Disrobing for Massage

There are a few reasons, I believe, people are reluctant to try massage therapy. First and foremost is not understanding the benefits of massage and viewing this healing modality as "a luxury". Money/cost definitely ranks near the top of the objections to getting treatment, after all, most insurance does not pay for therapeutic massage.

Somewhere near the top of the list is the fear of disrobing. Let's face it, you are presumably going to a stranger and being asked to lie on the table without clothing. This scenario can have some fearing loss of control and vulnerability.

In the right hands {pun intended} you should feel confident that your dignity will be preserved. You should be draped with either a sheet or towel and, in general, only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time. Your comfort should be a top priority for the therapist.

Ideally, all clients will remove all clothing. It makes the entire process of treatment much easier and allows for smoother, uninterrupted strokes. Some clients prefer to leave their bottom undergarments on- that's fine. We can usually work around/through that minor obstacle.

While it is possible to do some massage strokes through clothing, mainly compression and some kneading, most cannot be performed. Being able to glide over muscles and body parts is an invaluable tool. As massage therapists we are trained to use our hands to find problem muscles, tendons, and ligaments- some buried very deep under the many layers of skin, fascia, and fat. You can see how adding a layer of clothing can inhibit that ability.

Don't let the hesitation of removing your clothing stop you from seeking treatment. Talk to the therapist, be open about your concerns and together you will find a way.