No, you don't have to take everything off for a massage; you undress to your comfort level, but for a full-body massage, many people remove most clothing (leaving on underwear) for better access, as therapists use draping with sheets to keep you covered, only exposing the area being worked on. For certain styles like Shiatsu or Thai, you stay clothed, while for Swedish or deep tissue, removing more allows for longer, uninterrupted strokes.
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Many people prefer to keep their undergarments on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's completely up to you.
It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.
Yes, a massage therapist can work on the groin area (adductor muscles) for therapeutic reasons, especially for athletes with strains, but it requires clear consent, proper draping (usually covering the inner thigh), and strict professional boundaries, focusing on the muscles rather than genitals, as it's a sensitive area with risks of misinterpretation.
Massage therapists must also be aware of endangerment sites where deep pressure should be avoided:
B2B massage, or Body-to-Body massage, is an intimate, sensual massage where the therapist uses their entire body (arms, chest, legs, etc.) to massage the client, often involving significant skin-to-skin contact and oils, creating an immersive experience beyond traditional hand-focused massage, often catering to desires for intense physical touch and connection, though it's distinct from therapeutic massage and can lean into quasi-sexual or erotic experiences.
During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over. For example, when they have finished working on your back and are now ready to begin working on your arms or front of your legs.
During a massage, you should not hold your breath, tense up, endure sharp pain, talk excessively (unless giving feedback), "help" the therapist move, touch them inappropriately, or be under the influence of substances; also, avoid heavy meals or sunburns beforehand, and communicate any discomfort or medical conditions to ensure a safe, effective, and relaxing experience.
You can leave on your underwear, and you'll still get the full benefits of the treatment. You can even bring your own bathing suit. Choose a roomy one; you don't want restrictive clothing during a massage. If you do go bare, just know that you won't feel exposed.
For a male full-body massage, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing like gym shorts and a t-shirt that are easy to remove, as you'll likely undress to your comfort level (often leaving on underwear) for oil-based massages, with professional draping ensuring modesty, while for sports massages, only the area being worked on needs to be accessible. The key is comfort and easy access to muscles, so choose breathable fabrics you don't mind getting oily and footwear that's simple to slip off.
A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.
You should tip a massage therapist 15% to 20% for good service, with 20% being standard for exceptional work, similar to other service industries, as tips supplement their income, but check for included gratuity at luxury spas, and skip tipping in medical settings unless advised otherwise. Base your tip on the full service cost, even for gift certificates or packages, and tip more if the therapist went above and beyond, say around $20-$30 for a typical hour-long session.
A full-body massage usually includes your arms, legs, hands and feet, your neck and back, your stomach and buttocks. The area around the breasts is usually massaged but not the breasts themselves.
If you're having a good time, try to keep your voice down so that you don't disturb your fellow patrons! Also, excessive noise can be interpreted as a sign of impatience or frustration. If you're not enjoying your massage, it's important to communicate this to the therapist in a calm and respectful manner.
Heavy breathing, moaning or groaning throughout massage: We want you to enjoy a massage. Relaxation noises are not the same as sexual pleasure noises. We know the difference. Moving hips: If you're moving around because the pressure is too much or uncomfortable, let us know.
Massage red flags include professionalism issues (no license, unsanitary space, unprofessional boundaries, inappropriate touch, poor communication, body shaming) and physical warning signs (sharp pain, numbness/weakness, nausea, intense pain that takes your breath away, symptoms that worsen or don't improve). Trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable, and prioritize a therapist who respects your boundaries, communicates clearly, and maintains professional standards for hygiene and draping, as indicated by this article from All Bodies Massage Therapy.
What Are The 5 Basic Massage Movements? The five basic massage movements are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Each of these movements is designed to provide a different type of massage experience.
The groin area isn't just “one spot.” It includes a group of muscles like the adductors, pectineus, and gracilis that connect your pelvis to your thighs. Massage therapists often treat these muscles in athletes and active individuals, especially those recovering from strain or injury.
In sexual massage, massage techniques are used in order to arouse or achieve orgasm. It can be part of sexual activity between partners, but it can also be part of sex work, both legal and illegal. In some practices, sexual massage has a spiritual and even healing component.
The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.
A sandwich massage therapy might be the perfect choice for you and your partner. Also known as four hands massage, it is a blissful session where two therapists work together to provide a synchronized and deeply relaxing experience. Know why sandwich massage therapy can be the ultimate couple spa session experience.
Examples of abbreviations for massage modalities and techniques include MFR (myofascial release), TPT (trigger point therapy), FBM (full body massage), MET (muscle energy technique), CST (craniosacral therapy), and DTM (deep tissue massage).
To help you get a better idea of the different types of business customers in B2B markets, we've put them into four basic categories: producers, resellers, governments, and institutions.