There are plenty of misconceptions about getting massage and the folks who administer it. The practice of massage therapy is reputable, popular, and hugely beneficial for the healthy and ill alike.
Still, sometimes, it is portrayed as a not-so-subtle cover for services. In addition to this misplaced perception are fears of how massage therapists will view their clients. Below are some of those fears and why they shouldn’t concern you if this is your first time getting massage.
Different Types of Massages
There are 15 kinds of massage, each dedicated to a particular part of the body or another method of healing.
- Couple’s massage
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Hot stone massage
- Sports massage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu massage
- Thai massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Prenatal massage
- Chair massage
- Percussion Massage
- Table Shower
- Myofascial Massage
- Trigger point massage
Most Common Fears
Getting a massage can be daunting for first-timers, but knowing common fears can help ease your mind. Many worry about nudity, but you can keep underwear on and will be covered with sheets. Pain isn’t normal – a good massage shouldn’t hurt, so speak up if it does. Feeling anxious about a stranger touching you is natural; start with shorter sessions or specific areas. Body insecurities are common, but therapists are professionals who’ve seen all types.
Lastly, don’t fret about falling asleep or making noises – these are normal reactions. Remember, communication is key to a comfortable experience.
1. Touch This, Not That
When you’re looking to have a massage near me in Naples, FL, or other areas, remember to mention your medical history if relevant, and be aware that a more informed therapist can deliver a more therapeutic and beneficial service.
An authentic massage professional will ask their client to specify any areas that need extra attention and, conversely, any areas that should be avoided. If the client does not want to be touched, the therapist will not pry why, so don’t worry about explaining that your shin is bruised from walking onto the coffee table or that your hips are so ticklish you go into convulsions.
Share your medical history if relevant, and be aware that a more informed therapist can deliver a more therapeutic and beneficial service.
2. This Bed Is Too Soft
Like Goldilocks seeking the perfect mattress, the first-time pairing of masseuse and client will involve a lot of “feeling out” to determine the ideal pressure level.
One crucial thing to remember about massage is that the more strained your body is, the more your message will hurt. If this is your first time getting massage, start by requesting light to medium pressure until you get accustomed to the sensation of sore muscles being tenderized.
Eventually, you’ll be able to handle firm pressure and even deep tissue application, which works on the second layer of muscles and is exceptionally beneficial for sports injuries.
In truth, every session with a massage therapist will involve some back and forth about the pressure level. Don’t be shy, and don’t worry about impressing the therapist with your exceptional pain tolerance.
3. Slumber Blunder
Most first-timers are too anxious to fall asleep during a session, but oddly, the fear of drifting to slumberland plagues many who regularly seek massage. Most people worry that they’ll offend the therapist, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. A relaxed body and mind will fall asleep, meaning the therapist has performed their duty.
The genuinely paranoid might think inappropriate touching or behavior will occur if they fall asleep. The likelihood of this happening is very slim, and if it does, how would you know anyway? If you’re still concerned, ensure your therapist attended a legitimate massage therapy school and is state-licensed.
Restless sleepers worry they’ll do something embarrassing in their sleep, like snore, mumble, or pass gas. To this, I say, if you’re so concerned about the potential judgments of a stranger applying pressure to your muscles, how will you ever share a bed with a partner? Just go with the flow, and you’ll get much more out of your massage.
4. The Naked Truth
Here’s the bottom line: if you are asked to undress in front of the massage therapist, you are asleep and experiencing a nightmare.
When asked to disrobe for a table massage, the therapist will leave you alone in a private room or some other concealed space, instruct you on what garments you can remove and what can stay on (usually underwear), and ask you to lie down on the table underneath the sheets. It is safe to say that a licensed massage therapist will never expect or instruct you to undress in their presence or to wait half-naked in the room for their return.
The goal of massage is to relieve muscle fatigue and provide the most comfortable environment possible for the client. Your muscles will be more effectively treated without the hindrance of clothing, but you also won’t be able to relax if you’re uncomfortable.
Be sure to state your preference for a male or female therapist if that’s a factor in your comfort level. You can also opt for massage modalities that do not require undressing, like Thai, Shiatsu, or reflexology.
5. It’s A Massage, Not A Date
Massage therapists don’t care about your hairy legs, body odor, or overly enthusiastic sweat glands. You are viewed, quite simply, as a bag of muscles.
Yes, it is considerate to shower before seeking a massage, but leave the insecurities at home if you want to enjoy the experience. The catch of massage is the more tense people are about their physical appearance, the more likely it is that a massage is needed for relaxation and overall wellness.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Massage therapy isn’t some mysterious, scary thing. It’s just a way to help your body feel better. Sure, you might have some worries at first, but that’s normal. The important thing is to remember that massage therapists are professionals who’ve seen it all. They’re there to help you, not judge you.
So, next time you’re feeling achy or stressed, why not give massage a try? You might be surprised at how much better you feel afterward. Don’t let those little fears hold you back from experiencing something that could improve your life. After all, everyone deserves a little relaxation and self-care now and then. So go ahead, book that massage, and let those worries melt away along with your tension.
