Frequently Asked Questions - Part 3 of 3

What is "massage" and what is "bodywork"?
For simplicity, the word "massage" is generally used to refer to all aspects of massage and bodywork.

Massage itself is commonly defined as the application of pressure, friction or strain (as by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking or other methods) with the hands or other instruments to manipulate the muscles, joints and other tissues of the body for therapeutic, holistic, or yes, even affectionate physical, emotional and/or psychological responses.  On the other hand, Webster's dictionary defines bodywork as "therapeutic touching or manipulation of the body by using specialized techniques".  As such, the term 'bodywork' would refer to the specific therapies that are often combined with massage, e.g. Shiatsu, Rolfing, Trager, Reflexology, etc.

Please note, professional massage and bodywork do not include diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.

There are so many kinds of massage.  How do they differ?
The most common, and probably the best known, (Western) massage modality is the Swedish massage.  If you see a movie or television show with someone getting a massage, they're likely depicting a Swedish massage.  The client is undressed, draped with a towel or sheet, oil is placed on the skin, and the muscles are kneaded, rubbed, vibrated or tapped.

A Swedish massage is not your only option.  There is also a wide array of Oriental (Eastern) bodywork, with Shiatsu and acupressure being the most common.  Often done with the client clothed, pressure is directed to different points of the body to bring various "energy meridians back into balance".  Practitioners of these arts believe that an imbalance in these meridians affects the inner organs of the body and cause illness.  Some bodyworkers may also combine one or more of these therapies with a Swedish massage.

There are also many other types of bodywork: cranial-sacral, myofascial release, postural or structural therapy (Rolfing, Hellerwork, and others), Reiki, reflexology, and many, many more.  But they all have one goal in mind: to bring the body's systems back into balance.  Practitioners believe that stress, misuse and overuse of the muscular-skeleton system, illness, poor posture, and just the normal routines of most daily life can bring the body out of balance, and that bodywork done in a series of sessions can help restore the body's own natural equilibrium.

Want to know more?  Click here for some simple explanations of various forms of massage.

How do I choose the right massage provider for me?
If credentials are important to you, but not addressed to your satisfaction within a provider's profile, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns directly.  Of course, education will insure your provider knows the names of muscles and bones and such, but experience and training may be more important to you.

On the other hand, if you're seeking a massage for relaxation and peace of mind, then educational levels, special training and the like are less important than finding a provider you trust and feel personally comfortable with.  You may need to talk to or even try out more than one; don't hesitate to do this.  There is the right provider for each client and the right client for each provider, and there's nothing wrong with moving around until you find a good fit.

If you're interested in or attracted to some less conventional approaches -- perhaps Eastern, meditative, New Age, energy-based, etc. -- you may prefer to look for practitioners guided by those approaches.

If you need real problem-solving, you should look for the most intelligent, well-trained, well-educated, experienced therapist you can find.  You need someone with a thorough knowledge of anatomy and the ability to think creatively in three (or more) dimensions.

Don't be fooled by providers who would have you believe a long list of specialized or exotic modalities behind their name makes them better or more skilled than a basic provider.  A technocrat may be long on technique at the expense of something more basic.  There is nothing wrong with a provider who has a solid grounding in the basics and an abundance of honest care.

Lastly, when you contact a provider, please remember that very few have the luxury of a receptionist to answer their phones.  As they may be working or unavailable at the moment you call, it's likely your call may only reach their answering machine.  However, if you leave a message, they will usually return your call within a few hours most of the time (or within a day almost always) if they're interested in your business (unless of course, they're on vacation).  Many will accept e-mails as well.

Is massage effective?
Healthful and pleasurable effects of massage have been promoted for thousands of years in virtually every culture of the world.  The health effects of massage have also been the subject of a number of recent scientific studies.  Advocates cite its ability to promote relaxation and peace of mind, reduce anxiety, improve mood, self-image and posture, improve athletic performance, flexibility and range of motion, strengthen the immune system, assist those with chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, hypertension and more.  Impressed when massage helps where drugs cannot, a growing number of physicians say they would encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment.  For example, two highly positive opinions on massage by the well-known, highly respected Dr. Gabe Mirkin, MD may be found here and here.  If you would enjoy an opinion by the "New Age" Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, you may look here or go to his home page and do a search on "massage".  An affirming statement on massage from the American Cancer Society may be found here.

On the other hand, in keeping with our objective perspective, we must tell you that not all massage methods and modalities earn equal respect in the eyes of the traditional (allopathic) medical profession.  For reference, we offer a link to an article entitled Massage: Riddled with Quackery written by Dr. Stephen Barrett, MD of Quackwatch.org.  Nevertheless, whether scientifically/rationally "effective" or not with respect to specific health claims, a massage is clearly an experience, often a satisfying, memorable and richly rewarding one.

Although you may encounter a wide variety of information and opinions on MassageAnywhere.com, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the safety, efficacy and potential benefits of massage, we cannot and do not warranty or guarantee that such information is valid, accurate, complete, timely or otherwise.  Please understand that MassageAnywhere.com is not authorized to offer medical advice of any kind or to recommend or endorse any specific methods, modalities, procedures, practices, tests, products, services, reviews, opinions, Providers, clinics or other information that may be mentioned or referenced on or through this web site.  Please do not disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of something you may have read or learned by way of the web and this web site.  We ask you never to rely on information from this web site in place of seeking professional medical advice.

As we said before, it's our role to be independent and objective here and we take our duties seriously.

How much does a massage cost?  Should I tip?
Service is usually provided in half-hour increments at a cost (in the U.S.A.) between $35 and $125 per hour (more or less), depending on your location, the specific services you are seeking, the skills and experience of the provider, and more.  But every provider is different.  You may find a very fine massage for little or no money, or you might not.  In short, it can vary widely.  We request all providers make their fee schedules clear in their posted profiles with respect to whatever services they may offer.  Some may charge strictly on a time basis while others may charge for specific services.  Indeed, some services may even be free -- you may be surprised!  If fees are not clear, you should not hesitate to ask for clarification.

Tipping is strictly a personal decision, and if you've already paid your provider well, a tip is certainly not necessary.  However, if you are particularly pleased, a tip of 10-20% (or more as may be appropriate in certain circumstances) will almost always be appreciated, even if many providers openly decline.  Of course, never tip for poor service.

Do you have any general advice?

While we don't make a practice out of giving advice, common sense says:

• If you have special needs or expectations, make sure you clearly communicate them to your provider.  For example, whether you want a light, sensual and pleasing massage to relax or you'd prefer one that is deeper and more intense, make your preference known to your provider.
• Every provider has his/her own style of massage.  Just because something is different doesn't mean it's wrong.
• If anything makes you uncomfortable, bring it to your provider's attention.
• If you have a serious or chronic medical condition or have other concerns, always check with your doctor before beginning a course of massage therapy.
• If you enjoy your experience with a Provider (or you had a difficulty with a provider), share your experience for others to read by submitting a Provider Review.
• Enjoy!

Is massage "sexual" ?  What is an "erotic" massage?
If we said, "No!  Legitimate (professional) massage is always non-sexual!", would that satisfy your question?  For many, that's a totally satisfactory answer, but for others, such a response is not taken as objective, but rather as only an opinion (an angry one at that).  We could inject ourselves into the debate, but instead, we're simply going to answer the question in terms of our policy here on MassageAnywhere.com: Advertisements of prostitution and other illegal services are not permitted on MassageAnywhere.com.  Period.

If you offer, engage in, or agree to engage in certain forms of sexual conduct for a fee, it will likely be considered prostitution and, with rare exceptions, almost certainly illegal.  If we receive a complaint alleging illegal advertisement, we will look into the matter to gain an understanding of the situation.  If necessary or as we feel appropriate, we may contact you for clarification, suspend publication of your advertisement and/or terminate your account.  If we suspend your advertisement, it will remain suspended until the problem has been resolved.

Note, although a fee-based service may be advertised as "erotic", it is not our policy to automatically presume it to be prostitution.  While "erotic" has a potential for desire and lust, as does a belly dance, it does not by necessity involve or contemplate an illegal sexual act.  Nevertheless, such an ad might expect closer scrutiny upon complaint.  On the other hand, if a fee-based service involves (or appears to involve) touching of the buttocks, genitals, anus or female breast with the advertised or reasonably apparent intent of sexual arousal and/or sexual gratification, we will likely presume that to be prostitution.

In short, we have specific, well-defined standards and policies in place with regard to the type of content that is allowed and not allowed on MassageAnywhere.com, and providers must at all times be mindful of expectations of professional behavior, of client boundaries and of their own limitations.  Each and every provider listed on MassageAnywhere.com has agreed to abide by our Terms of Service and Code of Ethics.  If you have further questions or concerns about our policies, please contact us.

What is a "sensuous" or "sensual" massage? Something is sensuous or sensual when it appeals to the senses.  That is the primary definition of these words, each a synonym for "luxurious".  Are there other meanings to these words?  Indeed, there are as many meanings as there are people, and that's why we recommend you always read providers' ads completely and carefully.  If anything is unclear or you need clarification, just ask the provider.  A warm, dimly lit room scented with aromatic oils, soft music and a warm and caring touch are mainstream aspects of massage -- and a common example of the makings of a sensuous experience.  Perhaps less common is to be fed grapes by Cleopatra during your massage, but on MassageAnywhere.com, it's possible!  Again, every massage is different, and there are providers of every kind to match your personal needs and preferences.

Does a full-body massage really mean FULL body?
A typical full-body massage lasts about an hour to an hour and a half and will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders.  It can also include your buttock muscles and abdomen if you wish.  Most practitioners stop there, but others may go further as may be appropriate with client's consent.

Some providers will ask you during your first meeting if you have any areas of your body that you would prefer not to be massaged.  This may be verbal or you may be asked to check off areas of the body on a chart or form.  Either way, your wishes must be respected.

Of course, even if a full body massage is requested, you should understand that if one area of the body takes longer than expected to massage, the provider may need to skip one or more other areas in order to finish within the allotted time.  If you have special needs, always communicate them to your provider in advance so he/she may prioritize his/her work.

Do I have to get naked?
Only if you want to, and even then, not always.  The most important thing you should know about massage is, you NEVER have to do anything you're not fully comfortable with.  So if removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, that's not going to be the best way for you to maximize the benefits of your massage.

In the case of the most common form of massage in the U.S., the "Swedish" massage, it's almost a universal procedure for the provider to leave the room after asking you to undress to the point that you are comfortable.  That means you may remain fully clothed, undress completely or anything in between, and the provider will work within those limitations as best he/she can.  To tell you, most people will get fully undressed or wear only their underwear, but what's best for you may be different.  Before the provider returns, you step up onto a massage table and cover yourself with a sheet, towel or other provided covering.  For the most part, once you're up on the table, your work is done, and all you have left to do is to relax and enjoy.  During the massage, only the part of your body currently being worked will be uncovered, and those parts of your body generally considered private are left covered at all times and not worked on.  When the massage is complete, you'll be left in private to dress again.  In some cases, a private shower may also be provided.  Later, your provider will return, and you'll have the opportunity to tell him/her how you feel, share any concerns, settle the bill, and schedule your next appointment.

In most cases, all of this is negotiable with your provider to suit your personal levels of comfort and privacy.  Still, some providers may be less negotiable than others (for personal reasons, and in some communities legal reasons as well) and you may not be allowed to remove all your clothes and/or the provider may insist on draping you in a particularly rigorous fashion.  Over time, perhaps after repeated sessions, you may develop a deeper level of trust with your provider and preferences may change.  Your provider will likely want you to return in the future, and if only for that reason alone will want to avoid you any embarrassment or discomfort.

There are many cultures around the world, and indeed many within even one large city.  Likewise, there are styles and forms of massage to suit every need and taste.  For example, a chair (seated) massage and various forms of Oriental bodywork, such as Shiatsu or acupressure, may be done with the client clothed.  Likewise, there are many therapies that may be less than effective if you remain dressed.  Your provider should inform you if your massage is hampered by your choice of dress.

Lastly, if you choose a type of massage involving a massage oil, it is possible that some oils will stain delicate clothing, though many providers will use only water-soluble oils for that reason.  If you are concerned about a specific piece of clothing, you may be best to towel or shower off after your massage, choose clothing that can be easily laundered, or perhaps try your massage without clothes.

Does massage hurt?
Relaxation-oriented massage and most "energy-related" (e.g. Reiki) massage should not hurt.  However, acupressure and Shiatsu may access painful points, and any therapy that directly addresses soft-tissue or muscle problems (such as myofascial, deep tissue, trigger point, neuromuscular, etc.) may be painful when addressing problem areas.

As a general rule, a light massage that does not probe deeply into muscles shouldn't hurt.  At the same time, a light massage cannot work out stress found deep within muscles.  And there are those people and times when, for a variety of reasons, even light touch may be painful in certain areas.

On the other hand, a deep massage, for an individual unaccustomed to it, may leave some residual soreness for a day or two following the massage.  Muscles that are tight might have a "good hurt" feeling with a deep massage.  Of course, with muscles that are sore or overused, even a "good hurt" can sometimes become painful.  As a sore muscle is kneaded or compressed, lactic acid, pyruvic acid or other products of metabolism are squeezed out of the muscle, and a dull ache or other discomfort may be felt as those chemicals flood the surrounding nerves.  Of course, a sharp pain in an area of injury or inflammation may be an indication to avoid deep massage in that area.

Everyone has a different threshold for pain.  What's too light for one person may be painful to someone else.  Some people may want a massage as deep as possible regardless of soreness, while others may prefer something lighter, more sensual and pleasing, to induce relaxation.  Whatever your preference may be, make it known to your provider, and if, for any reason and at any time, you experience pain or discomfort beyond what you expect or can tolerate, bring it to your provider's attention.  You'll only be hurting yourself if you don't speak up.

When should I NOT get a massage?
Again, we cannot give medical advice, but clearly you don't want to aggravate an underlying medical condition and you don't want to pass anything contagious to your massage provider.  If you have a serious or chronic medical condition, including but not limited to cancer, cardiovascular conditions or heart disease, thrombosis, phlebitis, edema, fractures, severe acute back pain, fever, infections or contagious diseases, or you have concerns of any kind, always check with your doctor before proceeding on a course of massage therapy.

During massage, pressure should not be applied under or over varicose veins or directly over infected skin or bruises.  Massage on the abdomen, legs and feet is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest; always check with your doctor if you are pregnant.  If you are giving a massage, always cover any open cuts or scratches on your hands with a plaster or other dressing.

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Do you have a question not answered here?  Let us know and we'll be happy to answer, maybe even update the FAQ!