# Question for Massage Therapists (TMI) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 9, 2002, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513 "2002-10-09T12:09:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2002, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513/1 "2002-10-09T12:09:30Z")
Is it bad form to get a massage during my period? Not having much experience with getting massages, I have no idea and don’t want to break some sort of unspoken rule or something… And, since we’re on the subject of massages–is one expected to tip a massage therapist who works independently? How much? Thanks, karol ---
**Author:** ![Chicken\_Scratch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Chicken\_Scratch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chicken_Scratch)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2002, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513/2 "2002-10-09T17:47:22Z")
Y’know, with a name like **bodypoet** , I kinda assumed you _were_ a massage therapist! Yes, you can get a massage during your period. Some therapists may ask during the intake where you are in your menstrual cycle, so we know not to do deep work in the abdomen. I doubt any of us expect tips. They can be an added bonus for good work. If someone is working out of a spa or health club, he/she has to split the fee you pay with the place of business, usually 60/40. In those cases, please tip if you would like. If someone is working out of his/her home, he/she doesn’t have to split the fee with anyone, so tipping isn’t necessary. I hope I answered your questions sufficiently! I’m sure others will be along soon to offer up their suggestions. Enjoy your massage! ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2002, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513/3 "2002-10-09T19:03:59Z")
Thank you, **Chicken Scratch**. My appointment is tonight, and oh! did I NOT want to cancel! I’d love to take classes to be a massage therapist, but it’s a bit further down my list of Things to Do, in the midst of the rather misty, unevolved section that follows “Get kids into school.” And since my soap/candle/bodycare business is called Body Poetry, I’ll be able to work it in the whole biz theme nicely, don’t you think? Thanks again! ---
**Author:** ![seawitch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@seawitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seawitch)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2002, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513/4 "2002-10-09T20:03:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chicken Scratch \* > **I doubt any of us expect tips. They can be an added bonus for good work. If someone is working out of a spa or health club, he/she has to split the fee you pay with the place of business, usually 60/40. In those cases, please tip if you would like. If someone is working out of his/her home, he/she doesn’t have to split the fee with anyone, so tipping isn’t necessary.** Mostly good advice, **Chicken Scratch** - but I do want to add a couple of notes. I’m an MT working out of my home, and there are a few considerations; one is that since my fees aren’t split with a business owner, I have lower session prices than area spas. A second is that I don’t have to work to the clock - most sessions I do last 90 minutes, often longer. I don’t charge for the extra time. I also provide my own linens, creams and oils, and offer a wide variety of teas to my clients. Just working from home doesn’t mean that the cost of doing business is zero. I agree that tipping isn’t expected, but a bonus for good service - I just wanted to point out that just because an MT doesn’t work out of a spa/office/club, it doesn’t mean that tipping is ruled out. **bodypoet** , if you’re interested in classes, you might be able to find a one-day or weekend workshop that will give you an introduction before you drop a lot of cash on full tuition. A lot of community colleges offer such things, and they’re pretty cheap. That’s how I got hooked! ---
**Author:** ![stockton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@stockton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stockton)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2002, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-massage-therapists-tmi/131513/5 "2002-10-10T00:08:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chicken Scratch \* > \*\*Y’know, with a name like **bodypoet** , I kinda assumed you _were_ a massage therapist! > > \*\* Y’know, with a name like **Chicken Scratch** , I kinda hoped you WEREN’T a massage therapist!