You will remain fully clothed for a Thai massage, so you should wear clothing that is comfortable and can stretch easily.

The therapist uses their hands (thumbs, elbows, forearms) and sometimes, even their feet to reduce tension in the muscles. The massage does not use oils or lotions. The therapist will move the person's body into yoga-like positions (assisted yoga) in addition to pulling and rocking the body in various other ways.

Thai massage incorporates stretching, compression, and acupressure techniques, focusing on energy lines and holistic healing, while regular massage techniques typically involve rubbing, kneading, and pressure on soft tissues.

“Thai massages are certainly not gentle, and it is important to note that oftentimes, they can feel unpleasant. But as soon as you tell your therapist that you are feeling any pain, they will decrease the pressure right away,” Pittayakorn says.