Unspoken Questions Regarding Massage Therapy

People love massages. However, there’s a lot of unspoken and unanswered questions regarding the therapeutic technique. A lot of people are shy when it comes to asking questions. They avoid the feeling of awkwardness and being regarded as “dumb.”

However, the key to having a great massage is speaking up. Saying what you think might be the key to enjoying the most out of the benefits of massage. It’s also useful to know the frequently-asked questions (FAQs) with regards to it. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the unspoken questions regarding massage therapy. Let’s dive in!

Unspoken Questions About Massage Therapy

1. I’m not comfortable with being completely nude during a session. Do I have to take everything off when getting a massage?

There are some people who’re comfortable with doing massage sessions without any clothing. Other people have their underwear on. While others prefer sweatpants or shorts. But let’s get straight to the point.

The answer to this question is a big NO. A person doesn’t have to be completely nude during massage sessions. You can talk to your massage therapist about this letting them adapt to what you want.

There’s no such thing as not enjoying a massage with clothes on. However, therapists might not be able to use lotion. Plus, they might not be able to work as deeply as possible. The good thing is they can adapt to that of your comfort level and are still able to deliver an enjoyable massage.

Some people are conscious when it comes to their bodies. Wearing underwear can help them become more comfortable and be able to get massages more frequently. Trained therapists have worked with a lot of body types from young ones to old ones. They’ve seen every shape and size out there.

In addition, they are usually very caring and understanding. They have to be this way in order to be successful. Licensed therapists carefully applies various techniques to your connective tissues, ligaments, and muscles. They are here to improve your overall well-being. They’re not here to judge you or your body.

2. How about money? I’d love to go to massages more often. But, it would cost a great deal out of my pocket.

People hate to talk about money. They simply just hate it. However, if you think that your financial condition won’t permit you to receive regular massages or treatments, ensure that you have considered all options you have.

If you have checked out your numbers or scrunched the calculators and still found out that it might be a big expense, try to check your insurance carrier or employer if they cover massage therapy sessions.

However, you have to take note that conditions with regards to acceptance and reimbursements may vary. This is because coverage varies a lot for different packages and companies. Conditions can include partial or full payment, maximum number of visits, limitations on different conditions to be treated, or the need for a doctor’s referral.

Don’t have coverage? There are other options you can discuss. Instead of dropping massage from your routine altogether, it might be possible to opt for shorter session lengths. There’s another thing you might want to do especially if your schedule is flexible. You can opt for a spot on your therapist’ standby list. He or she might consider giving you a discount if you can hop in for last-minute sessions.

Similar to that of airlines and doctor’s appointments, a lot of clients cancel on their scheduled sessions. Therapists usually charge by the hour. They might be open to the possibility of filling a cancelled spot so that their time is used more productively.

There are therapists who take post-dated checks and credit cards. This might be options to work out a specific payment plan for your needs. Some therapists also accept coupons. If money is an issue to you, you might try to work out a particular arrangement with that of your therapist — an agreement that will benefit both parties.

3. I’m not sure about gratuities. What should I tip my therapist?

Massage therapists who work in clinics and spas do not get the full amount you paid for. They usually get a percentage split from the owner or they receive a monthly salary. If you are opting for a massage, giving a tip of 15% to 20% is common. And therapists depend a lot on their tips similar to those of servers in restaurants.

Solo practitioners will most likely be happy if you give them a tip. Although, it is important to remember that not all massage environments accept tips. For example, a doctor’s office that has a practitioner that performs massage don’t accept tips. Here’s the bottomline: If you want to tip, then tip as much as you’re comfortable. If you think tipping is not appropriate, then don’t.

4. What do I do when I’m always ticklish during massage sessions?

Some techniques or massage strokes might make sensitive parts of the body ticklish. Patients who experience this might not feel comfortable and giggle. If this happens, therapists usually utilize broader strokes or even deeper application of pressure. This reduces the ticklish feeling.

In the event wherein you’re still ticklish after the massage therapist has done variations, you can tell the therapist to pass on that body part and concentrate their efforts on areas that are less sensitive.

It’s your session and you’re shelling out of your pocket. You want to be as comfortable as possible. You can tell your therapist with regards to sensitive or ticklish parts of the body. In this way, they can adapt quickly.

5. After a massage, my body seriously hurts. This is good for me, right?

This is a very common massage therapy misconception. Effective delivery of massage to that of the muscles requires an art form. Massage therapists don’t perform in a standard way doing every same thing at the same manner.

For example, an elderly person might be treated with less pressure compared to an active athlete that loves being worked on their deep connective tissues. Even petite therapists can give you a deep pressure. On the other hand, a large male therapist can also provide a light, sensitive touch.

Massage simply don’t need to hurt a person just to give him or her the benefits. The advantages of a massage can be enjoyed by being relaxed and it shouldn’t hurt.

However, there are some aggressive therapeutic techniques which can cause mild discomfort. These includes friction and trigger point therapy. However, they are very helpful for multiple conditions.

If you prefer having a lighter pressure, speak up. Massage therapists are here to help their clients. If you keep on receiving massages wherein you’re uncomfortable, your body won’t relax. You won’t experience the benefits of pain relief, enhanced well-being, and loosened muscles. Therapists aren’t trained to torture you. Let him or her know what you want and what you don’t. You might also recognize that your pain threshold and needs vary with each particular visit you make.

6. What if erection happens during sessions?

This occurs rarely. But it does happen. However, don’t panic. When your nervous system relaxes or when certain medications are taken, erections occur. Therapists are aware of this situation and will adapt to it quickly.

Generally, therapists redirect their client’s attention by changing the pressure or moving to another section of the body. When this happens, the awkwardness of your erection will just pass by.

Wrapping Up These Questions

Do you have other questions you’re embarrassed to ask but would like to know the answer to? Let us know. Or, you can find a professional massage therapist and build the courage to ask directly. It doesn’t hurt to speak up once in a while. So, what’s your curiosity-ridden question?