Top 13 Massage Questions People Are Afraid To Ask

Have you ever gone to a massage session dreading to ask the therapist a question? What if I have smelly feet? Do I tip? Uh-oh I drooled… Here are some embarrassing questions that we have answered for you!

1. To tip or not to tip?

Sometimes tipping is not required or expected. For example, there is no need to tip in a medical setting. If this is not the case, you can tip 15% to 20% if your massage was good or better than you expected.
Whether you decide to tip or not, another way of showing your appreciation for the therapist’s work is by referring friends, family, and co-workers.

2. Should I remove my underwear when I get a massage?

This is up to you and your personal preference. If you are more comfortable keeping your underwear on, by all means, wear underwear.

However, we suggest you take off your undies to get the best out of therapeutic massage focused on your glutes or lower back, as they can sometimes get in the way of massage work. Otherwise, we recommend loose fitting briefs for men and thongs for women. If it’s your first time with a therapist wear your underwear until you are comfortable without them.

3. What should I do if I I’m drooling during the massage?

It happens all the time, especially when you are lying face down. It just shows us that you are relaxed. We see it as your way of leaving a mark of appreciation.
If you drool, sneeze or your nose is running uncontrollably, please don’t be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.

4. What if I have to fart during the massage?

Flatulence is an embarrassing topic for most clients, but if you hold it in then you’ll be super uncomfortable, especially if the massage therapist puts pressure on your lower back.This happens to more people than you realize.
If you can just release while the therapist is not close to that region, just say excuse me, relax and enjoy the rest of your massage.

5. Will I have to undress in front of the massage therapist?

No, the therapist will leave which ever room you are in and give you a minute or two so you can undress and get under the sheets. The therapist will knock on the door or check in with you another way to make sure that you are ready and under the sheets.

6. Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?

While some some clients prefer talking throughout their massage, you shouldn’t feel obligated to do so. In fact, most people like closing their eyes and relaxing.

On the other hand, feel free to share your feedback to enhance your experience and improve bodywork on deep layers of muscle.

Please let us know if we can help improve your massage by changing the temperature, reducing pain, answering any questions, or if you forgot to mention anything during the initial consultation.

7. What should I do if I get an erection?

Don’t let the fear of getting an erection prevent you from signing up from a massage or relaxing during a massage. It’s natural for men to get erections during therapeutic massage, as touch administered to any area of the body can trigger the nervous system to cause erections. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands and will ignore it.

If you are still worried, you can wear tight briefs to provide more support and make an erection less visible.

8. How can you tell if this is a legitimate massage business?

Sometimes massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may not look as obviously shady as you might think. Legitimate massage practices will offer therapeutic massage, carry proper certifications or licenses, and require health questionnaires for clients. Also, note that licensed massage therapists should not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during massage sessions.

9. How do I request a change in pressure without insulting the massage therapist?

Massage therapy does not have to hurt to be effective, nor does it need to be so gentle to a point where you can’t feel it. Communicate freely with your massage therapists and let them know the level of pressure that is most suitable for your body.

Keep in mind that too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up and soreness after a massage should take no longer than three days to subside. If you are unsure, the average person should aim for a level seven in a scale of one to ten (one being no pain at all and ten being extremely painful).

10. Do I really need to drink that much water?

Yes, water is very important for you to drink before and after a massage. You need to keep hydrated to help your body rid itself of toxins (free radicals released). Water also helps your muscles relax making it easier for more work to be accomplished.

You should drink about a liter of water after the massage within the next 30 hours to help your lymphatic system flush your body.

11. Should I take any aspirin or other medications before the massage?

No, please do not take anything that is going to alter your perception of pain. You and the therapist need to know if too much pressure is being applied.

Having your pain threshold altered could hurt your tissues from stretching too far, working too deep, or applying too much traction.

12. I’m self-conscious about a certain areas of my body and I don’t want the massage therapist to work on them. What can I do?

People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are weight, excessive body hair, calluses, acne, feet issues, and 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 the massage therapist to avoid that area. The therapist will ask you where he or she should focus. This is the time to mention what areas to avoid. Or, you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, such as shiatsu or Thai massage. Because no massage oil or lotion is used, you remain fully clothed during the session.

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.

13. I don’t feel comfortable with male massage therapists, can I request a female massage therapist?

Yes. Some men don’t feel comfortable receiving massage from male therapists due to cultural stereotypes or fear of getting erections during sessions. As mentioned earlier, it is natural for men to get erections since gentle touch can trigger the nervous system. Some women also prefer female massage therapists because they say they feel more comfortable.Please keep in mind that male massage therapists can be very talented, especially when they have big, strong hands that can create a cradling feeling and intensify more easily deeper pressure. In the end, it is perfectly fine to request which ever preference makes you feel more comfortable. Weigh out your options, identify what factors are important for you therapeutically, and make your most informed decision. Then enjoy!

If you have any other questions or concerns that you did not see here, go ahead and leave a comment or send us a message here. We look forward to hearing what you have to say!

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