It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.
Leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home! I generally remind you of this before your session, and it's quite common for people to come straight from work, but with a bag of clothes to change into. I usually recommend wearing a t-shirt and yoga pants/sweatpants/shorts.
Full-Body Massage (eg, Swedish, Deep Tissue): It's common to undress to your comfort level. Many people choose to remove all clothing and use a sheet or towel for modesty. The therapist will drape you appropriately throughout the session.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. From nude to fully clothed, it'll be okay. Professional massage therapists work around everything and nothing will be exposed either way.
For individuals who plan on having a full body massage and are comfortable with removing clothing, the standard is to keep your undergarments on. It's a good idea not to remove all of your clothing unless your therapist has requested you do so.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
If you want to take everything off that's up to you – whatever you're comfortable with. It's common for women to take off their bra off when getting a back massage to allow for a constant flow and preventing oil or lotion getting on their bra. Or you can leave your bra on and just undo the bra during the treatment.
Personal Comfort and Preferences
Your comfort is paramount. If you feel more at ease with a therapist of a particular gender, that's perfectly okay. Some clients prefer female therapists for a gentler touch, while others might opt for male therapists for deeper pressure.
During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.
A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry. This range is widely accepted as a standard gesture of appreciation for satisfactory to excellent service, and is a perfectly acceptable tip.
For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff.
In most professional massage practices, the breast is only massaged if the client specifically consents. Most people feel more comfortable if this area is left out to avoid awkward situations. However, there are specific massage techniques that target the breast.
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Things like sports tights (Full length) and sports bras can be a nightmare for therapists as these don't allow access to the skin. A sports bra is usually clunky and covers a lot of the back and if you are going to wear a bra, then it's best to wear a normal one. One that you don't mind massage oils or wax getting on.
A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.
Unwanted Touching: Any contact that feels inappropriate or goes beyond what is necessary for the massage. This includes touching private areas without explicit consent. Suggestive Comments: Making remarks that are sexual in nature or comments that make you feel uneasy or objectified.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
Yes. “Massage therapists are considered part of the service industry, and in the United States, it's customary to tip workers in the service industry,” Gottsman says. Licensed massage therapists are often independent contractors or in private practice, and they can be paid per session or an hourly wage.
It is most common for clients to completely undress for their massage, especially if it is a full body massage, where the therapist will be working across your whole body. However, it's completely up to you what you want to wear; undress to your level of comfort.
Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching.
Points on the body that we do not massage are: The spine, as it can be irreparably injured. The abdomen, especially when it comes to pregnant women or people with stomach and abdominal diseases. The head, when there is an injury or other factors including inflammation and swelling.
Myofascial release is usually performed either without lubricant or with smaller amounts than Swedish massage. As a result, your therapist is able to move very slowly, stretching the tissues apart. The most commonly targeted muscles in the back for this technique are the spinal erectors. And the quadratus lumborum.