Massage Therapy Research On Talking

In my massage therapy research, I have sometimes become aware of clients who talk too much.

They cannot relax because they won't be quiet and still. You as the massage therapist keep forgetting what you have and have not yet done because of the constant chatter.

Some of these talkative clients actually want to have a real conversation, which you are not prepared to do since you are trying to concentrate on the muscles--how they feel and respond to your touch. You can try and calm the client by gently saying that he/she needs to relax but that does not always work.

Then there are the clients who talk just so there will be something to do. These are the ones who don't like peace and quiet. They are also the ones who, thankfully, don't expect an answer, just a not or an mmm-hmm every once in a while. You can pretty much deal with that and still concentrate. Hopefully the music and your work will make some of these clients relax and even fall asleep for a short while.

The client who talks too much may be lonely for company. You may be the only adult company this client has had all day so it is helpful for the client to unburden himself/herself. Just gently explain that you are a good listener and you will listen as you work the muscles. Let this client know that you must concentrate on his/her muscles to help the client.

Massage therapy research indicates silence between two people may make some clients uncomfortable. It may be helpful in some cases to have the TV turned on with the volume low. This may cause the client to listen to it, allowing you to better concentrate on the client's muscles. I don't suggest this in every case, but sometimes it makes it so much easier for the massage therapist if the client can quietly relax.

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