Do You Take Clothes Off for a Deep Tissue Massage? A Guide from The Mark of Massage

At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, deep tissue massage is a staple of my therapeutic work since 2004—using firm, slow pressure to target deeper muscle layers and fascia for chronic tension relief, sports recovery, trigger point release, and improved mobility. Clients often ask about clothing and undressing because deep tissue requires good access to muscles (especially for back, shoulders, glutes, hips, and legs), and oil or lotion is commonly used for smooth gliding.

The straightforward answer: You undress to your level of comfort—just like any professional massage. There’s no strict requirement to remove everything, but most clients choose to undress partially or fully (typically keeping underwear on, or going nude) for the best results and ease of movement. Professional draping with sheets or towels ensures you’re always fully covered except for the exact area being worked on—private areas (genitals, breasts, etc.) stay completely covered at all times.

Typical Options for Deep Tissue Sessions

•  Most common choice: Undress to underwear (briefs, boxers, sports bra/panties) or completely nude. This allows unrestricted access to key areas like the back, glutes, hips, and legs without fabric interference—especially helpful for deeper work on tight spots.

•  Women often remove bras to avoid oil stains and for smoother shoulder/back access.

•  Men usually keep bottoms on or go without.

•  If you prefer more coverage: Keep underwear on, or even light clothing if needed—therapists can adapt by working around it or focusing on accessible areas. However, fabric (especially tight or thick materials) can limit depth and gliding, so results might be slightly less optimal.

•  The process: The therapist steps out of the room (or gives you privacy in an in-home setup) while you get comfortable on the table under the top sheet. They knock and enter only when you’re ready. Draping is adjusted modestly throughout—only uncovering the working area (e.g., one leg at a time).

Why Access Matters in Deep Tissue

Deep tissue focuses on deeper layers, so direct skin contact with oil helps the therapist feel and release restrictions more effectively. Less clothing means better glide, no bunching, and more precise pressure—leading to greater relief from knots, adhesions, and tension.

That said, your comfort is always the priority. Never feel pressured to undress more than you want—communicate upfront (e.g., “I’d like to keep underwear on” or “I’m keeping more coverage today”), and I’ll adjust accordingly. Many clients start conservative on their first session and become more comfortable over time.

Since my practice is primarily mobile/in-home (coming to you within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or private visits to my lower-level space (fully secluded sessions, though you might hear occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room), privacy is built-in. I provide draping, fresh linens, and plenty of space for changing.

If you’re new to deep tissue or have concerns, just let me know—we can start lighter or blend techniques for a perfect fit.

Ready for targeted relief? Book your session today at The Mark of Massage—let’s make it comfortable and effective for you!

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 professional guidelines and resources):

•  Healthline: Undress to comfort level; area worked on exposed under sheet (https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage)

•  WikiHow & Various Therapist Blogs: Undress to comfort; most keep underwear, professional draping always (https://www.wikihow.com/What-to-Wear-to-a-Massage)

•  Reddit r/massage & r/NoStupidQuestions (community consensus): “Undress to your comfort level”; common to remove all but underwear for oil/deep work (various threads, 2022–2025)

•  Addlestone Therapy & High Society Mobile Massage: Complete or partial undressing for optimal access in deep tissue; draping maintains privacy (https://addlestonetherapy.co.uk/blog/beauty-and-massage/what-to-wear-for-deep-tissue-massage/)

Your comfort and results come first—hope this eases any worries! 😊