Is Massage Safe? Am I Naked With A Stranger?

Massage is becoming more and more popular. Yet at same time, there are many people who have not yet experienced or tried massage as they are uncertain what to expect.

Balancing Touch Massage has some helpful suggestion on how to find a business you can trust.

First of all, as a customer you always have the right to how much clothes you want to remove.  You are never expected to be fully naked.
When calling massage business, one of the questions you can ask is "How are your customers covered during the massage?"
Most places provide a sheet and blanket to cover you.  They will only move the sheet and blanket on the specific muscle group they are massaging.  Meaning if your left hamstring is the area of focus, the rest of your body is under the sheet and blanket.  

Some people disrobe to their panties or boxes, others people leave on more and some people completely disrobe.  Whatever is going to make you feel the most safe, is my suggestion.
If a business says they use towels only, then I would suggest you keep calling other businesses.

Another important way to see if a business is a place you can trust is call them and tell the truth.  "I have never had a massage before and I am concerned if I will feel safe."  Listen to how they handle your feelings.  You will notice some people will be able to communicate with you and start to make you feel more comfortable just from the telephone call.  If you call a business with many therapists, you can request the massage therapist who will be providing your massage call you.  You do not have to wait to connect with the therapist until time of appointment.  

Most massage businesses are very respectful and want to help you feel comfortable.  You can also ask the business if they are regulated and licensed in their city?  This will help you know the business is under the rules of that city.  More and more cities are requiring extensive background checks before allowing a business to open in their city.  In the past, some business used the term "massage" to set up improper and illegal business.  Thanks to the city and state regulations, this is becoming a problem of the past.

Trust your intuition.  If you set up an appointment and you arrive to the business, but your stomach is telling you this is not right, trust it. Your own personal intuition should always super seed anything!

Another great idea to help you get comfortable is do a couples massage.  Take a friend, or partner with you and enjoy a massage in the same room.  We find many of our clients come see us because their partner has not had massage before and he/she is cautious. Having a buddy with you, really helps ease the nervousness and allows a person to enjoy the benefit of massage.