As licensed and certified Massage Therapists we are bound by governing rules, a code of ethics, and in the US individual states have slightly different laws governing how and where we do business including areas of the body we can and cannot massage. A good massage therapy school will train their therapist from day one that the body is no longer just a body but an amazingly complex orchestration of movement and function. Your therapist, just as any professional care provider, will see you from compassion and non judgement. Massage practices varies from place to place so never be afraid to ask questions.
Here are a few things you may not have known.
Massage therapy is usually practiced in a low lit or a dark room to induce a state of relaxation.
If you are not comfortable with this you can request the lights be on.
“I don’t feel comfortable getting undressed or have restrictions due to religious practices.”
You can get undressed as far as you wish, again until you establish a relationship with your therapist and feel more comfortable. If your religion prevents you from being undressed there are plenty modalities that do not require one to undress in order to receive the benefits of massage.
“I forgot to shave.”
Really, we don’t care. We do care if your feet are dirty from wearing flip-flops or a shower is in need.
“I’m embaressed about my body.”
A compassionate therapist will greet you warmly and ensure you feel comfortable, we do not see with our eyes only with our hands. NEVER let this stop you from receiving the wonderful gift of massage. Our clients are everyone you see in line with you at the grocery store.
“I’m very modest.”
As stated earlier, different states have different laws governing draping and if you are unsure, ask. Some therapist undrape and work the glutes and stomach area, be sure you clarify this before you begin to avoid disrupting your relaxing massage with nervousness or uneasyness.
Areas Massaged.
A full body massage is always best for ultimate relaxation and health but essentially a massage is broken down into times. You can request any area be worked more or not at all! Some people need or request the hour be spent on their back alone, and maybe a little foot massage thrown in just because.
Time Constraints.
You may want to schedule a 30 minute massage for a first timer to work in slowly. 60 minutes is usually enough time for a full body, and 90 minutes, huh… need I say more. Just heaven!
“Should I Talk or Not?”
Generally to relax the body it is wise not to talk, that way your mind is concentrating on breating and relaxing your muscles. When we talk we tend to tense up and not even realize we’re doing it, it’s probably what’s got us sore in the first place. But certainly if you can relax and prefer to talk, it’s ok. If you talk to your therapist she/he will talk back provided your muscles are relaxing, if not she/he may ask you to not talk and breath.
“What if I don’t or do like a lot of pressure?” Your initial consultation will include the “reason” you are seeking massage, ie. relaxation, deep tissue, injury, “my friend bought me a gift certificate.”Massage should never hurt. On a pain scale from 1-10 seven and a half is optimal, the “hurt so good” zone. This zone also will change through out the day, so what you can tolerate today may be different tomorrow. Massage is NOT a no pain no gain situation. You may relax with light pressure or deeper pressure. Our muscles are in many layers for which the deeper ones cannot be reached unless the top ones are relaxed first, your therapist will work these top muscles lighter until she/he is able to get to the deeper ones. We don’t know how you are experiencing our touch so always speak up, our training also included receiving and responding to your feedback. This is all about YOU.
