The client starts face-down with a heating pad on their back. I work the  buttocks, and back of the legs. By the time I get to the back, it has had a chance to warm up. After massaging the back, the client turns over, where I massage the fronts of the legs, feet, arms, pecs, neck, shoulders, face and head.  However, it's completely up to the comfort level of the client. Any body parts can be omitted, which is discussed prior to the massage.

My office provides a relaxing and professional atmosphere. The massage table is topped with a heated cover and wool mattress pad topper. However, both can be removed.  The back ground music is totally up to the client. I use Pandora and can make a station according to whatever is preferred.   In the same way, some clients prefer conversation, while others would rather it be quiet. Feel free to voice your desires.  It's Your massage.

I use a pressure scale from 1 to 5 as a way to communicate what the client is feeling. When asked, "How's that pressure?" A response of, "fine" or "good" tells me very little. Responding with the numbered scale keeps everyone using the same language.

1. So light it's annoying
2. While applying oil
3. Perfectly Relaxing
4. "Good Hurt"
5. Pain, wrong kind of hurt

The first appointment usually takes an extra 15 minutes to fill out a one-sided intake sheet, discuss what is expected from the massage and to decide on a plan of action. This is when we will discuss the client's needs and my part in meeting them. I will also go over the undressing, draping, pressure scale and how the session will be spent in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

After the consultation is over, I leave the room  to wash my hands and allow the client time to undress to their level of comfort and get on the table between the sheets. Some people prefer to keep their undergarments on or bring shorts to wear during the massage. As a therapist, the less fabric to work around the better. With skin to skin  contact, I can glide and make seamless strokes. Clothing can limit the techniques that can be used, with the exception of myofascial release or reflexology. However, it's the client's comfort level that is top priority, not mine. I drape the same whether there are clothes present or not. 

Once undressed to their comfort level, the client gets between the sheets and waits for me to return to the room. With draping, you should never feel exposed. If you do, speak up because I'm doing something wrong. Pretty much everything but the head stays covered by the top sheet throughout the duration of the massage. The only part that is uncovered during the session is what is being worked on at the time. Then it is is immediately covered.  Use of a top sheet is mandatory.

I encourage clients to take their time getting off the table and getting dressed. However, as I don't mean to rush anyone, keep in mind I only schedule 30 minutes between clients. I greet the client afterward with a bottle of water and advise they drink a lot of water after a massage in order to flush all of the toxins that have just been worked out of their muscles.  I will also write down any supplements or topics that may have come up in conversation during the massage that they might want to remember.