10 Massage Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask
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Updated May 05, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. 's .
Do you tip? Are you supposed to be nude? Do you say anything if the pressure's not deep enough? What if you're self-conscious about your body? Here are the answers to
that you may be too embarrassed to ask.1) Am I supposed to tip?If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services. On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting.
Some massage therapists and massage associations I asked said tipping isn't appropriate in a medical or clinical setting. Others said that it is always appreciated.If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear?Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get , but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3) What if I realize I've drooled?Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?In North America, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room.5) Should I talk during the massage?Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party!Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the
that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.Be sure to speak up if:The room is too hot or too coldYou experience painYou have any questions related to the massageThere's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation6) What if I get an erection?Some men avoid massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage.Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.7) How do I know if it's a legitimate clinic?Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places.If you're trying a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:Do you offer therapeutic massage?Is the massage therapist certified or licensed?Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage. 8) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the therapist's technique. What should I do?Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.Here is a good rule of thumb --
to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.Continue Reading &&
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10 Embarrassing Massage QuestionsHow Obamacare happened, and what might happen next.
Wikimedia CommonsYou read that right.
The authorities in Prince William County, Virginia, are pursuing
child pornography charges against a 17 year old who exchanged nude
picture texts with his 15-year-old girlfriend. The police have even
filed a warrant that would permit them to take the teen to the
hospital, give him an erection-producing injection, and photograph
his penis. Prosecutors want to compare this photograph to the one
the teen sent to his girlfriend, establishing that they depict the
same thing.
Some astute logicians might point out the irony of the police
effectively creating child pornography in order to prosecute
someone for creating child pornography, though long-time readers of
Reason know that law enforcement has a history of
Carlos Flores Laboy, the teen's guardian,
that police efforts to prosecute this
case were "crazy."
Carlos Flores Laboy, appointed the teen’s guardian ad litem in
the case, said he thought it was just as illegal for the Manassas
City police to create their own child pornography as to investigate
the teen for it. “They’re
that was designed to protect children from being
exploited in a sexual manner,” Flores Laboy said, “to take a
picture of this young man in a sexually explicit manner. The irony
is incredible.” The guardian added, “As a parent myself, I was
floored. It’s child abuse. We’re wasting thousands of dollars and
resources and man hours on a sexting case. That’s what we’re
Foster said Detective Abbott told her that after obtaining
photos of the teen’s erect penis he would “use special software to
compare pictures of this penis to this penis. Who does this? It’s
just crazy.”
Keep in mind that police have already taken photographs of
the teen's private parts after arresting him and holding him
in juvenile jail to await charges. Good grief, how many pictures of
a teenage boy's penis does one police department need?
The teen has so far refused to plead guilty. If convicted, he
could stay in jail until he turns 21.
coverage of the absurdities of the sex offender registry below.
Robby Soave is a staff editor .
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