Massage Etiquette in Singapore: What First-Timers Should Know

What should you do before your massage?

Most first-timer nerves come from not knowing what happens when you walk in. A little preparation fixes that. Use this checklist in the day or two before your appointment.

• Book ahead. Evenings and weekends fill up first, so reserve a slot rather than walking in and hoping.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in, fill in any forms and use the washroom without eating into your session.
• Share your health information. Cleveland Clinic advises telling your therapist about health issues up front and checking with your doctor first if you have a medical condition. It lists blood thinners, blood clots in the legs, osteoporosis and recent surgery among the situations where massage may not be suitable.
• Eat light. Lying face down on a very full stomach is rarely comfortable, so keep the meal before your session small.
• Drink some water. Cleveland Clinic suggests drinking water before and after a massage to help reduce soreness.
• Freshen up. A quick shower is a kindness to your therapist, especially for a body massage. For foot treatments, clean feet and trimmed toenails help.
• Flag anything on your skin. If you have a cut, rash, blister or fungal infection, say so at the counter. The therapist can work around it or suggest another day.

At FootNote, our house policy is that you should not book if you are pregnant, nursing an injury or have had surgery in the past three months. If you have a medical condition, please check with your doctor before your visit.

What do you wear for foot reflexology and body massage?

This is the question first-timers ask most, and the answer depends on the treatment you book.

Foot reflexology

You stay fully clothed. You sit back in a reclining chair, remove your shoes and socks, and roll your trousers up to the knee so the therapist can reach your feet and lower legs. Loose trousers or a skirt make this easy, while skinny jeans make it awkward.

At FootNote, every session begins with a complimentary organic foot soak, so you start fresh and relaxed. Our Signature Foot Reflexology runs from $38 for 30 minutes to $76 for 90 minutes ($33 to $69 for members), and all prices are nett and include GST.

Body massage

Follow your therapist’s instructions. They will explain what to change into and how to lie on the bed. Cleveland Clinic notes that clients are covered by sheets during a massage, and that some people prefer to keep their underwear on. Choose whatever feels comfortable for you.

If you are unsure which style suits you, our body massage page has details of our Acupressure Body Massage and our oil-based Rejuvenating Body Massage.

Is it OK to talk, and how do you give feedback on pressure?

There is no rule that says you must chat or must stay silent. Some people like a light conversation, while others drift off within minutes. Your therapist will usually follow your lead, so if you would rather rest, a simple “I think I’ll just relax now” is perfectly polite.

The one thing you should always speak up about is pressure. Cleveland Clinic says it is always important to let your therapist know if the pressure feels too deep or uncomfortable, and to point out any areas that are tender. Reflexology in particular can feel sharp on certain points of the foot, so tell your therapist if a spot feels painful rather than just firm.

Simple phrases work best:

• “Could you go a bit lighter there?”
• “That’s a good pressure, please keep it like this.”
• “You can go firmer on my shoulders.”
• “Please avoid my left ankle, I sprained it recently.”

Speaking up is also about safety. NCCIH, part of the US National Institutes of Health, describes the risk of harm from massage as low, but notes rare reports of serious problems, some of them linked to vigorous techniques or to people at higher risk of injury, such as older adults. Mild soreness afterwards is common, and Cleveland Clinic says it usually lasts a few hours to about a day and a half. Our post on what to take note of after a massage covers aftercare.

As for your phone, switch it to silent before you start. A ringing phone breaks the calm for you and for anyone nearby, especially in a shared foot reflexology area.

What happens if you are running late?

Therapists often have back-to-back appointments, so a late start at many spas means a shorter session rather than a later finish. That keeps the next guest from waiting, but it also means you lose massage time you have paid for.

If you are stuck on the train or in traffic, message or call the outlet as early as you can. They can tell you whether your full session still fits or whether moving to a later slot makes more sense. If you need to cancel, the same courtesy applies: an early message frees the slot for someone else.

Do you tip for a massage in Singapore?

Tipping is not part of everyday life in Singapore the way it is in some countries. Lonely Planet notes that Singapore does not have a strong tipping culture, and that hotel bills in the region usually include a service charge, so tips are not expected. Wise’s travel guide to Singapore also says tipping is not expected, though a little extra is appreciated for exceptional service.

In practice, that makes tipping at a spa your call. If a therapist went above and beyond, a small tip is a kind gesture, but nobody should feel obliged. Kind words, rebooking with the same therapist or leaving an honest review are other ways to say thank you.

Before you decide, read your receipt so you know exactly what you have paid for. At FootNote, the prices on our menu are nett and already include GST, so the price you see is the price you pay.

Massage etiquette do’s and don’ts at a glance

If you only remember one part of this guide, make it this table. It sums up the massage etiquette Singapore therapists appreciate most.

Ready to book your first session?

Now that you know what to expect, the rest is easy: pick a treatment, choose a time and let us take care of the rest.

FootNote has two outlets, at PLQ Mall (connected to Paya Lebar MRT) and at NEX, above Serangoon MRT. Both are open daily from 11am to 10pm. Contact us or WhatsApp your preferred outlet to book, and tell us it is your first visit so we can walk you through it.

Frequently asked questions