There’s nothing better than sinking into a massage table. All of your stress starts to melt away.
But if you’ve never had a massage, or only had a few, don’t worry. Knowing a bit about massage etiquette can help ensure your experience is as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
Your massage therapist might find sessions with full coverage much easier, as that is the focus of their job: ensuring to provide you care at its best.
Here’s everything you need to know. Before, during, and after your massage appointment. So you can relax, enjoy, and feel confident and comfortable.
Before Your Massage Appointment, Start Off Right
Whether you’re getting a massage at a spa, hotel, or clinic, showing up prepared makes all the difference.
1. Arrive early.
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes earlier than your booked appointment time. This allows you room to fill out forms, hit the bathroom, and settle into the experience.
2. Shower beforehand.
A quick rinse washes away dirt, perspiration, and skin oils. And, it is just basic hygiene, after all, it is even more true if you go directly from the office or from the gym. Your massage therapist will be thankful, too.
3. Dress down to your comfort.
You’ll be asked to remove your clothing for a full-body massage. But how much clothing you take off is totally up to you. You can keep your underwear on if you prefer. The therapist will always drape you properly to keep you covered and comfortable.
4. Don’t worry about body hair or imperfections.
Got hairy legs? No problem. Everyone has something they feel self-conscious about. A licensed massage therapist doesn’t care if your toenails aren’t painted or if your back has acne. Their focus is on your muscles, not your insecurities.
5. Let the therapist know if you’re new to massage therapy.
If this is your first time getting a massage, then tell your massage therapist this. They will talk you through the process of what to expect, how to get onto the table, and the parts of your body that they will be concentrating on. This way you will not be lost nor afraid of asking simple things.
How to Mentally Prepare for a Relaxing and Respectful Massage
Your mental state plays a huge role in how much you benefit from a massage. Approaching your session with the right mindset can make the difference between a routine appointment and a truly restorative experience. Here are some ways to mentally prepare for a massage that’s both relaxing and respectful:
Clear Your Mind
Before your appointment, try to set aside any worries, stress, or distractions. Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. This helps quiet your thoughts and brings your focus to the present moment, making it easier to fully relax during the massage.
Set Clear Intentions
Think about what you want from your massage, whether it’s easing tension, reducing anxiety, or simply taking a break. Knowing your goals can help you communicate better with your therapist and stay mentally engaged in the process without feeling lost or uncertain.
Embrace Openness and Trust
Massage requires trust, not only in your therapist’s skills but also in the process itself. Remind yourself that the therapist is a trained professional whose goal is your comfort and healing. Be open to the experience, and allow yourself to let go of control.
Respect the Boundaries
Understanding and honoring the professional boundaries in massage therapy is key. Mentally prepare to follow any instructions your therapist gives and be ready to communicate your own comfort levels clearly and respectfully.
Release Expectations
Each massage session is unique, and your body might respond differently every time. Instead of expecting a perfect or specific outcome, focus on feeling how your body reacts in the moment. This flexibility fosters a more peaceful and respectful experience.
By mentally preparing in these ways, you create a positive mindset that helps your body relax and your therapist provide the best possible care. A respectful and calm mind is the perfect foundation for a truly rejuvenating massage.
In the Treatment Room – What to Expect
When you enter the room, your massage therapist will show you where to place your things and then leave the room while you undress. You’ll lie under the sheet on the massage table, face up or face down depending on how the session begins.
Here’s what happens next:
- The massage begins once the therapist re-enters and confirms you’re ready.
- They’ll uncover only the part of your body they’re working on.
- Massage oil or lotion is used to reduce friction. Let them know if you have any allergies or if the product doesn’t feel right.
Communication is key. Feel free to speak up if:
- • Do you prefer more or less pressure?
- You’re ticklish in certain areas.
- You want them to avoid a body part altogether.
- You need to stop the massage or use the restroom.
A professional massage should make you feel safe and relaxed. If something doesn’t feel right, say so. Don’t feel embarrassed. Massage therapists are trained to adjust and adapt.
What to Do During the Massage
This might surprise you, but you don’t have to do anything.
Seriously. Just breathe and relax.
Your job is to be present and let your body go limp. Try to let go of any tension in your muscles during the massage so the therapist can work more deeply and effectively. If you stay stiff or try to “help,” it actually makes their job harder.
You might want to chat with your therapist, or not.
Some people love small talk. Others want total silence. Either way is fine. Just go with what helps you feel more comfortable.
Physiological responses are normal.
You might pass gas. You might get an erection during certain types of therapeutic massage. These are common, involuntary responses to muscle stimulation or relaxation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Don’t feel embarrassed; it happens, and your therapist knows it’s natural.
Massage Etiquette Basics to Always Keep in Mind
Let’s go over some key massage etiquette rules that apply in every professional massage setting:
– Be clean and freshly showered.
– Turn off your phone or silence it.
– Speak up about pressure or discomfort.
– Tip your therapist if it’s customary (15–20% is standard in many places).
– Don’t ask for anything inappropriate; respect boundaries.
– Avoid scheduling a massage if you’re contagious or feeling unwell.
After the Massage, Let the Benefits Soak In
The session might be over, but your body’s still processing all that care. A therapeutic massage doesn’t just end at the final stroke.
Here’s what to do next:
- Take your time getting up. Don’t jump off the massage table. Move slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Drink plenty of water. Massage can cause mild dehydration as it moves fluids and toxins through the body.
- Skip intense activity. You may feel light or floaty after a good massage. Give your body a rest.
- Enjoy the massage benefits. You may feel looser, calmer, or even a little emotional. That’s normal. Massage therapy supports not just muscles but also mind and mood.
- Book your next appointment. Regular massages help with long-term tension, stress, and mobility.
Questions You Might Feel Embarrassed to Ask (But Shouldn’t)
Q: What if I fall asleep during the massage?
No worries, it means you’re relaxed. Your therapist won’t mind.
Q: Can I ask to skip gluteal muscles or feet?
Absolutely. Just let your massage therapist know. They want you to feel comfortable.
Q: What if I’m ticklish?
Say something early on. Also, a therapist can modify how they massage those spots to either avoid them or apply firmer pressure, which usually makes tickling less of an issue.
Q: Can I stop the massage in-between?
Yes. If things are not right, be it physically or emotionally at that time, you have the option to terminate the session. You should never feel stuck; you should never feel like you have to keep going.
Summary: Enjoy the Massage, Respect the Process
Massage therapy is not merely a luxury. It can bring healing, relieve stress, and sometimes, even bring out some pent-up emotions.
Whether you’re going to a nice massage spa or a small neighborhood studio, proper massage etiquette guarantees a better experience for both you and your massage therapist.
So:
- Be clean.
- Be clear about what you need.
- Allow the massage therapist to do their job.
- And most importantly, enjoy the massage.
This is your time. You’re reset. Your break from the noise. Dress down to your comfort, lie back, and let go. You’ve earned this.