And if you're embarrassed to have anyone touch your neck or right knee or whatever, speak up. Well-trained, professional massage therapists should have a very good sense of clients' personal boundaries and will take these issues quite seriously. Take off only the clothes you feel comfortable taking off. Prepare to relax. It's usually a good idea to avoid eating a heavy meal right before a massage.
Some people find it helps to take a shower or bath right before the massage.
Speak up if something hurts or tickles. Sometimes a massage can cause temporary discomfort, especially if it involves working on sore, damaged, or tense areas. You may even feel sore in these areas for a day or two after a massage, just like underused muscles can feel sore after unfamiliar exercise. Speak up if you're sensitive to the aroma of the oil or just can't stand that soporific music in the background. You're the client.