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.
Blood vessels such as major veins and arteries are a massage area of caution. A good rule of thumb for massage therapists is to avoid applying pressure anywhere that you can feel a pulse.
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.
It should never make you feel uncomfortable, threatened, intimidated, taken advantage of or assaulted. It should also not result in any type of harm, such as bruising from violence. Any type of touching that is unwanted, violent or makes you feel uncomfortable constitutes inappropriate touching.
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.
While massage of splint muscles around a swollen joint is appropriate, direct pressure to the joint itself should be avoided. Avoid the local site of unstable fractures, open wounds, hematomas, varicosities, recently healed scars, burns, and foreign bodies or implanted hardware.
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.
Removing too much clothing can create an uncomfortable situation for both you and your massage therapist. Another important thing to avoid during a massage is making noises. Sometimes when massages feel very good, or very intense, we start to make noises unknowingly.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
That choice is totally up to you. Most clients will remove their undergarments and use the towels provided to partly cover themselves. Some people prefer to wear their own briefs throughout the Thai massage and that is totally fine also.
Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.
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.
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.
Here are key indicators to be aware of: Unwanted Touching: Any contact that feels inappropriate or goes beyond what is necessary for the massage. This includes touching private areas without explicit consent.
Pelvic floor massage therapy can strengthen these muscles and improve their coordination, leading to better control over urinary and bowel functions. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience issues such as frequent urgency, leakage, or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels.
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.