Top 5 Fears of Massage

I have heard of many reasons why people do not try massage therapy. From those that I have heard, I thought I would post the top 5.

Fear 1 - Sexual Touch

Many do not get massages because they associate the touch with something sexual. Massage Therapy is not sexual. It is therapeutic touch in order to improve one's health by manipulating the muscular structure of the body. This happens to be done through skin to skin contact, but it can also be done through a sheet or clothes. To help ease this fear, therapists conduct their business in a professional manner maintaining proper boundaries, dress code, and draping.

Fear 2 - Undressing

When getting a massage, the client is asked to undress to their comfort level. Usually that is to the underwear. Some undress to the nude. I have personally had people who undressed to their thermal underwear, a spandex body suit, and some who remained completely clothed. Your comfort is what is import because if you are uncomfortable, your body will remain tense throughout the duration of the massage session. Your therapist will work with your comfort level.

Fear 3 - Draping/Modesty

Sheets and blankets are used to cover you while you are getting a massage. This is for modesty and warmth. The draping will be tucked around the legs while they are being worked on, tucked around the hips to work on the back, and tucked under the armpit to work on the arms. Some people may need their glutes worked one. These are the muscles essentially that make up your buttocks and hips. There is a particular technique for draping that exposes the side without exposing the entire area for a therapist to target the necessary muscles. However, therapists can also work on the glutes over the sheet. My rule of thumb is to use the client's underwear as the boundary line. If your underwear stops at the knees, then I don't go above the knees. If you aren't wearing any, then you are comfortable with work higher up within proper modesty draping procedures. Keep in mind that no matter what the underwear boundary is, I will ask if I may work on the glutes before hand.

Fear 4 - Talking

If you want to talk or not, that is up to you. Therapists will inquire about your areas of focus prior to beginning the massage. During the massage a therapist will only talk to make sure you are enjoying the massage (i.e. how's the pressure?). If you don't want to talk or chit chat, then the therapist will not. If you want to talk, then your therapist will, but not unless you engage and start the conversation. That way the talking ball is on your side of the court, so to speak. :)

Fear 5 - Cost

There are many places to get a massage. Spas and salons are usually the most expensive. Then comes franchises like Massage Envy. Chiropractors may also employ or work with Massage Therapists. Self-employed therapists are usually the most cost friendly. The cost of a massage will depend on not only where and who, but also what kind. Some types of massage therapy are more expensive than others due to the tools or supplies and the time involved. Some insurances are now covering massage costs if prescribed by a doctor. Something to look into if that interests you. Look around in your area, see what you can find, and  be smart just like you would be in who you take your car to get fixed or what doctor you see.