MASSAGE 101 – plain talk about your first massage or new treatment.
“Everything you always wanted to know about massage therapy and didn’t want to ask.”
It’s natural to be a little nervous when experiencing a massage or treatment for the first time. I regularly see people who have never done this before, and so I am accustomed to explaining things to put them at ease. A true massage professional is highly educated (with a “degree” in the field), fully licensed, nationally certified, and well experienced.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
I cannot stress enough how seriously I protect the privacy of my clients. You have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes the confidential nature of my business. I do not release any information about you to anyone, nor do I “mention” your name or that you have been my client. This is a similar relationship to the one you have with your medical professionals.
Many people find themselves experiencing emotions and thoughts that surprise them during a massage, or choose to talk and share personal information. What you say here, stays here. I care about creating a “safe” environment in which you can be yourself, no matter what that is. If it means you need to cry, or giggle, or get mad for a while, then let it out and leave your massage feeling better about life and in a relaxed mode.
Receiving a massage is a vulnerable experience, and requires a certain amount of trust on the part of both therapist and client. I care about your perception of the experience!
DRAPING: What do I wear (or not wear)?
The very first question in a client’s mind when experiencing massage or spa treatments is usually the one about nudity. The first thing I say when we walk into the massage area is this: “In a moment I will step out so that you can prepare for the massage.” I leave the room while you are taking off the robe or clothing to get situated on the table and also at the end of the treatment while you are re-dressing. I am not present when you are unclothed or uncovered. Two important words apply here: PRIVACY and DISCREET.
By the way, there is no judgment on my part and I have seen every imaginable body type in my career – or at least the “parts” since I see only a back, or arm, or leg. My job is to give you a quality massage, no matter what shape you are in: athletic, obese, or everything in between.
The best way to receive a massage is without clothing. If you are not comfortable with that (especially the first massage or treatment), you may wish to wear your “drawers”. Sometimes ladies prefer wearing their undies for personal hygiene reasons. Whatever your reasons, your comfort level is important to me. How can you relax when you are not at ease? So if it makes you more comfortable to wear your undies, please do so. Bras need to be removed so that I can give you a thorough back massage. You will be lying on your tummy and so your breasts will not be visible to me, and when you turn over (under the drape) I won’t see anything either.
The way I was trained and the way the law reads in this city, you are completely draped at all times. In my office, that means at least a sheet and usually a blanket too, as the rooms are kept cool and your body temperature drops slightly as you relax on the table. I uncover one limb at a time (back, arm, leg) before moving on to the next. As for being “face up”, the same thing applies. You are COVERED. If I need to work on a tummy or apply product there, I use a “breast drape” (towel) while the sheet is folded down to bikini level. Trust me, I don’t want to see it any more than you want me to see it! Any “private” areas are respected and avoided, both male and female.
As for the buttocks, there are muscles that need attention but that attention is limited to staying away from the center line. The leg massage includes the hip as part of the leg. You would be surprised at how much stress you hold there, and at how tender those areas can become…. many lower backaches originate with the gluteal muscles, and athletes or runners always need work there. That goes for busy moms and many tense careers too.
My license, reputation, business, and livelihood are important to me and I take my professionalism very seriously. There is no tolerance for sexual references, attitudes, words or gestures, and anyone crossing that line will be asked to leave. I reserve the right to discontinue any massage that contains this behavior, and you will be expected to pay for the full session.
