Beginning Prone?

[Kevin W]

I usually start my clients out in the prone position. Several of my clients didn't want to leave with any marks on their face (from the headrest) making them look like they just woke up (although some of them just did!). I haven't had any complaints so far. I also find that a lot of people feel so relaxed when I complete the massage with their neck/face.

How do you start your clients and what are your reasons?

 

[m_iqbal_hussain]

I start prone and end supine. I like to give the client some to for their sinuses to drain and also for any marks on the face to disappear.

I like to work the back and shoulders prone before working the neck and shoulders supine. I feel I get better results that way.

 

[banned_glory]

I work the opposite way, but I've been reading the posts here and thinking I'd offer both to my clients. Their choice.

 

[Fluke]

Hi Mende,

Here's another thread on the same topic (started by someone who likes to start supine):
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7305

 

[Schwarma]

I will generally begin supine, as I prefer to work on their face and scalp when my hands are cleanest. I also find that since most of my clients do like to chat a little in the beginning, it is easier for them to chat while in supine. For new clients, I think starting supine gives them the chance to open their eyes and watch me if they like or just feel more comfortable with things. I can also watch their face for expressions that may convey too much pressure....because, often times, new clients won't really tell you about that. It's also great to see them break out into a smile when they finally seem to be relaxing. It reconfirms to me that I'm on the right track.

Not to say that I always begin supine. Client preference and the type of work the client needs will necessitate a prone starting position at times.

 

[TheRightInfo]

Try sidelying its easier on the clients CVS.

 

[The Origin of Species]

I begin my clients prone, unless they would want to begin supine..I feel it's better, than the last part of the massage while supine they can get their sinuses cleared and marks faded from the face rest. If you do the face last and have already done the feet, you can keep some antibacterial wipes or soap and then massage the face!

 

[Samantha Paranoia]

I begin my clients prone, unless they would want to begin supine..I feel it's better, than the last part of the massage while supine they can get their sinuses cleared and marks faded from the face rest. If you do the face last and have already done the feet, you can keep some antibacterial wipes or soap and then massage the face!

 

[sheenkhit]

oops..i'm sorry..didn't mean to post that two times...

 

[MelissaHudgens]

I will generally begin supine, as I prefer to work on their face and scalp when my hands are cleanest. I also find that since most of my clients do like to chat a little in the beginning, it is easier for them to chat while in supine. For new clients, I think starting supine gives them the chance to open their eyes and watch me if they like or just feel more comfortable with things. I can also watch their face for expressions that may convey too much pressure....because, often times, new clients won't really tell you about that. It's also great to see them break out into a smile when they finally seem to be relaxing. It reconfirms to me that I'm on the right track.

Not to say that I always begin supine. Client preference and the type of work the client needs will necessitate a prone starting position at times.

Same here and for those same reasons...

And for my hour massages, as I leave the room for them to dress, I tell them that before they put their jewelry on, it will only take a few minutes for the complimentary paraffin to the hands that I offer. This gives them time to sit a spell, so they can overcome feeling disoriented from the massage. This also gives the marks on their face from the headrest some time to fade and gives me time to talk them about what I found and how often they should return for treatment. The ones who choose to stay for the paraffin almost always rebook before they leave.

 

[charlotte s]

I start with clients prone now. In massage school we started supine and I did that until I had a client with low back problems get off the table barely able to walk :shock: . I had to walk him to his car it was so bad. Not the effect I was hoping to have! The therapist I was working for at the time recommended starting clients prone so that their low back can adjust before they get off the table.

I don't know how much that really has to do with anything, but ever since I start prone. It also works well for me when I have a client that wants massage and cranial work. I usually do the massage first and finish with CST.

Looks like there's good reasons for either!

Lisa

 

[Bubbly]

I kind of go both ways. Usually I start the client supine. But I'm finding I spend so much time that there isn't much time for the back. So I kind of alternate a couple of times supine a couple of times prone. 8)

Seems to get the job done.


Jason

 

[aaron t]

I kind of go both ways. Usually I start the client supine. But I'm finding I spend so much time that there isn't much time for the back. So I kind of alternate a couple of times supine a couple of times prone. 8)

Seems to get the job done.


Jason

I see pros and cons to both, but what Lisa said about the client with lower back issues having trouble getting off the table just after the back massage rings very true. And those clients have trouble turning over even once. Lisa, I'm going to try that today on my client who has sciatica problems and see if it makes a difference for her. If this works better for me, I'll start my clients with lower back problems, prone.

 

[wng]

I see pros and cons to both, but what Lisa said about the client with lower back issues having trouble getting off the table just after the back massage rings very true. And those clients have trouble turning over even once. Lisa, I'm going to try that today on my client who has sciatica problems and see if it makes a difference for her. If this works better for me, I'll start my clients with lower back problems, prone.

TouchofGrace, another trick I use if someone has low back problems, is tucking a pillow under their hips while they're prone. It seems to help prevent further aggravation from lying prone.

Lisa

 

[thesongfairy]

This just goes to show that every client's different. My husband has chronic low-back problems, and the only way he can easily get off the massage table is if I end the massage with the back (prone). He says his back is completely relaxed then, which makes it easy for him to move. It's lying supine for too long that kills him.

I vary between starting prone or starting supine. Depends on the client. I take into account their preferences, their specific problem areas, massage goals & techniques used. I also like the variety of not starting every client the same way.

 

[dayquil_1]

I see pros and cons to both, but what Lisa said about the client with lower back issues having trouble getting off the table just after the back massage rings very true. And those clients have trouble turning over even once. Lisa, I'm going to try that today on my client who has sciatica problems and see if it makes a difference for her. If this works better for me, I'll start my clients with lower back problems, prone.

TouchofGrace, another trick I use if someone has low back problems, is tucking a pillow under their hips while they're prone. It seems to help prevent further aggravation from lying prone.

Lisa

Thanks for the tip, Lisa. Annd...ending supine worked great! She was able to get up and move soooo much better. I'm definately going to keep that in mind for my clients. And what Bliss said as well, because what works for one may not work for another...never a dull moment.

 

[melanie {SPACS}]

The position I start the massage in depends on why the client is getting a massage in the first place. For basic relaxation, I start prone because people generally feel more comfortable and safe lying first on their stomachs. If the client is there for specific work on the neck and shoulders, depending on which muscles appear to be the culprits, I often start supine, with their permission of course. When I receive a massage, I like to get the more potentially invasive work out of the way first so that the massage can end on a relaxing note, and I approach my clients in this way as well.