Practice Management Tips
April 3, 2024
No matter what type of massage practice you have, clients expect your massage room to be a relaxing place. The feel of the room is part of the experience. If you set up your massage room well, clients feel relaxed before they even get on the table. Of course, the room doesn’t just need to be zen, it should be practical too. In this article, we’ll explore massage room setup ideas to help you achieve both.
Wondering what to put in a massage room, or how to set it up? Here are some massage room setup ideas and guidelines:
To have a great setup, you should remember this is a space for you and your clients to enjoy. A mix of function and relaxation is key. You can acheive this delicate balance by following the 10 tips outlined here.
A clean room, with only a table in it, is better than a cluttered space filled with “dust-ables.” Cleanliness and ease of cleaning are extremely important in your treatment room. This room has to be sanitized between massage sessions. The fewer things cluttering surfaces, the less there is to clean.
Clean lines and smooth surfaces look cleaner too. Your clients will take comfort in a place that looks, smells and feels clean.
Another way to ensure that you massage room is clean and tidy is to eliminate paperwork or charts - you can do this by using practice management software or by having your clients fill out online forms ahead of their treatment.
Often massage rooms are either homey or clinical, but the best massage rooms are both. You can have a professional clinic while still providing a cozy space to relax in.
Do this by using quality linens, low lighting and tranquil decor. Massage room ideas like this provide a sense of calm without much effort. You can create that vibe and still have trigger point charts on a wall.
Again, keeping it professionals means not having a lot of paperwork lying around of having to fumble with filing cabinets before or after the session. Consider sending your clients their intake forms via software before they arrive.
Dim lighting can calm the nervous system and facilitate relaxation. Complete darkness causes people to fumble blindly around the room searching for their clothes.
Strike the right balance. Instead of overhead lighting, try using lamps or even a nightlight. That way you can control the amount of light throughout the session.
Use more light when you’re talking with clients pre-treatment and less light during the actual massage. If you have the budget for it, use smart bulbs in your lamps. They can be dimmed, change colors and can even create special effects like candlelight.
How do clients spend most of their time in your massage room? On the table, with their eyes closed. That’s why quality linens are possibly the most important part of your massage room setup.
If you have a limited massage budget, spend it on soft sheets that will stand up to frequent washing and cozy blankets. The linens you choose can make your massage room look and feel nice. Choose colors that match the room, and make your massage table the focal point of the decor.
Avoid bright colors in your massage room. They can be too stimulating for the senses. Instead, stick with muted tones that create a sense of tranquillity.
If you’re not sure what colors are considered tranquil, research the psychology of colors. That said, this doesn’t need to be complicated. If you already have a color scheme for your massage logo, you can use those brand colors in your massage room.
Decor can add a personal touch to a room. Remember, you’re going to spend a lot of time looking at the walls in your massage room. Choose decor that you appreciate, and also creates a sense of serenity.
A beautiful landscape photo on the wall is a good choice. Alternatively, a unique piece of art or faux candles can work just as well. This is all about your personal style.
Choose a couple pieces you like. Don’t overdo it. Too much decor can look messy. Keep it simple.
Massage is a sensory experience. Prevent unwanted sounds from permeating the room. Not every sound is under your control. However, there’s a lot you can do to tone down unwanted noise.
Soften sound inside the room by adding soft things. Drapes and rugs help prevent sound from bouncing around rooms with hard floors. If you have outside noise, try a sound machine to filter that out. Then add soft music to set the mood.
It’s more important that the room smells clean than fragrant. The citrus smell of disinfectant or the delicate scent of fabric softener may be all you need.
Incense and perfumes aren’t always the best choice. Strong fragrances can be overwhelming or give the impression you’re trying to cover up a smell.
When choosing scents, keep your clientele in mind. Different people appreciate different things. For instance, strong fragrances are often a trigger for migraine sufferers. So, before you plug in a tart warmer, consider who you’re inviting into the room.
It’s common for massage rooms to be small, sometimes really small. And that’s ok. All you really need is a table and a space for people to put their things.
If your room is small, keep your massage room setup simple. Dedicate a corner of the room to clients and their things. Then keep the rest of the room free of obstacles.
If you need more massage room ideas for small rooms, check out this article: 13 Small Space Massage Therapy Room Ideas
Less is more in most cases. Rooms feel more expansive when more of the floor is exposed. Don’t feel like every open space needs something.
Your clients need a space to sit down and a surface to set phones, keys and rings on. Need to store linens, lotions and massage tools in your massage room? Choose a cabinet that keeps those items out of sight. That’s probably all the furniture you need, aside from your massage table or chair.
If you’re doing this for the first time, don’t overthink your massage room design. Keep it clean, cosy and inviting. And remember, you don't need to break the bank to create a luxurious feeling in your massage room. A comfy blanket, low lighting and a single piece of art can transform the whole space.
If you want to build a successful and long term massage therapy practice than your clients well being and experience should be at the top of the list, so what are other great ways to ensure they leave happy?
One of the most impactful things you can do for your business is to use massage therapy software to ensure your clients enjoy a smooth experience.
With this software, your clients will enjoy:
Sign up for a free trial below to give it a shot!
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