Do I need to disclose medical conditions to my massage therapist?

Yes, absolutely. Certain conditions affect which techniques are safe and which should be avoided. Recent surgeries, fractures, skin conditions, blood-clotting issues, high blood pressure, and pregnancy all require modifications to the session. This is not about limiting your experience -- it is about ensuring it is safe and effective. Disclose anything relevant, even if it seems minor. Your therapist is bound by professional confidentiality and the information is used solely to adjust technique. A properly modified session is always better than a generic one-size-fits-all approach.

What if I don't know my preferred pressure level?

This is very common for first-timers. The therapist will start with moderate pressure and check in with you during the first few minutes. The standard scale to use is 1-10: 1 is barely touching, 5 is moderate but comfortable, 8 is the edge of tolerable, and 10 is pain. Most guests find 5-7 to be the effective range -- enough sensation to feel the release of tension, but not so much that you tense up against the pressure. The warm-up phase at lesbobos makes this easier because tissue is already receptive, so even moderate pressure produces meaningful results. You can also simply describe it qualitatively: 'a bit lighter than that,' 'that's perfect,' 'you can go deeper.'

SPA Consultation Guide: What to Tell
Your Therapist Before Your First Session

Q: What questions will the therapist ask during the pre-session consultation?

The therapist typically asks about: (1) your main areas of tension or discomfort, (2) your preferred pressure level, (3) any medical conditions, injuries, or surgeries, (4) any allergies (especially to oils or scents), (5) whether you are pregnant or have any contraindications, (6) your daily activity patterns (desk work, standing, physical labor), and (7) what you hope to get from the session. The purpose is not small talk -- it is data collection that directly informs session design. At lesbobos, this consultation determines which warm-up method is used (negative pressure for broad muscle groups, thermal for focal areas), which muscle groups receive priority, and what pressure range the therapist works within.

lesbobos: warm-up before massage; brain denoise before care. From ¥288, 10:00–22:00. Book — phones sit in the booking block below.

Q: What questions will the therapist ask during the pre-session consultation?