Customers new to the massage therapy may have a lot of questions. Do your therapists accept tips? How much should I tip? Do I have to take all my clothes off? What’s the difference between a Swedish massage and deep tissue massage? Do chiropractic adjustments hurt? Many want to know the answers to proper massage etiquette but few dare to ask. Here’s the scoop so you don’t feel all confused!
Do massage therapists accept tips? The answer is yes and it is customary to tip a massage therapist. Just as you would tip any service provider such as your hair stylist, manicurist and waiter, massage therapists do accept tips and are appreciative of any amount given.
How much should you tip for a massage? The average tip for an hour massage is about $10.
Do I have to take all my clothes off? No not at all. If you are not comfortable removing your underwear you may feel free to keep them on. Removal of clothing is not mandatory. It only makes it easier for your therapist to maneuver effortlessly around the body and makes the massage more relaxing for you.
What’s the difference between a Swedish massage vs a deep tissue massage? The Swedish massage and deep tissue massage concentrate on the same areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, back and legs. They also use the same techniques to massage these areas. The only difference is that the Swedish massage utilizes a medium pressure for a more relaxing massage and the deep tissue massage uses a firmer pressure. If you do not receive massages or exercise often it is recommended to get a Swedish massage at first. Lactic acid is released during the massaging of muscles making you feel soar and like you just had a thorough workout at the gym. After you become a massage pro, take it to the next level and try a deep tissue massage.
What exactly is a chiropractic adjustment and will it hurt? A chiropractic adjustment is when a chiropractor uses several spinal manipulation techniques in order to realign your body to alleviate any tension in the neck, back and hips. Adjustments generally do not hurt. Our chiropractor is a licensed Chiropractic Doctor with over 12 years of experience. He will ask you a brief series of questions about your medical history and any injuries sustained in the past. He will also evaluate your posture and things that will need to be adjusted. An adjustment typically takes about 5 minutes.
At Happy Head we welcome new customers as well as massage veterans to ask any questions about which massage they would like. Our front desk staff is knowledgeable, ready and willing to answer all your questions.