While I won’t speak for everyone in my profession, these are topics that come up on a weekly basis in my practice. Whether clients ask me as they head into the room or comment after their massage, these are the responses I share in those vulnerable moments. May any potential social anxiety that can precipitate massage therapy be eased, so that you can truly enjoy being in your body.
1. Body Hair - Many of my clients apologize before their session that their legs or armpits aren’t shaved (for those who do.) I don’t consider this an expectation for anyone’s body. That goes for back hair, belly hair, or no hair. Please don’t feel like you need to go the extra mile in grooming to receive a massage. I’m thankful that you come as you are and value cleanliness over beauty standards.
2. If You Fall Asleep - Sometimes your body takes the opportunity to doze off and catch up on some shut eye. That’s ok. Many folks are worried that they’ll “miss out” on the massage. I can assure you, it didn’t stop, I would check in if something came up, and I am still engaged on your treatment. It’s generally a good indicator if you feel relaxed and comfortable to do so.
Note: IF this is a concern for you due to not feeling safe, know that you can check in with your LMT. I have clients who ask me to keep them more engaged so that they don’t get “too relaxed” as it’s dissociative for them. That is 100% ok, in fact it’s part of your massage being what is beneficial for you.
3. If You Snore or Your Stomach is Growling - ^See above. As an LMT, the snores are honestly some of the sweetest moments in my work because I know that the client feels safe and can receive what they needed in that moment. Belly growls are a sign that your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged (Rest/Digest) which is where we want you to be.
4. Farts - This is so very human. Your LMT will hopefully be so used to it that they won’t skip a beat. Honestly, it is another sign that you feel comfortable and relaxed. Ideally it’s not happening just as I’m adjusting a leg drape, but even then, that’s when I keep my professional face on and access the aromatherapy as needed.
5. How Much Clothing To Keep On or Off - “Disrobe to your comfort level” or some variation is likely what you’ll hear when you ask “How naked should I get?” or more commonly, “So… How much should I….?” This generally means keep your undies on if that is most comfortable for you when getting a western style relaxation or therapeutic massage. Some folks will wear compression shorts. I have one client who wears jeans. It doesn’t seem comfortable to me, but hey, it’s not my massage and not my job to judge.
A gentle reminder: Massage Therapy and Bodywork is non-sexual by nature. The fact that it is non-sexual is what allows your LMT to work in sensitive areas with utmost care and consideration to your personal space, boundaries and their own safety for your benefit.
My go-to line is “I won’t see anything I’m not supposed to see” While cutesy- this is what that means:
Secure draping is mandatory in Oregon, your comfort level, and mine. According to Oregon statutes; breast tissue, genitals and the gluteal cleft are ALWAYS covered unless there is specific medical necessity, the LMT has specific training, and there is written and verbal consent - (breast massage by medical necessity).
Reasons to fully disrobe: It may feel good. Hip work (Glutes, Lower back, upper legs) is incredibly beneficial in our culture of over-sitting. While over the sheet works, getting deeper tissue work and integrating the upper and lower body can feel amazing, balancing and is effective in treating the body as a whole.
On the flip side, not that you NEED reasons, but there are plenty of reasons to keep the layers on. Back to the standard, “To your comfort level.” I’m not here to argue that boundary with you, as it’s a valuable one, just to inform the “why’s” and dispel any misinformation.
Communication around this when you feel comfortable with the massage therapist is always an option.
“But I don’t want them to feel disrespected.” I’ve heard this a few times from men talking about getting massages and their level of undress. As a rule of thumb: If you’re don’t have creepy intentions, your massage therapist isn’t going to be creeped out. It’s not about what you’re not wearing, it’s how you’re receiving and if you’re anticipating anything other than what the LMT is professionally offering.
Your massage therapist does this work because they are passionate about the body, they care about your wellbeing, and have worked hard to be able to offer their services safely, effectively and lovingly.
I hope this helps! Please know how normal these concerns are, but also how normal the circumstance is for your LMT.
If you have any other questions, concerns, or even funny stories about these scenarios feel free to contact me HERE.
Note: LMT = Licensed Massage Therapist. In other states you may see Certified Massage Therapist or Licensed Massage Practitioner. Same Same. This is what differentiates someone with licensure from a “masseuse or masseur” - those are older terms that often have sexual connotation and denote the training and licensure that the MT has undergone. :D
