This is a question we get quite frequently, and it can be a serious source of stress for a lot of people; especially if this is your first time getting a massage. I still remember the first time I dressed down for a massage, thinking how strange and vulnerable it felt. We hope that this post gives you some comfort on the matter! So without further ado, do you have to get naked to get a massage??
The short answer, is NO!! Absolutely not!! Your comfort, and feelings of safety always come first, so we encourage you to keep on as much clothing as you choose, and we will withhold all judgement either way. If you choose to keep your clothing on, we recommend wearing loose-fitting, or stretchy exercise clothing that allows you to move freely. The more skin to skin contact that you allow your therapist, the wider range of techniques and tools they will be able to use in order to help you. But this completely depends on your comfort level, and what your goals are for treatment.
A lot of our Wellness/Relaxation clients feel comfortable dressing down completely, or keeping underwear on. Some of our Therapeutic/Outcome-based clients will only undress partially, to allow for access to the areas where they need the most focus. Other clients choose to keep all of their clothing on, and receive massage either over their clothing, or only where their skin is exposed.
Regardless of to what extent you choose to undress, you will be covered with a sheet and possibly a blanket (for warmth and further privacy) the entire time. Only the areas being worked on at a given time will be exposed. The clothing that you choose to keep on communicates your boundaries to your therapist, and as such, will be taken quite seriously; your massage therapist will never remove or adjust your clothing without first providing recommendations for doing so, and obtaining your express consent on the matter of which you may always refuse. Likewise, the areas that are undraped at any given time are how your massage therapist communicates their boundaries and therapeutic intent to you. Please be respectful of these boundaries.
If you experience body dysmorphia, have areas of insecurity, or suffer from any type of PTSD or anxiety related to your physicality, or triggers to touch, please let your therapist know so we can handle the matter appropriately and make sure you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. As stated earlier, you will never be judged for your body, or for what clothing/undressing choices you make for your session. Additionally, we uphold the strictest polices and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, which we invite you to read here, and which every client and therapist will be expected to uphold.
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