I love massages and am going to get one today before I get my haircut. It's at a really nice salon and I've had a massage there before. Every massage I've ever had has been with a female massage therapist. I know this salon does have some male massage therapists too though. That kind of creeps me out and I should have requested a female and didn't, so now I don't know who I am getting. I've tried to think of why it bothers me since I have had male OB-GYNs in the past and that is certainly more invasive than a massage. However, after thinking about it last night and talking about it with dh I think it is the whole relaxing, candles, music, essential oils part of a massage. It just makes me feel odd---anyone else this way? I'm gonna be REALLY tense by the time I get my massage

By Trina~moderator on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:13 am:

Although I've never actually had a professional massage, when contemplating going for one, I had the exact same concerns! LOL! I wouldn't feel comfortable with a male masseur. Doing all that with DH is perfectly A-OK but not with any other man. KWIM? I'm sure this is common. Why don't you call them up and ask? Better to fix it on the phone before hand to avoid an awkward situation when you arrive.

By Texannie on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:18 am:

I love massages! I get one at least every 3 months. Plus whenever we travel, there is always a spa involved. I have had both and it doesn't bother me, but if it's going to stress you out (and defeat the whole purposed!) I would call and ask for a woman.

By Andi on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:27 am:

I'll take a man or woman just give me a massage! You are a very lucky girl!

By Rayanne on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:28 am:

I had a prenatal massage when I was pregnant and it was by a male. It was nice and everything, but I couldn't get relaxed the whole time I was there. I remember he kept telling me to loosen up because I kept tensing up. I totally understand where you are coming from. It's almost like I felt like the only male who should make feel good like that is my Husband. I don't know, maybe I'm weird to think that.

By Pamt on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:41 am:

Okay, I was brave and called back. It is with a female and they said they have no male massage therapists at the salon right now. Whew!! As a matter of fact, she told me the girl's name and I think it was the same one who did my last massage and she was really good. Yay!! NOW, I'm excited about going! Glad to know I'm not the only "weird one" about this.

Trina,
you really should treat yourself sometime...quickly, before school is out and you have no time It is quite a treat!

By Eve on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 01:46 pm:

I would love to try a massage, but I am sooo chicken. The thought of stipping down just gives me the creeps! Even for a facial....maybe I'm a prude! LOL! I would love to be pampered someday.

By Coopaveryben on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 02:26 pm:

I'll take any massage but I agree I would feel a little awckward with a male (I'd get over it quickly though). Maybe it's because a doctor is generally a little older and has taken an oath, could loose his liscense, etc. if he did anything inappropriate so I see them on a whole different planet.

Eve, I'm a prude too but when you get a massage you stay covered up the entire time, it's not like you are laying there exposed. The room is dark and even if you had a hologen lamp shining on you after a few minutes you wouldn't care..it feels that nice.

I hope you enjoy it!

By Mommyathome on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 02:33 pm:

My OB-GYN is a man. He delivered all 3 of my kids. I had no problem with that. But, with my third baby, when I was put in recovery I ended up with a male nurse. I HATED it. I made my DH pick me up ASAP because I was so uncomfortable with it. He kept asking if I needed help to the bathroom or help getting DS to latch on etc. Ughh!! But, if my OB-GYN were to ask me the same thing, I would be fine with it. Weird, I know!

By Texannie on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 02:40 pm:

Eve, you can also where a bathing suit or bra/panties. You can also just take off your shirt and lower your bra straps for a facial. They want you to be relaxed and comfortable.

By Jessicac1979 on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 07:12 pm:

I have bad back pain in my lower and upper and I always wanted to go for one but never got around to it. I will have to some day though!

By Melanie on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 08:09 pm:

Okay Eve and Trina, it's time for a ladies pampering day for you two!! Get over that modesty fear and go for a massage. I promise you, you won't regret it!!

As to the original question, I've only had a woman give me a massage and I can't say I would be able to relax enough to have a man give one. I am glad that worked out for you, Pam!

By Yjja123 on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 10:25 pm:

I have never had a professional massage (hubby does pretty good) for the reason that I just wouldn't be comfortable having a stranger give me one.
I bought my husband an awesome massage chair recliner for Christmas. I think I use it more than him. I like the deep massage with heat.

By Missymelissy on Friday, April 2, 2004 - 11:06 pm:

I would love to go and have a massage -- I have to be careful though as I have 2 steel rods on my spine and I would need to have someone who is registered and has worked with people with back problems. As for a male -- I might feel uncomfortable, I'm not sure.

By Marcia on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 01:08 am:

My massage therapist is a guy, and I have no problem with it. He does a wonderful job!!!Other than my back, I am completely covered.
My hubby sucks at giving massages, which is too bad. I could use a good massage every day!