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. So how're YOU most comfortable? Because it's up to you! Hence why I  will ask you about your preferences regarding gluteal work specifically during your intake process, if a first time visitor.

If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.  Therapists are not looking at your body per say, but rather they are concentrating on specific muscle groups and how they’re functioning, so they can discern how to help them and therefore, help you, feel better.  The gluteal area specifically is a huge muscle group that does a lot of work for a human being.  If you are uncomfortable with work in this area, please just say so.  But be aware that from a clinical standpoint it is a completely valid area for bodywork that therapists view as relevant to address 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, an experienced massage therapist will not think you’re a perv, they will more likely think you are a mature person who has experienced a professional therapeutic massage before, and knows what (and what not) to do during one!

Whoops, I've drooled/farted/my stomach is making weird noises!

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. Don't freak out. If you fall asleep or snore a bit?  That's a positive, not a negative. If you are able to relax that deeply go ahead.  Therapists are not insulted whatsoever and will gently wake you if need be 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) underneath the top sheet. Calm down and start relaxing. 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 -well good for you, congrats... However, as a professional massage therapists I do NOT want and ethically cannot be present in the therapy room when clients arse disrobing. So PLEASE, use your common sense, be courteous and W A I T  until I have left the room to begin removing ANY item of your clothing, thank you!

Should I talk during the massage?

It's generally counter-intuitive to quieting the mind and body. Most of the time , experienced and professional massage therapist's rule of thumb will be not to speak unless spoken to while in a session. You're receiving a massage, not attending a cocktail party or conducting an interiew! Calm down and well.... shhhhhhh!  Simply close your eyes and relax (which is expected by therapists and what most people do.)

When to speak up:

If you feel too hot or too cold

If you experience pain

If you'd like more / less pressure in an area

If you have any questions related to the massage

If there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation that you feel is relevant for your therapist to know

Kindly refrain from:

Asking me or any therapist questions of a personal nature. It's not appropriate massage etiquette and generally counter- productive to the goal when receiving massage. If you'd like to chat, please save it until after your massage, while keeping in mind other clients may be on their way or waiting in the wings for their session.

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 potentially activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection.  If a male client’s body responds in this way, i'm just going to completely ignore it.  

If you are still anxious, I advise you wear your underwear, boxers or bike shorts during the massage, (which provide more support than just boxers.) You'll be asked 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 - please just say so when asked!  Yes, its’s that easy.  

So, here it is, all spelled out for you... Therapeutic massage is NOT for erotic purposes or offered with any sexual intention whatsoever.  No part of a professional licensed massage therapist's body or hands will ever come into contact with a client's genitals during a session.

Seeking an erotic massage experience?

Probably redirect now, as my studio is not the appropriate place for you. If you personally cannot relax in a non sexual way or control your emotions, please behave like an adult and take responsibility for yourself and your body by seeking out those types of services  e l s e w h e r e.  Do not insult me or any massage therapist, their profesisonal reputation or their practice by:

- Asking about or alluding to unethical activities or experiences

- Pretending you have an injury or issue in an intimate area that you want focus on. (If you legitimately do, please just seek out a male practitioner or  I can refer you to an excellent local male therapist who can help you with that issue.)

- Making coy and/or suggestive comments during a massage

- Grinding and/or excessively adjusting yourself on the table

- Making inappropriate noises, breathing heavily

- Complaining about draping , complaining that you are "hot natured" or "run hot", making it known that you're "not shy"

Please don't waste my time with this kind of dung. Yep, you read right.

If that's still not crystal clear, kindly refer to my intake form for all details regarding my zero tolerance policy and what occurs if a male guest is unable to behave like a gentleman. These policies will be initialed to indicate understaunding and adherence to the same, as well as signed and dated by all first time guests.

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 didn't shave my legs.

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 stretch marks

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! please realize, often times when we are self conscious it's about exactly that - self...... so 9 out of 10, no one else is giving any thought whatsoever to the stuff you're devoting your mental energy to being anxious about....so let it go! ;)

All that being said, it may help you to understand....as a therapist, my first priority when giving a client a massage is not on you as a whole person or what you look like. the very nature of my job and focus is primarily on the details of your specific muscle groups underneath your skin. i'm assessing finite areas, then addressing them with the appropriate presure, techniques and repitition in order to ease them and asssist you towards relexation and/or pain relief. clinically it doesn't afford me the time or inclination to worry about your appearance - - I'm too busy helping you for that!

Sara Bliss/ About.com