Is it rude to not talk during massage?

Author: Evans Lockman  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

When I tell people what I do for a living, they often ask me if I prefer my clients to be talking during a massage, or be silent. I will clear this up straight away – if you are getting a massage, that is your time, and if you want to chat or be silent the choice is yours.

Is it weird to not talk during a massage?

Whether or not to talk during a massage is a personal choice, and there's no right or wrong answer. Some people find that chatting helps them relax, while others prefer silence to fully unwind. Understanding how conversation can affect your experience can help you decide what works best for you.

Is it OK to be quiet during massage?

It's not rude, or unacceptable, or even abnormal for client to say they would like to be quiet during their appointment. Generally massage therapists are trained to default to silence with their clients. A bit of advice for therapist would be to ask. It may be awkward for a client to request silence.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

  • 1. Excessive Pain: While some discomfort can be normal, especially in deep tissue massages, excessive pain is a red flag.
  • 2. Bruising: Minor bruising can occur, but significant or frequent bruising indicates that the therapist is using too much pressure or improper techniques.
  • 3. Nerve Pain:

Why is it important to be silent when doing massage?

Advantages of quiet: Silence can foster deeper sensory awareness, improve relaxation, and provide an environment for reflection. Express your needs: It's best to inform your massage therapist at the start of the session if you would rather be left in silence.

I Don’t Want to Talk During My Massage. How Do I Tell My RMT? | #AskRTT 010

Should you talk while getting a massage?

Try to keep the conversation light, just as you would with a work colleague. Keep in mind why you are having the massage. Is it so you can relax, so your body can be rejuvenated, or to get a break from your children or work environment?

What is a quiet session massage?

Fragrant oils are gently massaged on the body producing deep relaxation and relief from mental and physical stress. Special attention and care is given to the neck, shoulders, back and joints.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What is considered inappropriate during a massage?

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.

What is normal massage etiquette?

Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible. Don't eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

Do couples talk during massage?

The answer to this question really depends on personal preference. Some couples find that talking during the massage helps them relax and enjoy the experience more fully, while others prefer to remain quiet and focus on the massage itself.

What is silent massage?

Enhanced Relaxation: Remaining quiet during a massage allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and relax more deeply. It allows your mind to quiet down, reducing mental chatter and promoting a meditative state. This can enhance the overall relaxation and stress-reducing benefits of the massage.

How much clothing do I take off for a massage?

TIPS FOR TAKING OFF CLOTHES FOR A MASSAGE

Always leave your underwear on. Women should wear a bra and briefs / pants, while men should wear briefs / boxer shorts - imagine what you would wear to the beach. 2. If you're feeling uncomfortable taking your clothes off, talk to your massage therapist.

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

Is it rude to fall asleep during a massage?

Massage therapists understand that their clients may fall asleep during a session and do not consider it rude at all. In fact, they often see it as a compliment that their techniques are so effective in inducing relaxation.

Is it OK to hug your massage therapist?

A hug with your therapist may be beneficial if it is non-sexual and provides comfort. Hugging is not forbidden, according to the different therapist ethics codes. However, some clients, such as those who have experienced sexual abuse, may be uncomfortable with a hug.

Is it rude to talk during a massage?

DON'T Feel Pressured to Make Conversation

In some settings, silence is rude. Massage is not one of those settings. Most massage therapists will tell you that they perform their best work in silence. But if you prefer to chat while you're getting a massage, that's okay too.

What are off limits during a massage?

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.

How do I not be awkward during a massage?

8 Tips From Massage Therapists To Save You From Embarrassment
  1. Don't lie about your medical history.
  2. Don't wear the wrong undergarments.
  3. Don't skip a pre-treatment shower.
  4. Don't be late.
  5. Don't book a massage without understanding what it is.
  6. Don't stay mum with your massage therapist.
  7. Don't show up stressed.

Do massage therapists massage the groin?

No worries, your therapist can easily work over the sheet to get to these pesky problem areas. Groin & pelvic pain can stick around for quite some time, so I would always suggest at least three or more sessions of massage to make a difference.

What is the first rule of massage?

1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.

Is it OK to cry during a massage?

Massage therapy is not only a physical practice but also a profound emotional experience. It's common and entirely natural to experience emotional release, including tears, during or after a massage.

What type of massage is most intimate?

Nuru Massage

The word nuru is Japanese for slippery. During a nuru massage, a person covers themselves in massage oil and lies across the naked body of another person and rubs their bodies together, aiming for maximum contact. This type of service can be part of sex work, and may be illegal in many places.

What is a silent massage?

The objective is for the recipient to relax and drift off into a trance-like state of slumber as your massage therapist works out superficial muscle tension. It's a massage session targeted towards the top layers of muscles of the body and talking between therapist and client is minimal to none.

What is zero massage?

During the massage, your body is tilted back into a neutral, zero gravity position with your legs elevated above your heart. While your weight is evenly distributed across your spine, you experience a full-body massage without any human interaction.

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