Getting On and Off the Massage Table

Seems like a simple thing but when you're in a hurry because you may be so excited to finally be getting your massage, things can get complicated pretty quickly. 

When I meet a new client I take my time to go through their health intake form with them. I make sure to check on changes in medications and symptoms. And then I instruct them as to what they need to do to get ready. I don't know about you but at this moment even I get so excited it's like I black out. Did I say face up or face down, how much clothing do I need to take of, and then there is the question of: Do I lie on top of the sheets or between the sheets. If I feel that perhaps you're over excited and will easily forget, I will pull back the sheets even further and emphasize the need for you to crawl under them. I will admit that even sometimes this is not enough direction. And this is normal - no need to feel bad here. I simply ask that you get off the table and we take another try at it - under the sheets. 

Once you've made it on to the table it's time to --

STRAIGHTEN UP

The majority of clients end up in some sort of diagonal position on the table. 

My suggestion is that once you get on the table, under your sheets, that you take a moment to check your bearings:

• Use your arms to feel that table. Are in the middle? 
• Feel with your legs. Are they in the middle of the table? 
• Are your feet hanging over the table? If so - I bet you need to move up onto the table. 
• And here's another question - Is your head hanging off the other end of the table? 
• Do you feel comfortable right where you are. 

Once we are half way through the massage we are required to flip over. At this point don't be afraid to take that moment to check again. I will move your body parts as I need to but I will not know if you're comfortable or not. 

Once your massage is done - Take that time to rest. Again there is NO REASON to leap from that table and run off to do the next errand and if you try I'm guessing (pretty sure this will happen) you will be too dizzy to get out the door. Lie there a while and wiggle your fingers and toes. Stretch out. Once you feel ready then it's time to move. 

My suggestion once you're ready:

• Roll onto your side first
• Then push yourself up with the arm under you and your free arm while at the same time lowering your feet to the ground.
• Once in an up right seated position, wait a moment. What is your head feeling like? Are you light head or dizzy. Wait a few moments longer until it is gone. There is no rush here. 
• Once your are ready - it's time to stand. 

I hope these tips help you have a more enjoyable massage. 

Nancy 

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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