FAQ’s regarding

massage therapy...

some of the common questions people are dying to know the answers to (but are too embarassed to ask...)

Am I supposed to take off my underwear?

Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you! This is why I will ask you specifically during your intake process if you are a first time guest.

If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.  As a therapist I’m not looking at your body per say, I’m concentrating on specific muscle groups and how they’re functioning, so I can discern how to help them and therfore, help you, feel better.  The gluteal area specifically is a huge muscle group that does a lot of work for us!  If you are uncomfortable with work in this area I will totally respect that.  But from a therapeutic standpoint it is a valid area for bodywork that I view as valuable to detail in the course of a full body massage.  Especially if you’ve expressed low back problems or concerns in the area of the hips.

Rest assured that if you choose to be completely nude for your massage, you will be draped with a sheet appropriately at all times.  Only the area being worked on will be uncovered.  No I don’t think you’re a perv, I think you are a person who has experienced a professional therapeutic massage before and knows what (and what not) to do during one!

What if I realize I've drooled?

Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Don't be afraid to ask for a tissue if needed!

Also for the record, passing gas, stomach noises?  These are common bodily responses to massage as well!  Nothing to worry about!  And if you fall asleep or snore a bit?  Hey, massage therapists consider it a compliment if you are able to relax that deeply and will gently wake you when the session is over.  

Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?

Absolutely not.   I will leave the room and you will be given privacy and time to undress.  Once disrobed just lie on the  table (usually facedown) under the top sheet.  I will always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the room.

PS> If you're not shy and are comfortable with your body - hey, congratulations! But nope, I still do not prefer and will not be in the room while you disrobe.  So please, I'd really appreciate it if you will be courteous and wait until I've exited to begin, thanks!

Should I talk during the massage?

Generally my personal rule of thumb as your therapist is not to speak unless spoken to while in a session.  Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation. After all, you're receiving a massage, you're not at a cocktail party.

Feel free to just close your eyes and relax (which is what most people do.)

Be sure to speak up if:

the room is too hot or too cold

you experience pain

you have any questions related to the massage

there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation

What if I get an erection?

Ok take a deep breath, yes here’s that question men & women alike are constantly curious about when it comes to massage....erections.

Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.

But there is no reason to be embarrassed! It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection.  If a male client’s body responds in this way, have no fear- I’m neither insulted nor phased and the fact is that I’ll simply ignore it altogether.  Get it? Got it? Good!

If you are still anxious, just wear your boxer briefs or bike shorts during the massage, which provide more support than just boxers.  I’ll ask you about your preferences during the intake process if it’s your first visit.  If you want glute work & prefer it to be done over the sheet rather than on the skin with appropriate draping - say so when I ask!  Yes, its’s that easy.  

Let me be perfectly clear... Therapeutic massage is NOT for erotic purposes or with sexual intentions.  As a licensed massage therapist, my hands will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during a session.  If you’re seeking an erotic massage experience then Bliss Massage Therapy is not the appropriate place for you.  Please seek out those services e l s e w h e r e.  Please do not insult me, my profesisonal reputation and business by asking or alluding to unethical activities. If a guest fails to respect and adhere to these guidelines, the session will promptly end, they will be asked to leave amd will be banned from future visits. Enough said.

The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the therapist's technique. What should I do?

Communicate openly with your massage therapist. Everyone experiences muscle release and relaxation in their own unique way.  Some with lighter touch, others love feeling deeply kneaded and worked out.  Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.

Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up. Pressing into a muscle that is being guarded by a cringing client who is uncomfortable with the depth of pressure does no good and can actually cause damage to the tissues with subsequent bruising. This is counter-productive to the goal of restoration and relaxation ultimately.

Basically, don’t suffer in silence.  Speak up so that your therapist can adjust accordingly.  A professional, experienced therapist will not be insulted and uses your feedback to tailor the experience to your personal preferences.

I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the therapist to see me. What can I do?

People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are:

I'm overweight.

I have excessive hair growth on my body.

I've got acne on my face or back.

My feet are ugly.

I have scars.

Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist.

If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask for it to be avoided.  This is your time and it can be customized to your needs and comfort.  If you are more comfortable keeping socks on, having only your upper body massaged...these are options that are available to you to customize your experience so it’s the most beneficial for you!

Sara Bliss

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