The Massage Process They may start with soft, gentle strokes to help you relax before gradually applying more pressure to release tension from deeper muscles. Feel free to communicate with your therapist throughout the session. If something feels uncomfortable or you have a specific request, don't hesitate to speak up.
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.
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.
You can lay however you feel comfortable. Most massages will start you face down on the table in about halfway through you'll flip over to the other side. Some massage therapist will sideline massage to get at areas on your side easier. You can also do chair massage if you don't want to lay down.
You should never be expected to be fully nude for a massage. Depending on the type of massage you are receiving, you may be asked to take off some of your clothing. However, you will always be given the choice of what you would like to keep on and what you would like to remove.
The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.
During your massage, your therapist will typically begin by massaging your back and shoulders; for this, you'll need to be laying down comfortably on your stomach. Then, the therapist will massage your legs and feet, (and your glutes if this has been agreed to) before proceeding to massage the arms.
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. If you're wearing a tank top or shorts or long johns, I'll work through it.
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.
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.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.
A full-body massage usually includes your arms, legs, hands and feet, your neck and back and your stomach. The area around the breasts is usually massaged but not the breasts themselves.
Every technique serves its own purpose but they work in combination to produce a complete healing experience. Halfway through the massage, you will be asked to turn over onto your back so your massage therapist can target the front side of your arms and legs, your chest, and your face.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing to your treatment. I tend to wear my gym clothing, as it's easy to slip on and off and is super comfortable.
Remedial massage releases tension in the muscle, reduces swelling, relaxes muscle spasms, stimulates blood circulation and realigns the muscle fibres to promote healing.
Massage therapists will ask you about your health and comfort levels before the session starts. You can expect to lie on a padded table, usually face down, while the therapist massages your back, neck, and shoulders. Massage therapy can improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and help relieve pain.
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.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
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.
The Massage: First Half
I typically start you face down if you're there for a full body, or full hour massage. Starting you face down helps if you tend to get a little stuffed up laying face down. Once you roll over, you get a chance to “un-stuff” before your massage is done.