Therapeutic Massage

[Christian]

I love getting a therapeutic massage and over the past 5 years there has been an explosion in the number of places that have opened up around here. The first time I went the therapist told me to disrobe to the level I was comfortable. I got naked and lay under the blanket - I guess you have to here in Virginia. The therapist never had an issue with my nudity and once when asked told me that it was much easier than when someone wore underwear. As time went by I got to thinking why it mattered if I took my clothes off in front of the therapist or not since they always leave the room when I undress. I wonder if that is part of the law or if they are just being polite. There is also the point when I must turn over the they lift the blanket up and turn their head. I want to just say "I don't really care if you see me naked!"

What's your experience? Do you receive massages in the nude and if so does your therapist do whatever they can to not see your naked body?

[David77]

What's your experience? Do you receive massages in the nude and if so does your therapist do whatever they can to not see your naked body?
No. I got massages in the nude at the naturist resort, and no problem with nudity at all.

[luvnaturism]

My first massage was a gift from my wife. The therapist was new at it. She was an obviously devout member of the LDS church, and it became apparent that she had a lot of anxiety about nudity and potential sexual advances. She stayed so far away from anything that might be considered sexual that a whole lot of my body went unmassaged, including the largest muscles. Since that was my first experience, I just thought it was normal.

All of my professional massages since have been either nude or with minimal covering, such as a towel between the legs, and all of the large muscle groups have received appropriate attention. I only get them at places that are used to dealing with nude people. Massage is too expensive to pay for the kind of treatment I had the first time.

Massage is hypnotic, and I'm easy to hypnotize. Most of the time I quickly fall into a deep trance and may not come out of it until the massage is over.

[nacktman]

I receive massages nude and the therapist has no qualms about being nude - either of us. She is a nudist as well and spends many a afternoon hanging out by the pool out back - which makes getting an appointment with her really easy.:D

Also, in answer to the other question about leaving the room while you are disrobing - I think it has more to do with social courtesies than anything else and when you and your therapist build a relationship beyond strict therapist-client to the point each are comfortable with the expectations of the other then the exiting the room will be a "it's ok if you do and it's ok if you don't thing".

But keep in mind the myriad of differing regulations and ordinances in each locality and it may be required that the therapist exit the room while you are disrobing, so their and your comfort level is moot anyway.

[ScubaRay]

The first massage I received was at the newly opened YMCA few years ago- got a discounted coupon to try it out. On this first visit I didn't know how far I could undress and not having a full body massage not sure on a lot of what was going to happening. I only undress down to my underwear- wore them only for this. After the second massage I ended up taking them off- I didn't care if I was nude and neither did any of the therapist that has worked on me. All will step out of the room so I can undress and believe that this is "professional courtesy" as well. Being all women therapist maybe that is another reason they step out. I wouldn't care who they are as long they get the knots out of my back.

Ray

[Qikdraw]

Well my wife gives me my massages now, so nudity is not an issue. :D

However when I have gone for massages (before marriage) I have been nude, and the therapist leaves the room. I get lasered and the lady who does my lasering leaves the room when I undress. Even though she works directly in 'the area'. :p So I believe it is just professional courtesy, although I would not doubt that it is some law somewhere.

Qikdraw

[Zorro]

I am a massage therapist, and yes, most, if not all, spas have a policy about therapists leaving the room while the clients get on the table and draping the clients. At a nudist resort, that's obviously not a problem, but everywhere else, these serve two purposes: first, not everyone is a nudist nor are they comfortable with their bodies, and many people even leave their underwear on (women will sometimes even leave their bras on, and when I'm ready to work on their backs, I simply unhook it, and do it back up when I'm finished). This way, they have some privacy when they get undressed and get on the table.

Secondly, draping protects the therapist. We have to drape everyone, uncovering only what we're working on at the time, and have to be very careful about keeping the clients' genitals draped, especially if you're a male therapist working on a female client. A complaint by a female client who feels that she was improperly draped will get a male therapist a talking to by the management (doesn't mean he did something wrong, just that the client was uncomfortable for whatever reason. However, some just love to complain and make trouble), but too many complaints obviously indicate a problem and the therapist will likely be fired. There in fact was a male therapist some years back who was arrested, not for inappropriately touching a female client, but he actually molested her on the table!

Also, there are a number of perverts (almost always male) who want a young female therapist to work on them nude. Draping usually keeps them under control, but there was one female therapist I heard about who was working on this guy's feet, happened to look up and saw him obviously stroking himself under the blankets! She was so disgusted that she walked out immediately, and when she brought the manager to confront the guy, they saw he had quickly dressed and taken off. There is also the occasional homosexual who wants a male therapist to work on him nude, and I've walked in to the massage room more than once after giving the client plenty of time and clear instructions to get under the sheets only to see him lying naked on top. I just cover him up without saying anything.

Anyway, regardless of whether you're a nudist or not, don't expect to receive a nude massage (unless it's at a resort). It just ain't gonna happen.

[ScubaRay]

Thanks for passing on the info Zorro- nice to hear from the someone that works in the profession. In all I want a good massage and want the one giving it to me feel comfortable, it's better for the both of us.

Ray

[Christian]

You know... there are just some crazy people in the world. Gay, straight, or otherwise some people just don't know the limits or normal behavior. I'm gay and although I really don't care either way, I prefer a male massage therapist but I would never, ever, eeevveerr think of anything other than the professional relationship we share while in that room for an hour. I just don't get it. In any case, what I would like to do is find a massage therapist who I can see regularly and create a good connection with because I am sure they learn your physiology and can better treat you when they know you... and also just have a cordial encounter and not be so clinical.

[JeepNude]

Thanks a LOT for the great info, Zorro!!!

I have had severe trouble with my sciatic (sp?) nerve and have continuous back problems and live with pain 24/7. I would LOVE to find a massage therapist that could help me!!! I saw the lady that my wife sees a couple of times and SHE made ME uncomfortable!! I was nude, draped, like normal. She would just go out of her way to put as much of that drape between me and her, somtimes to the point that it would get bunched into places and cut off my circulation. That was the first and last time I have tried massage therapy (3 sessions).

Do you know of anyone (or yourself) that might be able to help me?? I would be perfectly willing to meet them at a resort so we could get past the whole nudity thing. I don't care either way, but I would like to take advantage of the relaxation aspect completely.

Thank you.

[GrayWolf]

This worked for us, a married couple. May not work for singles unless modified to include oposite sex partner / friend. I called around and found an independent therapist who came to homes and businesses in addition to working at her place. We had her come to our house for the "spa night" that we treat ourselves to about twice a month. First time she came over we had my wife take the first massage and ask if it would be ok to have a massage without draping as we are nudists and don't like the distraction of fooling around with the sheets or towels. She said OK. Done deal for both of us. She came to the house for about 2 years before she moved away. Did the same thing again. This one has been coming over for about a year. Both are females and both were/are very good at what they do. I believe that having both of us in the house at the same time was reassuring that we just wanted massages. Worked for us 2 out of 2 times. Don't push it and I think you've got a good chance of having an enjoyable massage that you don't have to get dressed after and drive home.

[JeepNude]

Thanks for the tip, Wolf!

That would probably work fine except we live in the boonies. It takes a 4WD to get to our home on a hill, off the paved roads when it has been raining. I am not aware of any massage therapist that is willing to take that kind of trip to reach us. However, I figured if I met a massage therapist at their nude resort of choice, then after the massage, I can still relax as long as I need before going home.

Just thinking out loud!

Either way, although my chiropractor does an O.K. job keeping me mobile, my wife keeps nagging me that I need to find a good massage therapist to take care of the rest of my troubles with this back.

[Zorro]

Thanks a LOT for the great info, Zorro!!!

I have had severe trouble with my sciatic (sp?) nerve and have continuous back problems and live with pain 24/7. I would LOVE to find a massage therapist that could help me!!! I saw the lady that my wife sees a couple of times and SHE made ME uncomfortable!! I was nude, draped, like normal. She would just go out of her way to put as much of that drape between me and her, somtimes to the point that it would get bunched into places and cut off my circulation. That was the first and last time I have tried massage therapy (3 sessions).

Do you know of anyone (or yourself) that might be able to help me?? I would be perfectly willing to meet them at a resort so we could get past the whole nudity thing. I don't care either way, but I would like to take advantage of the relaxation aspect completely.

Thank you.
Unfortunately when it comes to massage, it's often a hit and miss situation until you find the right therapist for your needs. At a spa, it's geared more towards relaxation rather than therapy, but since I did therapeutic massage at a hospital for 7 years, my massage is oriented more in that direction, but not everyone works that way at a spa. I'd suggest checking out some chiropractors, since they often have massage therapists who work with them and, although it might sound strange, check out your local gym (obviously, if they have therapists who work there, they'd tend more towards therapeutic/sports massage).

Another idea is someone to do massage privately as GrayWolf suggested. Single males can basically forget nude massage from female therapists (I've gotten weekly massage from my therapist for almost 14 years now, and despite the fact that we're just good friends, I'm a nudist and she loves going to the local clothing-optional resort and is comfortable with nudity, she still insists on draping me!), but a therapist of either sex would likely be OK with a couple (but perhaps not for the first few massages).

I had a client for 3 years who had sciatica, and I was able to completely eliminate it when she finally told me about it after the first 8 months of massage. It helped that we did weekly massage for a year and every other week for the next two, but it didn't come back in that time (I haven't seen her since December 2001, so I have no idea how she's doing now, however). I'm in the Bay Area... if you're not too far away, perhaps I could help.

[Laura Lopez]

I've never had a problem to be nude to receive a massage, but I had to recognize that in this case being a woman is different.
There's a doble standard here. I've talked about it with some male friends and they tell me how often they have been told to cover with a towel or wear a thong, especially with a female therapist, probably to prevent wrong ideas, I think, but I always get nude to have a massage and never received a negative comment from male or females therapists.
I can't conceive having a massage with any clothes on.

[Sanslines]

Getting a nude massage is wonderful but in some states the law madates that a client be draped. In New York State, I was told by a naturist who was studying massage therapy that she had to keep the client draped at all times as per the law. She asked about what to do if the person was a nudist and requested a nude passage and she was told that even nudists must be draped. I don't know if this pertains to all states or other countrys, but in New York State, massage therapists must be licensed by the state.

[JeepNude]

Sans- I may have given the wrong impression. I am not against being draped, I am against being draped in such a way that takes away from the massage. I am also against being made uncomfortable by the therapist being offended by my natural body.

Zorro- I am near Sacramento. Not too far away. Do you work in a salon or something? Not that I mind going to someone's home if they work in their home, just asking. I think I would like to try massage therapy again. As I said, the chiropractor is helping, but he can only get me about 60% of the way there. I am curious if massage therapy can do the rest. It would be beter than taking Tylenol all the time.

[MoonShadow]

I get massages all the time and never does the "draping" interfere with the massage.

Masseurs know how to drape or not drape; if they are worth their profession.

Yes, you are right, Laura; there is a double-standard, sadly. But a masseuse you frequent will understand that you are perfectly comfortable totally nude and accept it. This is not true if you go to more than one. Hands, arms, elbows must go on the skin to do the massage correctly. Or, that has been my experience.

[Zorro]

Zorro- I am near Sacramento. Not too far away. Do you work in a salon or something? Not that I mind going to someone's home if they work in their home, just asking. I think I would like to try massage therapy again. As I said, the chiropractor is helping, but he can only get me about 60% of the way there. I am curious if massage therapy can do the rest. It would be beter than taking Tylenol all the time.
I'm about an hour's drive from you, and yes, I work at a spa; however, I do outcalls as well (I have 3 semi-regular private clients, and I visit their homes to give them massage). If you want to try massage again, PM me and we'll go from there...

[JeepNude]

AWESOME!!! Check your PM.

[JeepNude]

Just tried to PM you, and I got this message-

"Zorro has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her."

So... Would you please PM me? We can go email if you prefer.

[Zorro]

Really? I thought my settings allowed PMs... I'll fix it and PM you...

[Georgia_Nude]

Sans- I may have given the wrong impression. I am not against being draped, I am against being draped in such a way that takes away from the massage. I am also against being made uncomfortable by the therapist being offended by my natural body.

Zorro- I am near Sacramento. Not too far away. Do you work in a salon or something? Not that I mind going to someone's home if they work in their home, just asking. I think I would like to try massage therapy again. As I said, the chiropractor is helping, but he can only get me about 60% of the way there. I am curious if massage therapy can do the rest. It would be beter than taking Tylenol all the time.



I would certainly reccomend it. I am a male and all of the massage therapists I have had have been women. It has never become an issue, and in the many times I've had a massage only twice have I ever become erect during the process, and then it lasts only a few seconds each time.

Massage therapist training varies by state, though there are a few federal guidelines that licensed ones have to abide by if they want to remain legal. As for the draping, that is taught by several factors. State by state, the identity of the teacher, where the courses were learned, and the massage therapist's own comfort level. In Georgia, there is a governing body that overlooks the licensing of massage therapists, and the majority of them (well all the ones I've known at least) always go with draping. If you're naked, it's not a problem.

Standard procedure, at least around here, is for the massage therapist to stand to the side slightly and lift the sheet when it is time to turn over. This prevents him / her from seeing the client naked (or in your underwear, I suppose) and provides a miniature privacy screen for those few seconds.

When I've had my legs worked on, I've always had the sheet tucked into my leg or thigh area. Once or twice I've had my scrotum brushed as a result of this; never my penis, and on the rare times it has happened it hasn't bothered me or taken away from the massage in any way either.

I've only had one massage therapist do any different, and it was when I was in college, a junior actually. She was attending the same college as a health sciences major and had recently received her certification as a massage therapist. She was running it out of her apartment. When it came time for me to turn over, instead of standing to the side she stood in front, providing her a very visible look at my naked body, genitals included. As I had mentioned to her that I was a nudist earlier, it didn't bother either of us, and actually made it easier for the rest of the massage because any tension that had existed - if at all - regarding being "seen" or "touched" or whatever had vanished with that glimpse. It was as if she knew I was comfortable and didn't mind her view and I was aware of her ..well, awareness.

Bottom line is a legitimate massage therapist is going to have a license and usually one to three years of training (or more) on how to provide a massage. It's something that requires knowledge of the muscular system, the skeletal system, among others, and is something that requires an open-minded view and a lot of patience. These people work on everyone from the hairy "bear" person to someone such as myself that is light-skinned and nearly hairless, and accepting the wide variety of clientele is part of the job when they take that job on. In the same sense, if at any time you are accidentally seen naked, or perhaps a sheet drops or a towel is moved wrongly, whatever, that is accepted as part of the job too. Now as to how much skin is shown during the massage, that is up to you and the massage therapist. If the two of you know each other well, or if you're a new client but the massage therapist be it a he or a she doesn't get a creepy vibe off of your person, then there's a good chance draping can be minimal or none at all. One problem is that some states, should they hear about such a thing, can and will easily yank a license away for such an event, which is why most schools teach such strict and nearly-Puritan techniques when it comes to draping and massage therapy.

By the way average cost around here is around $60 for an hour, about a dollar a minute. Go up to Atlanta it gets a bit more expensive. This area, not so much.

[JeepNude]

I would certainly reccomend it. I am a male and all of the massage therapists I have had have been women. It has never become an issue, and in the many times I've had a massage only twice have I ever become erect during the process, and then it lasts only a few seconds each time.

That thought never even entered my mind. This is not at ALL what I am talking about. Geez., How come every other conversation on this forum has to do with erections??!!!

All the other info you gave was great, thank you!

Back to my point, I have not ever experienced a truly comfortable massage and my wife insists that massage therapy would help me with my constant pain. She has found a massage therapist that she is comfortable with, I tried her and we apparently are not compatible because she made my pain worse and made me very uncomfortable.

I will be in touch with Zorro and try to find someone I can see that might be able to help me.

Thanks!

[oldbutgood]

From the Code of Ethics (it's on line)

STARE OF TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
HEALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 141
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
SUBCHAPTER B
CODE OF ETHICS

h) A licensee shall provide an initial consultation to each client(s) prior to the first massage session and obtain the signature of the client on the consultation document. The consultation document shall include:
(1) the type of massage techniques the licensee anticipates using during the massage therapy session;
(2) the parts of the client's body that will be massaged or the areas of the client's body that will be avoided during the session, including indications and contraindications;
(3) a statement that the licensee shall not engage in breast massage of female clients without the written consent of the client;
(4) a statement that draping will be used during the session, unless otherwise agreed to by both the client and the licensee;

[JeepNude]

I suspect she has seen plenty before you came along. One more was not a concern.

Then again, I am usually a poor judge of character.

Through my life, it has been an eye opening truth that individual people are not offended by innocently nude bodies. But- People as a crowd will crucify you if they see any 'unacceptable' part of you uncovered.

[rguy1978]

I've been seeing a massage therapist for a number of years now, and I am naked under the sheet. However, I think where this whole topic is trying to get too is, is it possible to have a massage without the draping?

During a massage I personally find that the draping can become an issue, and at times the therapist is taking more time away from the actual massage, just to make sure that my modesty stays in-tact. Not only that, but the constant adjusting of the sheet can easily disrupt the flow and relaxation as well, especially if you're asked to move this way, or that way.

I have never asked my therapist about having a massage without draping, as I'm not sure if it's legal or illegal in my area, nor do I wish to make her feel uncomfortable about it. From the little research I have done, for the most part, therapists would prefer draping mainly as a matter of their own comfort level. I can understand this, especially for male clients and female therapists, and that it could be somewhat awkward. But I do question the idea of draping when the client is laying on their stomachs. I would say that in all the sessions I've been too, that 80% of the massage has me laying on my stomach. The idea of being undraped during that part of the massage seems to be less visual, if you get my meaning. I mean, does the human butt really constitute nudity? And my therapist has worked on that area, or the glutes as it's known professionally; so why hide it under a sheet if you're going to end up working on it anyway?

However, I will make a point that is positive about draping. I find a massage can sometimes be very relaxing, therapeutic and draining on the body all at once. And there are times that I do feel chilled with whatever exposed skin there is, and can't wait to be covered back up again.

cadwalladr1 made an interesting comment, which sounds a lot like a massage technique called Rolfing. From what I've read about it, is it's not like a typical massage, but more like a massage/chiropractic adjustment rolled into one. Apparently you are manipulated and worked on a mat on the floor. There is no draping, which makes it easier for the therapist to align you. Although I've read mixed on it, that the client is usually naked or in their underwear. Anyone know anything more about this type of massage?

[Georgia_Nude]

I've been seeing a massage therapist for a number of years now, and I am naked under the sheet. However, I think where this whole topic is trying to get too is, is it possible to have a massage without the draping?

During a massage I personally find that the draping can become an issue, and at times the therapist is taking more time away from the actual massage, just to make sure that my modesty stays in-tact. Not only that, but the constant adjusting of the sheet can easily disrupt the flow and relaxation as well, especially if you're asked to move this way, or that way.

I have never asked my therapist about having a massage without draping, as I'm not sure if it's legal or illegal in my area, nor do I wish to make her feel uncomfortable about it. From the little research I have done, for the most part, therapists would prefer draping mainly as a matter of their own comfort level. I can understand this, especially for male clients and female therapists, and that it could be somewhat awkward. But I do question the idea of draping when the client is laying on their stomachs. I would say that in all the sessions I've been too, that 80% of the massage has me laying on my stomach. The idea of being undraped during that part of the massage seems to be less visual, if you get my meaning. I mean, does the human butt really constitute nudity? And my therapist has worked on that area, or the glutes as it's known professionally; so why hide it under a sheet if you're going to end up working on it anyway?

However, I will make a point that is positive about draping. I find a massage can sometimes be very relaxing, therapeutic and draining on the body all at once. And there are times that I do feel chilled with whatever exposed skin there is, and can't wait to be covered back up again.

cadwalladr1 made an interesting comment, which sounds a lot like a massage technique called Rolfing. From what I've read about it, is it's not like a typical massage, but more like a massage/chiropractic adjustment rolled into one. Apparently you are manipulated and worked on a mat on the floor. There is no draping, which makes it easier for the therapist to align you. Although I've read mixed on it, that the client is usually naked or in their underwear. Anyone know anything more about this type of massage?


'Nudity' is in the eye of the beholder. Some people see a person in their underwear and call it 'naked.' The definition depends on the person.

Draping is a bit of a pain in the arse, but it's how massage therapy is taught these days. It's because of a combination of reasons, first and foremost that massage therapist is still attempting to distance itself from so-called 'massage parlors' and other slightly or not-so-slightly illicit massage businesses that have put a blight on the massage industry over the years.

It's also because the West is a bit Puritan at times, and while the comfort of the client is kept in mind first and foremost, that includes a respect of modesty and self-awareness of nudity barriers. So again, if you and your massage therapist know each other well enough and he / she knows you're not out for a happy ending and just want a relaxing procedure, it's possible you can speak with him / her and for your individual appointment the draping can be removed and /or shortened.

Keep in mind draping also occurs because in many cases the air temperature may be slightly below comfort level, so if you are draped it can prevent you from feeling any drafts.

[Boreas]

I get a massage every two weeks to keep my neck tuned up. I also have a wonderful chiropractic clinic with two chiropractors who are wonderful. My massage therapist does do the draping, and I think it is required in this province. There are very high standards to become a massage therapist here. I do like the draping for warmth. It can get chilly, especially after I have relaxed, so the draping is good. My therapist usually only works on my neck and back, as per our agreement. She has said I could leave my jeans on, but I remove them since they would interfere with my relaxation. JeepNude, if you were a little further north, I would recommend my therapist because she is awesome and could easily get the sciatic nerve into shape!

I find that a mixture of massage and chiropractic, with some occasional accupuncture is the best way to treat my neck. I have two degenerated discs, and when I let the muscles tighten too much, I am in trouble. :eek:

I used to think I would not feel comfortable with a male massage therapist. Now I realize that it is the boundaries and demeanor that matters. My physiotherapist was male, and did some massages on my neck. I had no problem. My doctor is male, and is no problem. As long as the person is professional and has appropriate boundaries, I don't care. Just work out the kinks in my neck! :D

[Titan]

I wouldn't mind not being draped, but being draped also keeps any problems from "arising."

[JeepNude]

If problems 'arise', then you might be there for the wrong reasons.

Besides, sexual energy would get in the way of receiving maximum benefit from the therapy. There is more to life than your labido.

[camerashy]

Laws must differ from place to place .. I suffer from a bad shoulder and lower back (work related). When I started going to a massage therapist all they used to tell me was to get ready and under the sheets. I used to leave my underwear on .... Whenever the therapist worked on my lower back she would always move my underwear slightly down. So I simply asked her if it would be better if I removed them completely. Her response was simply "That's entirely up to you, If you're comfortable with that, then it's ok"

After that, I've always recieved my "Theraputix massages" in the nude. I will say .. it's always proffesional on both our parts. But it's still nice to be nude !!

[MJ_KC]

It has been my observation that the massage isn't as complete when I am draped. In order to make sure that the drape remains where they want it, the therapist will avoid a complete massage of the thighs and glutes because the drape might get moved out of position.

I have been given a massage in the nude about 6 times and it was obvious that the muscle manipulation was more complete when they could easily get to all parts of my thighs and even twist and manipulate the position of my legs in order to massage them with the muscles and tendons stretched.

One therapist would raise my legs in the air in order to stretch my hamstrings while massaging them. This was done with me on my back and simply wouldn't work while trying to keep me covered. The first time I was massaged in the nude was when the owner of the clinic did the massage. She explained that the massage would be incomplete if she had to keep a drape positioned.

I have back and neck problems along with osteoporosis, so I need a massage at least every two weeks, if not sooner. It had been years since I had a massage and I was wondering how I would be able to keep working until retirement age. Now it doesn't seem so impossible.

[garbo]

I had an Esalen massage once at the Esalen Institute at Big Sur, California. It was very different from any other received. It was done outdoors near the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The therapist appeared well trained and extremely professional. I was nude and she only towel draped me directly over my genitals. My sides were exposed. I enjoyed the Esalen massage far more than the standard Swedish massage I normally get. In addition to the difference in technique, the therapist included parts of my body not normally massaged, such as my buttocks and stomach. A female friend that was with me had her breasts gently massaged as well.. totally non-sexual. After an hour of TOTAL relaxation, we both soaked nude in the hot springs for a while. We did not want to leave!

[ghan130]

Having been massaged both draped and nude, my preference would be nude for the same reasons as previous posts. My first ever massage, I did keep my underwear on. After seeing the same therapist a few times she pointed out that she would be able to do a better job if I did not wear the underwear. She kept me draped and it was better. But by far the one massage I got without draping was the best massage. There was a better flow to it without all the tucking and pulling of the sheet. I currently get a massage once a month for general health and relaxation, it is done with the drape.

[walter05]

I find that being nude and undraped is much better.

This is particularly true on the lower back. If there is a drape or something, the therapist will stop well above the glutes. If not, there will be fluid strokes from lower back to over glutes.

If draped, when the therapist is working on the abdomen, the therapist will stop at between the belly button and the pubic hair. If not,the therapist will work down to almost the top of the penis.

Nude, undraped is by far better.

[Skinview]

I have had a few professional massages over the years, and I have been massaged by girlfriends. I find a downside of professional massages is that they are much more skittish about where they massage, and don't do as complete a job. Should I even bother to ask a professional to do all of my thighs? Is there some invisable boundry line that they are not allowed to cross, and where is it?

[rajoo888]

I had a brief stay in Bangkok Airport in Thailand for a change over, I saw many persons undergoing this therapy, it is done mainly by ladies. They ask before hand are we comfortable without clothes, if yes then every bit of body is covered includig dick,balls:)

[spafan83]

When I went to a chiropractor with a lower back problem I was told to undress to underwear. This allows the chiropractor to massage the muscles to make sure they are warmed up for the necessary stretching and manipulation. Underwear does not get in the way, and nudity would feel a bit out of place.

However when having a massage at a spa in Germany I was totally naked. Since the saunas must be used nude it is normal to just be wearing a bathrobe when going for the massage. The masseuese said to get on the table face down and did not leave the room while I removed the robe and climbed up. When lying face down for the massage I was undraped, but the masseuse placed a heavy towel over my bottom before I turned over. This ensured that the genital area was out of sight. After the massage she left the room to allow me to rest and get dressed in my own time.

I guess it depends on local practice. If unsure, or not told, then ask.

[Kouak]

I agree that gfs/bfs/spouses are much better giving massages than many "professionals." They are not skiddish about any area so can do it right.

[David77]

I had several massages at Turtle Lake Resort. I was completely nude during the entire massages.

He was nude most the day, but before giving the massages, he put on his walking shorts as he stated that it was required that he do so.

[Stu2630]

My eldest daughter gives the most amazing massages imaginable. Although completely self-taught, she has strong fingers and really works the muscles deeply and leaves you feeling incredibly loose and relaxed. Unfortunately, she declined to become a masseuse and chose to work as a doctor. What a waste!:mad:


Stu

[Feelthebreeze]

I agree that 'therapeutic' massage is definitely a 'hit-or-miss' proposition when it comes to what you may receive in terms of coverage of body areas that need care, dependent upon both your own comfort with the massage, and the degree of comfort the provider has in massaging you.

While states vary in regulations and degree of regulation, personal preference, comfort massaging a person of the same or opposite gender, etc. apply.

My first massages were at 'day spas' typically associated with salons. My first therapist was, I think, surprised to find a male receiving a massage, insisted that I keep my underwear on, as well as draping, and did no treatment for my lower back or glutes. As a result, I had a back spasm on the way home, and was in worse condition than before my massage.

It took many tries, but I unexpectedly found one female at a high-end spa in Jersey who not only treated my upper glutes, but actually identified the tension there herself (I had only commented on trapezius knots...not expecting her to be willing to do any deep work in the lower back region).

I finally found a male therapist who was both willing to do undraped, and who had excellent technique and strength to get out any of my knots and a piriformis spasm which had me standing askew and that put great strain on my back. Unfortunately he was also in Jersey, and now that I have moved to Massachusetts, I miss him. I have yet to find anyone of that caliber here.

FTB

[David77]

Therapeutic massage? I have had massages at a naturist resort but I did not think of it in terms of therapy, but merely found it was pleasant - so long as he did not press down on my sore shoulder.

I took a very short course in massaging. My wife went into ecstasy when I massaged her all over. I do not get that same very great degree of pleasure from my being massaged all over.

A couple of people whom I know get "knots", painful stiffness, in their shoulder muscels from time to time and ask me for a shoulder massage, and the shoulder massge seems to help a lot.

[Boreas]

I have recently realized that we are lucky here in most places in Canada that massage therapists are registered. In BC and Ontario at least, the requirements for registration are very stringent. They require something like three years training in order to qualify. I can assure you, there is a difference between a therapeutic massage and a relaxation massage. I have a damaged neck, and therapeutic massage keeps it very happy. I am sure relaxation massages would help, but I would be a little afraid that the massage person might do some damage.

I do not know what the requirements are in the States. I understand that massage "therapists" are registered on a municipal level in California, and that some can be registered after a weekend course. I can assure you that such a person would not likely have the skills of someone who has undergone three years of training!

[FireProf]

What you say about the possibility of massage therapist being "registered" in a weekend could very possibly be true. It's important, like any place else, to do a little research on your therapist and the salon for which they work.

My wife and I just joined a "chain" salon, Massage Envy. We had a few therapists before we found one that suited us just fine and she is fantastic. Her credentials, schooling and training history is in a book with all the therapists employed by this company. Many of them have at least a few years of training and many have several and are versed in different theraputic techniques.

Our therapist is talking about going back to school and undergoing a career change. It is our hope to employ her as private clients so she can make some extra money on the side. I haven't asked her yet but we have become good friends and she's a wonderful person.