Stupid Questions (there's no such thing): Massage and spa

You only undress as far as you feel comfortable, and keeping your underwear on is completely fine. Many clients do. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress and settle under the sheet or towel, then knock before coming back in.

You stay covered the whole time, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. For a back, neck and shoulder massage, you may only need to take your top off. If you are unsure, just ask what suits the treatment you have booked. There is no expected answer.

No, not at all. Therapists work on every kind of skin, every day, and leg hair is so normal they will not give it a second thought. The same goes for underarms and anywhere else.

If you like to shave anyway, do it the day before rather than just before your appointment. Freshly shaved skin can be a little tender, and massage oil on tiny nicks can sting. Then simply relax and enjoy it.

Not one bit. Most therapists take it as a lovely compliment, because it means you felt relaxed and safe enough to drift off. Snoring is so common it barely registers, and drooling is almost guaranteed when your face is in a face cradle. That is exactly why there are tissues and towels close by.

Your therapist will gently let you know when it is time to turn over or when the treatment has finished, so you can doze without worrying about missing anything.

No, massage does not flush toxins out of your body. Your liver and kidneys already do that job beautifully, all day long. The idea of a massage "releasing toxins" has been around for years, and the current view is that it simply is not how the body works.

A glass of water afterwards is still a lovely thing to have. You may feel thirsty after lying in a warm room, and it helps you feel refreshed before you head back into your day. Drink to thirst and enjoy it.

It can happen, and it usually passes quickly. Lying still for a long time, sitting up too fast, firm pressure around the neck and shoulders, an empty or very full stomach, or a warm room can all leave you feeling a little light headed, queasy or headachy.

Take your time getting up, have a drink and a light snack, and rest for a while. Next time, tell your therapist so they can adjust the pressure. If you feel unwell for more than a day, or the symptoms are strong, speak to your GP, doctor or pharmacist.

No. Deep tissue massage works on the deeper layers of muscle, and it can feel intense, but it should never feel like real pain. Many people describe a "good hurt" that feels like relief. Sharp, burning or breath holding pain is your body asking for something gentler.

Pressure that makes you tense up can make it harder for your muscles to let go, so the best results often come from working just within your comfort zone. Your therapist wants you to tell them how it feels, so they can find that sweet spot with you.

Not at all. It is one of the most helpful things you can say. Everyone feels pressure differently, and the same person can want something different from one day to the next, or even from one part of the body to another.

Your therapist cannot feel what you feel, so they rely on you to guide them. A simple "could you go a little lighter there?" or "a bit firmer would be lovely" is all it takes. Good therapists will often check in with you anyway, and they will be glad you spoke up.

It is absolutely fine to stay quiet. Plenty of clients close their eyes and say nothing from start to finish, and therapists are very used to it. Many enjoy the calm just as much as you do.

If you love a chat, that is lovely too. The massage is your time, so follow whatever feels most relaxing. If you would like to switch off, just say "I think I will just relax now" and your therapist will happily let you drift away.

Knots are small, tight, tender spots in a muscle that can feel like a pea or a little lump under the skin. They tend to show up in the neck, shoulders and back, often after stress, long hours sitting or overworking a muscle. Professionals often call them trigger points.

They are not actual knots, so nothing is being "broken" or "popped". Massage helps the tight area relax and soften, which is why it can feel so much better afterwards. Gentle stretching, warmth and regular movement can help keep them away between appointments.

Please do not worry. Both are completely normal, and your therapist will not react at all. When your body relaxes, your digestion relaxes too, so a gurgling tummy is actually a sign the massage is working its calm magic.

Passing wind happens far more often than you would think, and professionals simply carry on as if nothing happened. If it would help you feel easier, avoid a heavy meal just before your appointment. Then let go and enjoy it.

Yes, absolutely. Having a massage on your period is perfectly safe, and many people find it helps ease tension in the lower back, hips and legs.

You do not need to tell your therapist, but it can be helpful, especially if your tummy or lower back feel tender. They can adjust the pressure, skip any areas you would like left alone or add a little extra warmth. Wear whatever underwear you feel comfortable in, and remember they have seen and heard it all before.

No. Current professional guidance is that massage can be enjoyed at any stage of a healthy pregnancy when it is given by a therapist trained in pregnancy massage. Some salons choose not to treat in the first trimester, but that is their own policy rather than a safety rule.

Always tell your therapist you are pregnant when you book. From 16 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back, so your therapist will use side lying with plenty of cushions. If you have any health concerns, speak to your midwife or doctor first.

Yes, a little tenderness the next day is very normal, especially after a deeper massage or if it has been a while since your last one. It feels a lot like the ache after a good workout and usually eases within a day or two.

Gentle movement, a warm bath and a light stretch can help. Mention it at your next appointment so your therapist can adjust the pressure. If the soreness lasts more than a few days or stops you going about your day, speak to your GP or doctor.

They look like bruises, but they are caused differently. A bruise comes from a knock or a bump. Cupping marks come from the suction of the cup drawing blood up towards the surface of the skin, which leaves those round red or purple circles.

They are usually painless and fade on their own, often within a few days, though darker marks can take a week or two. If you would rather not have visible marks for an event, mention it to your therapist so they can plan around it.

A swimsuit is the safe choice for most spas, and you will usually be given a robe, towel and slippers to wear between areas. Sauna customs vary a lot around the world. In some countries a swimsuit is expected, in others a towel, and in some places everyone goes without, using a towel to sit on.

Each spa sets its own rules, so check their website or ask at reception before you go. Pack a swimsuit just in case, and you will be ready for anything.

Yes, of course. Lots of people are ticklish, and therapists know exactly what to do. Light, feathery touch tends to tickle most, so a slower, firmer and broader pressure usually feels much more comfortable.

Tell your therapist where you are ticklish before you start. They can avoid those areas completely, work through a towel or sheet, or let you keep your socks on for your feet. Once your body knows what to expect, the tickly feeling often settles down. A giggle or two along the way is absolutely fine.

It is very common and nothing to worry about. When you lie face down, gravity lets fluid from your sinuses drain into your nose, so it can start to feel stuffy or runny partway through.

Just let your therapist know. They can pass you a tissue, raise the face cradle, or turn you onto your back or side sooner. Some therapists will add a little gentle face and sinus massage once you have turned over, which can feel wonderful. Getting up slowly at the end helps too.

Usually, yes. Most therapists are happy for you to bring headphones and enjoy your own playlist or a podcast. If you would prefer their music turned down, changed or switched off, just ask.

One thing to keep in mind: your therapist may need to check in about pressure or ask you to turn over. Keeping the volume low, or wearing just one earbud, makes that easy. It is simply a nice idea to mention it at the start so they know how to get your attention.

Yes, you absolutely can. Some people keep their socks on because they feel the cold, others because their feet are ticklish, or simply because they feel more comfortable that way. Therapists are very used to it.

Your therapist can work around your feet or massage them through your socks. If you would like your feet massaged directly, they can take them off for that part only. Whatever keeps you warm and relaxed is the way to go.

It might leave a light crease or pink outline, but it fades on its own, usually soon after you sit up. Everyone's skin is different, and the longer you lie face down, the more likely you are to see a little imprint.

To help, move your head slightly now and then, and ask your therapist to adjust the cradle if it feels tight anywhere. If you have plans straight after, give yourself a few minutes to relax with a drink before heading out.

Just say so. Your therapist would much rather know, and it is a really simple fix. Most have unscented oils or lotions to hand, or a choice of other scents for you to pick from.

If you are sensitive to fragrance or have any allergies, mention it when you book or before the massage begins. Your preference can be noted on your record, so next time your treatment will be set up just the way you like it.