Getting a massage can be so relaxing and even healing. However, if there are unanswered questions (some that may even be a little embarrassing) floating around in your head, relaxing might be a bit more difficult.
Here I’ve put together a list of some of the more common questions that I get asked so that you can put yourself at ease and go into your massage confident, informed, and ready to relax.
1. Am I Supposed to Tip After a Massage?
As with most service industry experiences, tipping is optional, but encouraged when you have a good experience. The standard norm for a spa massage is 15 to 20-percent if you were pleased with the experience.
Ultimately, I want you to be able to relax and enjoy your massage, so tip what you feel comfortable tipping. Sometimes people tip much more than 20% and sometimes less. There is never any judgment and even a kind word about your experience is a wonderful thing.
Another wonderful way to show you enjoyed the experience is to refer your family, friends, and co-workers or to purchase a gift certificate for them. Giving the gift of relaxation and healing is a gift that keeps giving.
2. Am I Supposed to Take Off My Underwear?
In the spa setting that I work in clients typically undress to completely nude and then drape themselves in the sheet provided on the massage table. If you prefer to wear your underwear, you may, but I have a very particular draping technique that allows you to stay fully covered while allowing you to receive a massage without under-garments getting in the way.
The key is to undress to your comfort level.
As a licensed massage therapist, it is required by law that I ensure you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3. What If I Realize That I’m Drooling?
Drooling is a natural side-effect of deep relaxation! Many people are lulled into such a deep state of ease that they zone out or fall asleep on the massage table.
When you wake up or come back to present awareness, you might notice that a little drool has accumulated on the sheet of the massage table or pillow. This is very common and nothing to worry about.
The reason I use the sheets and protective drapes that I use is so you will have a clean, comfortable place to drool to your heart’s content.
If you feel called to do so, feel free to ask for a tissue during your massage at any point.
4. Will the Massage Therapist Be There While I Undress?
You will have complete privacy to undress, as I will leave the room as you undress and dress, before and after the massage. You will be left to yourself during this time.
Once you have undressed, you will get onto the massage table face down and cover your body with the sheet provided.
There is no need to rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you. I will knock before entering to make sure you are comfortably covered.
5. Should I Talk During the Massage?
This is your massage, your time to relax. This is your experience. Some people prefer to talk throughout the massage and this is appropriate.
However, most people use their massage experience as a time of relaxation, meditation, or even prayer. In these cases, I will massage the tension out of your muscles, while you relax and zone-out into whatever experience you wish to have.
If the massage is too light or too hard, feel free to speak up and give feedback so that I can adjust to make the massage more comfortable and relaxing for you.
6. What if I Get An Erection During My Massage?
Some men avoid massage therapy because they are afraid they might get an erection during the massage. They may not be able to relax because of the fear that an erection could occur.
There is no reason to be embarrassed should you experience an erection. It is perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage.
Gentle touch of any kind administered to the body can activate the parasympatheic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Any licensed massage therapist (male or female) understand this and will ignore it.
If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men’s bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support that boxer shorts.
7. How Do I Ask for More Pressure without Offending the Massage Therapist?
Open communication with your massage therapist is key to receiving a massage that matches your expectations and needs. Remember, though, that it is a myth that a massage must hurt or be painful in nature for it to be healing.
Very often, I see that people have the most effective release of muscle tension using massage types that are gentle and do not involve any deep pressure or pain. Too much pressure can actually cause muscles to seize up—the opposite effect that we are going for in a massage.
A good scale to use with your massage therapist is this—on a scale of 1 to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should alwasy be less than seven. You can use the scale to more effectively communicate with your massage therapist.
8. I Don’t Want the Massage Therapist to See a Certain Part of My Body. What Can I Do?
There is nothing wrong with feeling self-conscious about a certain part of your body. Some concerns that I see with my regular clients are:
—They believe they are overweight
—They have excessive body hair
—They have acne on their face or back
—They think they have ugly feet
—They have scars that they feel self-conscious about
A professional massage therapist is going to be completely non-judgmental of you. Their job is to see to it that you receive the relaxation and healing that you desire and that you deserve.
If you are self-conscious about a certain part of your body, just let the massage therapist know before hand that you would prefer to have them avoid that area.
Being clear, up front, and open with your massage therapist from the start is the best way for you to get the massage experience that is best for you.
9. What If I have to Pee During the Massage?
While it is best to urinate before your massage, it’s understandable that this is often beyond your control.
If you need to urinate during your massage, just let the massage therapist know. They will leave the room and provide you with a wrap that you can use to walk out to the restroom, or you can opt to put your clothes on to go.
The timer for your massage will continue, if you must get up to use the restroom, which is why emptying your bladder before the massage begins is recommended.
10. What If I Don’t Like the Music, or It’s Too Soft/Loud?
You will not offend the massage therapist if you do not like the music playing. This is your time to have a relaxing experience.
The music chosen is designed to induce relaxation and allow you to relax and feel comfortable. If the music is too soft or too loud, just communicate this clearly to your massage therapist and they will adjust it to your comfort level.
If the music is not at all what you want during your massage, feel free to bring this up and the massage therapist will do their best to find music that is appropriate for your taste and relaxation.
You may bring your own music if you wish and play it on your phone. Just let the massage therapist know you wish to do this before the massage begins.
Book a Massage Therapy Appointment Today
Massage Therapy is a wonderful way to care for your body. Everyone has stress in their lives. Massage Therapy releases muscular tension created by stress. It encourages endorphins to reduce pain transmission and produces feelings of well-being. Please call for an appointment time that is convenient for you, or with any questions:
Ask for Sherry! – 214.403.8485