Massage Therapy Fundamentals

Applying something like a lotion or healing agent to the body, especially the skin, for soothing.

Evaluating a person's health status through a physical examination, after getting their health history.

Writing a detailed, chronological record of a client's assessment, treatment, and medical history.

A system of assessment, evaluation, and manual techniques used scientifically to treat muscles, stress points and other parts of the body.

Assessing the body by touching or pressing with hands.

The movement extent of a joint, measured from fully straight to fully bent.

Using the senses to evaluate someone's health in a documented way, like a pain scale.

A single and complete movement, often back-and-forth, on the body’s surface or deeper tissues, using a hand or tool.

Evaluating health conditions by visually inspecting tissues, skin tone and texture

Basic indicators of body function, such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, temperature, and weight.

Understanding a client's needs and formulating a massage plan before the massage, including identification of contraindications and taking vital signs.

Preparing the massage venue and supplies, and having the client ready for the massage.

Applying massage techniques according to a pre-planned massage session.

Actions performed after the massage, including aftercare and documentation.

Assisting the client after the massage.

Completing the S.O.A.P. form to record the entire massage session and client response.

Using linens to cover the client during a massage while maintaining privacy.

Specific draping method inserting a towel between legs, similar to baby diaper changes. Usually two towels are used with a covering on the table.

Using a large sheet to cover the client, like a cocoon, allowing easy access to body parts during a massage.

Diaper draping is appropriate when the environment is very warm (80°F or warmer) to prevent client chilling and ensure genital area concealment.

A draping method (sometimes called 'plain draping') placing a large towel or sheet on top of the client, exposing just the body parts to be worked on. A table covering is also used.

A specific type of draping utilizing a large sheet for client warmth and modesty.

Top covering should be at least seventy-two inches long and thirty-two inches wide to fully cover the client.

A draping method employing a larger blanket for clients weighing over 9200 pounds (queen), to secure the covering and for movement to and from the table.

Extra covering that helps clients safely transport from the dressing area to the table and covers exposed areas after changing positions on the table.

The top cover sheet can be used by the client as a wrap to move from the dressing area to the table or examination area.