Buzz
Receiving a massage involves a degree of vulnerability. You’re in a relaxed state, often partially unclothed, which means you must trust your massage therapist to maintain professionalism and avoid making you uncomfortable—or, in extreme cases, committing sexual assault. Unfortunately, incidents do occur, as highlighted by 180 Massage Envy clients in a recent Buzzfeed report. Let’s explore what to anticipate during a massage session.
Every massage should begin with a discussion between you and your therapist. This conversation should clarify which areas you’re comfortable having touched and which are off-limits, as Elizabeth Yuko notes in SheKnows. While a “full body” massage typically includes the buttocks, it never involves the breasts or genital area. You have the right to set boundaries for any part of your body, whether it’s due to discomfort or personal preference. For instance, you might feel uneasy about your buttocks being touched or find your feet too sensitive. Expressing these preferences is completely normal.
You aren’t required to be fully undressed during a massage. Some establishments may even mandate that you keep your underwear on. Areas not being massaged will remain covered with a sheet, either snugly tucked or loosely draped for your comfort.
So, how can you tell if your therapist is behaving inappropriately? It’s simple: anytime you feel uneasy about their actions. If you’ve asked them to avoid a specific area, like your buttocks, and they disregard your request, that’s unacceptable. Similarly, if they avoid discussing boundaries or attempt to coerce you into something you’re uncomfortable with, you have every right to end the session. Remember, you can always leave mid-massage if the situation doesn’t feel right.
In such situations, it’s advisable to speak with the manager about the incident and request a different therapist for future sessions. However, if the situation escalates to a more serious level, what steps should you take? Many Massage Envy clients interviewed by Buzzfeed expressed uncertainty about how to respond after experiencing assault. You have several options: discussing the matter with the manager, filing a report with the police, or notifying your state’s massage licensing board. Since massage therapists are licensed in 46 states, you can locate the contact details for state boards here.
