Massage Draping Techniques

When getting a massage, the client has the option of removing all or some of her clothing. The massage therapist will leave the room while the client undresses and slips under the sheet. The massage therapist will drape the client with the sheet, uncovering only the part of the client's body being massaged. There are several sheet-draping techniques a therapist will use to maintain a client's privacy and comfort during the session.

Positioning

• Prior to the massage, prep the table with a bottom sheet and a flat sheet folded halfway down. Instruct the client to undress, removing some or all of her clothing. Discuss the client's expectations regarding which areas of the body you will work on. Ask the client to lay down on her back and pull the sheet up to her chin before you re-enter the room. The session will begin with the client fully draped.

Extremities

• Expose one body part at a time. Begin with one leg -- bring the sheet up to the top of the leg and tuck the edges tightly under the client's thigh. Cover the leg back up before you switch to the other side. Undrape one arm at a time by lifting the side of the sheet and bringing the client's arm out to the side, then place it on top of the sheet. Tuck the sheet under her torso to keep the breast area covered. Re-drape the area before moving on. When the client is on her stomach, follow the same procedures for massaging the back of the arms and legs. If the client has agreed to have her buttocks area massaged, bring the drape up to expose half of the butt, keeping the rest covered and include it with the back of the leg on the same side.

Back

• Massage the client"s back by positioning her on her stomach. As the client is rolling over, it is important to maintain her privacy by keeping her covered. Lift the top edge of the sheet straight up at both edges just high enough to allow room for her to roll. Once the client is laying down, tuck the edges of the sheet tightly under each arm, positioned next to her sides. When you are ready to massage her back, undrape the area down to the tailbone by making several folds in the drape and tuck the sheet tightly under each hip. If the client is wearing underwear for added privacy, undrape only to her waistline. Bring the drape back up to the neck when you are finished with this area.

Chest and Abdomen

• Massage the client's chest while she is laying on her back. Undrape a female client to the top of the breasts. Male clients may prefer to undrape the upper half of their body to the waist. In both cases, tuck the sheet firmly under the client's torso on each side of the body. Occasionally, a client's abdomen will be massaged. If the client is a female, a second drape should be used to cover the breasts, tucked in under her sides, and main drape brought down to the hips and tucked underneath the client.