The questions you're too embarrassed to ask before a massage

Most of what people want to know before a first massage never makes it onto an FAQ page. It is quieter than that: what happens to your clothes, what if you have not shaved, what if you get emotional partway through. Nobody asks these out loud, so here they are, answered plainly.

Do you have to undress completely for a massage?

No. You undress only to your own comfort level, in private, and your therapist steps out of the room while you settle onto the table under the sheet. Whatever you choose to leave on stays on. Only the area being worked on is uncovered at any point, and the rest of you stays covered for the whole session. If you would rather stay fully clothed for a neck and shoulder session, say so when you book and the session is built around it.

What if you have not shaved, or feel self-conscious about your body?

Nothing here needs preparing for. Bodies come in every shape, size, hairiness and stage of life, and your therapist works on all of them, every week. Scars, stretch marks, skin conditions, an old surgery: none of it needs an explanation. If there is a spot you would rather your therapist skip, or a part of your body you feel shy about, just say so and it is left alone, no questions asked.

Is it normal to sweat or feel emotional during a massage?

Both, and neither means anything has gone wrong. A warm room, warm oil and firm pressure can make you sweat a little, and that is simply your body responding to the work. Muscles can also hold onto tension in a way that has nothing to do with logic, so it is genuinely common to feel unexpectedly emotional, teary or just very quiet by the end of a session. Your therapist will not think it is strange. Take whatever moment you need before you get up, and for more on settling in beforehand, see our guide to getting the most from your massage.

Getting a massage with a disability or limited mobility

Every body and every table transfer is different, so the honest answer is to mention it when you book rather than guess. Tell us what would help, whether that is extra time, a particular position on the table, or a hand getting on and off it, and note it on your health intake form before you arrive so nothing is a surprise on the day.

Do you need to tip after a massage in Australia?

Tipping is not part of the culture here the way it is in some other countries, so there is no expectation either way. If a session was excellent, plenty of people simply say so, leave a review, or mention it when they book their next one. Nothing is required.

Frequently asked questions

Will my therapist judge my body?

No. Working on all kinds of bodies, every day, is the job itself. Nothing about your shape, hair, scars or skin is unusual for a therapist to see.

What if I need to stop or adjust partway through?

Say so at any point. You can ask for lighter pressure, a different area, or to end the session early, and none of it needs a reason attached.

Is it normal to feel emotional during or after a massage?

Yes. It is a common response to tension releasing, and it passes quickly. Take your time getting up afterwards, there is never a next appointment waiting on your heels.

Do I have to remove all my clothing?

No. You undress to your own comfort level and stay covered by a sheet throughout, with only the area being treated ever uncovered.

If any of this was the thing holding you back, it does not need to be any longer. Have a look through our full massage treatment menu, read what to expect start to finish at your first visit, or check availability online whenever you are ready.