What Is Considered Inappropriate During a Massage? Clear Guidelines from The Mark of Massage
At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, I’ve maintained the highest standards of professional, ethical, and therapeutic massage since 2004—whether delivering deep tissue for chronic relief, sports massage for recovery, trigger point therapy, prenatal support, hot stone relaxation, Esalen flow, or structural integration. Inappropriate behavior during a massage (from either the client or therapist) violates trust, safety, and professional boundaries. Here are the key things widely considered inappropriate in legitimate therapeutic massage:
From the Therapist (Red Flags to Watch For)
These are serious violations of professional ethics and licensing standards:
1. Any sexual touch or innuendo — Touching genitals, anus, breasts/nipples (except in rare, documented medical cases with written consent and physician referral), or any area in a sexual manner. Suggestive comments, sexual jokes, flirting, or questions about your sex life are never acceptable.
2. Poor or absent draping — Exposing private areas unnecessarily or failing to keep genitals, breasts, and buttocks fully covered at all times (only the area being worked on should be uncovered).
3. Ignoring your boundaries — Continuing pressure after you say “too much,” “stop,” or express discomfort; refusing to adjust when you ask for lighter pressure or to avoid an area.
4. Unprofessional personal advances — Asking you out, suggesting meeting outside the session, requesting a “massage trade,” or sharing overly personal details about themselves.
5. Lack of consent or communication — Not asking for permission before working on sensitive areas (e.g., inner thighs/adductors), not explaining techniques, or not checking in about pressure.
Any of these behaviors are grounds to end the session immediately and report to the licensing board (in Colorado, the Department of Regulatory Agencies), AMTA, or authorities if needed.
From the Client (Behaviors That Cross Lines)
These actions can make the therapist uncomfortable and may end the session:
1. Requesting or implying sexual services — Asking for “happy ending,” erotic touch, or anything beyond therapeutic boundaries.
2. Inappropriate touching of the therapist — Grabbing, guiding, or touching the therapist’s hands, legs, or body (even to “help” them find a spot).
3. Sexual comments, jokes, or questions — Making remarks about the therapist’s body, appearance, or personal life in a flirtatious/sexual way.
4. Exposing yourself intentionally — Removing draping, spreading legs unnecessarily, or behaving in a way that feels exhibitionistic.
5. Being under the influence — Arriving intoxicated (alcohol/drugs) can impair judgment and make communication unsafe—sessions may be canceled.
The Bottom Line: Professional Massage Is Always Non-Sexual
Therapeutic massage is about healing, relief, and trust—not arousal or intimacy. At The Mark of Massage, whether it’s an in-home mobile session (within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or a private visit to my lower-level space (fully secluded, with occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room), I follow strict draping, obtain consent, communicate constantly, and keep every interaction professional and therapeutic.
You should feel safe, respected, and in control at all times. If anything ever feels off, speak up immediately or end the session—no explanation required.
Ready for a safe, effective, and boundary-respecting massage? Contact The Mark of Massage today—your comfort and well-being are my top priorities.
Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 professional standards):
• AMTA Code of Ethics: Prohibits sexual conduct, maintains clear boundaries (https://www.amtamassage.org/about/core-documents/)
• NCBTMB Standards of Practice: No sexual touch; proper draping and consent required (https://ncbtmb.org/standards-of-practice/)
• Ben Benjamin Ph.D. & Massage Magazine: Lists red flags like sexual comments, poor draping, ignoring requests (https://benbenjamin.com/what-every-massage-client-should-know/)
• Various state boards & ethics articles: Sexual misconduct includes any genital/breast touch without medical exception; client advances also inappropriate
Hope this empowers you to have only positive, professional experiences! 😊
