Questions about Swedish Massage?

[mm92280]

I'm a male and am getting a swedish massage this weekend. This is actually my first massage but I thought it would relaxing and fun, so I made an appointment. I just have a couple of questions:

1) It seems that I've read differing opinions on whether the swedish massage works the chest at all. Apparently, some people have gotten their pecs/chest massaged and some haven't. Any idea which is the standard way for the massage (chest or no chest)?

2) If the chest is included, should I shave ahead of time? I'm not hairy like Tom Selleck but I'm not hairless either (I'm a bit in the middle).


Finally, is there anything else I need to know (from a grooming perspective or otherwise)?

 

[Anunu]

Hello!

I am a massage therapy student. Hope I can help:

1. Pectorals/ chest muscles can be massaged. The only areas western Swedish doesn't work are the genitals or intra-ear. We can even do breasts if a woman requests it, as it's beneficial to general breast tissue health. If pecs is something you want worked, you should actually ask the therapist before the massage begins. Depending on where you are and the area's standards, the therapist might not be able to completely remove the sheet from your chest, but can work around it. It feel AMAZING, by the way. People carry a lot of tension in the attachments of chest and ribcage muscles!

2. I would probably recommend to not shave. Even if you're gorilla hairy, it's easy to work with. STUBBLE, however, is not comfortable to work with.

Other things to consider:

- shower (at least that morning or after exercising before you go)
- don't wear cologne
- wear clothes that you're not too concerned about if they get a little oil on them when you put them back on after the massage
- just enjoy it. Do your best to relax. The therapist is a professional and not there to judge your body in any way. They're there to make you feel better and they know what they're doing!

Enjoy!

 

[J. Delm]

just be your self, relax and enjoy it!