Clothed Massage in Farmington, MI: What to Expect

James Tremblay working in the spinal groove of a fully-clothed client

Many people search for clothed massage because they want professional, therapeutic care without the discomfort or uncertainty that can come with sometimes sketchy spa-style massages. For some, it’s about modesty or personal boundaries. For others, it’s about pain, injury, or simply wanting bodywork that’s focused on function rather than relaxation.

In my practice in Farmington, Michigan, clothed massage and Rolfing sessions are common and completely normal given the way I work.

Why Clothed Massage Works

In my practice, I don't use any oils or lotions. I work slowly in a targeted, intentional manner without any long strokes that would necessitate lubricants. I never work someone's entire body in one session. Clients dress in whatever is comfortable for them. For some clients, that's only their undergarments. For many others though, they prefer to be fully-clothed for sessions, and I adjust accordingly. I work by sinking into whatever tissues need to be addressed, and taking that tissue in a specific direction while waiting for the tissue to soften. I'm usually plowing and shearing moreso than gliding.

How Clothed Sessions Work in My Practice

Clothed sessions are approached with the same clinical intent as any other therapeutic bodywork. Sessions may include:

• Targeted manual work through clothing

• Assessment of movement patterns and areas of restriction

• Work around joints, fascia, and nerve pathways

• Simple movement or positional cues to support longer-term change

  
  

Scooping the abdomen

Who Clothed Massage Is a Good Fit For

Clothed therapeutic massage is often a good option for:

• People new to massage or bodywork

• Clients who are uncomfortable undressing

• Those who are easily cold (though I keep my room warm and have a table warmer!)

• Anyone looking for a professional, non-sexualized environment

• People looking for results rather than spa-style relaxation

• People seeking clear communication and boundaries

I'm probably going to work in your hips like this in the first or second session. Hip mobility is essential. It's a highly mobile joint at your center of gravity surrounded by your strongest muscles.

Caveats

When looking at a client standing and walking, it is sometimes easier to see imbalances, asymmetries, lack of motion, etc. when the client is wearing less clothing. As an example, I recently had a first-time male client who was wearing gym shorts for the session. I immediately noticed his shallow upper chest (former smoker with previous heart surgery). I would likely notice it as well if he kept his shirt on, but without the shirt it was blindingly obvious and really stood out given the rest of his large frame. It was also easier to see post-session changes, in which he looked less collapsed in the upper chest.

I especially find it helpful if the client is wearing shorts that end above the knees, because it's much easier to see rotations in the legs. Long, baggy pants often make it difficult to observe the feet and legs and see how they function in walking. If you'd like fully-clothed sessions, it's best to wear a shirt or tank top that's not too baggy with gym/running shorts ending above the knee. Many women like to wear form-fitting yoga pants, which can be good for analyzing structure and function, but tight, thick, super stretchy artificial fibers can make it difficult to palpate since I feel more of the shape changes in the clothes than in the body's soft tissues.

Every client has different needs, but I often find it very helpful to work around areas that can be sensitive to people. Of course, I ask permission to work near private areas, but I think this work is essential for unlocking the mobility and freedom in your body that you're seeking. It's very useful to work in a client's abdomen, glutes, pelvic floor (external work only), or chest, which are also parts that many massage therapists avoid. Clothing can help the work feel therapeutic and non-invasive.

Working the myofascia and nerves between the ribs, just off the sternum. Nerves come out from the spine and run along the underside of your ribs, ending at the sternum.

Serving Farmington and Nearby Communities

My practice is based in Farmington, MI, and I regularly work with clients from Novi, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Livonia, and all across Metro Detroit. Clients come to me specifically because they’re looking for a more clinical, therapeutic approach to massage or bodywork.

Scheduling a Session or Asking Questions

If you’re wondering whether a clothed session is appropriate for your needs, you’re welcome to reach out or schedule directly. I’m happy to answer questions and help you determine whether therapeutic massage or Rolfing® Structural Integration is the best fit.

You can also learn more here:

• Therapeutic Massage

• Rolfing® Structural Integration