental health. Even an occasional massage can help you relax, recover from everyday stresses, and support your overall wellbeing.