Massage Therapy Etiquette?

[Jimmy R]

I am a cyclist and I often visit my favorite massage therapist for my legs abdomen, lower back and thighs. It has improved my ability to recover from tough rides and without it I don't think I could continue. Recently they have been getting a little more intense and well she has become more familiar with my body and has no problems massaging high inside of my thighs and that general area. Often she comes in contact with private areas but does not seem to acknowledge it. I feel the contact is merely clinical and I think she does also. But, it is contact and I was worried are we or is she breaking some ethical code. I mean nether of us seem to mind it and I am OK with it, I just don't want to be involved in anything that could get us into trouble. I look at it as more of a "medical" question. I mean my Doctor is female, she examines me and I have no issues with it and nether does the medical community. Is it OK for a massage therapist to touch you in private areas as a matter of massage and not pleasure.

 

[Shimmering]

hmmm interesting Q..mainly cos it seems on the one hand you have no prob with it and yet at the same time you're not sure. Really though...why does she need to come into contact with your private area more often than before?? That's what stands out for me. I think at some times its inevitable if she is massaging your thighs, but the fact that you ask the question shows maybe something isn't quite so right...? Yep and you are right...just because you are ok with it, doesn't make it right.



Hopefully a massage therapist will answer your Q to give 1st hand experience.

 

[massage therapist]

If it was a male therapist touching a female's private parts,what do you think would happen? No matter if you mind it or not, ask for a towel,fold it in half and put in your crotch thus avoiding this situation.

 

[Mother Amethyst]

I am a massage therapist and I have had a few male clients who had extreme tightness of the muscles and tendons in the thighs. Part of treating this was working on the attachment where the thigh muscles meet the pubic bone, very high in the crotch.

Your massage therapist probably has a legitimate reason for working in this area. Even so, if you are having these feelings about it, tell her and ask her to find a different method to work in that area. There's usually more than one way to get results. If she's legit, she'll be glad you mentioned it.