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Fear of undressing: Does Your Massage Therapist Judge Your Body?
Your shoulders are on fire, your back aches and your leg muscles are cramped; you desperately need the relief that only a good massage can provide, but you just can’t imagine actually letting someone see your body because you think it’s going to be rated, stereotyped and secretly ridiculed. Many people struggle with body image issues. If you’ve ever been terrified that your massage therapist will judge you for being overweight or having skin problems or less-than-perfect toes, you’re not alone. Although it might be hard to overcome your fear, worrying about how your therapist will judge you should never be a barrier that keeps you from getting the relief you need.
You Don’t Need to Apologize for Your Body
Some massage clients immediately apologize for their perceived flaws and inadequacies. One client might say she’s sorry for not shaving. Another client might apologize for not having time to shower or trim his toenails. As an alternative to apologizing, some people poke fun at their bodies. They may even try to explain or excuse their flaws to offset what they believe that their therapists must be thinking. None of that is necessary. Every human body is unique. Your massage therapist rates your body by how your muscles and other body mechanics are working together for your health and comfort. The beauty standards set by the media and pop culture play no part in this evaluation.
Your Massage Therapist Understands More than You Know
In their professional lives, massage therapists have seen and worked with many different body types, shapes and sizes. They’ve helped to mobilize withered limbs and dealt with patients who have physical deformities and severe disabilities. If your back hurt so much that you couldn’t shave your legs on the day of your appointment, your therapist understands and isn’t taking notes about your hygiene. He or she is focused on successfully solving your problem.
Everyone Feels Vulnerable at First
No matter how many times you’re told that your flaws are not important to your massage therapist, you’ll probably still feel nervous when you first disrobe. After all, you are making yourself vulnerable and taking a risk in the hopes of transforming your health. Given the success rate of massage therapy, the risk is well worth it. If your reluctance is overwhelming, it may help to talk to your therapist about your concerns. If you fear being exposed to others accidentally, in-home massage sessions can eliminate the stress associated with being treated in public.
Your body is a beautiful machine. It deserves the many benefits of massage, so don’t let a few stray hairs or a little cellulite keep you from enjoying the best health possible. If you are still not able to shake off the fear of undressing, our therapist can perform a massage over your clothes and perhaps over time you can gain your confidence and create trust between you and the therapist to undress and fully enjoy your massage experience. Our professional and dedicated therapists will always respect and meet your comfort level wherever it may be.