What should you wear to a massage appointment?
3 minute read. Written by the Back in Health team, Kelowna.
In short
Wear ordinary, comfortable clothes to your massage appointment. Your therapist leaves the room while you change, and you undress only to your own comfort level; underwear can stay on. During treatment you remain covered by a sheet, with only the area being treated uncovered. You can also ask to stay fully clothed and have the treatment adapted.
Before the treatment starts
Come in whatever you were already wearing. You do not need gym clothes, special underwear or anything you would not normally choose. After the intake and assessment, your registered massage therapist explains which areas they would like to work on and leaves the room while you change.
You decide what comes off. Many people keep their underwear on, and staying fully clothed is always an option. Consent is specific: agreeing to massage does not mean agreeing to every area or technique.
How draping works
You get onto the table under a sheet before the therapist returns. The sheet stays in place throughout the appointment, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. The rest of you stays covered and warm.
If you want an area left alone, say so before or during treatment. You do not need to give a reason, and you can change your mind at any point.
When shorts are useful
Loose shorts can be handy when the appointment includes movement testing, sports massage or work around the hip and leg, but they are not required. A therapist can work through clothing or adjust the plan around what you are comfortable with.
For neck and shoulder work, removing necklaces and large earrings beforehand saves time. Tie long hair up if you can, and avoid a heavy fragrance because clinics are shared spaces.
What to bring
Bring your extended health details if you want direct billing, and your ICBC claim number if the appointment follows a motor vehicle accident. For everything else, come as you are. Both Back in Health clinics provide the linens and everything needed for treatment.
Book registered massage therapy in Kelowna at Glenmore or Kirschner.
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.