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No you do not. Ladies usually take off their bra to make it easier to work on the back (and not get oil or lotion on it). Many people choose to leave their underwear on, while some prefer to be completely nude. It's really up to you and how comfortable you feel. Your therapist may need to work on your glutes or hamstrings, but can work through your underwear and the sheet if necessary. In any case, you will always be securely draped and only the area being worked on will be uncovered. In accordance with our state laws, your genital area and women's breast areas will ALWAYS be covered. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please speak to your therapist about them.
If you are self conscious about any body part, your weight, scars, acne, hair... please know that this is a Judgement-free office. I am focused solely on your muscles and soft tissue. You may request that I do not work on a particular area if you are uncomfortable with it. If you prefer to receive massage fully clothed, please contact me prior to your visit and we will discuss your options.
Speak up! Your therapist will attempt to modify their technique in that area; firmer pressure often helps alleviate ticklishness. Lighter pressure may be necessary for tender or sensitive spots.
It does not. In fact, the techniques that I use are rarely uncomfortable. While some areas, when worked deeply, may be tender, I do not subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" theory that some therapists do. My practice focuses more on relaxation and stress reduction which is not to say that my work is all 'fluff & buff". I am quite able to work deeply and effectively by working slower. It does neither the client nor the therapist any good by diving into the tissue. The muscle will tense right up and push me out. Of course, everyone has different levels of comfort. If at any time, you feel more than you're comfortable with, or just wish me to lighten up, please tell me.
As far as soreness the next day...again, everyone is different, it is always possible for you to feel a bit sore in spots the day after your massage, but not very common in my practice due to the way that I work. If you need to, you can take some Tylenol, drink plenty of water, maybe a warm bath or shower.
It is perfectly normal for some men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist understands this and will simply ignore it.
Ideally, you should go (if you can) prior to the session. If you need to go during the massage, please let your therapist know. Holding it is uncomfortable and not conducive to relaxing. There is a robe available here for you to use if you need it.
From a massage therapist's perspective, it is far better to pass gas during the massage (which is often a sign of deep relaxation), than to clench your gluteal muscles trying to hold it in. Passing gas during a massage is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you're really uncomfortable about it, you can excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.
Falling asleep during a massage is very common. Many people go into a massage stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the massage table. Your therapist won't judge you if you snore during the massage.
When you wake up, you may notice a little drool on your face or on the massage table. It's common and has to do with your positioning on the massage table. You don't have to do anything about it, but you should feel free to ask for a tissue.
This is your time to relax. If talking helps you to relax, that's OK. If you find it difficult to relax, try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
That said, feedback is important! Please let your therapist know:
If you wish to show your appreciation for receiving excellent care with a gratuity, I will graciously accept.
Also appreciated:
AARRGGHHHH....this question! Some Massage Therapists go crazy with this. Personally, I prefer Massage Therapist because that's what I was trained to be. In this country, the word Masseuse often has a shadier meaning, although in other countries, not so much. Generally, people do not mean anything bad when they use the word, so I may state my preference once, but then let it go. There are worse things, imo.