Learn to drape!

[Itz shaquanda boo]

I think what this thread shows is that there's no one "right" way to drape. Like Anastasia said, choose a way you like & do it with confidence. Jason, for that reason, why not simply teach your preferred style of draping to your new employees? If someone has the massage therapy skills you like, draping preferences are relatively easy to teach.

 

[JoDee.]

I think what this thread shows is that there's no one "right" way to drape. Like Anastasia said, choose a way you like & do it with confidence. Jason, for that reason, why not simply teach your preferred style of draping to your new employees? If someone has the massage therapy skills you like, draping preferences are relatively easy to teach.

We do train all of our MTs in preferred draping methods. It's important to us that our MTs drape in a manner that is appropriate and contributes to the client's feeling of security during the massage. We also teach a number of tricks for using a variety of bolsters, pillows, and positions so our MTs can more readily deal with unique situations/client preferences.

This thread was inspired by the fact that all of the interview massages we experienced involved draping that was clumsy, or very loose/revealing, or both. Though this may not be an issue for some, in our area it makes a competitive difference.

Personally, I consider draping to be a part of the client-therapist communication. Draping well communicates a message of caring, skill, and competence to my clients. As I get better at massage, I am also trying to improve my draping.

 

[Richard L]

Somebody needs to write a book with an included DVD on the art of draping, and then offer CEUs!

I keep my clients covered, but I still *feel* clumsy in my draping, particularly of the legs. In school I had a teacher who was the "draping nazi." We tucked and folded and re-tucked. It felt as if half of the massage time was being spent on draping, even after we "got the hang of it". ONe of my mentors confirmed this when I gave him a massage. He told me I was taking too much time! Just fold it over and let it fall between the legs, with maybe a little tuck, is what he said. But, I've been draped that way and felt a little insecure - not by him, but by another practitioner. Maybe he was just better at placement? I don't know! LOL

Draping should be quick, clean and done with economy.
This is how i do legs on most clients.
Client supine, with me @ clients left side.
I keep contact with my right hand (ASIS) as i come from the upeforum.xxxody, i uncover the feet first and place my left hand on outside of the clients left knee.
Securing the drape with my right hand, i pull the edge medially (drag don't lift! ) with my left hand, but my hand is not on the edge of the fabric.
This leaves the drape in contact with the thigh.
As the fabric clears the knee, i let go of the drape and slide my hand under the knee(medial side).
As i raise the knee, my right hand grasps the edge of the drape from under the knee(coming from the lateral side), and in one motion, i flex the knee and hip, lunge and slide the drape clear under the glutes, with the top edge at or in the inguinal crease with the ASIS cleared.

To re-drape, hold the knee with your right hand, and as you straighten the leg, pull the drape out from under the glutes and over the leg in a distal and circular motion with the left.
Prone is a little easier for some, more difficult for others, but the main thing that i do different is to use the ankle to pick the knee up off of the table.

Hope that helps.
Aloha, the Hawai'ian drape nazi.

ps. I work on some people fully clothed and others totally naked with just the drape piled between their legs, it's all a matter of the clients comfort level, and yours.

 

[Mommy of 1]

Learn to drape!

Draping is super important! Especially when working near the breast, gluteal, or pubic region. Keeping your draping neat and tight enough to inspire confidence and comfort for our clients modestly and therapeutic care is the most important issue. I've done draping with sheets, or towels. As long as you have proper coverage, it will not shift or move, and it is tidy and out of the way, you should be fine. Just don't feel as if you cannot "tuck" sheets under a client, or reposition them properly to do so. It will be better for them and you. Is there an area where we can post videos on here? Maybe we should set up a youtube channel?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Learn to drape!

If your draping is confident, smooth, snug, and doesn't allow gaps for drafts or unwanted exposure, it will enhance the client experience and their perceptions of your work.

i couldn't agree with you more! i've received my fair share of professional massages over the years - long before i decided to study massage therapy - and i have to point out that i'm not a very modest person. and during the massage i'm definitely more concerned with the actual massage than the draping. but the therapists who practiced a more snug and complete drape just gave an overall impression of confidence and professionalism. now that i'm in school i'm very happy to see the great importance my hands-on instructor places on draping. our first lesson in draping took place on the first day of class and is practiced and analyzed during every hands-on session. i still feel kind of clumsy with it, but i know i'll be a pro by the end of class