Massage Therapist Q&A: Responses to Your A Lot Of Typical Questions

Posted on 2026-02-08 15:07:06

People usually book their first massage out of curiosity or necessity. A neck that won’t turn, a low back that flares up after a long drive, or a training plan that demands quicker recovery. Over the past decade, I’ve worked in clinical settings, sports training rooms, and a facial spa that shared walls with a waxing studio that hummed on Saturdays. The questions I hear are surprisingly consistent, even as the reasons for booking vary. Here are candid, field-tested answers to the questions that come up most often.

What kind of massage should I book?

The short answer: the one that matches your goal. If you’re not sure what that goal is, that becomes the first thing we clarify together.

Swedish massage emphasizes relaxation and overall circulation. It uses long, gliding strokes, kneading, and gentle joint movements. A good choice when your nervous system is running hot and you need to downshift. People who sit at a screen all week often benefit from this style for stress relief and better sleep.

Deep tissue massage targets the same muscles but uses slower, more focused pressure. It’s not about brute force. The work sinks gradually into layers of tissue to address adhesions and chronic tightness. After office renovations one summer, I treated three painters who each had shoulder issues from overhead work. Deep, patient work along the rotator cuff and the thoracic spine helped more than any quick fix.

Sports massage and sports massage therapy serve specific demands: improving range of motion, reducing delayed-onset soreness, and supporting training cycles. Sessions can be pinpointed to calves for runners, hip flexors and lats for swimmers, and forearms for climbers. Pre-event work tends to be lighter and faster to prime tissues; post-event work slows down to decongest and restore.

Prenatal massage modifies positioning and pressure for safety and comfort during pregnancy. Side-lying bolsters and lighter abdominal work become essential once the belly grows.

Medical or rehabilitative massage is goal-oriented work under a provider’s plan, sometimes post-surgery or after a https://www.restorativemassages.com/ musculoskeletal diagnosis. It can look like a collaboration between your physical therapist, massage therapist, and physician.

If your main aim is a quieter mind, start with Swedish. If you have recurring pain and restricted movement, deep tissue may help. If you’re on a training plan, sports massage therapy dovetails best.

How do I prepare for my first session?

Eat a light meal one to two hours beforehand, drink water, and avoid heavy exercise immediately before your appointment. Bring a list of medications and any imaging reports you have if you’re seeing me for pain or a specific injury. That information tells me about blood thinners, nerve involvement, and whether to avoid certain techniques.

Plan to arrive ten minutes early. I want unhurried time to discuss your goals, pain history, and daily habits. That chat often changes the whole session. I’ve had clients book a deep tissue massage for low back pain, then mention in passing that they just switched to standing all day on a concrete floor. The strategy shifts to include feet, calves, and hips, not just the back.

Showering the same day is polite but not mandatory. If you’re coming from work or the gym, we’ll still make it work. Skip heavy fragrances and don’t apply a lot of lotion right before the session. Oils and lotions on my end are chosen for glide, grip, and skin sensitivity. When they mix with a thick layer of your own, the texture turns gummy and less effective.

What should I expect during the intake?

An intake should feel like a focused conversation, not a formality. I will ask where you feel discomfort, what helps, what worsens it, and what your typical day looks like. Desk height, car seats, carry bags, sleep patterns, and sports all matter. A runner with medial knee pain might describe long descents on trails. That points me toward hip stabilizers and foot mechanics as much as the knee itself.

I’ll review contraindications: recent injuries, sprains, fractures, fever, active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, clotting disorders, and pregnancy. If you’re receiving cancer treatment, massage can still help, but I work gently and coordinate with your oncology team.

Then we talk pressure scale. I like a 1 to 10 system. Your 6 should mean “significant intensity, but I can breathe normally and my shoulders aren’t tensing.” Your 8 means “back off.” Good bodywork nudges the edge without tripping an alarm.

Do I have to undress? What if I feel uncomfortable?

Your comfort sets the boundaries. Most full body massage happens with underwear on and the rest of the body draped. Only the area being worked is uncovered. If you prefer to stay more clothed, we adapt. I do a lot of effective work through soft fabric like gym shorts or a T‑shirt, particularly for sports massage where movement testing and stretching are common.

Communication matters. If you feel chilly, warm, vulnerable, dizzy, or just not great about a particular technique, say so. I have warm blankets, lighter sheets, and alternative approaches for sensitive areas like the abdominal region or inner thighs. A good session is collaborative, not prescriptive.

Will massage hurt?

Intensity can help, but pain is not the goal. You should be able to breathe steadily and speak in full sentences. If your body tenses or you find yourself holding your breath, we’re past the productive zone. There’s a difference between “hurts good” and “hurts wrong.” The former often eases as we work; the latter sharpens or radiates.

I’ve had athletes arrive asking for the “strongest” pressure, only to discover their hip flexors protected themselves by clamping down harder. Light, sustained holds and gradual melts produced better results than aggressive digging. On the flip side, some chronically tight hamstrings respond well to firmer stripping techniques once the nervous system trusts the process. We adjust in real time.

After a session, mild soreness can linger for up to 24 to 48 hours, similar to a workout. Hydration, gentle movement, and heat usually resolve it. Sharp or worsening pain is not normal. If it happens, tell me. We’ll change course.

How often should I get massage?

Frequency depends on goals, budget, and how your body responds. For stress relief and maintenance, every three to four weeks works well for many clients. For acute issues like a stubborn neck spasm, weekly sessions for two to three weeks can shorten the recovery window. For sports massage during a heavy training block, I often see athletes every one to two weeks, then taper during deload weeks or right before tapering for a race.

I’ve seen dramatic changes with front-loaded care. One client with chronic tension headaches committed to four sessions in four weeks, paired with daily breathing practice and a laptop stand to improve posture. The headaches dropped from near-daily to twice a month, then continued to fade with monthly maintenance.

What should I do after a session?

Plan gentle activity. Walk, stretch lightly, and avoid heavy lifting for the rest of the day if the work was deep or targeted. Drink water, not because it magically “flushes toxins,” but because tissues respond better to massage when well hydrated. If an area feels tender, a warm shower or a heating pad for 10 to 15 minutes can ease residual tightness. Ice can help if you feel inflamed after a more vigorous sports massage, especially around joints that were already irritated.

If I give you simple homework, do it. I only assign one or two items you can actually stick with, not a laundry list. A chest opener with a foam roller for two minutes after work can undo hours of hunching. Calf raises at the kitchen counter strengthen what constant sitting weakens. Small, consistent steps beat heroic efforts done once.

How does sports massage differ from a regular massage?

Sports massage therapy blends assessment with treatment. Expect movement screens, quick tests for joint range, and work that shifts positions often. I might have you prone for soft tissue work on the calves, then seated for ankle mobility drills, then side-lying to reach deep hip rotators. The goal is measurable change: improved knee flexion, better shoulder external rotation, or a stride that feels less bound.

Pre-event work looks different from post-event. Before a half marathon, I’ll use brisk, lighter strokes to stimulate, not sedate. Ten to fifteen minutes per region, no aggressive stretching, and a strong focus on how you will feel at mile five, not on deep repairs. After the race, the session slows and lengthens. We address hotspots with gentle compressions, flushing strokes, and light, pain-free range of motion. Think circulation, not overhaul.

Between events, sports massage can chase patterns. Runners often need ankle dorsiflexion, tibialis anterior release, and hip extension work, whereas swimmers benefit from lat length, thoracic rotation, and pec minor relief. Overhead athletes like volleyball players or lifters need scapular control and posterior cuff attention. Every plan should relate to how you train that week.

Can massage help with chronic pain?

Massage therapy can be part of a chronic pain strategy, but it is not a magic switch. Pain lives in tissues and in the nervous system’s interpretation of those tissues. Good bodywork can downshift that interpretation. I’ve seen clients with long-standing low back pain gain better sleep, lower baseline tension, and more willingness to move. Those changes matter. Pain usually decreases when someone moves with less fear and more confidence.

For persistent problems, the best results come from pairing massage with graded movement, strength training, and stress management. A client with plantar fasciitis improved when we combined calf and foot work, toe mobility, glute strengthening, and a shift to walking breaks during the workday. Without the lifestyle piece, hands-on gains tend to fade.

If red flags appear, I refer out. Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, severe unrelenting pain, sudden neurological changes, or loss of bladder or bowel control warrant medical evaluation. Massage is powerful, but it should work inside a broader care network.

What about facial spa services near massage?

Some clinics combine bodywork with a facial spa menu. It’s a natural pairing when you think about the nervous system. A facial that calms the head, neck, and jaw can complement bodywork that settles the shoulders and back. I’ve worked next to estheticians who did excellent facial massage for TMJ tension and sinus congestion relief. The trick is coordination. If you’re booking both on the same day, decide which goal matters more. If you want to float out the door, a facial after a Swedish session amplifies the downshift. If you need shoulder mobility before a lifting session tomorrow, massage first, then schedule the facial another time.

Products and skin sensitivity matter. If you have reactive skin, tell both providers. I avoid heavy oils on the face, and I won’t place a head cradle with residue that might irritate.

Can I combine massage with waxing appointments?

Yes, with timing. Waxing irritates the skin briefly by design. If you receive waxing right before a massage, that area can feel tender under lotion and forearm strokes. If you plan a full leg wax, I’d avoid deep leg work the same day. Spacing them by at least 24 hours protects your skin and comfort. For facial waxing, the headrest and draping may rub sensitive skin, so let me know. I can adjust bolstering and pressure around the jaw and neck.

If you’re using retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or have sunburn, waxing after massage is a poor mix. Postpone. Estheticians and massage therapists share the same goal: effective treatment without avoidable irritation.

How do I choose a massage therapist?

Education and fit both matter. Look for a state license where required and continuing education in the areas you care about. Sports massage therapy, prenatal, myofascial techniques, or neuromuscular therapy each demand additional skill. Read how the therapist describes their approach, not just their menu. If their site talks about listening, customizing, and measuring progress, that’s promising.

Personality and communication style count. You want someone who asks questions, checks pressure, and adjusts quickly. I value therapists who can explain what they’re doing in plain language and who don’t sell certainty they can’t deliver. Your body will tell you after two or three sessions if the fit is right: fewer spikes of pain, better sleep, or better training sessions signal you’re on track.

What happens if I’m late or need to cancel?

Clinics set policies to protect both client and therapist time. A common standard is 24 hours for cancellations, with late cancellations or no-shows charged partially or fully. From the therapist’s side, a no-show means an unpaid window that can’t be filled at the last minute. On the flip side, I build in a few grace minutes and a one-time leniency, because life happens. Communication helps. If you’re running late, a text lets me adjust the plan.

Is massage safe if I have a medical condition?

Usually, with modifications. For high blood pressure that’s controlled with medication, massage is safe. If it’s uncontrolled or you’re symptomatic, we postpone until it’s managed. Diabetes requires attention to skin integrity and sensation, especially in feet and hands. For osteoporosis, we avoid aggressive pressure over fragile bones and focus on gentle work to promote mobility and comfort.

Cancer and oncology massage is a specialty with clear guidelines. Positioning to avoid port pressure, monitoring for lymphedema risk after lymph node removal, and choosing gentle techniques during chemotherapy are standard. If you’re pregnant, prenatal training matters. Left side-lying can be more comfortable after the first trimester, and we avoid deep abdominal work.

Blood clots are a clear stop sign unless cleared by a physician. So are contagious illnesses and fever. If you’re sick, rest and reschedule. There is no lost momentum that a future appointment can’t recover.

Will massage fix my posture?

It can help you own better posture, but it won’t hold it for you. Massage can reduce the pull of tight pecs, lats, or hip flexors, and it can wake up underused muscles like the mid-back stabilizers. You will stand up after a good session and feel taller. The change sticks when you pair it with simple daily cues. A one-minute doorframe chest opener twice a day, a phone on a stand instead of your lap, and hip bridges before bed make that tall feeling your default rather than a special occasion.

If your work setup fights you, fix the setup. I worked with a software engineer whose desk sat two inches too high. Dropping the desk and using a footrest changed her shoulder and neck tension more than six months of sporadic massage ever did. A therapist can’t outwork a hostile workstation.

What if I fall asleep or I need to talk?

Both are fine. Some people process stress by talking in the first ten minutes, then drift. Others prefer silence from the start. I follow your lead, check in on pressure and comfort, then keep the environment calm. Snoring happens; it’s a sign your nervous system trusts the space. If you want conversation, we’ll keep it light and avoid questions that pull you into work mode.

Do I need to tip?

Policies vary. In medical or clinical practices that bill insurance, tipping is usually not expected. In spa settings and many private practices, tips are common and appreciated. If you’re unsure, ask at booking. If you’d rather not tip, a genuine review or referral helps more than you might think. Therapists build their practices on word of mouth.

How does massage support mental health?

It gives the body a reason to relax and the mind permission to follow. Slower breathing, a quiet room, and sustained touch restore a state that stress erodes. I’ve had clients come in with jaw clenched and chest tight, then leave with their shoulders actually moving away from their ears. Sleep improves. Irritability drops. That isn’t mystical, it’s physiological. Parasympathetic tone rises, heart rate slows, and muscles that were bracing let go.

This doesn’t replace therapy or medication when those are needed. It complements them. For clients with anxiety who find stillness uncomfortable, we keep the session more dynamic, with light stretches and positional changes. The feeling of being trapped fades when you can move and choose.

What if I don’t feel better after a session?

First, define “better.” Less pain, more range, deeper sleep, or calmer mood are all valid outcomes. Sometimes pain lingers, but your neck turns farther or your squat feels smoother. If nothing changes, we reassess. Maybe the treatment was too light or too intense. Maybe the target area wasn’t the driver. A hamstring that won’t release can stem from the lower back or even from a stiff ankle. We test assumptions and pivot.

If your body doesn’t respond after two to three sessions, I help you find the next step. That could be physical therapy for specific strengthening, a sports medicine check to rule out structural issues, or imaging if there are neurological signs. Collaboration beats stubbornness.

What products do therapists use, and can they bother my skin?

Common options include fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba, and unscented lotions. I keep hypoallergenic choices on hand and avoid nut oils if there’s any allergy risk. For sports massage, I often use less oil for better grip during fascia work or active release. For facial spa services that include facial massage, estheticians select non-comedogenic products designed for skin type, which is different from the glide I want for shoulders or legs.

If you’re sensitive, tell me upfront. We’ll do a patch test behind the shoulder or use your own preferred product. Fragrance-free rooms help many clients avoid headaches.

Can self-massage tools replace a therapist?

Tools help, especially for maintenance. A lacrosse ball against a wall under the shoulder blade can release stubborn knots. A foam roller can mobilize thoracic spine segments that freeze after long desk hours. But tools don’t listen. They can’t read your breath, tension, or micro-guarding the way a good therapist can. I give clients very specific parameters to avoid overdoing it, like 60 to 90 seconds per spot and a pressure that lets them breathe steadily.

The best approach uses both: bodywork to reset, tools and movement to reinforce.

What about cupping, scraping, or other adjunct techniques?

Cupping can increase local circulation and change tissue tone. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, often called scraping, can stimulate a sensory response and alter how the brain perceives stiffness. Both can leave marks that look dramatic. Those marks are not necessarily “toxins,” but rather blood drawn to surface tissues and minor capillary changes. Some people love the results, others feel overcooked. I treat them as options, not main events. If you’re training for an event where appearance matters, like a photo shoot or stage performance, plan around the possibility of temporary discoloration.

A focused guide to pressure, pain, and progress

Mild discomfort during targeted work can be productive, but breathing should stay smooth and shoulders relaxed. Soreness up to 48 hours afterward can be normal. Heat, gentle movement, and hydration help it pass more quickly. Sharp, shooting, or tingling pain during the session is a stop signal. Say something immediately. If relief lasts less than a day, we may need a different technique, area of focus, or frequency. Track one or two metrics between sessions, such as how far your head turns while driving or how your squat feels at the gym. Feedback refines the plan.

How much time should I book?

Sixty minutes suits focused work on one or two regions or a general relaxation session. Ninety minutes allows a true full body session with attention to detail, or a focused session that also chases contributing patterns. For example, to address low back pain thoroughly, I often need time for hips, glutes, hamstrings, and the thoracic spine. That rarely fits into a rushed hour.

Athletes close to competition sometimes choose shorter, targeted sessions, around 30 to 45 minutes, focused only on priming what matters for the event. It’s enough to make a difference without leaving them groggy or sore.

How does communication during the session make a difference?

The best sessions feel like a conversation without many words. I watch your breath, shoulders, and jaw. But spoken feedback sharpens the aim. If I ask how the pressure feels, I’m not seeking praise, I’m calibrating. “A notch lighter” or “linger there” tells me where your nervous system wants to go.

I had a client whose left hamstring always felt “tight.” During one session, he said, almost as an aside, that his right calf cramped on hills. We shifted to treat the right calf and ankle mobility. His left hamstring released more easily afterward. Bodies tell stories across regions, not on isolated islands.

What should athletes know about timing massage around training?

Treat deep work like a workout. If I do heavy hip and quad work on Wednesday, schedule hard intervals Thursday with caution. Most athletes feel best with deep tissue 48 to 72 hours before key sessions and lighter work the day before. After competition, prioritize gentle work to reduce soreness and improve sleep, then schedule deeper work after the acute phase when tissues are less irritable.

Travel complicates things. If you fly to a race, legs often swell and stiffen. Light flushing strokes and gentle ankle pumps the evening you arrive can restore circulation without leaving you heavy. Save deeper work for after the event or a full day later.

What’s one change most clients can make today?

Move more, in small bites. Set a three-minute timer every hour to stand, reach overhead, and walk to the farthest water fountain. Do ten slow calf raises while your coffee brews. Breathe into your ribs, not just your belly or chest, twice a day for a minute. Massage works best on a body that experiences varied movement. Variety keeps tissues adaptable and your nervous system less reactive.

A brief booking checklist

Clarify your goal: relaxation, pain relief, or performance. Share medical history, recent changes, and medications. Set your pressure scale and speak up during the session. Plan light movement and hydration afterward. Track how you feel for two to three days to inform the next visit.

Final thoughts from the table

Massage therapy sits at the intersection of science and craft. Anatomy guides where I place my hands, experience tells me how long to stay, and your feedback shapes the next move. Whether you come in from a long run, a long meeting, or a long stretch of not feeling like yourself, the right session meets you there. When it works, you leave not just looser, but more at home in your body. And once you know what kind of massage, what pressure, and what frequency suits you, the appointments stop feeling like treats and start functioning like part of a smart, sustainable routine.

Name: Restorative Massages & Wellness, LLC

Address: 714 Washington St, Norwood, MA 02062, US

Phone: (781) 349-6608

Email: [email protected]

Hours:
Sunday 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Monday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Primary Service: Massage therapy

Primary Areas: Norwood MA, Dedham MA, Westwood MA, Canton MA, Walpole MA, Sharon MA

Plus Code: 5QRX+V7 Norwood, Massachusetts

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Restorative Massages & Wellness, LLC provides massage therapy in Norwood, Massachusetts.

The business is located at 714 Washington St, Norwood, MA 02062.

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers sports massage sessions in Norwood, MA.

Restorative Massages & Wellness provides deep tissue massage for clients in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers Swedish massage appointments in Norwood, MA.

Restorative Massages & Wellness provides hot stone massage sessions in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers prenatal massage by appointment in Norwood, MA.

Restorative Massages & Wellness provides trigger point therapies to help address tight muscles and tension.

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers bodywork and myofascial release for muscle and fascia concerns.

Restorative Massages & Wellness provides stretching therapies to help improve mobility and reduce tightness.

Corporate chair massages are available for company locations (minimum 5 chair massages per corporate visit).

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers facials and skin care services in Norwood, MA.

Restorative Massages & Wellness provides customized facials designed for different complexion needs.

Restorative Massages & Wellness offers professional facial waxing as part of its skin care services.

Spa Day Packages are available at Restorative Massages & Wellness in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Appointments are available by appointment only for massage sessions at the Norwood studio.

To schedule an appointment, call (781) 349-6608 or visit https://www.restorativemassages.com/.

Directions on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Google&query_place_id=ChIJm00-2Zl_5IkRl7Ws6c0CBBE