Massage Questions You May Be Afraid to Ask..

Am I supposed to tip?

If you get a massage a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services. It's just like tipping at a restaurant. If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face. You can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.

Am I supposed to take off my underwear?

Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick. 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.

What if I realize I've drooled?

Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool. 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.

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 (usually face down) under the top sheet.
Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist knocks and asks 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, feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.

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

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. 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.

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'm overweight.
• I have excessive hair growth on my body.
• I've got acne on my face or back.
• My feet are ugly.
• I have scars.

Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist.

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.If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area. You can even bring your own comfortable clothes to wear. 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.

I'd rather see a female therapist. Should I request this?

Some men don't feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. Some women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more comfortable.

I would suggest in scheduling your appointment to let the person scheduling know that you would rather have a female or male, depending on your preference and what you are more comfortable with.

Using Massage Therapy

If you're considering the use of massage therapy, talk with your doctor first. Keep in mind that massage therapy, or any other alternative medicine, should not be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of a health condition.