The distinction that matters
People may continue through discomfort because stopping feels impolite. The distinction is between social politeness and control over your own appointment.
How to interpret the details
A stop signal can be a word, a hand movement or another agreed method that suits the person's communication needs. Decide how the provider will notice it, especially if you expect to be face down or prefer little conversation. Pausing does not require a polished explanation. Once the activity stops, you can discuss whether to change position, reduce intensity, omit an area or end the visit. It is useful to know this process in advance so that a moment of surprise does not become a test of assertiveness.
An additional consideration
You can withdraw consent without proving that the intervention is wrong. Personal discomfort or a changed preference is sufficient reason to ask for a stop. The next decision can be discussed after the activity has paused, when you have space to think.
A practical question
How should I signal that I want a pause, a change or an end to the session? The limit: earlier consent does not remove the ability to withdraw it.
Decision example
Hypothetical example: a customer becomes uncomfortable with a movement that initially sounded acceptable. A useful next step is to agree on a simple stop signal before beginning.
Sources & further reading
Sources support the factual background. Practical planning examples are editorial guidance; they do not establish a provider’s availability.