Massage draping question

[krystalclare]

I'm sure this post is a repeat but I couldn't find anything. I have gone to the same MT 7 or 8 times now and would like to ask for a little less draping (all have been with full sheet). I'm a little hesitant though because I am a young fairly attractive male (not trying to sound conceded) and my MT is a young attractive female. I don't want to be completely undraped, but just a towel or something along those lines would do. I usually get hot under the sheet but don't want use the, " I'm getting a little warm" excuse. Besides, I think it would allow for a more relaxing experience without all the draping and undraping routine. I feel uncomfortable asking mainly because I think this might throw up a red flag but I am truly not interested in anything sexual. We are both happily married but it seems like people would take this as a sexual advance especially if the client is good-looking (sorry, I'm really not trying to be conceded here). Any advice from clients with a similar experience or MTs would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lea Lea]

As a therapist, I want my client to tell me if he/she is hot or cold so we can work out the best fix ... another blanket, remove a blanket, uncover the feet, turn on the heater or fan, etc. Personally, I am comfortable draping with a sheet or a towel. However, not all therapists are comfortable with towel draping ... and some may not have even learned or practiced towel draping.

There are three main issues here for me
First, if you are too warm, tell your therapist. She should be able to make some adjustments in the room temperature or with your level of draping. Sometimes just uncovering the feet/legs to the knees can help one feel cooler.

Second issue, if you are not relaxed because of the "draping and undraping routine" then perhaps you should find another therapist who is better with draping. Or find a therapist who is comfortable using a towel (if yours is not).

Third issue is based on your statement, "but it seems like people would take this as a sexual advance especially if the client is good-looking". Seriously?!?!? Do you think that 'unattractive' people don't make inappropriate suggestions? It's only the good-looking people we need to watch out for as therapists? And how do you know that she finds you as good-looking as you find yourself? It's very subjective.

So, if you do wish to stay with this therapist, simply let her know before the session that you tend to get hot during the session. That alone should not be a red flag. She should have no problem discussing your comfort during the session.

 

[Sooo Happy]

Thanks for the reply. As I said I'm not trying to be conceded so forget about the good-looking statement. I don't believe everybody thinks I'm attractive. Bottom-line it's not a huge deal I just don't want to make her feel uncomfortable. Asking to uncover my feet sounds like a good idea.
Thanks

 

[Punk Princess]

As a male therapist (and client) I always assume full draping will be used. If a client wishes something other than full sheet draping that's fine, :lipsaresealed: but I always wait for them to ask for it. I don't feel it is my place to suggest something different.

Same for me being the client. If a female therapist is comfortable enough to ask me if I would like just a towel for draping, great. If not, I would never bring it up. This is one of those situations where I believe males should let the females (client or therapist) take the lead. 8) '

I'm not a prude and have received towel massages before, I just believe it might strain relations if I suggest it. It might be best to find a like minded therapist rather than strain a good relationship.

 

[DaveC]

Some of my clients overheat easily. They know I am responsive to their needs, and keep notes on their preferences. If they prefer no table heat, no problem. If they still get too warm with normal draping, I may leave their feet/legs undraped. I may also have a fan provide a light breeze.

But I don't do "towel only" draping. It's my preference to use sheets and blankets, and so far my clients seem very happy and comfortable.

Tell your MT if you are feeling too warm, and she may be able to remedy the issue without a fuss.

 

[I Love Jesus_32]

If your intention is pure, whether or not either of you is attractive has nothing to do with the fact that you are uncomfortable.

It is your treatment; 99.09% of therapists appreciate feedback and want to make the client as comfortable as possible.

Ask her if she knows other draping options. Tell her you find the full sheet too warm and cumbersome, and that it seems to interfere with the flow of the work. Be matter-of-fact about it, as you would with any other health care professional.

 

[ameliaalicedownes]

Ask her if she knows other draping options.

I like this much more than just keeping quiet for fear of possibly affecting the relationship negatively.

I think the goal would be to not give up on your needs while still respecting and cooperating with your therapist's boundaries. But there's no reason why these shouldn't be able to be talked about. A therapist should be able to state what their boundaries are when asked about them. And isn't it so much better to be asked directly than "tested" by clients with incompatible motives?

 

[music<3]

I would also like to add that if there is a table warmer you can ask to have it turned down or off.

As far as draping goes alot of times I drape verically so it gives me the abbility to go from head to toes all at once. I feel like I can connect the person to there core this way.

 

[shuay]

I've worked on a few clients who get overheated quickly and would benefit from a more lax approach to draping. Using a towel could be a good idea if appropriately applied. Of course, when using heat, you'd need additional protection for the client (i.e., more towels, etc.).

 

[Pompal 09.]

Massage draping question

I know this is an old post, but I had one other draping suggestion I hadn't seen yet!

Why not drape the sheet in a "diaper" style, as if you would with a towel, except with a large sheet you can tie the sides securely for the therapists comfort and your modesty. That way you can be cool, she can work effectively, and if she needs to work on your glutes or low back, she will only have to undrape a small area, which can be done quickly.

You could also wear bike shorts under shorts perhaps? That way you will be covered appropriately and could be cool?

 

[J. K]

Massage draping question

I know this is an old post, but I had one other draping suggestion I hadn't seen yet!

Why not drape the sheet in a "diaper" style, as if you would with a towel, except with a large sheet you can tie the sides securely for the therapists comfort and your modesty. That way you can be cool, she can work effectively, and if she needs to work on your glutes or low back, she will only have to undrape a small area, which can be done quickly.

You could also wear bike shorts under shorts perhaps? That way you will be covered appropriately and could be cool?

These are both fine suggestions, and I have used them with some of my clients.