Massage Therapy has long been misconstrued as something other than what is truly is. Frequently, people misunderstand the meaning of what massage is, and often times see it as a form of erotic touch, which it is not. Professional massage therapy is performed by a licensed, certified or registered Massage Therapist (depending on what state in the US you are receiving your massage).
Be sure that your massage therapist is professionally trained by a school accredited by COMTA (The Commition on Massage Therapy Accreditation). Your therapist should either have a certificate or licensed issued to them. There are still a number of states in the US that do not regulate massage therapy, so a certificate or license is not required in those states. It is still a good idea to be sure that your therapist has professional training even if the state you are in does not require a license or certificate.
Be sure that your massage therapist is professionally trained by a school accredited by COMTA (The Commition on Massage Therapy Accreditation). Your therapist should either have a certificate or licensed issued to them. There are still a number of states in the US that do not regulate massage therapy, so a certificate or license is not required in those states. It is still a good idea to be sure that your therapist has professional training even if the state you are in does not require a license or certificate.
A professional Massage Therapist will respect your privacy, your body, and your questions. When you are receiving your massage, you will be completely covered at ALL TIMES. When your therapist is working on you, the only part of your body that will be exposed is the part of your body that is being worked on at that moment. For example: if your therapist is working on your leg, your entire body will be covered EXCEPT for the leg the therapist is working on. Same for arms and back. The therapists hands will never go under the sheet to touch any part of your body that is not exposed.
It is up to you, the client, to decide to what level you choose to undress. It is standard for the therapist to tell you to undress to your personal comfort level. This may mean removing undergarments if that is most comfortable, or leaving undergarments on if that is more comfortable, this decision is yours as the client to make. The therapist will step out of the room while you undress to give you privacy. It is never appropriate for a therapist to remain in the room while you undress, this is a red flag. You will be asked to get underneath the sheets, and either lay on your back or your stomach.
There are many things that a person may experience during a massage, such as emotional and physical releases. Some examples may be, crying, laughing, drooling, runny nose, passing gas, or even falling asleep. All of these examples are perfectly normal, very common releases that people experience. It is very important to listen to your body and accept all of its reactions.
Individual experiences will be different, and every massage therapist will be different and it is very important to remember this when you go for your massage. There are a number of different types of massages that you can receive, including some that require you to be fully clothed, some examples are: Shiatsu and Thai Massage. Remember to speak up during your massage if you find you are experiencing any pain at all and if you feel that your therapist is using too much or too little pressure. It is perfectly normal to ask for less pressure (whether you are a man OR a woman) or to ask for more pressure. The therapist won't know your pressure tolerance unless you tell them.
Individual experiences will be different, and every massage therapist will be different and it is very important to remember this when you go for your massage. There are a number of different types of massages that you can receive, including some that require you to be fully clothed, some examples are: Shiatsu and Thai Massage. Remember to speak up during your massage if you find you are experiencing any pain at all and if you feel that your therapist is using too much or too little pressure. It is perfectly normal to ask for less pressure (whether you are a man OR a woman) or to ask for more pressure. The therapist won't know your pressure tolerance unless you tell them.
One of the most important things to keep in mind, is that there are no silly questions, and it is very important to ask about anything you are unsure of.
And most important, enjoy your massage!
And most important, enjoy your massage!
