So you enjoyed your massage and felt good– that’s great. But was it as good as it could, or should, have been? How do you evaluate the quality of a massage? Could you be feeling better and more relaxed? Was the relief from aches and pains as much as it should have been? The feeling after a massage is subjective and it cannot be evaluated on a 1 to 10 scale – every person is different and the results will vary. However, there are some key factors that you can evaluate to find out how good your massage has been.
- The massage room: Was the room or cubicle clean? Were the sheets, pillows towels etc. spotless? If not, there could be hygiene issues that could lead to rashes and infections developing later on. If music and scents were a part of the therapy, were they to your liking? If not, the overall effect of the massage could be reduced.
- The therapist’s ability: Not being an expert yourself, evaluating the ability of the therapist is not easy. Often the pain or discomfort you feel may be an essential part of the process and without it, the massage will not be effective. If you do feel any discomfort, tell the therapist about it. If she is able to explain the reasons for it and the benefits for you in a way that you understand, then it’s okay. If not, there could be a communications gap, or, worst case, the therapist may not be up to the mark. In such a case, it would be a good idea to try a different therapist for your next massage and if the feeling of unease persists, perhaps you should look for another spa.
- Massage Options: If you get massages regularly, the therapist will understand what your body needs and give you a massage accordingly. However, at times you may be suffering from unusual stress and strain or may have aches or injuries that need special attention. Does the spa have a full range of massage options so that you can get the special therapy you require when you need it?
- The Equipment: Some types of massage are done on a mat placed on the floor. Others require a special massage table or massage chair to be used. Do not hesitate to ask why a certain type of equipment is being used and what the benefits of it are. If you do not get a clear answer, it could be that the spa does not have all the equipment it needs to offer the type of massage that is best for you.
- Feedback: Is the therapist willing to discuss your massage experience with you and answer all your questions about it? If you have suggestions on how the experience could be improved, are you listened to? Of course, there may be specific reasons why the massage was done in a specific way that only an expert therapist will know. But if your suggestions are not viable, you should be told why.
The bottom line is how good you feel after the massage. But there is no harm in finding out if the experience could be better. The easiest way to be sure of having the best possible massage experience is to visit a professional spa with qualified expert therapists who will understand your massage needs and ensure that your experience is as good as it can be and that the benefits you derive from it are maximized.