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massage therapy musings &
persistent pain ponderings

Massage Myths: You Have to Bare it All


what clothing to take off during massage therapy

The Massage Myths series seeks to set the record straight with questions you may ask, or may be afraid to ask, with massage therapy.

This second article focuses on the common myth that you have to get completely naked for your massage therapy session.


* * * Often clients aren't sure what clothing to take off or leave on for their massage therapist session. Massage is often portrayed in media as a barely-covered model adorn in rose petals. So I often remind folks that the golden standard is: dress down to your comfort. Meaning: leave on, or take off, whatever clothing is most comfortable for you. That may mean you leave everything on, or take everything off, or anything in between.

The point being ANY clothing removal should ALWAYS be optional. It's ultimately your choice. You define your comfort, not your massage therapist.

Most commonly, clients remove clothing that would impede skin-to-skin contact for the areas that will be addressed during the massage treatment. For example: no shirt or bra if the focus of the session will be on the back. Or no pants if working on calves and knees. In any case, your massage therapist should provide adequate draping (with towels, sheets, or blankets) during your entire session to keep things professional and secure your modesty. Client comfort is what is most important. Some clients prefer massage fully clothed, and that is just fine. For clients who are very body self conscious or have emotional sensitivities to touch, I have provided a massage above the sheet or blanket barrier.

The bottom line is, there are options, and it's your call. No rose petals included.

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Myths Article Series

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Raechel Haller Massage Therapist Holland MI Michigan

Whoa, you made it all the way down to the footer!
And might be wondering... who wrote all these words?
Well hello! My name's Raechel and I'm a massage therapist.

I enjoy researching and writing about pain and wellness; nerding out about sci-fi or Dungeons & Dragons; gardening; sailing; thoughtful conversations; loving my German Sheppard dog; and getting lost in a book. Or two. Or three.

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