“As the massage started, I realized the joy that comes from knowing a treatment is being tailored to my exact needs. After being in the spa industry for over two decades, I believe that a massage room is one of the few places where you know it’s ok to relax and have the time be about you”

Tailored Touch: How Massage Therapists Meet the Unique Needs of Their Clients

Last week, I received a wonderful massage from Sammy. It had been far too long since my last massage and I realized I didn’t even know what my body wanted. There have been many times I’ve come into the massage space with an injury or just some nagging chronic pain where I’ve really needed deep tissue work. Sammy started by bringing my attention to my breathing (which, of course, was shallow after having a crazy busy day and running into the massage with a million other things on my mind). Just this quick reminder brought me to the present. As I allowed myself to relax into the carefully crafted massage that Sammy provided, I realized how special it is to have the experience of an expertly crafted massage with a talented therapist. Massage therapy is far more than a one-size-fits-all experience and at Oasis, I’m lucky to have a team of experienced therapists working to make each client’s experience unique. Every client steps into the massage therapist’s space with unique needs, preferences, and goals. From alleviating chronic pain to simply enjoying a moment of relaxation, the art of massage lies in its adaptability.

Understanding Client Needs: The Foundation of Effective Therapy

Before a massage therapist even lays a hand on a client, communication plays a vital role. An initial consultation often involves discussing medical history, current concerns, and desired outcomes. Some clients might seek relief from tension headaches, while others could be recovering from sports injuries or managing stress-related tension. While each of the Oasis therapists can do multiple styles of massage, they all have techiques that they truly excel in. I like to remind clients not to be afraid to go to multiple therapists. Sometimes, I book with one of the therapists who enjoys doing deep work and other times I want to go to someone that is an expert in relaxation. It’s ok to switch it up!

Matching Specializations to Client Goals

Here are some common massage specializations and some of my thoughts on our Oasis therapist’s expertise.

1. Sports Massage Therapists (when I think Sports Massage, I think Andrew, Shannon, and Shawn)
   • Designed for athletes or fitness enthusiasts, sports massage focuses on improving performance, preventing injuries, and speeding up recovery. Therapists working in this field understand the specific demands of various sports and tailor their techniques accordingly.
2. Prenatal Massage Therapists (Nichelle….if you are expecting, she’s your therapist! Expertly trained and loves doing prenatal massages)
   • Pregnancy brings a host of physical changes to the body. Prenatal massage therapists are trained to address the unique discomforts that expecting mothers experience, such as lower back pain and swelling. They use techniques that ensure safety and comfort for both the mother and baby.
3. Chronic Pain Specialists (this is tough as I would say Rachel, Shannon, Sammy, Nichelle, Shawn, and Andrew…wait that’s everyone!)
   • Clients dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic migraines require a gentle and informed approach. Therapists trained in managing chronic pain know how to target problem areas without causing additional discomfort.
4. Relaxation and Stress Relief Experts (I’m going with Sammy, Nichelle and Rachel here…)
   • For clients simply seeking a break from the demands of daily life, therapists who excel in relaxation techniques like aromatherapy, hot stone massage, or reflexology can create a serene and rejuvenating experience.
5. Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery Therapists (again tough to choose- Shannon is also in the Physical Therapy field so that’s a win. Andrew and Shawn have extensive experience in injury rehabilitation. Rachel has been in the massage field for well over a decade now and has helped many clients recover from injuries. Nichelle and Sammy are trained in therapeutic cupping.)
   • Whether recovering from surgery or an injury, clients often turn to massage as part of their rehabilitation journey. Therapists with expertise in myofascial release or neuromuscular therapy work to restore mobility and reduce pain.

The Role of Intuition and Adaptability

While training and specialization are crucial, a massage therapist’s intuition and adaptability set them apart. Skilled therapists can pick up on non-verbal cues—like muscle tension or subtle shifts in body language—to adjust pressure or technique in real time. Often a therapist may ask you to give feedback on their pressure so they can make sure you are receiving the amount that is right for you on that day- don’t be afraid to speak up if it needs to be adjusted. Remember, it’s your massage and the therapist appreciates your feedback!

Building Trust Through Communication

Effective massage therapy is a partnership between the therapist and the client. Open communication throughout the session allows therapists to fine-tune their approach. When I was getting my massage from Sammy, he checked in prior to the conclusion of the treatment to see if there were any nagging areas that still needed work. I always love when therapists do that because it gives you the freedom to pause and think about how your body feels right then and what might still need attention.

Massage

One of the few things in life that is all about you….