Do You Have a Phobea About Body Image & Massage?
Who Likes To Be Naked In A Dark Room With A Stranger?
By Christie Naeher, LCMT
I mean really, who does? Many people feel this way and this can keep them from enjoying all the benefits of massage. That is why communication with your Massage Therapist starts the minute you walk through the door of a business. Setting the tone with the intention of healing and safety is key to how you the client will feel the moment you walk in.
Does the Massage Therapist care if I am nude? I don't like to take my clothes off in a room with a stranger. Massage Therapists are medical professionals and are used to seeing many bodies with may different shapes and sizes. We are not affected by body type and the Massage Therapist will keep you draped at all times. A good therapist will explain that you may undress to "your" comfort level and that they can work around whatever clothing you choose to leave on during the massage. The only part of the body that is exposed is the part of the body the therapist is working on at that particular time. Make it clear to the therapist that you are uncomfortable wth nudity and that you would prefer to be drapped at all times. Please understand that the best type of massage is skin to skin. If you prefer to keep your clothing on, the massage will be a compression massage through the clothing similar to a seated chair massage.
What happens if I have an erection? It is very common for men to have an erection. When men are relaxed and the inner thigh is massaged, sometimes men can have an erection. The therapist should ignore the situation, but if you are uncomfortable with the possibility of having one, I recommend that men wear a speedo or some type of supportive under garment for more support.
How important is it to have this business, clean, organized and well furnished? First impressions are key to your relaxation and so important to your comfort and security.
How does this business look and smell? Have you chosen the right environment and Therapist for you? Will you be covered at all time? What are the draping techniques used? Most Therapists are very aware of modesty and how important it is to keep the client covered at all times. But if you are uncomfortable, ask the Therapist to explain how you will be draped.
How does the massage room look? A relaxing, clean, and well decorated massage room also communicates a safe place. When you see that the Therapist’s room is a clean, well organized, warm and a comfortable environment, it sets a tone that this is a perfect place for your relaxation to begin.
What are the little extras that your Therapist does to make this massage experience better than any that you have ever had before? Aromatherapy under the headrest to keep congestion under control, organic products to moisturize skin, warm towels for achy backs and shoulders, warm stones for stubborn muscles, and the best of all, is the scented warm towel on the face to finish. These are the little things that communicate to you that your Therapist goes the extra mile to make you feel pampered and special.
Does your Therapist have an intake form? This is so important for you the client to have a chance to communicate to your Therapist your medical history and injury/surgical background. This type of communication sets a tone that allows you the client to understand how communication between Therapist and client is so important to determining your course of treatment.
Does your Therapist check in with you while you are on the table? No one appreciates it when a massage therapist talks incessantly while giving a massage. There is nothing worse in my opinion. Most clients want to close their eyes so that they can de-stress and relax and have that pain in their shoulders and back melt away. Most clients do not want to have a conversation about their job or their kids or the weather. But, it is so important that your Therapist check in with you from time to time. After you and Therapist have discussed your course of treatment, your Therapist should give you a short overview of how they work. If you do not understand, ask questions. That is so important to your treatment.
Do you need to remove all your clothes? It is so important that your Therapist let you know that you may undress to your own personal comfort level, and that you will be draped at all times. It is not a requirement to be totally naked to receive a massage. Your Therapist should also let you know how the massage will feel, and that they will check in with you from time to time just to make sure that you are comfortable and that the pressure the Therapist is using is comfortable. Your Therapist should also make it clear to you that you should feel free to let the Therapist know if you are uncomfortable for any reason. That is so important. I have heard from many clients that have “suffered through” a uncomfortable massage because they “thought” that was what they needed. The Therapist never checked in to see if that was what the client wanted or could handle. A good Therapist will always let you know that you both will need to work together when deeper work is required, just for that reason.
Does your Therapist discuss with you how to maintain the benefits of the massage days after the appointment? A good Therapist will give you some suggestions for stretches you can do while in the shower to help maintain the benefits that you have just received from the massage. This can help the muscles stay soft and pliable for days after the session.
Does your Therapist recommend that you drink lots of water throughout the day to avoid feeling the effects of toxins flushed through the system? It is imperative that you drink plenty of water throughout the day after a massage. Massage flushes the blood stream with toxins that were locked in the muscle tissue which causes inflammation and pain. When the muscles are released and de-stressed, those toxins go into the blood stream and then into the lymph system and can make you feel tired, achy and can cause headaches. When you drink plenty of water, in helps those toxins flush out of the body through your natural filtering system. Urinating often can allow those toxins to exit the body.
Does your Therapist make return appointments? This is key to allowing you, as a good client, to get the best appointment date and time for you. There is nothing worse than calling for an appointment and not being able to get the date or time that is best for you. If you can make a return appointment that day, it will guarantee that you will get the return appointment date and time that is best for you.
Communication with your Therapist starts from the time you arrive at their business to the time you leave. Good communication skills between Therapist and client will guarantee that your session is successful, relaxing and comfortable from beginning to end.
So find a Therapist near you and make an appointment today. No time like the present to begin your journey to health, happiness and relaxation. Please go to IndigoBlueMassage@gmail.com or call 703-509-1085 to make an appointment today!
