Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

[chrissygirl]

Hello,

I'm scheduled for my first ever appointment with a (licensed/registered) massage therapist.

They said that there will be some paperwork and a brief interview before the massage. I asked what I could do to prepare for the session, or what I should bring. They said that I don't have to do anything before the massage. I asked about clothing and whether they'll provide the massage attire. They said that they ask the clients to undress to whatever level they're comfortable with.

I'm a bit nervous.

Here are some concerns I have:
I. I don't feel comfortable showing my underwear to somebody else of the opposite sex, even if it's only underwear and even if the massage therapist has seen lots of underwear. I was thinking of wearing a Speedo swimsuit (last time I wore something like that was when I was around 12 years old!) but I would need to go buy one and I wouldn't know whether wearing a swimsuit during a massage session would seem unusual or weird.

II. I don't want my clothing to get in the way of the massage. If they'll be massaging the gluteal muscles (buttocks), how can they do so if someone has a panty/bikini/brief on? Doesn't the body get a better massage without clothing-obstacles getting in the way? I think it''s only in shiatsu massage that clothing is kept on.

Even if I wear a swimsuit or underwear, I don't want the therapist to be able to touch or see the shape of my parts. You may say that a massage therapist is used to the job and wouldn't care about the private parts' shape. But it's a concern that I have. It's something that I would like to keep private. I was thinking of putting a sports protective cup into my brief/swimsuit.... the plastic thing that athletes used to keep them from pain. Is there some product that I can buy/use that is made for this purpose? If not, what suggestions do you have?

III. I don't know about other males, but I prefer to keep my nipples private, too. Without going into too much autobiographical detail, my nipples are other body parts that I would like to keep covered/draped. But doesn't a therapist treat a man's chest differently from a woman's chest? Doesn't a therapist uncover and touch a man's chest (including nipples)? I wonder what the response (in action and in thoughts) of my therapist would be if I said I would like my nipples covered. My chest muscles do much work and exertion throughout the week, so it wouldn't be good to neglect them, but my concern is that I would prefer it if nobody touches OR looks at my nipples. I would like mine treated the same way those of females' are treated.

IV. I'm concerned about my body hair, too. I wonder whether it would be better to remove body hair before the massage. There are 2 reasons why I'm concerned about body hair:
A. Isn't it more effective/therapeutic to massage a hairless body? I'm guessing that it's easier to "knead" the body without the hair getting in the way.
B. My second concern with body hair is that I feel self-conscious with it. I don't feel too self-conscious about body hair when I'm not receiving a massage. But when the massage therapist is looking at and touching my body, then I become self-conscious about my body hair.



Friends, I welcome your thoughts and responses.

 

[look is linda]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

Hi peacefulriver,
The pre-session interview usually includes an opportunity for you to tell the therapist what you'd like during your massage. You should be able to tell her you would like your chest and glutes to remain covered. You can also let her know which areas to avoid. If you want to make sure before you actually get to the session, perhaps you could ask her these questions on the phone.
I hope you enjoy your first massage. Let us know how it goes.

 

[$aRoOoH]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

I can understand your concerns, let me see if I can alliviate some of your fears.

Unless I'm doing spefic work on the chest, and I have consent from the male I am working on, I treat the male chest as I would a female chest. With proper draping, outlines should not be an issue. You can ask for an extra towel to place over you if you desire, so I would think a cup is unecessary, unless it would make you more comfortable. You can do effective gluteal work through clothing and/or sheets using a variety of techniques. So that is not an issue. A swimsuit wouldn't be so unusual, we often use bathing suits when we are in training just for ease.

Body hair is normal for us, except for making sure I use an appropriate amount of oil or lotion, I pay little attention to the body hair of my clients (or lack of hair).

I agree with jdcan, your therapist should be able to answer all of your concerns in a professional and helpful manner.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[encynicks]

On Letting the professional know of my concerns

Hi, Talenyn and jdcan

On Letting the professional know of my concerns
Indeed, the pre-massage talk is a time when the recipient can raise concerns to the therapist. It may just be me, but I would like to see/experience how the therapist would do the work without any modifications that my verbal concerns may cause.

 

[luditess]

On Letting the professional know of my concerns

Hi, Talenyn and jdcan

On Letting the professional know of my concerns
Indeed, the pre-massage talk is a time when the recipient can raise concerns to the therapist. It may just be me, but I would like to see/experience how the therapist would do the work without any modifications that my verbal concerns may cause.

You have voiced some very specific areas that you would like to make sure are handled to your liking. Why would you then say that you want to just 'see' how they do it? Bodyworkers are not mind readers and in order for you to have a the best experience, you should talk to the therapist about the points you brought up. This way, the therapist has the best opportunity to serve you and you can hopefully relax knowing that you have communicated your feelings.

 

[Z X]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

Communication is key - we can provide a better experience for our clients when they let us know what they want, like or don't like...

While we all state that you should only undress to your comfort level, I personally feel that you will receive a more flowing massage session without wearing any articles of clothing, especially when you are having a session involving oils & lotions. However I've given plenty of wonderful sessions with people wearing boxers or briefs, swimsuit bottoms, etc. One of our main concerns as practitioners is that you are comfortable. Massage work involving the glutes is something we can all do through the sheets, blankets or towels we use for draping. As to your privacy, in terms of your practitioner seeing certain areas, then by all means mention that you prefer to be fully covered & if you prefer to do so you can even bring your own extra towel to place over your torso area.

Generally speaking we do not touch the nipple region on males or females and yet can still work over the remaining area of the chest.

Body hair is something we deal with simply by using more oil or lotion and is rarely a problem at all. We all have some, & while many men have a good deal of body hair it should not be of great concern.

Here is what I have put together to tell people what to expect & how to prepare:

It is recommended that you eat lightly an hour or more before your session, be sure you've been drinking water (though not in large quantity)

Do not drink coffee or alcohol,take stimulants or other medications prior to your session. Inform me in advance of all prescription medications.

Coming in freshly showered is appreciated. Please refrain from wearing any fragrances, cologne, or other scented products. 

Arrive on time for your session - as we all have important schedules to keep. If you are running late – please call to see if there will be enough time to receive your entire session. The full fee will still apply if it is necessary to shorten the allotted time - due to lateness

All cancellations require a minimum 24 hour notice to avoid a fee.

When you arrive for your scheduled appointment - you will fill out & sign an in-depth confidential case history form, which I will review with you. If you
have specific health concerns – please discuss this when booking sessions.

After reviewing what your goals are, & what will be accomplished in the session, I will leave the room while you get ready.

The Massage Studio is a cell phone free zone. The time you set aside for your session is for you to relax - not to take calls.
Please silence your phone before you enter the Massage Studio

I reserve the right to end a session if the client acts in an inappropriate manner , making suggestive sexual remarks or actions ~ Such as requesting "personal services“, beyond the professional massage session. If this occurs the session will end, payment in full will be required, and no further sessions will be booked

For a massage session most clients disrobe completely - though some prefer to keep on an undergarment. 
What you remove should be to your comfort level - but if you are receiving massage using oils - it allows for a more flowing session when all clothing is removed.


I have worked with many clients who have a past history of trauma, sexual abuse, or other experiences which have made them uncomfortable disrobing. 

If you are uncomfortable due to those reasons, or others, you may wish to experience other forms of bodywork which will enable you to experience
safe touch without having to remove clothing such as: Shiatsu, Reflexology, or Vibrational Energetic Healing modalities:Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, & Sound Healing, etc.

Please feel free to speak up if there are any issues or concerns during the course of your session.

 

[Giddyup Giddyup]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

I personally feel that you will receive a more flowing massage session without wearing any articles of clothing, especially when you are having a session involving oils & lotions.

Yes, this seems to make sense.

Massage work involving the glutes is something we can all do through the sheets, blankets or towels we use for draping.

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that the therapist presses on the sheet to massage the glutes? Do you mean that the therapist does not directly place hands on the glutes?

Generally speaking we do not touch the nipple region on males or females and yet can still work over the remaining area of the chest.

Do you cover the nipple region for men as you do for women?

I have worked with many clients who have a past history of trauma, sexual abuse, or other experiences which have made them uncomfortable disrobing.

i can see how massage would be a bit disconcerting for people who've undergone these sad experiences. How then do you work with them?


Thank you.

 

[texas]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

riversinger wrote:Massage work involving the glutes is something we can all do through the sheets, blankets or towels we use for draping.

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that the therapist presses on the sheet to massage the glutes? Do you mean that the therapist does not directly place hands on the glutes?

~ Massage work can be done over a sheet or towel, it usually is more of a general circulation technique, and they usually use compression (firm pressure held for a few seconds in a repetitive movement) or stretching, rocking, etc as opposed to "gliding" strokes. If you have specific gluteal related pain, practioners can do more detailed work on skin than through a sheet.


riversinger wrote:Generally speaking we do not touch the nipple region on males or females and yet can still work over the remaining area of the chest.

Do you cover the nipple region for men as you do for women?

~ YES. No therapist should be working on breast tissue or near the aerola area unless they have a written consent from the client, and usually it is for a medical condition (most common for breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy and need scar tissue and lymph drainage).


riversinger wrote:I have worked with many clients who have a past history of trauma, sexual abuse, or other experiences which have made them uncomfortable disrobing.


i can see how massage would be a bit disconcerting for people who've undergone these sad experiences. How then do you work with them?


~ Massage can be offered over clothing, such as a clothed table session, chair massage, or even hand or foot massage. I never work beyond a client's comfort zone. Massage is a wonderful way to learn to trust the touch of another person, particularly in traumatic cases of abuse.


I read your original post, and I definitely think you should talk to your practitioner prior to your session about your concerns. We understand people can be nervous and sometimes hesitant, but realize that a good therapist is more than willing to explain any procedures and explore any concerns you may have. I recommend you leave your briefs on the first session if you feel more comfortable, you may also drape a towel over any parts you feel need extra coverage. You may become more comfortable after a few sessions, most people do =) And don't worry about the shape of your body, or the amount of body hair you have, we see many clients from all walks of life, and we are trained to be professional and respectful as healthcare workers.

And my last side note, please TELL the therapist about any issues or concerns you have. I promise it will help your experience be more tailored to your comfort and it will make your massage much better! If you just go in "hoping they know what I want", you will be disappointed since you have specific requests in mind.

Have a great session and please update us on how it went!

 

[Jackie C]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

Dear Jenn,
Thanks for your reply.

If you just go in "hoping they know what I want", you will be disappointed since you have specific requests in mind.

I'm not expecting the therapist to read my mind. I was thinking of refraining from voicing any concerns just because I wanted to tough it out (over my concerns) AND also because I wanted to experience an unmodified (i.e. concern-less) massage session.

 

[Tired Old Man]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

~ Massage work can be done over a sheet or towel, it usually is more of a general circulation technique, and they usually use compression (firm pressure held for a few seconds in a repetitive movement) or stretching, rocking, etc as opposed to "gliding" strokes. If you have specific gluteal related pain, practioners can do more detailed work on skin than through a sheet.

Why is it that the glutes are given the "cloth treatment" whereas other body parts are not? Are glutes considered private in the massage therapy world?

 

[Midnight Rider]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

riversinger wrote:Massage work involving the glutes is something we can all do through the sheets, blankets or towels we use for draping.

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that the therapist presses on the sheet to massage the glutes? Do you mean that the therapist does not directly place hands on the glutes?

Proper draping technique involves working with the client uncovering one region at a time, and when working in the region of the glutes, it would be on one side at a time, while keeping the private areas covered. Or we can apply pressure & work straight through the sheet/covering. This can be a rocking motion, light or deep pressure - working around the hip joint into all the muscle attachment points, etc. All the while keeping our client completely covered, if they are more comfortable that way.

riversinger wrote:Generally speaking we do not touch the nipple region on males or females and yet can still work over the remaining area of the chest.

Do you cover the nipple region for men as you do for women?

Most of the men I've worked with usually don't seem to care & will most often fold the sheet down over the waistline area. If I intend to use hot stones for a therapeutic effect & am going to place them on the front of the body then I will have the sheet & blankets all the way up over the chest - so I can place the stone on top of them.

riversinger wrote:I have worked with many clients who have a past history of trauma, sexual abuse, or other experiences which have made them uncomfortable disrobing.

i can see how massage would be a bit disconcerting for people who've undergone these sad experiences. How then do you work with them?

This depends on the individual. Some clients will come in and never reveal anything either verbally or on their case history form. However having worked with many people over the years I will say there are often some clues that they are "uncomfortable" with touch, and seem "frozen" on many levels. If they are open and willing to talk, as well as put it down on paper it's often an indicator that they've been able to work things through. Some people will keep their eyes open, but may be holding their breath or clenching their jaw & hands, some muscles may lock up & be held tightly throughout a session or only during specific portions of the session.

If a client can be open enough to let me know they've had a bad experience, I find them easier to work with. Letting them know where I'm going to touch them and being very clear that they can & should speak up if they are uncomfortable in anyway is very important.

If someone has been through ongoing abuse in any form, their personal boundaries may not be very clear, and speaking up can be difficult for them. As such I may need to check in with them more often than I would with other clients to find out if they are okay with what I'm doing. Many survivors disassociate themselves from feeling their body, and breath in a shallow fashion, so I will also encourage taking a few slow deep breathes as we work. Sometimes there are tears or shaking that happen as well. Whatever reaction comes along, I let the client know they are in a safe place & that its alright to let it out.


As to "toughing it out" as you responded to Jenn: Your session should not involve leaving your therapist guessing as to your comfort level, or simply having them perform the "usual session". Every session is unique, just as every client & practitioner are unique. If you have concerns, as you seem to - judging from this thread - please keep in mind that trust is something that will make your first massage a better one. I hope that your practitioner is someone with experience who can help you to feel comfortable with them. The more open you are the more likely you will have a positive experience.

Why is it that the glutes are given the "cloth treatment" whereas other body parts are not? Are glutes considered private in the massage therapy world?

They are not always given "the cloth treatment" - a great deal depends on the comfort level of both the client & the practitioner. Many people are uncomfortable with having regions of the body uncovered that are typically in the bathing suit zone.

It may be a simple modesty thing, or being sensitive about being uncovered because the client is unhappy with how they look - especially someone who doesn't really like the way their body looks - because they feel they are overweight, or out of shape, have cellulite, have scars, or because of a past history of abuse, etc. There are as many reasons as there are people in the world!

 

[jflmt]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

I'm not expecting the therapist to read my mind. I was thinking of refraining from voicing any concerns just because I wanted to tough it out (over my concerns) AND also because I wanted to experience an unmodified (i.e. concern-less) massage session.

I just wanted to let you know that all massage sessions are modified for the individual client's needs and expectations. Every massage is tailored to address the client's wishes and to stay in their comfort zone. Some clients undress completely, some leave their underwear on. Some like their gluts worked by direct contact, some through the draping and some don't want their gluts massaged at all. Some clients like their scalp massaged, others don't want their hair messed up. Some like their face massaged, others hate it. Some have very ticklish feet and want them left alone.

Every massage is modified.

In order to get the best massage possible, please share your concerns with your therapist. No matter what the concern is, they will find a way to tailor the massage to your needs.

Angie

 

[kaciedeb]

Scalp, Face, Feet: Feeling Relaxed Already.

Some clients like their scalp massaged, others don't want their hair messed up. Some like their face massaged, others hate it. Some have very ticklish feet and want them left alone.

Wow, a scalp massage sounds great! They are going to work on part of the scalp which has the muscles beside the temples, right?

And a facial massage sounds great, too. (I hope the face won't be massaged with comedogenic materials.) With these 2 things, I have no problems!!!

When I touch my own feet, I don't get tickled. I would welcome as well the feet massage, but I may jump in the air if the therapist touches them with a feather-like touch.

 

[iTz moleman!]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

:iagree:

 

[64224mah]

Some Concerns Before my First Ever Massage Therapy Session

I was trained to do all glute work through the sheet and that is what I do, what I am most comfortable with. For me personally, the glutes are a great place for work, it's nothing more than some good sized muscles that are easy to work with and can usually take more pressure. I don't look at it as someone's 'bum', I just see and think 'muscle'. But the derriere has sexual connotations in our society and I realize not everyone is comfortable with touch there on bare skin. So just to keep things comfy for everyone, it's through the sheet. Lots of compression and rocking and another MT showed me a good way to use the forearms there for deep pressure without it being too direct and uncomfortable. I may use fingertips, fists or forearms but I don't grab or 'handle' anyones glutes.

As far as chest area, I drape men as I do women, with the nipple area covered. If a man gets too warm and wants to fold it down more, that's on him but I don't do it and I don't work the areola or nipple. There is no legit reason for me to in my practice ( don't do lymphatic drainage) and again, that's a loaded area for some people. I *do* work the pecs but don't have to touch the nipple to do that.

I've had a few men that wore bike shorts during the session and women that keep their bra on. If they're comforable I'm down with that, even if it does limit what I can do sometimes. I've done fully clothed table massage at outside venues and can pretty much work with as much or as little as the client is comfortable with. You can wear a cup if you like but honestly there isn't really a reason to as far as what he/she can 'see' because I don't know anyone that looks. My room is pretty darkened, I take my glasses off (cause I get tired of them slipping down!) and probably a good 90% of the time my eyes are closed. If I do look, it's the area I'm working on, I'll check to make sure there aren't any bruises etc I should avoid) and then I'm letting my hands see for me. There isn't really anything to see when someone is just laying there covered up. IF you have areas to avoid, you MUST let him/her know ahead of time because if you're just hoping to 'get through it' and are tense, you're wasting your money. You're not going to relax. On our intake form, one of the questions is "Are there any areas to avoid?" and I'd MUCH rather know that they don't like their feet touched or whatever. I am there to listen to what they want or don't want and respect that.