i don't get no Abs

[MGSA]

I see a couple different MT’s – truly enjoy them both as people and therapists. They focus on different physical areas & each gives a different type of deep tissue. As I indicated both are wonderful… but neither has ever touched my abs – and I don’t know if I’m missing something – or – if I should just ignore that they would rather focus on feet legs or shoulders…

Am I missing something? Or are abs sorta off limits…

(p. s. – Am a 50 something grandpa who is fairly fit – runs, swims, etc.)

 

[Karamazov]

Hi g245, welcome to MassagePlanetL! Hope you enjoy our forum.

To answer your question, no, abs are not off limits, but some therapists don't do them on a regular basis. You may want to ask the therapist next time you go in to do abs, I am sure he/she would be more than willing to do the work for you. Some times to there isn't enough time to "hit" everything! Hope this helps!

 

[Finnegan Vegan Again]

Have you every requested ab work?? How will they know you want it if you dont speak up? We aren't mind readers!!

I generally dont do ab work unless requested or I feel it is called for. A lot of my clients dont want it if I do ask them about it.

So next time you go to get a massage just say something like, "That last massage was just great. Lets do it the same except add some ab work in there to."

or

"I was reading on the internet how beneficial abdominal massage can be. Lets include that in todays session."

It may be helpful to up your session time for your therapist too. If I need to work something else in, it tends to make me feel rushed. SO, if you are a very tall guy, consider changing your regular hour to a 90 minute session.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Yes, I am guilty of that myself. I rarely do ab work, but I leave it open ended for my clients and ask if there is anywhere that they would like their time spent for the session. I do usually leave it out, mainly because of the draping issue, and it eats up time that I would normally need to release somewhere else. If I believe it is necessary, I do inform my clients that I will be doing ab work, and ask if they have any objections.

As for me personally, I hate ab work, it makes me nautious, and only do it on myself if I feel I need a little assistance moving things around a bit.

But yes, I agree, if you want it done, SPEAK UP!!! nicely of course, and suggest it to your therapist.

 

[CB#32]

I do usually leave it out, mainly because of the draping issue, and it eats up time that I would normally need to release somewhere else.

I am just curious, really. What draping issue are you talking about. Can you clarify?

I ask clients if they would like to include abdominal into their session. If they ask why I explain about the benefits, etc. Some do not even realize how cool the work is. I do agree with Pandora though, it also makes me a little queasy to have the work done at times,usually it is during an emotional time.

 

[Mnemonic]

Draping... well for men it isn't an issue, but for women... getting a towel out, covering up, tucking so that nothing shows, having them bring up their legs do the ab work, tucking the sheet, putting the cream on... by the time I am done, 5-10 minutes are gone... where that is 5-10 minutes I would rather work on their back or neck. When I work on the iliopsoas, I do that through the sheet to save time.

 

[Millie]

Draping... well for men it isn't an issue, but for women... getting a towel out, covering up, tucking so that nothing shows, having them bring up their legs do the ab work, tucking the sheet, putting the cream on... by the time I am done, 5-10 minutes are gone... where that is 5-10 minutes I would rather work on their back or neck. When I work on the iliopsoas, I do that through the sheet to save time.

Thanks for clarifying . I keep an extra pillow case nearby to use for draping breasts on women....no hassel there. As for the legs, I use a diaper drape on both men and women. That can be a little awkward for the client and yes, it does usually does take a few more minutes.

 

[Natalie L]

thank you - appreciate the insight

being nauseated isn't something I'd request - think I'll leave things the way they are & not ask for it...

 

[ComStar Computers]

Old thread you may be interested in - Belly area avoided during massage?

 

[thedivineoomba]

thank you - appreciate the insight

being nauseated isn't something I'd request - think I'll leave things the way they are & not ask for it...

nausea isn't something you need to really worry about in general. i guess, just keep in mind that ab work has a tendency to release some pent up emotional issues, if they exist, or can be less than relaxing if you have digestive issues going on at the time. even so, it can be an amazing experiences. and everyone's experience is different. it's really something that one needs to experience for oneself to understand the benefits and effects. i would suggest that if you decide to try it, let your therapist know that you have never experienced the work before, but would like to try it, and chances are they will be gentle and as non-invasive as possible. and remember that at any point during your session, you are in control, and if you don't like it, say so, and the therapist can change techniques or stop working that area.

 

[iluv2tradestks]

In school, we were taught to drape with a pillowcase on women and pull the sheet down to about an inch or so below the navel. So, I don't understand the diaper draping and/or the client having to do anything with his/her legs.

I personally don't enjoy an abdominal massage, but I would like it if I had more work done on my Psoas.

 

[greatwhitenorth28 AM]

Wow. I guess I am drape-lazy. If a woman wants ab massage, I just have her hold her own drape at the breast, then I pull up some slack from the bottom on the opposite side of the table, and scoot the sheet over so it is bunched up on my side with the whole abdomen exposed. Fast, easy and nothing gets exposed. Maybe I'll do a video.