Requesting Massage Order Changes: Addressing Posture & Muscle Tension

Question
Recently my regular Therapist went on matt leave so I have been trying other Therapist and looking for a replacement.

Working on the front of my pecks and shoulders is not my favorite part of the massage at all. I have tight muscles that pull my shoulders forward due to poor posture. So I know I need it.

I have been requesting that this part be done first to get the crappy part of the massage done and out of the way. This way the massage ends on a good note.

Most (so far)seem really put out by this. Like it throws the whole flow of the massage off. The two massage schools in our area, both teach to end the massage with the client on their back.

I had one therapist almost refuse.
During the massage I asked a few more questions and found out she does 8-9 one hour massages, 5 days a week and is booked solid. So I could see she has an assembly line process in order to get this many massages done each day every day.

Is my request unusual? Is this normal? Do have have a set order to your massages? Does it bother you when you get a request to change the order of the massage?

You know, you never know how good someone is until there are gone.
Thanks for any advise.
J

Answer
Hi John,

Your request is not unusual. In all honesty if you have posture issues then the pecs are what need to be worked first. When you slouch as you know the muscles in your pecs tighten & the muscles in your back are forced to over lengthen. The other rmts should not be put out by this. That is rude. I set my order of how I do things by what type of work needs to be done. Each client should be treated to their concerns or problem areas. Ever client is different. The only time I get really bothered by a request is when someone comes in & tells me how to massage as if I don't know what I'm doing. But after almost 6 years of doing this I've only had that happen twice. Clearly you know what the issue is & you don't have to feel bad or madde to feel bad about asking to have your pecs worked on first. That is the way it should be. Let me know if you need anything else.

Zira