Before you book a Thai massage
What to decide before booking a 60, 90 or 120 minute Thai massage: style, pressure, areas to avoid, health notes, clothing and cancellation terms.
Before you enquire, settle nine things: style, length (60, 90 or 120 minutes), pressure, focus areas, health notes, clothing, arrival, price and cancellation terms. A clear enquiry helps a therapist plan the session and tell you quickly whether they can help.
Keep this list handy for when the therapist contacts you.
1. Which style do you want?
Decide which style you want to ask about. If you are not sure, say so and describe what you are after.
- Traditional Thai massage: clothed, with pressure along the body and assisted stretches.
- Thai oil massage: oil and longer strokes, usually with less stretching.
- Thai foot massage: the feet and calves, done while you sit back in your clothes.
- Thai stretching massage: more of the session spent on assisted stretches.
If this is your first Thai massage, a traditional or oil massage at a moderate pressure is a reasonable place to start.
2. How long should the session be?
- 60 minutes suits a first visit, or a focus on one or two areas.
- 90 minutes gives time for a full routine with stretching.
- 120 minutes suits people who already know they enjoy Thai massage and are comfortable lying down for a long session.
Foot massages are often booked for shorter sessions. Ask which lengths the therapist offers.
3. How firm should the pressure be?
Say whether you prefer light, medium or firm pressure. Thai massage can be firmer than people expect. You can change the pressure at any time during the session, and you should speak up straight away if anything hurts. Pain that makes you tense is a reason to ease off.
4. Which areas should the therapist focus on or avoid?
Tell the therapist where you want the most time spent, for example the shoulders, lower back or legs. Just as important, tell them which areas you do not want touched. This might be an area with a recent injury, a sensitive spot, or simply somewhere you are not comfortable having massaged. You do not need to explain why.
5. Health notes for the therapist
Tell the therapist before you book if any of these apply:
- You are pregnant, or think you may be.
- You have had a recent injury, fracture or surgery.
- You have a blood clotting condition, a history of clots, or take blood thinning medication.
- You have a heart condition or high blood pressure.
- You have a skin condition, rash, infection or broken skin.
- You have diabetes, osteoporosis, joint replacements, or a back, neck or disc problem.
- You take regular medication.
- You have allergies, including to nut oils or fragrance.
- You feel unwell, have a fever or a cold on the day.
Depending on your answers, the therapist may adapt the session, recommend a different style, or ask you to get medical advice first. Your GP is the right person to ask if you are unsure. A massage does not stand in for medical treatment.
You do not have to put health details in the online form. You can give them to the therapist directly when they contact you. The privacy page explains how the form details are handled.
6. Clothing
- For traditional, stretching and foot massage, wear loose, comfortable clothes such as track pants and a T-shirt.
- For oil massage, you undress to your comfort level and stay covered by a towel or sheet except for the area being worked on. Keeping underwear on is normal.
- Leave rings, watches and necklaces at home, and eat lightly beforehand.
Ask the therapist whether they provide clothing to change into.
7. Getting there
- Confirm the address, parking and any stairs or access issues.
- Arrive a little before the start time, as some therapists ask you to complete a short health form.
- If you catch the train, Cranbourne station is the end of the Cranbourne line, so check the timetable and walking time.
8. Price, payment and cancellation terms
Before you agree to the booking, ask the therapist:
- The price for the style and length you want.
- How they take payment.
- Their cancellation and rescheduling terms, and how much notice they need.
- What happens if you arrive late, and whether the session still finishes at the booked time.
- Whether a health fund rebate may apply. This depends on the therapist’s qualifications, association membership and provider registration with your fund, so check with your fund as well.
9. What this site does
This website only forwards requests; the about page explains who runs it. Your enquiry does not book a massage. The therapist agrees the details with you and you choose whether to go ahead. Requests are passed on for professional, non-sexual massage only.
Ready to send
When you have your answers, send your enquiry with your suburb, preferred style and length, a few day and time options, and anything the therapist should know.