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Questions and Answers Do you say anything if the pressure's not deep enough? What if you're self-conscious about your body? Are you supposed to be nude? Here are answers to some massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to. 1) How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic? Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places. If you're trying a new clinic, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:
2) I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do? People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are:
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 the massage therapist to avoid that area. Or, you can opt for a therapy that can be done through clothing, such as Bowen Therapy. Because no massage oil or lotion is used, you can remain fully clothed during the session. You can even bring your own comfortable clothes to wear. Just remember to provide complete and accurate information on your health history form, so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or contraindications. 3) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress? No! The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet or towel. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you - the massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room. 4) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage? 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. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick. If you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered. 5) Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage? Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party! Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do. Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. Be sure to speak up if:
6) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do? Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective. 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. Here is a good rule of thumb - on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven. 7) I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request this? Some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession. Some women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more comfortable.
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