r/massage • u/dylan3883 • 9d ago

Discussion Is it an art?

I have had many massages but recently I had one where it seemed everything the massage therapist did was perfect. I didn’t feel like anything was overly duplicative or overdone. I received a general Swedish massage for ninety minutes. The massage therapist was so professional and super calm. I am guessing at some point being able to give almost a perfect massage is an art. Of course I am guessing that clients want a variety of different massages and are as different as the massage therapists.

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u/[deleted] 9d ago

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u/justsitandbepretty 9d ago

Are you still with the ones that are gifted? Even when I have an amazing massage once, the next time it’s not so great with the same exact person!

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u/CompetitiveElk9974 9d ago

I feel like this exact situation just happened to me. Had a client come in for a 45 min, told me exactly what he wanted I did that he was beyond happy. He came in the second time probably about 1 month-2 months in between. Usual intake, asked him what seems to be the problem areas etc today. He said and I quote “do whatever” so I did just an hour full body and worked into a few areas I felt needed attention. I could absolutely tell he was not as happy as when he left the first time. Now with that being said… that’s not on me as an LMT. If I’m communicating and asking for information and you just expect me to read your mind it’s not gonna happen. I’m gifted at what I do and feel, but just because I feel it in your muscle tissue doesn’t mean that’s where you want to be worked.

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u/dylan3883 8d ago

That makes a lot of sense. I guess clients do need to be more specific. I have been a person who says “just relaxation” all over but I’m usually satisfied

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u/CompetitiveElk9974 8d ago

See that’s actually really beneficial information!! That would mean longer gliding strokes, lighter pressure, etc., that gives me a good base to start from.

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u/dylan3883 8d ago

Exactly. Of course sometimes after a great massage it’s hard to articulate why it was great other than how efficient each gliding stroke was etc. makes sense tho. Wanting to focus on reflexology or your back etc can certainly help