Go, Get Yourself A Massage

1. AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE OFF MY UNDERWEAR?

Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, others prefer to be nude. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks or groin, tight-fitting underwear can get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men do the trick. But ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged should be uncovered.

2. WHAT IF I REALISE THAT I'VE DROOLED?

Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Ask the massage therapist for a tissue. It's that simple!

3. WILL THE MASSAGE THERAPIST BE THERE WHEN I UNDRESS?

In many salons/spas, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you; they always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.

4. SHOULD I TALK DURING THE MASSAGE?

Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel compelled to make conversation with the therapist. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. But be sure to speak up if the room is too hot or too cold, if you experience pain, if you have any questions related to the massage or if there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation.

5. WHAT IF I GET TURNED ON DURING THE MASSAGE?

Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get turned on. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and turn you on. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.

6. I'M SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT A CERTAIN PART OF MY BODY...

People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some common concerns are: I'm overweight, I have excessive hair growth on my body, I've got acne on my face or back, my feet are ugly or I have scars. Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area.

7 I'D RATHER SEE A SAME SEX MASSAGE THERAPIST. SHOULD I REQUEST FOR ONE?

Some men don't feel comfortable getting a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting turned on during the massage. Meanwhile, some women prefer female massage therapists because they say they feel more comfortable with them. Do what you feel good about. Your massage, your call!

8. AM I SUPPOSED TO TIP MY MASSAGE THERAPIST?

If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15-20 per cent tip is standard (if you were pleased with the services). On the other hand, there are no ground rules when it comes to a massage in a medical setting. Some therapists say that tipping isn't appropriate in a medical setting. If you aren't sure, call ahead to ask if you should tip or not.

Michael Douglas is a massage therapist and a fitness coach who also runs a website www.massagemanual.com.