Clients experience massage through all of their senses. While your technical skills are what will really keep clients coming back, the atmosphere you create has more impact than you may realize. The business of massage is about relaxation and restoration. People are sensitive to light, sounds, temperatures and other sensations that tell their bodies whether they are safe. You can help them immerse themselves in a therapeutic experience by taking care of these factors.
Not only will this make your clients more relaxed, but it will help you to manage your stress as well! A calm massage therapist makes for a calm massage treatment. Read on for how you can make the environment relaxing for clients and yourself!
Managing Light After Massage Therapy Training
Dim lighting during a massage session is ideal—it cues the client to relax and release tension, while harsh, bright lights serve to wake us up and make us more alert. Though you do want to give clients low lighting for their treatment, you will also need bright lighting to be available in the room. This makes it easier to sanitize thoroughly, as well as physically maneuver through the space when prepping or cleaning. For this reason, dimmer switches are ideal. They allow you to alter lighting levels to suit the activity taking place.
If you are setting up a space after massage therapy training, it’s best to avoid using candles as they cause pollution in the air and need to be monitored for safety, since they are a fire hazard. In order to control lighting in the room, you will also need to keep an eye on light that can enter through windows—black-out curtains or window treatments serve to prevent exterior light from entering.
How to Keep Clients Relaxed with Their Eyes Closed
Depending on what treatment is being given, once a client is on the table, they may not open their eyes or really see what’s around them until the treatment is over. This means that you need to rely on their other senses to continue relaxing them and reassuring their systems that they are safe and can let go. Sounds are important in a massage therapy atmosphere. Controlling the sound will establish the energy in the room while also covering up any intrusive noises from outside, especially anything loud or sudden.
Soundproofing with things like tiles or curtains can help keep exterior noises from disturbing your clients. Surfaces like wooden floors can create echoes, so alternative flooring or rugs are helpful in some cases. Soothing music is also important, at a volume that isn’t too stimulating for clients.
Consider Temperature in Your Career After Massage Therapy Courses
The temperature of the space will also have an effect on your clients. Since you are working on their muscles, you’ll need to ensure that it isn’t too cool. You’ll know from your massage therapy courses that releasing muscle tissue is important. Colder temperatures can encourage clients to tense up, making this more difficult. Warm and well-ventilated environments are relaxing and comfortable for most people. The massage table should also have soft, pleasant textures for the client and keep them warm.
The temperature of the products you use is also integral to the client experience. As a massage therapist, you may use lotion warmers to heat up oils and other products so that they don’t feel cold against the skin.
Every client is different—some may prefer more room temperature products, just as you will have clients with different music preferences. When you learn to be adaptable, you can serve all different kinds of people and help them improve their wellness.
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