Massage etiquette?

What is the proper professional-massage etiquete (first-timer here)? Do you have to take all your clothes off? Do they try %26amp; chat with you like your dental hygenist or hairstylist? If so, can you tell them to be quiet? Do you tip, if so how much? Are men better or are women better?

Massage etiquette?
Dress down to your level of comfort. I usually keep my butt covered and that's about it. The ones I've been to cover me with a towel on areas that aren't being given attention to. If the masseuse is touching my back, my legs are covered and vice versa. Put your hair up, and most important, go in with good hygiene. Shower before going if you have a chance. No masseuse wants to rub on your sweaty filmy body and smell your stinky feet. Do this it will be a better experience for both of you. If it's uncovered, you are letting the masseuse know that it can be touched. Tell them off the bat if there's an area you don't want touched (me-ears). The person should be quiet unless you are the one to start the talking. If that person starts with the small talk, give him/her short blunt answers - they should get the hint. I usually tip about $10 except for the chick I stiffed because my husband paid for an hour and a half for my birthday and she only spend an hour on me and the rest of the time setting up and pissing around (you shouldn't be paying for that time). I've only been to women, but my guess is they are probably more gentle. None of them have gotten into the deep muscle tissue, a couple times I feel like they aren't rubbing, just petting (I can take the pain, my hubby leaves bruises). Next time definately going with a guy whether hubby likes it or not!
Reply:in your case you start by taking a valium or something a little stronger like clonazepam 5 mg. then try it.
Reply:I am a cert. massage therapist. You can be totally naked or leave your underwear on(ur choice),I only talk if the client talks first,otherwise its better to have quiet music and no talking.If they talk too much,yes you can ask them to stop.Remember,you're paying for the service! A decent tip is anywhere from $5-$20,depending on how you liked it. I am female and I prefer a female therapsit,only cuz the 2 guys that I've gone to weren't any good.In fact.I need to schedule an appt....for me! :)
Reply:No you dont have to take all clothes off. Talking? Drefinately ok. I typically wear my underwear and cover myself with towel. Rypically massage person leaves and lets you get "ready" to your level of comfort. I'm sure some will be uncomfortasble with the naked optoon.





I hhad one massage where person told me to strip dopwn and mentioned to keep on underwear after I had rempoved my pants which i had no intention of removing, ... (Place was tradtional chinese medical center that was family biusiness, acupucture etc but i was having relaxation massage from the daughter as opposed to their deep tissue one fron the dad or mom.)





You can tho usually tho and usaully can cover yourself with towel.





Obviously some massage places have an "extra" component which is optional; pure medical ones dont. Some of ill repute are pure prostitution stuff but i very much doubt you find yourself within one mile of these. Combos exist with a bit of both but i assume you dont want the "extra". Its pretty easy to tell in general what kind of place by word of adds. I'm not sure with SPAS but im sure the "atmosphere" of a place tells you its legit or not.





If your doctor or physical health recommends a massage place it is probsably "legit"; i.i, no extra for the "private muscles". Some ones not legit give your a perfectly good legit massage and then ask if you want the extra stuff.





I assume SPAS have legit massages but i'm sure there are spas not legit.





Generally i thik you can tell by wording of ads what kind massage yo u will get, but in terms of ettiquette you can chat and you dont have to be naked if you dont want.
Reply:Congrats on your decision to get a tension relieving massage! You do not have to take all of your clothes off. In fact there are several massage styles in which you don’t have to take ANY of your clothes off, and it feels just as amazing.





Typically you fill out a very brief intake form, mostly for the massage therapist to know that you are in ‘good health’ for the massage, meaning if you had say blood clots or something dangerous, you couldn’t get the massage.





The talking is controlled by you. You don’t have to talk at all if you don’t want to.





Tipping is up to you and if you liked the massage you tip more. Most people tip between $5 – $20, depending on if it’s a private practice vs. a spa.





Men and Women both are excellent massage therapists. Some women massage with heavy pressure, and some men massage very lightly. You will need to be clear with your therapist on what type of pressure and massage strokes that you are comfortable with.





Enjoy! :-)
Reply:I'm a part time massage therapise - and a professional massage therapist will always have you draped with either a sheet or a towel. You also can keep your underwear on but usually would not have a bra or top on so that therapists can work your back.


Good therapists will only talk with you briefly to "check in" on how the work is going, pressure, etc. You can tell the therapists at the beginning that you prefer to be quiet and not talk so you can "fully relax" and enjoy the massage. I recommend telling the therapist that. (Personally I have stopped seeing therapists who have talked too much.)


Tipping is totally up to you but it is customary to tip about 10-20% of the rate - and is definitely expected if you get a massage from a salon.


Gender of the therapists is your personal prefence on who you feel comfortable with - both men and woman can be equally powerful even given different sizes. Women usually are more comfortable with a woman therapist and men usually prefer women too. But I would encourage you to put gender stereotypes aside as you can get great work from both men and women depending on their experience.