It typically depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

How a client feels during the massage is subjective to the goals for the session and the type of massage you are receiving. Dim lighting, soothing music and the skilled hands of the therapist are utilized together to enhance deep relaxation to release muscle tension and pain allowing the client to feel as if she is in a semi-sleep state–comfortably aware of what’s happening around you–yet totally relaxed.

In general, a client will be asked to breathe naturally and attempt to let thoughts drift in and out of the mind without trying to control them. A massage therapist may, at times, ask the client to take a deep breath during a specific technique or to move into a new position. Communication with your therapist is encouraged during the massage session. Topics to discuss include areas of concern, changes to your physical and emotional state, and sensations you may be experiencing during the massage session.

Because many people have some level of apprehension about their body type, size or condition, having a suitable answer to this question is important. Most massage sessions are performed with a client disrobed either entirely or partially to access the skin directly. The client is left to disrobe in privacy and is adequately draped at all times once on the massage table. Only the body part being massaged is exposed.

Corporate or chair massage sessions typically do not require disrobing.

Today, massage therapist undertake 6 months to 2 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All massage therapists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.