Have you wanted to get the relaxing, pain relieving benefits of a massage while staying fully dressed? You’re truly not alone. Getting a massage can be an extremely vulnerable experience. You’re already trusting the care of your body to a stranger, and then add getting undressed to the scenario and that can make for quite an uncomfortable situation for some people. Whether it’s a matter of modesty, previous trauma that makes the situation uncomfortable for you, or any other reason, many people simply don’t want to undress, and will often miss out on an amazing, beneficial experience because of it. What would you say though, if I told you that you don’t have to undress to get the benefits of massage? Here are the modalities you need to look into if staying dressed is a concern for you.
Chair massage
Focusing primarily on the neck, shoulders, back, and arms, this type of massage can be performed fully clothed and seated. It’s also a great introduction to massage for those who haven’t experienced one yet and perfect for those who don’t have enough time for a full body massage. If it’s a matter of slowly building trust with your massage therapist, this a great way to start.
Thai massage
Allowing you to wear comfortable clothes and avoid undressing, this type of massage involves a comfortable mat on the floor, lots of gentle assisted stretching, rocking, and compression. It’s like a yoga session without the work.
Sports Massage
This practice is fantastic for athletes, but not exclusive to them. Performed fully clothed before or after an event, sports massage can improve flexibility and performance as well as help prevent injuries. It involves stretching along with focused massage and mobilizations for specific areas of the body involved in your training or regular day-to-day activities.
While these are the three most common massage modalities that allow you to stay clothed during your session, they aren’t the only ones and you don’t have to get a specific type of bodywork to stay clothed. If you’re just looking for a relaxing massage but still don’t want to undress, I am happy to accommodate and you can get a traditional table massage while still clothed; just wear something that’s comfortable and easy to move in. Keep in mind that in this situation the clothing might slightly change the massage and the benefits may not be as powerful since we can’t quite use oil or lotion and the traditional strokes that allow for a wholly therapeutic massage, but you will most definitely get the relaxation and work you need regardless.
If your modesty has been holding you back from getting the pain relief and relaxation you desire, try a clothed massage. Trust me, you won’t regret it!