What areas are off limits during a massage?

Author: Anjali Gleason  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

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.

Can a massage therapist massage my groin?

Professional massage therapists adhere to strict ethical and professional boundaries. Massaging the groin area is generally considered inappropriate and outside the scope of a therapeutic massage. Any discomfort or unease in this regard should be communicated to the therapist immediately.

What areas should you not massage?

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.

What is considered inappropriate during a massage?

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.

What is not okay during a massage?

  • 1. Eating a heavy meal before the massage
  • 2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine before the massage
  • 3. Being dehydrated
  • 4. Wearing jewelry or other accessories that could interfere with the massage
  • 5. Not communicating with your massage therapist about any injuries or areas of sensitivity Upvote Profile photo for Ssaamir

What to Expect from a Massage Session | Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

What should be avoided during 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.

Can I ask my massage therapist to massage my breasts?

Therapeutic, full chest and breast massage to support wellness and/or as treatment for medical conditions is currently legal in about 75% of the states within the USA. Breast massage used only to treat medical conditions is legal in several additional states. The client must consent to this treatment.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

Do you turn over during a massage?

During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.

What can go wrong during a massage?

Disc herniation, soft tissue trauma, neurologic compromise, spinal cord injury, dissection of the vertebral arteries, and others were the main complications of massage. Spinal manipulation in massage has repeatedly been associated with serious AEs especially. Clearly, massage therapies are not totally devoid of risks.

Which part of the body is not commonly massaged?

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.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

Can I keep my pants on during a massage?

It is possible to receive a massage fully clothed. Your massage therapist can perform your massage service regardless of attire. While they will still be able to work on your body, you may miss out on the thoroughness that comes when your therapist addresses the whole muscle, end-to-end.

Is it okay to ask your massage therapist for a prostate massage?

Most regular massage therapists do not offer prostate massage, but you might be able to find a certified prostate massage therapist to work with. You may also want to look for someone who is trained in tantric sex practices to do prostate massage.

Is it normal for a masseuse to massage the inner thigh?

A thigh massage can relieve tension and stress within the muscles and can help a person being treated return to sports or exercise. Massage therapists at Physio.co.uk use thigh massage to treat muscle tightness and relieve any pain, stress and tension.

What happens at a Lomi Lomi Massage?

A traditional Lomilomi body massage will be an hour or more and will involve long flowing strokes all over your body. Your massage therapist will also use gentle stretches to release tension and improve flexibility. The goal is to create an environment where your body, mind and soul can be in sync and relaxed.

Does a full body massage include your bottom?

If I have an "all body" massage, will it literally be my whole body? A full-body massage doesn't have to include your sensitive areas. You can say which parts of your body you don't want to be touched. A full-body massage usually includes your arms, legs, hands and feet, your neck and back, your stomach and buttocks.

What is draping optional massage?

During the massage, only the body part that the therapist is working on is uncovered. Your massage therapist will only work on one body part at a time and will never work under the sheets. Massaging the head and neck. While working on the head and neck, the client can have their arms out if they are warm.

Is it normal to release during massage?

Massage and Emotional Release: It's Totally Normal! When you think of massage, common assumptions would be that it's relaxing, peaceful and restful. And these are all true, but there are other emotional releases you might experience - and they're totally normal.

What body parts should be avoided during massage?

The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.

What would restrict a body massage?

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
  • Contagious Diseases. ...
  • Blood Clots. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.

Is it normal to bleed after a massage?

The pressure applied during the massage can break capillaries and cause tiny amounts of capillary damage to bleed, leading to the appearance of bruised skin. This is more likely to occur in individuals with thinner skin, who may be more prone to bruising.

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.

Do you take your bra for a massage?

When I work on the full back, I fold the drape down at the hips. If you're wearing underwear/pants, I might tuck the sheet around the waistband, to protect your clothes from the massage cream (though it does wash out easily.) If you're wearing a bra, I'll work around it.

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.

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