Would you be comfortable getting a massage from a masseur?

Alicat

Masseur: male masseuse (just in case anyone was confused)

I've booked a couple of treatments in a hotel spa, one of them being a Hot Stone Massage. I was booking over the phone and the lady in the salon asked me would I be alright if a man preformed my massage for me. She said he is excellent and one of their best professionals. I faltered for a moment but said "Yeah, ok, sure....". I mean, its only a back and neck massage. I'd feel weird if it was a full body.

I think I'm fine with it, but after asking a few friends who said it was a big no-no for them, I was just wondering what the ladies here thought?

Edit: Actually, also, would any men get a massage from a masseur?

My answer is obvious!

aviendha

I've had plenty of massages from masseurs, actually enjoy them more because of their extra strength, I feel more massaged.... or something!

Alicat

Lol, I don't know if it's relevant at all to the situation, but I do have a boyfriend. I told him about it, and he didnt say much about it and hasnt said anything since so I don't think he's bothered.

I mean, he wouldnt be comfortable getting a massage from a person the same sex as himself (male obviously :rolleyes:) and would nearly automatically get a woman in a lot of spas, so it shouldn't really be a problem that I get a massage from a male, should it?

Latchy

I have has two massages by a male masseur at a sports/alternitive medicine centre for neck and upper back tension but would have no problem with a female masseur doing same

Stheno

I'd have no problem with it
My OH wouldn't either, he's trying to send me on a spa break soon.

Dunno if this is O/T, but Would you mind letting me know what you think of wherever you are going?

microgirl

I would, and have done. Certainly for a back, neck and shoulders massage. But I've had a full-body massage from a masseur before too. Felt a little bit weird initially, as paranoia flares briefly, but they're professionals. No weirder than getting a smear or breast exam from a male doctor. Slightly uncomfortable, but you just get over it.

Ok, if a masseur was obviously rubbing up against me, or getting aroused or something then obviously I'd freak out, but I wouldn't assume they're going to be unsavoury or anything. Bodies are just bodies, yeah?

A friend of mine is a highly-qualified masseur though, and can't get hired anywhere, because they won't hire male therapists because they'll lose custom. So he's stuck just doing housecalls, which isn't really paying the bills.

Alicat

nouggatti wrote: »

I'd have no problem with it
My OH wouldn't either, he's trying to send me on a spa break soon.

Dunno if this is O/T, but Would you mind letting me know what you think of wherever you are going?

Yup! I'll see what I think of the place before I name it though!

I'm going in about 3 weeks

Just fyi, only other Spa I've been to was the one in the K-Club, bleedin' fabulous! Was my first Spa experience and I'm in love now!

Alicat

microgirl wrote: »

A friend of mine is a highly-qualified masseur though, and can't get hired anywhere, because they won't hire male therapists because they'll lose custom. So he's stuck just doing housecalls, which isn't really paying the bills.

I did wonder if that was why the Spa lady kinda pushed that idea forward, I was thinking it must be hard for fellas to get that kinda work.

When she said it, I had images of Samantha from Sex & The City :rolleyes: (apologies to anyone for whom that reference means nothing)

citytillidie

I have had 2 massages full body from 2 different woman 1st one was fine was great but felt uncomfy with the 2nd one as she pulled shorts down a bit and reached up my legs a bit to far i thought

Latchy

I recomend a good massage to anybody male or female regardless of age or physical complaint .You dont even have to have one (a physical complaint ) to enjoy but you will come out feeling a hell of a lot better afterwards imo .

If i could massage my own back i would

Alicat

I just adore massages. I'm always getting my OH to rub my back and my head! And he loves doin' it, yay!

RacoonQueen

Prefer massages from men to be honest, once they look after their hands and don't have hands like sandpaper, which isn't a great experience, did massage in college so got massages a couple of times a week, guys were always able to give the nice deep massage I liked so it was always better.

metaoblivia

Never even thought about the gender of the person giving me a massage, tbh. I've had full body massages from males and females, and it's always been great. I love massages.

DJ_Spider

I rented a room from a lady from the Philippines, she had a problem with her car and I offered to fix it for her. She didn't have a jack really suitable and so I had to use ramps. I still had to lie on my back under the car and really hurt my back. She suggested she gave me a massage, and then even walked on my back!

She had a boyfriend and said to me, 'what would he think if he walked in now?!' But she was very professional and I had no worries she would try anything. I have been looking to get a massage in Dublin, but haven't been anle to find anywhere except that new barber's in the Jervis centre. But they are pretty expensive, so might have to wait until after my holls!

LadyMayBelle

Tee hee, you should try a Turkish bath! A few of us went this summer and our faces were a picture when we realised we would be exfoliated, soaped and massaged by fella in lion-cloths! What was even funnier to be honest was that they was one guy in our group, and he wasnt comfy at all with the idea of a guy doing that to him.

In my opinion I wouldnt be too bothered over here, but if I had a preference I would choose a girl

rainbow kirby

I wouldn't really care what gender someone who was giving me a massage was, as long as they did a good job.

Jemmy

Say no to a man rubbing me down?

Eh i doubt it! lol

tribulus

rainbow kirby wrote: »

I wouldn't really care what gender someone who was giving me a massage was, as long as they did a good job.

+1

I'd prefer if it was a woman, smoother hands!

Cathmandooo

omg I'm booked in for a hot stone massage in a bout three weeks too It's my first time in a spa, no idea if it's a man or woman as I wasn't the one who booked it. Might like a male one a bit too much

citytillidie

Go for it Cathooo it will be fun even if it was a woman doing it to you

Gary ITR

Cathooo wrote: »

omg I'm booked in for a hot stone massage in a bout three weeks too It's my first time in a spa, no idea if it's a man or woman as I wasn't the one who booked it. Might like a male one a bit too much

I remember sending my girlfriend for a hot stone massage, she loved it but the masseuse covered her in oil from top to toe... including her hair!! and told her not to shower for a day after it.

Also the day before you go you should only drink water, no coffee or soft drinks

WindSock

One of the best massages I've had was from a male masseur. I wouldn't worry at all as they are professionals and probably went through a bit more vetting to work in a spa around semi naked ladies.

Cathmandooo

Onkle wrote: »

I remember sending my girlfriend for a hot stone massage, she loved it but the masseuse covered her in oil from top to toe... including her hair!! and told her not to shower for a day after it.

Also the day before you go you should only drink water, no coffee or soft drinks

Aw nuts, it's for a hen weekend and I'll be paintballing the day before and most likely be on the beer!! might have to rethink my choice

Aspiration

WindSock wrote: »

One of the best massages I've had was from a male masseur. I wouldn't worry at all as they are professionals and probably went through a bit more vetting to work in a spa around semi naked ladies.

+1 Me too. I only just went for a Swedish Massage with a masseur at Sanas last week. Really good and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in going back to him. Very professional.

I've also been to another salon and I've had Aromatherapy Messages with masseuses and I've also been very happy with them. As long as they do a good job and are professional, I'm happy regardless of the genders.

citytillidie

Cathooo wrote: »

Aw nuts, it's for a hen weekend and I'll be paintballing the day before and most likely be on the beer!! might have to rethink my choice

Ahh going to massage all your bruises from the paintballing.

Now you should get the guys in charge of the paintballing at the end to take the bride gun and tell her to run while you all run after her shooting her Done that on some stag do's

Dragan

Depending on what i need to get done i will get either a male or female. Male for deep tissue/injury related stuff ( sorry ladies, they normally just have strong hands and if you ignore your muscles for long enough the knots can get pretty thick ) and the female touch for when i just want to destress.

I also know plenty of MT's so have a decent pick of people at all times which is nice.

I don't think any Ladies should feel odd about dealing with a bloke in such circumstances. Professionalism tends to abound far more with the males than the females to be honest.;)

Anti

When i used to play rugby we had a male and female physio on the team. While the woman was great for doing arms and legs, the bloke worked wonders on my shoulders/back. Dosent bother me in the slightest if its a bloke doing it, as long as he dosent try to reach around.

WindSock

Don't you like happy endings? :P

Alicat

It's funny though cause I didn't have a problem with it until someone asked me did I have a problem with it....then my mind went into overdrive. At one stage I very nearly came to the conclusion that if was to get a massage from a man that I was a bonafide slut :pac:

As long as he's not too firm :eek: I'm a sensitive soul!

Oryx

I had a sports massage from a guy once, I went with a group of mates when we were on a break. He was brilliant, as has been said, men are very strong and good for deep massage,(although a friend of mine, female, gives the deepest massages of anyone I know, shes almost too tough.:)) he also gave lots of advice on an injury I was dealing with, because of his sports background. None of us had a problem or were embarrassed, and obviously he was professional and used to working on women.

As for it being an issue with boyfriends, I cant see why, hes a masseur doing his job, not a gigolo.:D

Quality

Oh yes, I love a massage. Especially from my partner...


And facials... So relaxing... Especially when the do your shoulders...

Oh jesus, I am going to book myself if for something now!! Thanks OP!!

Alicat

Quality wrote: »

Oh yes, I love a massage. Especially from my partner...


And facials... So relaxing... Especially when the do your shoulders...

Oh jesus, I am going to book myself if for something now!! Thanks OP!!

Oh good Jesus I know!

I'm really looking forward to it. Have a whole afternoon planned!

First, a Body Polish. Then a Hot Stone Massage. Then an hour long Facial and finally a manicure.

And then I'm going upstairs to the hotel room to loll about on the super comfy king-size bed for a while! Might even get room service!

It's a hard life

Maple

Wouldn't bother me at all if I had a male masseur. Prefer strong hands to feathery stroker light as fairy ones. God dammnit i'm paying you to hurt me.

Having said that I had a massage with this guy in Cork once, holy crap he didn't shut up the whole way through. That was seriously annoying.

Alicat

maple wrote: »

Having said that I had a massage with this guy in Cork once, holy crap he didn't shut up the whole way through. That was seriously annoying.

Ah yeah I can't relax if someone is yapping away to me.

Having said that, if I'm getting waxed I HAVE to talk to the girl doin' it cause otherwise I'll cry in pain. I'm sure they find it annoying when I'm babbling

Heathen

microgirl wrote: »

I would, and have done. Certainly for a back, neck and shoulders massage. But I've had a full-body massage from a masseur before too. Felt a little bit weird initially, as paranoia flares briefly, but they're professionals. No weirder than getting a smear or breast exam from a male doctor. Slightly uncomfortable, but you just get over it.

yep i have to agree, they are professionals, i am a bloke and had a thai massage full body from a girl and it was really really good.. i was totally relaxed by the end of it, also my girlfriend at the time had bought it for me so there was no need for guilt of having another woman rubbing her hands all over my body.. i would deffo go again cos it really does recharge you.. in saying that.. i would feel weird about a dude rubbing his hands all over me :eek:

milod

I'm a bloke and usually prefer to go to a masseur - As previous posters have said, they are usually stronger and I am accustomed to deep massage. My girlfriend also goes to a male masseur sometimes - but only when she needs some knots ironed out! Generally she goes for relaxation and reckons female therapists are more gentle...

Massage from someone of the opposite gender shouldn't be an issue but we Irish are so Victorian when it comes to our bodies! Everyone should try it at least once, if only to overcome the supposed taboo...

Clare Bear

Wouldn't bother me at all.

Splinter

i've had both, if its one part of my body i need specifically worked on then i prefer a male but for more a general massage i dont mind. i tend to suffer quite bad from knots in the muscles in my back and under my arms so i dont get as many as i would like

Miss Fluff

I seriously wouldn't worry about it, my weekly masseuse for full-body massages when living abroad was a bloke and they honestly don't pass any remarks or make you feel uncomfortable, it's there job and they are professionals, it's not like they go getting a hard on with every client so I wouldn't have any concerns. Overall they have more strength in their hands too so you will get a proper kneading!

And LOL re reference to Samantha in SATC

Dee369369

I've never actually had a massage must do one some time.
But I wouldn't have a problem with it they are professionals, sure you never know if the woman doing it was a lesbian and its stupid to assume they'd be staring at you they must be sick of naked bodies...well maybe not

Catari Jaguar

Oh man, this sounds like a dream I had!

I would definitely have no problem getting any type of massage from a bloke.

Black Swan

Alicat wrote: »

I think I'm fine with it, but after asking a few friends who said it was a big no-no for them, I was just wondering what the ladies here thought?

Is he cute?

minidazzler

Most of my female friends who know I "have the hands of a God" Won't see me for more than 5 minutes without asking for at least a quick massage.

I don't mind the massaging part, it's that even if their BF's are there they will still insist on a massage cos "he's a 3 you're a 10"

Thats a reference to how we are rated massage wise among a particular group of friends.

minidazzler

minidazzler wrote: »

Most of my female friends who know I "have the hands of a God" Won't see me for more than 5 minutes without asking for at least a quick massage.

I don't mind the massaging part, it's that even if their BF's are there they will still insist on a massage cos "he's a 3 you're a 10"

Thats a reference to how we are rated massage wise among a particular group of friends.

I've met your kind before.
You harass the people around you until they accept a massage.
And once you have them hooked, you start whinging out feeling used and hold out!

Do you do beers?

minidazzler

Moonbaby wrote: »

I've met your kind before.
You harass the people around you until they accept a massage.
And once you have them hooked, you start whinging out feeling used and hold out!

Do you do beers?

Way I see it ANY girl can do that to a man with "something else" and it's fine. Well, 2 can play at that game.

And I have never beem to a beers, much too shy a person to go to something like that!!!

However I bet I could make a profitable buisness move if I went, gave one of the more popular women on the board a free massage and charge everyone else when she says its fantastic!!!

haille

As a male masseur I.T.E.C. qualified and member of IMTA [Irish Massage Therapy Association] its good to see different responses to the topic.I think it depends on whether it is one' first massage or if it is a regular massage. The client needs to be able to totally relax to enjoy massage and if the gender of therapist is a concern by all means do not opt for massage from male therapist.Having said that many clients have no problem with gender of therapist

Lil' Smiler

Since I was 7 I have been treated for Sports Injuries by a male Sports Injuries Therapist. It has never once crossed my mind that he or any other male therapist would try anything. Since a baby I have had the same male Dr, and feel the same way about that too. A male dr could just as easily "try something on" as a male therapist could... and also as said below, any female can do the same to a male!

Speaking as an ITEC and CIBTAc qualified massage therapist, males seem not to have any problem calling for an apoointment. Since starting my business in April, I have only had once odd clal which was last week... a male asking did I do tantric massage and claimed he could not find anywhere in Dublin that does it, although looking myself, it was the first 2 results in the google ireland search. He was odd, text me to offer me 300 euro to massage his "lingham" and massage with the towel off, even though I am not trained in it. I had to remind him that the towels are in place not only for the clients modesty but also for the therapists comfort too.

To be quite honest,I would never go toa beauty salon for a massage as most beauty therapists hate massage and don't enjoy doing it. I have found that there are mostly male therapists working freelance/in a specialised clinic and I would much rather get a proper treatment from them as opposed to a half assed job from a female therapist.

christinadublin

It shouldn't matter what sex the masseur is. At the end of the day they are a professional. I have been massaged by both men and women over the years and it makes no odds to me.

However I know of a female who had a massage a good few years ago by a masseur and he insisted on massaging her breasts. He explained that otherwise it would not be a full body treatment. That masseur definately crossed the line.

entropi

Found this thread quite interesting as i'll be studying on an ITEC holistic massage course for the next year, and a sports massage and reflexology one the year after. Seems that once the therapist is fully qualified, has good technique and gives a good massage there ain't much of a problem with a male-female massage.

I myself would feel completely comfortable of a massage whether male or female, although i am male myself, and would have no problem giving a massage to either gender, be it shoulders to head or full body, once i feel i can do it without being uncomfortable to the client regards pressure and touch.

A female friend of mine gave me my first massage of both types for her exam, and i would gladly have it done again it was such a good feeling

Rocky7

I'm a male and I had a problem a couple of years ago with my lower back and hips. Was advised to get a course of massages having had some acupuncture. The best person available at the time was a male. Before the appointment, I was a little apprehensive. When I met him he was completely sound and put me completely at my ease.
I had a towel over me and he asked me before he moved on to any new area. After the first session, he felt like a friend and I was totally relaxed for my second session. From then on, it was no problem. He gave me a full body massage and I have never felt so relaxed. I used to fall asleep during the sessions. I haven't been for a session for a few years.
If anybody had told me that I would allow a man to massage me I would have said they were mad. It was actually a grand experience.