Transparency is highly important when you book a massage at a center like Wellness54. Just as your massage therapist will be transparent by sharing with you how he or she plans to treat whatever condition you want addressed, you should also share certain details about any health issues you may currently be dealing with. In many cases, this information will come up when you fill out your health history form at the start of the massage, but if you've gone to the same therapist in the past, you won't have to fill out this form each visit. Instead, make sure that you verbally divulge if you have any of these issues.

Plantar Warts

It's courteous to let your massage therapist know if you have plantar warts on your feet, especially if you're hoping to have your feet massaged. While some massage therapists will notice this issue, it might not always be apparent — especially if the lights are turned down low in the room to promote relaxation. You can still enjoy a foot massage even with plantar warts; typically, the massage therapist will put latex or vinyl gloves on before treating this part of your body.

Fungal Issues

If you're dealing with fungal issues anywhere throughout your body, such as athlete's foot on your feet or fungus on the nails of your fingers, you should also let the massage therapist know. As with a wart, your practitioner will likely want to cover his or her skin with latex or vinyl gloves to avoid the spread of the fungus. Keep in mind, however, that you might not wish to have these areas treated — stimulation to athlete's foot, for example, may promote itching. In this scenario, simply explain the issue and ask for the massage therapist to avoid these affected areas during the treatment.

Cold

You should always let your massage therapist know if you're fighting a cold — however, unlike having plantar warts or fungal issues, you shouldn't divulge this information when you arrive for your appointment. If you're under the weather and have a massage scheduled, it's courteous to call your practitioner and explain that you're fighting a cold. This advance notice gives him or her the ability to reschedule the massage if desired. In some cases, the massage therapist may indicate that it's fine for you to attend the appointment as scheduled, but divulging this information can make sure that the therapist is more vigilant about washing his or her hands and possibly disinfecting the clinic room after you leave.