Medical massage can benefit people of all ages and activity levels, from office workers with chronic neck tension to athletes recovering from injury to a patient healing from surgery. If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility are affecting your daily life, targeted therapeutic massage may help you move and feel better.

If you find it hard to relax during a massage, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a busy mind, physical discomfort, or feeling self-conscious, learning how to relax during a massage can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

Here are 9 tips to help you communicate clearly with your massage therapist. A massage isn’t just something that happens to you, it’s a collaboration. The more clearly you communicate with your massage therapist, the more personalized, effective, and satisfying your session will be.