What to Tell Your Massage Therapist Before a Session: A Guide to More Personalized Bodywork

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A few clear details before a massage can help your therapist tailor the session to your goals, preferences, and comfort. You do not need to know the name of a technique or have the perfect words. Sharing what you hope to get from the session, what feels comfortable, and any relevant health context gives your therapist a practical place to begin.

Whether you are booking custom massage therapy, focused medical massage, or a first-time appointment, communication is part of personalized care. You can also speak up at any point during the session.

Before your session: share your main goal

Start with the reason you booked. For example, you might want to relax, address a specific area of tension, or focus on discomfort that affects your day-to-day movement. If you have more than one goal, say which one matters most today. That helps the therapist understand how you would like the session time used.

If you are describing discomfort, simple observations are useful:

• Where do you notice it?
• When did you first notice it?
• What movements or activities seem to affect it?
• Is there an area you would like the therapist to avoid?

You do not need to diagnose the cause. Your massage therapist can use the information to guide the session, but massage is not a medical diagnosis. Results and experiences vary, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Pressure preferences: be specific, and keep giving feedback

“Light,” “medium,” or “firm” can be a helpful starting point. You can also describe preferences by area: medium pressure on your back, for example, but lighter pressure around your shoulders. What feels comfortable can vary across the body and may change during a session.

Massage should not require you to silently tolerate pain. If pressure feels too strong, tell your therapist. If you would like more or less pressure, ask. A short phrase such as “a little lighter, please” or “that pressure works” is enough.

It can help to agree on a simple way to pause or stop. You can ask for an adjustment, a position change, or a break whenever you need one. Your comfort and consent remain important throughout the appointment.

The American Massage Therapy Association also recommends clear communication during intake and check-ins during a massage, including about pressure and physical comfort. Read AMTA’s guide to better client communication.

Health context: mention what may affect the session

Before the massage begins, share relevant information about your current health and comfort. This may include a recent injury or surgery, ongoing symptoms, a health condition, skin sensitivity, allergies, or medication that could affect how you feel during bodywork. Mention areas that are bruised, tender, numb, irritated, or otherwise sensitive, along with any area or technique you do not want included.

You can share only the details that are relevant to safe, comfortable care. If you are unsure whether a recent procedure or a health concern affects your ability to receive massage, check with your healthcare professional about whether massage is appropriate and whether you have any restrictions. Your therapist can consider what you tell them when planning the session, but cannot diagnose a condition or replace medical care.

Comfort, boundaries, and communication style

Massage preferences are personal. Tell your therapist if you have concerns about positioning, draping, room temperature, or the face cradle. You can also say whether you prefer a quiet session or some conversation, and whether you would like occasional check-ins.

Let your therapist know about boundaries before hands-on work begins. You may decline a technique or ask that an area be left out. If anything becomes uncomfortable during the session, speak up. You do not need to wait for a scheduled check-in.

A simple opening might sound like this:

“I’d like to focus on the tension around my upper back. Medium pressure is usually comfortable, but I prefer lighter pressure near my neck. Please avoid my right shoulder today. I’d prefer a quiet session, and I’ll let you know if I need an adjustment.”

Choosing the session that fits your goal

Medical Massage, focused care
Medical Massage is directed at a primary concern. It is a focused session, not a full-body massage. Choose it when you want the appointment centered on a particular area or issue rather than a broader session.

• 30 min: $100
• 60 min: $200
• 90 min: $300
• 120 min: $400

Therapeutic Bodywork, customized session
Therapeutic Bodywork is tailored to your needs and preferences. Share your priorities at the start so your therapist can plan the session accordingly.

• 60 min: $150
• 90 min: $195
• 120 min: $235

First-Time Patient Massage: introductory visit
A 50-minute introductory massage for first-time patients. The therapist reviews your preferences and tailors the session to your needs.

• 50 min: $120

View the Premier Wellness service listings for details and current booking options.

During the massage: feedback helps tailor the session

You can check in with yourself as the session progresses. Is the pressure comfortable? Is the therapist working in an area you agreed on? Would you like something adjusted? A brief request gives the therapist a chance to respond in the moment.

You might say:

• “Could you use less pressure there?”
• “Can we spend a little more time on the left side?”
• “Please skip that area.”
• “I’d like to adjust my position.”
• “I’m uncomfortable; can we pause?”

You are not interrupting by speaking up. Clear feedback helps your therapist adapt the work to your preferences. If you feel unwell or want the session to stop, say so.

After the session: share what felt useful

A quick conversation at the end can help with future appointments. Let your therapist know what felt comfortable, what you would change next time, and whether the focus matched your goal. If you noticed a change, you can describe it without assuming what caused it. This feedback helps shape future custom massage therapy and holistic bodywork around your preferences.

Clear pricing. Personalized care.

Premier Wellness provides personalized massage and bodywork in a private setting. The price listed when booking is the price you pay: no tips, hidden fees, upselling, or gimmicks.

For a more tailored visit, share your goals, pressure preferences, relevant health context, and boundaries before hands-on work begins. Book through Premier Wellness on MassageBook.