Going in for a spa service can ironically feel nerve-wracking when it’s your first time. It’s common for clients who haven’t received a service before to feel uncertain, often relating to questions like, “What should I do before my appointment? Should I talk? What if that pressure is too much?”   

Your spa experience is supposed to help you relax, not make you worry about if you’re doing everything  ‘right.’  We’re sharing some tips on how massage etiquette isn’t about being perfect, but rather creating a comfortable experience for everyone involved.   

Your Massage is Personal  

“What brought you in today?” It’s the simplest question your massage therapist can ask, and yet many are stumped with how to answer.  

Being honest about what you want during your service is important from-the-get-go.  

According to the ISA’s (International Spa Association) study in 2025 on What Drives Spa Visits, “85% of spa-goers view spa visits as self-care. Nearly two-thirds name ‘stress reduction’ as key motivators for visiting a spa.”   

Your massage therapist’s main goal is to help you relax. Transparency about your goals is all they are looking for. Clear communication allows your experience to be more personalized, so you reach a complete state of physical calm and mental peace.  

What Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know  

There’s a few things, so let’s break this up into a few different talk-points.  

They Are Paying Closer Attention Than You Think: Your evaluation starts as soon as you walk in the room, or even minutes before. From the way you carry yourself to the tone of voice, LMT’s can tell a lot about you from reading your intake form, and even before asking the reason for your spa visit.  

Please, Speak Up: While they can tell a lot from your body language, they cannot read your mind. Be honest about your expectations and wants before and during your service. If the table is too warm, if you need an extra blanket, or even if their pressure is too firm—your massage therapist responds to this feedback to better personalize your experience.  

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way: Make time before for a quick clean-up. While your massage therapist understands not everyone is able to bathe before coming in, taking time to remove sweat, dirt, and dead skin helps make the experience more comfortable and hygienic for both parties.  

Keep The Relationship Professional: There is a lot of vulnerability in spa services, both for your service provider and yourself. While pouring out about your day when they ask ‘how are you?’ may occur naturally, their main job is to help your muscles and mind relax. Maintain a warm but professional boundary to help create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved.  

Respect Goes Both Ways: It’s important to understand every massage therapist has a unique approach and style. Avoid direct comparisons during your service to other massage therapists you’ve seen before. If you have service provider preferences, it’s best to communicate them with the front desk staff upon exiting your service.  

Remember: Be an Active Participant  

The best massage experiences aren’t the ones with barely any commentary. When visiting a MassageLuXe spa for the first time, your goal should be two things: honesty & communication.   

Your massage therapist will handle the relaxation part during your service. By communicating clear expectations and information about your body, your massage experience can be more personalized to your goals. So don’t be afraid coming in for your first service, rather be prepared.  

Massage Etiquette Tips to Remember  

It’s not about being the perfect client but rather giving yourself permission to prioritize your own comfort. Prepping before your service and keeping these things in mind are the perfect way to get ready for a relaxing experience. And if you’re still nervous—check out these other tips on Massage Etiquette: Know Before You Go.  

About MassageLuXe 

Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment. 

Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has over 100 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.