If you’ve ever had massage therapy before, you may remember signing a consent form at the start of your visit.
But informed consent is more than paperwork.
Informed consent means you understand what will happen during treatment and agree to it before it begins. It’s an important part of massage therapy and helps make sure care is safe, comfortable, and respectful.
Just as important, consent is something that continues throughout your visit — not just something you sign once.
What Consent Means Before Treatment Starts
Before treatment begins, your Registered Massage Therapist should explain:
What areas will be treated
What type of treatment may be used
How you will be positioned
What clothing or draping will look like
How long the treatment will last
You should have the chance to ask questions and decide whether you feel comfortable moving forward.
You never need to agree to anything you don’t understand or don’t feel comfortable with.
Consent Continues During Treatment
One of the most important things to understand is that consent is ongoing.
Signing a form at the start of a visit does not mean everything is decided in advance.
You can:
Ask questions at any time
Request changes in pressure or positioning
Ask to avoid certain areas
Take a break if needed
Stop treatment completely
A good treatment plan adjusts to how you feel during the session.
What Good Consent Looks Like
Good consent usually feels clear and straightforward.
Your therapist may:
Explain what they plan to work on
Let you know before moving to a new area
Check in about comfort or pressure
Answer questions openly
You should feel comfortable speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.
Massage therapy works best when there is clear communication on both sides.
Common Misunderstandings About Consent
Many people are unsure what consent actually means in healthcare.
Here are a few common misunderstandings.
"I signed the form, so I can’t change my mind."
You can always change your mind.
Consent is an ongoing process, and your comfort always comes first.
"I shouldn’t interrupt the therapist."
Your feedback is helpful.
Simple comments like "a bit less pressure" or "that spot is sensitive" help guide treatment.
"Treatment has to be uncomfortable to work."
Massage therapy does not need to be painful to be helpful.
Comfortable, well-paced treatment is often more productive than pushing through discomfort.
Why Consent Matters
Clear consent helps create better care.
When you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable speaking up:
Treatment can be adjusted to your needs
Sessions tend to feel more relaxed
Goals are easier to work toward
Visits feel more predictable
Most importantly, consent helps you stay in control of your care.
The Bottom Line
Informed consent means understanding your treatment and agreeing to it.
It also means having the freedom to ask questions, make changes, or stop at any time.
Massage therapy works best when care feels clear, respectful, and comfortable.
If you’ve been thinking about getting help for pain or stiffness, the first step is understanding what to expect.
👉 Book now to get started.