FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) Should I tip?
A 15% to 20% tip is standard for a satisfactory massage at a spa or hotel. While tipping is optional, it is greatly appreciated. You can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and coworkers to Huang’s MassageLab as well.
2) Do I take off my underwear?
Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you. Keep in mind that if your problem areas are in your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear may get in the way of massage work. In these cases, a thong or briefs can be worn to your comfort. If you do remove your underwear, all licensed massage therapists will ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3) What if I drool during my massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage and wake up to notice drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. Do not be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.
4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Do not rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist will knock and ask if you are ready before entering the room.
5) Should I talk during the massage?
Some people like to talk throughout a massage, but do not feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are amongst some types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Be sure to speak up if:
6) What if I get an erection?
Some men avoid massage therapy or are unable to relax during a massage because they worry that they'll get an erection. There is no reason to be embarrassed, as this is perfectly normal. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist understands this and will ignore it. If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.
7) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I do not want to insult the therapist's technique. What should I do?
Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind, however, that massage therapy does not have to hurt to be effective. Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up. Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven. That is, you feel hurt, but feel good.
8) I'm self-conscious about a part of my body that I do not want the therapist to see. What can I do?
People are self-conscious for various reasons, but it should never keep you from seeking health care, whether that entails visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you are self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area or you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing without oil or lotion, such as shiatsu or Thai massage. Just remember to provide complete and accurate information on your health history form so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or concerns.
9) What should I do if I would prefer to see a female therapist?
Some men and women do not feel comfortable seeing a male massage therapist, whether it is due to outdated perceptions of the profession, fear of getting an erection during the massage, or simply because they feel more comfortable with a female therapist. As the sole therapist in my studio, I take many steps to ensure that my clients are comfortable and satisfied with the results of my services. My strong background in medicine and comprehensive training as a massage therapy practitioner make my services extremely successful, unique, and knowledge-based. I guarantee a pleasant and professional experience for each client during every session, and I look forward to helping you take your next step toward better health through massage and holistic healing.
A 15% to 20% tip is standard for a satisfactory massage at a spa or hotel. While tipping is optional, it is greatly appreciated. You can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and coworkers to Huang’s MassageLab as well.
2) Do I take off my underwear?
Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you. Keep in mind that if your problem areas are in your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear may get in the way of massage work. In these cases, a thong or briefs can be worn to your comfort. If you do remove your underwear, all licensed massage therapists will ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3) What if I drool during my massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage and wake up to notice drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. Do not be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.
4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Do not rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist will knock and ask if you are ready before entering the room.
5) Should I talk during the massage?
Some people like to talk throughout a massage, but do not feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are amongst some types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Be sure to speak up if:
- The room is too hot or too cold
- You experience pain
- You have any questions related to the massage
- There is anything you forgot to mention during the consultation
6) What if I get an erection?
Some men avoid massage therapy or are unable to relax during a massage because they worry that they'll get an erection. There is no reason to be embarrassed, as this is perfectly normal. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist understands this and will ignore it. If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.
7) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I do not want to insult the therapist's technique. What should I do?
Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind, however, that massage therapy does not have to hurt to be effective. Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up. Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven. That is, you feel hurt, but feel good.
8) I'm self-conscious about a part of my body that I do not want the therapist to see. What can I do?
People are self-conscious for various reasons, but it should never keep you from seeking health care, whether that entails visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you are self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area or you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing without oil or lotion, such as shiatsu or Thai massage. Just remember to provide complete and accurate information on your health history form so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or concerns.
9) What should I do if I would prefer to see a female therapist?
Some men and women do not feel comfortable seeing a male massage therapist, whether it is due to outdated perceptions of the profession, fear of getting an erection during the massage, or simply because they feel more comfortable with a female therapist. As the sole therapist in my studio, I take many steps to ensure that my clients are comfortable and satisfied with the results of my services. My strong background in medicine and comprehensive training as a massage therapy practitioner make my services extremely successful, unique, and knowledge-based. I guarantee a pleasant and professional experience for each client during every session, and I look forward to helping you take your next step toward better health through massage and holistic healing.