Here are the answers to a few massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to. Am I supposed to take off my underwear? 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 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. Will the massage therapist be there when I undress? The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table under the top sheet. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you, the massage therapist will always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room. Should I talk 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. Be sure to speak up if: •The room is too hot or too cold. •You experience pain. •You have any questions related to the massage. •There's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation. What if I get an erection? Some men avoid massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally 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 than boxers. The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the therapist's technique. What should I do? Communicate openly with the massage therapist. They may be able to ease into a deeper pressure to allow for your needs. However, If you are still not satisfied with the pressure they may be able to help by recommending another therapist to you. I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the therapist to see me. What can I do? People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are: •I have excessive hair growth on my body. •I'm overweight. •I've got acne on my face or back. •My feet are ugly. •I have scars. The therapist should always carry themselves in a professional manner and you should never feel uncomfortable in their presence.
Why do I need to drink water after a massage? Massage will increase the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body while hastening the removal of cellular debris. Water will give your body the hydration it needs to sustain this cleansing process. Just remember to drink a sufficient amount of water and be careful not to drink too much! How often should I receive massage? An individual who is in reasonably good health may receive a massage every day or as often as they want. However, the frequency of massage should be determined by what your individual wellness goals are. you and your licensed massage therapist should discuss your long-term health goals to establish a clear direction and protocol. Remember to keep in mind that the long-term cumulative effect of massage is greater than the benefit of any one treatment session.
As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client's needs.