There’s no denying the widespread benefits of regular massage—studies consistently show that it can enhance flexibility, accelerate recovery, and even help prevent injuries.
However, amidst the undeniable advantages, a slew of questions about the massage experience often lingers, some of which can feel a tad uncomfortable to voice.
Is it normal for a massage to be painful?
How do you choose the ideal time for your massage appointment?
What’s the etiquette around underwear?
And yes, even that momentary worry about unexpected bodily sounds.
At Pure Awakening Mobile Massage & Beauty, we’ve encountered these inquiries and more, and today, we’re here to provide the answers you’ve been curious about but hesitant to ask. You adore massage therapy, and now you can enjoy it even more with the insights you’ll gain from this blog. We’re here to address those questions you’ve been keeping to yourself, making your massage experience all the more comfortable and enjoyable.
- What distinguishes a relaxation/swedish massage from a sports/deep tissue massage?
A relaxation massage typically involves lighter, more generalized strokes that flow smoothly over the body. It focuses on the overall sense of relaxation and stress reduction. In contrast, a sports/deep tissue massage is often more intense and incorporates a variety of techniques, including elements of soothing Swedish-style massage. Sports/Deep Tissue massage aims to energize and, at times, needs to align with a client’s level of intensity. It can also be tailored to suit the specific requirements of a particular sport and is a valuable component of an athlete’s routine training regimen.
Read our blog that illuminates the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue massage here
2. I’m really enjoying my massage, but I’m wondering if we could go a bit deeper with the pressure. I want to make sure I get the most out of this experience. Is it okay to ask for a little more pressure or for you to focus on a different area?
A good massage therapist values open communication and will happily adjust to your preferences. Please never feel uncomfortable doing so, all Pure Awakening therapists are trained to be responsive to your needs. Your comfort and satisfaction are important!
3. Is there a limit to how much pressure I should request during a massage, or should I just go as far as I can tolerate? Does massage have to be painful to be effective?
There’s definitely a balance when it comes to massage pressure. While therapeutic massages can provide deep tissue work, they should never be painful. In fact, if a massage becomes painful, it can actually be counterproductive to your goals. The key is communication with your therapist to find the right level of pressure that delivers therapeutic benefits without discomfort. Your comfort and well-being are paramount during your massage.
It’s a common misconception that massage has to be painful to be effective. Effective massage is more about technique than sheer muscle power. The Pure Awakening mobile therapists don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach, and they tailor their pressure and techniques to each client’s unique needs. For instance, they may apply much less pressure to a grandmother with osteoporosis compared to a young athlete seeking deep connective tissue work.
Remember, massage doesn’t have to hurt to provide benefits. You can experience therapeutic benefits from a relaxing massage, which is entirely painless. Conversely, more aggressive treatments like trigger point therapy or friction may cause some discomfort, but they can be highly effective for specific conditions. Your massage therapist’s goal is to help you, not to cause you pain. They want to create an environment where your body can relax, reduce pain, enhance your well-being, and promote long, supple muscles.
Your pain threshold and preferences may change with each visit, so don’t hesitate to communicate with your therapist. Let them know what feels good and what doesn’t. Your therapist is there to work in partnership with you, ensuring your massage experience is enjoyable and beneficial.
4. What should I do if I experience ticklishness during a massage?
If you find yourself getting ticklish during a massage, it’s perfectly normal. The best course of action is to communicate with your therapist.
They are trained to adjust their touch and technique to minimize the ticklish sensation and ensure your comfort.
5. What if I have an erection during a massage?
Although it’s a rare occurrence, if you happen to experience an erection during a massage, there’s no need to panic. Sometimes, this can happen due to the relaxation response triggered by the massage or as a side effect of certain medications. Massage therapists are aware that it’s a natural physiological reaction and will handle the situation professionally. Typically, your therapist will try to redirect your focus by adjusting their technique, pressure, or shifting their attention to a different part of your body. Your unintended erection and any embarrassment will quickly pass, allowing you to continue to relax during the massage.
6. Why do I occasionally get a headache after a massage?
It’s important to note that it’s rare to experience a headache after a massage, but it can happen. Massage can impact vascular circulation, which may occasionally trigger a headache for some individuals. Additionally, if there’s excessive pressure on the sinus area when you’re facedown with your head in the face rest, it could lead to a headache. If you do suffer with sinusitis we have a specially curated therapy for it! Have a look here.
If you ever feel congested during your massage, a simple solution is to turn your head slightly to the side to help with breathing.
If the face rest is causing any discomfort due to its angle being too low or too high, don’t hesitate to communicate with your therapist. They’re there to ensure your comfort and can make adjustments as needed to enhance your overall massage experience.
Your well-being is our top priority!
7 . Is it common to experience bruising after a massage session?
No need to worry! It’s generally not common to experience bruising after a sports maintenance massage. However, if your treatment involves structural integration techniques, it’s possible to see some bruising due to the intensity of this specialized work.
Remember, your massage therapist is skilled at tailoring the treatment to your needs and comfort level. If you have concerns about bruising or any other aspect of your massage, don’t hesitate to discuss it with them. They’re here to ensure you have a positive and rejuvenating experience!
- Wondering about what to wear during a massage and how it affects your session?
Firstly, you might be thinking, “Does it make a massage more effective if I don’t wear underwear, or should I wear some?” Well, here’s the scoop: Being completely undressed during a massage can allow your therapist to address all areas of tissue without needing to work through the sheet. However, it doesn’t necessarily make the massage more effective. Our skilled massage therapists can work effectively through clothing or sheets. If wearing underwear makes you more comfortable and relaxed, go for it! Your comfort is key.
So, whether you’re someone who goes au naturel under the sheets, prefers underwear, or even likes to keep on some comfy clothes like shorts or sweatpants, the good news is, you don’t have to undress more than you’re comfortable with to receive a massage. Your massage therapist is here to accommodate your preferences and needs.
It’s important to note that wearing more clothes might limit the use of certain techniques, like using lotion or working deeply. However, rest assured that your therapist can adapt to your comfort level and still provide a satisfying massage experience. We’re experts at finding that perfect balance.
Now, for those who might feel a little self-conscious about their bodies, here’s a reassuring thought: Some people actually find comfort in having that underwear barrier during their massage. It can create a psychological boundary that helps them fully relax. And that’s perfectly okay! Massage therapists are a compassionate bunch who work with all kinds of bodies. They see you as the unique individual you are and focus on the clinical perspective of their work. It’s all about enhancing your overall well-being, not passing judgment.
So, whether you choose to go bare, wear undies, or keep your casual clothes on, your massage therapist is here to make sure you have a fantastic and comfortable experience. They’re dedicated to giving you the care and relaxation you deserve!
- So, you had a little “release” moment during your massage, and it left you feeling a bit embarrassed? Don’t worry; it’s more common than you might think!
You might be wondering, “Should I have said something?” Well, a polite “excuse me” is always a nice gesture if you feel comfortable doing so. In fact, it can break the ice and even lead to some lighthearted moments. In the massage world, these little moments are entirely normal and are affectionately referred to as “releases.”
They’re just a part of the body’s natural processes, and yes, they can sometimes lead to a few giggles. So, if it ever happens again, just remember that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your massage therapist has seen and heard it all and is focused on providing you with a relaxing experience.
- Is it okay if I fall asleep during a massage?
Absolutely, it’s not a problem at all! In fact, when a client drifts off into slumber on the massage table, it’s seen as a tremendous compliment. It’s a sign that you feel completely comfortable and trust your therapist. This level of relaxation is what therapists strive to achieve, and it’s a testament to the therapeutic connection between you and your therapist.
Contrastingly, a client who talks incessantly during their massage session may not fully reap the benefits of the healing process that the therapist aims to provide. So, rest assured, your therapist is more than happy when you find that sweet spot of relaxation.
For athletes or individuals with rigorous training schedules, sometimes what they need most is a break from intense therapeutic work and a session that lulls them into relaxation. So, whether you’re a deep sleeper or just enjoy a peaceful moment on the table, your therapist is there to cater to your needs and make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
- I really appreciate my massage therapist, but sometimes I’d like a quieter session. How can I kindly communicate that I prefer not to engage in conversation?
The best approach is to have an open and honest conversation with your therapist. Simply let them know that you value the tranquility of the session and that you’d like to fully immerse yourself in the therapy experience without chatting. We understand that you’re not trying to be rude or dismissive; rather, you want to fully embrace the therapeutic moment.
Our skilled therapists will absolutely adhere to your preference and respect it. If, for some reason they dont please mention this when giving your feedback after the session. Your comfort and relaxation are of utmost importance during your massage session!
- When should I schedule a massage before a race or sporting event?
Ideally, athletes should have already incorporated maintenance and rehabilitative massage into their training calendar. However, for a pre-race massage, it’s common to schedule it three days before the race day. This timing allows an athlete’s body to receive moderate to intense massage therapy without inhibiting performance and, in fact, may help enhance it.
Keep in mind that every athlete’s body is unique, so it’s important to listen to your own body and adjust the timing to your needs. Communicate with your massage therapist about your preferences and goals to ensure that the massage is tailored to optimize your race-day performance.
In summary, scheduling a massage a few days before your race can be highly beneficial, and the timing is typically around three days prior. This allows your body to receive the necessary treatment without negatively impacting your performance.
Additionally, consider a post-race massage one or two days after the event to aid in recovery and alleviate muscle soreness.
- Why does my therapist always tell me to drink lots of water after the massage is over?
There is an overused myth in the massage world which expresses massage therapy releases toxins. Massage therapists ask clients to drink plenty of water to help flush out these toxins.
However, there is no clinical research to provide evidence that massage therapy releases toxins. That being said, massage therapy does generate heat. This heat can create a sensation of thirst, so drinking water will help quench this thirst, plus, drinking water is good for the body.
- I’m often unsure about gratuities when it comes to massage services. How much should I tip?
Gratuity is a gesture of gratitude, and it’s important to note that it’s never a mandatory requirement. However, if you’ve received an excellent massage and want to show your appreciation, a standard percentage to consider tipping is between 15-20%. It’s a way to express your satisfaction with the service.
It’s worth mentioning that our massage therapists work on a freelance basis, which means they receive a larger portion of the treatment cost compared to therapists in traditional spa settings.
Nevertheless, they still cover their own expenses, equipment, and products. So, if you genuinely feel that your massage was exceptional (as it should be!), you are always welcome to tip your therapist.
As the owner of a mobile massage business, I can honestly say that even the smallest tips bring smiles to our therapists’ faces. It’s that extra little “thank you” that makes them feel truly appreciated. However, tipping is entirely at your discretion, so if you feel compelled to tip, please do so, but remember that it’s completely okay if you choose not to. Your comfort and satisfaction are what matter most!
- I’d love to receive massages more frequently, but it’s challenging for me financially. Discussing money can be uncomfortable, but if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to explore your options.
There are a few various options to explore. Instead of entirely removing massage from your budget and life, consider group sessions as a more affordable alternative. We can offer shorter sessions if a few of you gather at one location and have one therapist for the day.
Additionally, if your schedule is flexible, you can inquire about being on your therapist’s standby list. In some cases, therapists might offer a discount if you can take a last-minute appointment, just like airlines fill empty seats.
At Pure Awakening, we might also have the option of providing a junior therapist for a reduced fee. If you genuinely love massage and communicate its value to us, there’s a chance you can work out an arrangement that’s fair for everyone involved.
Remember, communication is the key to finding solutions that make massage therapy more accessible to you.
Wow, fifteen unabashed questions about massage therapy, if you need to know anything else please feel free to send your questions to our whatsapp inbox, we will be very happy to answer any of them.
Creating special massage moments in your homes, hotels and guesthouses all over Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban amazing!
Lots of Love,
Judy
Sources:
RELATED: Which Type Of Massage Is Best For You
https://www.pretherapy.ca/blog/2021/10/12/top-13-massage-frequently-asked-questions
