1. Am I supposed to tip my
massage therapist?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is
standard if you were pleased with the services.
On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes
to massage in a medical setting. You can
call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face. If tipping isn't the norm, you can always
show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the
massage therapist.
2. Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
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.
3. What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?
Many people fall
into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a
pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It
often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the
massage table. Don't be afraid to ask
the massage therapist for a tissue.
4. 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 always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage
room.
5. Should I talk to the massage therapist 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! Deep
tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of
massage that require more feedback. The
massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to
ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. 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
6. What if I get an erection during the massage?
Some men don't
get 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.
7. How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic?
If you're trying
a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:
§
Do
you offer therapeutic massage?
§
Is
the massage therapist certified or licensed?
§
Do
you require a health questionnaire of your clients?
A licensed massage therapist
will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.
8. The pressure isn't deep enough,
but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?
Everyone’s pain threshold is different so open communication with the massage
therapist is essential. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage
therapy has to hurt to be effective. Some
of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve
deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to
seize up. Here is a good rule of thumb
-- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful,
the pressure should always be less than seven.
9. I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't
want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do?
People are
self-conscious for various reasons. 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. Or, you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, such as
shiatsu or Thai
massage.
10. I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request
this?
Some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male
massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of
the profession or the fear of getting an erection during the massage. Some
women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more
comfortable. Unfortunately, men who choose to become massage therapists are
often unprepared for the discrimination they face. When clients request female
over male therapists, spas stop hiring them, however skilled they are. That's why I believe it's important to challenge
your preconceptions. To help, try meeting the therapist before booking the
massage, or start with type of massage that is done fully clothed, such as shiatsu
or Thai massage.
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