Massage FAQs: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
I've been a massage therapist since 2003, which means I've fielded a lot of questions over the years. Some straightforward, some hilarious, some nefarious and some that people clearly agonized over before asking. In the spirit of making sure no one feels awkward walking through our door, here are the most common ones, answered honestly.
Q1: Do I have to take my clothes off?
Not necessarily. At Michigan Massage and Wellness, we offer several services where you stay fully clothed. MPS Therapy can even be performed through denim (though we may shift clothing slightly for direct skin contact when needed). Fascial Stretching or Thai Massage requires loose, comfortable clothing. Lokte Method is done in the studio and if you've been in our studio in the winter, you know to dress in layers.
For traditional massage therapy, most clients disrobe to their comfort level and are draped throughout the session and only the area being worked on is ever uncovered. If you're unsure what's appropriate for your specific service, just ask when you book. There are no dumb questions here. (Except if we do happy endings. Don't even bother taking the time to call us because you'll be immediately blocked).
Q2: How often should I get a massage?
It depends on what's going on with your body. For acute injuries or chronic pain, more frequent is better. But let's be real: a herniated disk that's been causing numbness and tingling down your arm for months is not going to resolve itself between monthly sessions without some self-care on your end too. We can make real progress and have some really amazing treatment options but we can't undo six years of damage in a single visit.
If you're generally feeling good and just want to stay that way, a monthly maintenance session is fantastic. Many of our clients find that consistent monthly bodywork keeps them feeling their best and catches small issues before they become bigger ones.
Q3: I didn't shave my legs. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not. We genuinely do not care. You are a body on a table, and we are focused on the work. The only time we'll silently judge you is if you come in straight from a sweaty workout without rinsing off first. Do yourself (and us) a favor and shower if you've been active. And if you have any contagious skin conditions, please reschedule. Otherwise, come as you are.
Q4: Do I have to tip?
We never expect a gratuity, but it's always appreciated. Think of it this way: you tip your hair stylist for making you look great. You tip your nail tech for a quality service. Massage doesn't change your outward appearance, but you know how you feel for days afterward and that's worth something. Our therapists work hard, and a tip is a direct way to say thank you. That said, we would rather you come in monthly and not tip than once every 3 months and tip.
Q5: I'm a man. What if I get aroused during a session?
There are two very different scenarios here. The first: your nervous system is calm, your body is relaxed, and a physiological response occurs. It happens. It's not scandalous. We're trained professionals and we simply continue the work. We're not doing anything in that vicinity anyway. You don't need to be mortified.
The second scenario: you've arrived with the mistaken belief that we offer services of a different nature. We don't. We won't. You will be removed from the table, removed from the building, and the authorities will be contacted. Don't be that person. And yes, we will still charge you for the session.
Q6: I'm sore after my massage. Did something go wrong?
Post-massage soreness for 1-2 days is completely normal, especially if it's for that issue that's been bothering you for six months. As one client memorably put it: "I was sore the next day, and a bit the day after, but by day three it was like the heavens opened up and I could turn my head again." That's exactly how it's supposed to feel.
One important note: please communicate during your session. If the pressure is too much, say so. We watch for cues: held breath, bracing, flinching, but we're not mind readers. The worst feedback you can give us is silence, and then a bad review afterward. We can't fix what we don't know about. Tell us in the moment and we will adjust, full stop.
Okay, one last important note: sometimes deep tissue isn't the answer. We live in this belief that in order for massage to be effective it has to hurt like hell. That's an old way of thinking and we are happy to provide you with other treatment options that are lighter on the body and gentler on the nervous system and might leave you feeling even better than being pummeled with what feels like a sack of oranges.
Hopefully that clears up most of the mystery. If you have a question we didn't cover here, reach out! There's truly no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health and your body.
Q1: Do I have to take my clothes off?
Not necessarily. At Michigan Massage and Wellness, we offer several services where you stay fully clothed. MPS Therapy can even be performed through denim (though we may shift clothing slightly for direct skin contact when needed). Fascial Stretching or Thai Massage requires loose, comfortable clothing. Lokte Method is done in the studio and if you've been in our studio in the winter, you know to dress in layers.
For traditional massage therapy, most clients disrobe to their comfort level and are draped throughout the session and only the area being worked on is ever uncovered. If you're unsure what's appropriate for your specific service, just ask when you book. There are no dumb questions here. (Except if we do happy endings. Don't even bother taking the time to call us because you'll be immediately blocked).
Q2: How often should I get a massage?
It depends on what's going on with your body. For acute injuries or chronic pain, more frequent is better. But let's be real: a herniated disk that's been causing numbness and tingling down your arm for months is not going to resolve itself between monthly sessions without some self-care on your end too. We can make real progress and have some really amazing treatment options but we can't undo six years of damage in a single visit.
If you're generally feeling good and just want to stay that way, a monthly maintenance session is fantastic. Many of our clients find that consistent monthly bodywork keeps them feeling their best and catches small issues before they become bigger ones.
Q3: I didn't shave my legs. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not. We genuinely do not care. You are a body on a table, and we are focused on the work. The only time we'll silently judge you is if you come in straight from a sweaty workout without rinsing off first. Do yourself (and us) a favor and shower if you've been active. And if you have any contagious skin conditions, please reschedule. Otherwise, come as you are.
Q4: Do I have to tip?
We never expect a gratuity, but it's always appreciated. Think of it this way: you tip your hair stylist for making you look great. You tip your nail tech for a quality service. Massage doesn't change your outward appearance, but you know how you feel for days afterward and that's worth something. Our therapists work hard, and a tip is a direct way to say thank you. That said, we would rather you come in monthly and not tip than once every 3 months and tip.
Q5: I'm a man. What if I get aroused during a session?
There are two very different scenarios here. The first: your nervous system is calm, your body is relaxed, and a physiological response occurs. It happens. It's not scandalous. We're trained professionals and we simply continue the work. We're not doing anything in that vicinity anyway. You don't need to be mortified.
The second scenario: you've arrived with the mistaken belief that we offer services of a different nature. We don't. We won't. You will be removed from the table, removed from the building, and the authorities will be contacted. Don't be that person. And yes, we will still charge you for the session.
Q6: I'm sore after my massage. Did something go wrong?
Post-massage soreness for 1-2 days is completely normal, especially if it's for that issue that's been bothering you for six months. As one client memorably put it: "I was sore the next day, and a bit the day after, but by day three it was like the heavens opened up and I could turn my head again." That's exactly how it's supposed to feel.
One important note: please communicate during your session. If the pressure is too much, say so. We watch for cues: held breath, bracing, flinching, but we're not mind readers. The worst feedback you can give us is silence, and then a bad review afterward. We can't fix what we don't know about. Tell us in the moment and we will adjust, full stop.
Okay, one last important note: sometimes deep tissue isn't the answer. We live in this belief that in order for massage to be effective it has to hurt like hell. That's an old way of thinking and we are happy to provide you with other treatment options that are lighter on the body and gentler on the nervous system and might leave you feeling even better than being pummeled with what feels like a sack of oranges.
Hopefully that clears up most of the mystery. If you have a question we didn't cover here, reach out! There's truly no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health and your body.
