Etiquette question - massage today

[purr]

Ok.. I got a massage at 230 today - an hour long at the gym I belong to. Never had a massage before so I got a question for those who have.

Its $40/hr and what should I:

1.) Wear? I usually go sans undies (TMI :) ) but should I wear some? Also, what kind of clothes?

2.) Tip?

Thanks :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. $8 tip (20% for a good job) go up or down from there, and go how

you feel most comfortable. There is a towel. I would give you too much information as well...but, you get where I am coming from! Enjoy!

[purr]

4. Thanks I can do that!

I'm so looking forward to this!

[Shine]

2. Wow. I'm impressed. A 1hr massage for only $40?! You scored.

It doesn't really matter what you wear, b/c usually one takes off all their clothes for a massage. Normally, you are covered by a warm blanket and the massuese only uncovers the part he/she happens to be working on.

Yes, I always add a tip.

I just had a massage yesterday, in fact. 1 1/2 hr., for $70 and I added a $10 tip. Not cheap, but hey, I figure I'm worth it. :)

I hope you enjoy your massage, purr! It's a great way to treat yourself to some TLC. I'm amazed you've NEVER had one before. You deserve it, honey!! :)

[purr]

5. Ok.. Thats good to know.

I hope I do too!! I really need it - my muscles are killing me from working out 3-4x a week!! Ugh. Not to mention toting kids around all day.

Do they actually work on you for that long?

[Shine]

10. Oh yeah, it's a full 90 minutes.

I've been having some hip issues lately, and having a lot of pain, so the massage works wonders. I'm planning on another one next week. :thumbsup:

[kick-ass-bob]

8. We are very lucky here. We have a school around here where

the students work on you for $30 an hour! :woohoo:

[Shine]

11. That's a good deal, too. Yeah, here in Santa Cruz, bodyworkers

are a dime a dozen, seriously. There's tons and tons of people in the "healing professions", which is nice. We have a couple of massage schools where people can get massages at reduced rates, too.

I am fortunate because one of my best friends is a professional massuese and has been doing it for many years. I've been her client for a looooong time. She's not cheap, but I'm happy to support her business b/c I love her so much and she's absolutely THE best.

:hi:

[JVS]

3. Happy ending?

[purr]

6. ????

[Briarius]

7. I'm sure that's extra!

:evilgrin:

[purr]

9. OH!!!! DUH!!! No shes a female and I'm not that way :)

Now if the masseuse (sp) was a guy.. THAT could be a different story :) hehe

[khashka]

12. Good manners....

I'll answer since I appear to be the only person who believes in them any more.(Oh, sorry, separate rant).


What should you wear? Nothing. Most massage therapists know how to deal with naked people and use towels so no one gets embarrased. Also when working on the lower back or upper thigh, moving a towel slightly has less intimate and sexual connotations than messing with their undies.

Tip? I say 20%. But 40 bucks? Really? This is very a labour intensive job and requires training and experience. And deserves more than $40.


Basically, just be nice.


Khash.

[purr]

15. So a $10 tip is good?

I'm still nervous.. I never had one before!

[pitohui]

13. hmm

you don't wear anything, you get completely undressed, and there's a towel

i tip $10 but i usually get a half hour massage

[purr]

16. Ok.. sounds easy enough.

I hope this is gonna feel goooooooooooood!

[Patiod]

14. Be prepared for a weird reaction afterwards

I found myself crying in the shower after my first massage. After which I felt wonderful.

Asked around, and found out that's normal -- a lot of strees/anxiety gets released.

Enjoy!

[purr]

17. Oh then i'll be a mess after!

Tons of stress and anxiety built up in me lately. Uh oh.

[khashka]

19. That's very Reichian, Patiod

Yeah we all carry our pain in our body. What Reich called "muscular armour". When that gets released it can lead to tears, anger, fear. Very normal.

I carry all my stress in my neck and shoulders. First massage I freaked out and started crying. Luckily the lady knew what she was doing. She told me "You are not responsible for everything. It is not your fault. You can not carry other people's problems on your shoulders." And she held me while I cried.

I felt a lot better afterward :)

Khash.

[uppityperson]

18. Disrobe only as far as you are comfortable (I'm a LMP)

Disclaimer, I am a massage therapist for many yrs.

A massage can be done totally clothed. Disrobe as far as YOU are comfortable since you are there for YOU. Leaving undies on is fine, though removing them is also. You will be covered at all times, some places use a towel but most use a sheet and/or blanket. What is being massaged will be uncovered then recovered. You part is relaxing and letting the massage therapist know if you are uncomfortable. If you are too cold, don't like the music, want a firmer or lighter massage, etc. Otherwise, you can just relax and leave the work to the therapist.

Some types of massage are done fully clothed. Some are done with oil/lotion, some not. Some are deeper, some are lighter. You are going for you, so make sure you talk first and work out why you are there and the outcome you would like. Then just relax. Sometimes you talk, sometimes you are quiet during a massage. It all depends.

Tip would be reasonable, since $40 is really inexpensive for that much work. There are many LMPs where I live, charge ~$55/hour massage. City massages are more expensive for some reason, ~$90 is not unusual. I'd say up it to at least $50, ok to get to $60+ depending how you feel it went. Have fun.