Erections during a professional massage happen there is no doubt about it. The way the massage therapist responds to it will depend on their level of professionalism and of course the situation. How the massage therapist responds can influence the therapeutic relationship which is the basis of interaction in a massage room. Getting an erection on the massage table can be as embarrassing to the client as is is to the massage therapist.
What should you do if you notice your client has an erection?
- Run out of the room screaming for help?
- Close your eyes and hope you are seeing things
- Say something?
- Work deeper on another area of the body that is less sensual
- Throw a towel over it
- Say something general like “Oh, That happens”
Erections are a natural occurrence that can not be controlled. Each situation will have to be evaluated. First if there is obvious threat to your safety and well being with the male client asking you to do something about it or he is sexually stimulating himself- get out of there right away without saying or doing anything else. Be ready to call the police if the person does not exit immediately.
That being said most cases are innocent and do not mean anything. If you respond with disapproval or further embarrass the person it can be damaging to their emotional well being. Some men will not seek out massage because they worry so much about getting an erection during massages.
For women massage therapists in particular, erections are often associated with thinking that the client is coming on to them and thinking of the massage as something sexual rather than therapeutic. They can also begin to think that they are giving the wrong message to the client.
Cherie Sohnen Moe in her book “Ethics of Touch” says:
Several realities shape female perceptions of erections. Many were raised with pervasive myths about erections: If you are with a man and he has an erection a) you have caused it and b) you are responsible for taking care of it. Additionally, erections are often associated with rape and sexual violence.
So dealing with an erection on the massage table is a matter of evaluating the circumstances and using compassion.
There is more information in these books on Ethics for massage therapists:
The Ethics of Touch: The Hands-on Practitioner’s Guide to Creating a Professional, Safe and Enduring Practice
And don’t forget that women also can be stimulated during a professional massage but of course it isn’t as obvious or as much of a threat although I have heard stories of male massage therapists getting special requests from women clients.
So I hope this can be the beginning of a very important discussion for the massage profession.
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I have a good friend that I go to on a regular basis for a massage. I was involved in a car wreck a year ago and he came to my house the first couple of months after I got home from the hospital to help with the therapy I was receiving. I got an erection the first time and I’ve gotten one everytime since. It happens at the same time, about 10 mintues before he is done. It’s gone by the time he’s finished.
I was draped and I wore my boxer briefs the first few times. But I’m comfortable enough around him to know there is no funny business going on and he’s used to it as well. Now, I’m draped and nude. He is very professional and VERY good.
Neither of us is embarassed by it. The massage is not sexual. If you need it, go hire an escort. Don’t give the profession a bad name if you can’t control your hormones.
Rich
What actions can men take to prevent an erection on the table specially if they are more sensitive in the genital region and are new to massage therapy?
You can not prevent an erection. It just happens. There are some things you can try but it depends on the guy. I had one guy who was always hot (temp wise). I kept the room really cold. You can also apply deeper pressure in general and cause some discomfort of course not hurting someone. Use a heavier sheet/towel over them.
Just be up front and address the issue as it arises.
Julie
Gentlemen,
I get one every time. It always happens at the same point in the treatment, and lasts two minutes, max. Then it goes away. I’m always draped, and I don’t think she knows it’s happening.
If you think that he or she knows it’s happening, and you are getting a thrill from the fantasy that he or she is getting some kind of thrill from it happening, then you might consider seeking out some other kind of “treatment.”
You’re making a fool of yourself, otherwise. Massage therapists are trained in both the tradecraft and ETHICS of their profession.
If you need a prostitute, then hire a prostitute. If you retain a CPA to give you a handjob, you’re stupid. If you retain or otherwise expect a trained, licensed massage therapist to give you a handjob, or otherwise pay attention to your pitiful, needful erection, you’re equally stupid.
They are trained to either ignore it, or, that failing, escort your sorry ass to the door, police assistance optional.
Got it?
I have been seeing a female massage therapist and i must admit the last visit i got an erection and felt extremely embarrassed to the point i have not gone to a massage therapist since. I was seeing her because i have arthritic all sessions where great until the last, one day i will get up the courage to go back but it might take a while.
I am a Massage and Beauty Therapist, I work for myself.
I travel to most of my clients and everyday and every male client i have massaged get an erection.
I understand that, it does not bother me as long as they do not try to touch me or themselves, or ask me for sexual favors, they also need to lie down still and enjoy the treatment.
I pretend not to see, and if my clients start being nervous, embarrassed or both, i just make a joke or look at him smile and shake my had. As long as his intentions for requesting a treatment was for therapeutic reasons and not sexual, and he is not comfortable with the reaction of his body to the treatment. The treatments will continue, I will be happy so will he.
Women are the same too, and do move around and ask for more…
Male or female clients no favours they all need to behave!!!
You cannot control the way you feel but you can control your reaction…