Ways to End Massage Session

[bytchass]

how do you usually end a massage?

i feel like i may be too abrupt when i just take my hands off, and if it has been silent for a while i am not sure what to say to communicate the massage is over.

i ended a massage last week with some no contact energy strokes, she was face up with her eyes opened and asked what i was doing, i answered, "clearing the energy" and she gave me a weird look....

 

[Thong Man]

Here are 2 threads on the same topic; they have some great ideas:

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7684
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13546

 

[athomasmueller]

I feel the exit is just as important as, and is an extension of, the body of the massage - and for me this is the perfect exit, I have had many compliments on it specifically. Its simple though, which is nice.

This is what I do:
Ending with client prone - All of this is done with full hand contact (palm to fingertips - which sounds odd to explain but the niceness of this detail comes from all the warmth of all of the hand plus the REAL consious contact you are making)
I do 3 light (but not feather light) finishing strokes on the skin - from shoulders to low back and back up to shoulders in a loop, cover with sheet and do 3 more finishing strokes over the sheet, (is sooo warm and comforting with the cloth, helps absorb excess oil and is also reminiscent of being tucked in from childhood), cover with blanket and do finishing pass with short compression at shoulders then low back. THen I say (QUIETLY and slow) "Take a few deep breaths before getting up and take plenty of time getting ready. I'll be out in the lobby when you are all set."



I have had a therapist just stop and walk out - leaving my like 'where did she go? is it over? am I supposed to get up now or will she walk in on me?'
I have had feather strokes at the end - ugh. irritation in its purest form for me. I find it tickleish and asinine (sorry, thats a strong statement, but its how I really feel as a client on the table)
And I have had a few therapists just say - "OK you're done." and it was jarring for me, who was still out in la la land. I'm done? DONE? like you have no more use for me - so get up and get out? umm ok thanks.

If you search this topic I believe there is a really great thread somewhere around here, if I remember correctly I think quite a few therapists chipped in and had some great ideas.

 

[Wire & String]

I end similar to MaybeMobile, then stand to the side of the table and place my hands on the client's shoulders (like I would if I came up to someone who is sitting in a chair, arm closest to her on the farthest shoulder - almost like a "sideways hug") then I lean close to the ear and say quietly, "Thank you, Mrs. Smith, our session is finished. Take your time getting up, and I'll meet you out side with a glass of water."

(This works well with guys, too

 

[aaliyah]

I like that one cicerone! I like how you say 'our session', that is something I would like to hear if I was on the table. Like we worked together in my healing.

 

[debijs]

LOL!
I HATE those feather/nerve strokes at the end of a session!
Worse - when they start doing directed breathing.
Hello! Did you NOT notice that I was using my breath during the entire session? I think I know how to BREATHE!
And I don't like it when the therapist says "you're done". How do THEY know I'm done? :

So...me...
I end with client supine - usually...
I may do some CST or a nice head pull/traction.
Then I get a steam towel and use it on their feet - it's like a little ritual that signifies the end of the session.
I move back up to their head and let them know our session is over - make any comments that are pertinent, ask them to go ahead and take their time - stretch a little if they need to, dress and I will meet them in the reception area.