Massage Time Spa · October 23, 2026

The short version

Tell your therapist what you'd like, and tell them again if it changes. More pressure, less pressure, warmer, cooler, more conversation or none at all: it's all normal to ask for, and it never offends anyone. Your session should feel right for you, and speaking up is how it gets there.

Before your massage starts

Every session starts with a quick conversation, and it's the easiest time to set things up. Mention:

Where you're tight or sore, and what you'd like to feel afterward.
How much pressure you usually like: light, medium or firm. "I'm not sure" is a fine answer too.
Any area you'd like skipped, for any reason.
Anything that affects your comfort, like a recent injury or a pregnancy.

Getting here 5 to 10 minutes early gives you time for this chat without cutting into your massage.

During your massage: pressure

Pressure is the thing people most often wish they'd mentioned. Firm work can feel intense, but it shouldn't make you tense up, hold your breath or wince. If it does, it's more than you need, and a lighter touch will usually do more good. On the other hand, if you're lying there thinking "I could take more," say so.

You don't need special words. Any of these work:

"Could you go a little lighter there?"
"That's perfect. Keep that pressure."
"Can you go deeper on my shoulders?"
"That spot is tender today. Could you ease off?"

Your therapist would much rather adjust than guess, and you can change your mind as many times as you like.

Temperature, conversation and the rest

Too warm or too cool? Let your therapist know so they can adjust. If you've added hot stone therapy, speak up right away if a stone feels too warm.

Chatty or quiet? Some people like to talk the whole time. Others want to drift off. Both are completely fine. If you'd rather rest, "I think I'll just relax now" is all it takes.

Something not quite right? A position that's uncomfortable, an area you don't want worked on, or you need a moment: say so at any point. It's your session.