I've never had a massage, so it's true to say, I haven't found the right one! All the input is appreciated. It's not that I'm looking to get a massage, but I might, one of these days.
Also, what you get out of it has everything to do with how vulnerable you can let yourself be. In my opinion, PAs tend to not be very emotionally vulnerable and keep things deep-seeded. Therapy and talking out your feelings might help you loosen up.
As an example: my husband loves the non sexual massage I give him, but when he goes to a practitioner, regardless of the sexual aspect, he gets uncomfortable. It's hard for him to be vulnerable and open. With more time and more massages with a person you feel you could trust, you might find a healthy balance and give into the feeling. Maybe even fall asleep on the table!
My advice... And I know this is a oldish thread Make sure wherever you go, is AMTA certified. Drink a glass of water in the hour after you get off the table after to cleanse toxins. And if you are ticklish, don't ask for a Swedish massage. It's generally lighter.. Go for a medium/deep tissue or something. If you are nervous, pick a upper or lower body to start, instead of just a full body range so that you aren't nervous about each draping. Which can be overwhelming to some.
I was a little nervous about getting my first massage. I didn't know if I would like it, and I thought it would be awkward. But I loved it, and I've had several now. I think what's important, as terrible as this sounds, is to remember that they're performing a service for you tjat you're paying for, and you don't need to acknowledge them much. You're supposed to just relax and enjoy, you don't need to be worrying about what the masseuse is feeling or thinking. And as far as boners go, I'm sure they get that all the time. Most of a massage is done face down, anyway, so it wouldn't really be obvious unless they asked you to turn over. I've never had a massage from a man, but if he was attractive, I could definitely see that being arousing to me. Maybe best to go with a woman, then, if you're worried about it. And I'm sure women are pretty used to guys getting turned on during massages anyway.
Oh, and I'm also really ticklish, and that had pretty much no effect for me. It's not tickly at all. Maybe on my feet and legs a bit, but they're used to that. You can always tell them to skip your feet or wherever if you're getting too ticklish.
