In the therapeutic relationship, truthfulness may seem like a given. Most massage therapists don’t enter the field intending to deceive clients. Yet, lies often arise as protective mechanisms to avoid personal discomfort or conflict. As a society, we’re aware of the gray areas between truth and deception. Sometimes, we make statements we fully believe, only to realize later that we were mistaken. While this isn’t lying, it isn’t fully truthful either.
Satya, in the yogic tradition, is concerned with a deeper, capital-T Truth. To cultivate Satya in your massage practice requires staying curious and questioning everything, especially your own words and intentions.
One common way truthfulness slips in massage therapy is through overpromising results. Statements like, “I can cure your sciatica,” or “I can fix your carpal tunnel,” are examples I’ve actually heard from therapists. But let’s be honest—no massage therapist, if challenged, would truly believe they can “cure” sciatica. Sciatica is a complex issue involving nerve inflammation, muscle tension, structural challenges, and lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting or driving. While massage can reduce muscle tension around the nerve and alleviate symptoms, it’s unlikely to completely resolve the root causes in one session.
So, why do we make these promises? And why does it matter if our words aren’t fully accurate?
As the book The Four Agreements wisely advises: “Be impeccable with your word.” The journey toward truthfulness is ongoing. Often, we distort the truth to protect ourselves from discomfort, disappointment, or fear of failure. When clients ask if we can “fix” their issues, our people-pleasing tendencies may lead us to say yes, hoping to be the solution they’ve been searching for. But responding with “I can fix that” isn’t truthful, and it’s not ultimately helpful. In a world filled with toxic positivity and quick fixes, parroting this language only perpetuates unrealistic expectations.
The words we use matter. They shape our clients’ perceptions of themselves and their healing journey. Our bodies listen to the words we speak. So, practice letting go of control over the outcome. Instead of overpromising, try saying, “Let’s see what happens.” You don’t truly know how your client’s body will respond until you get in there.
As an experienced therapist, you’ve likely had sessions where, despite your best efforts, a client’s body simply won’t release tension. No matter how deep you press or what techniques you use, if the muscles don’t feel safe enough to let go, you risk causing harm. The same goes for your words. If you aren’t truthful, building a therapeutic relationship becomes much harder.
Many therapists wish we were more integrated into the medical community, seeing physicians as the ultimate authority. But as someone who specializes in working with chronic pain clients, I appreciate being outside the traditional medical framework. By the time clients reach me, they’ve often seen eight or more doctors who didn’t listen, didn’t believe them, or couldn’t help. I refuse to be just another person who lets them down.
When a client asks if massage will finally bring relief, I’m honest: I don’t know if it will be The Thing that changes everything. But I can promise they will leave feeling more relaxed, likely sleep better, and have a calmer mind. While some clients do experience significant pain relief, all leave knowing they have a partner who listens, believes them, and won’t feed them false hope.
Being that person—the one who offers genuine support when others haven’t—is an incredible privilege.
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