Complete Your CE Test Online - Click Here when working there, explain how you will do that. If you will be using techniques that require range of motion movements of the legs or pelvic area, explain the diaper draping method you will use to accomplish that. Inform clients of any special draping methods, such as in a side lying position or appropriate draping methods for the breast area on females if treatment in this area is indicated and approved by the client because of pectoral musculature dysfunction or pain. Creating a setting conducive to client relaxation and comfort Ensuring client satisfaction requires attention to people’s comfort needs before initiating a session. Explain that you want to provide a setting that will make their experience a pleasant one. Ask them their preferences for the lighting, room temperature, amount of draping covers and whether they would like music and if so, choices on music and volume. Provide a place to hang their clothes and to put their jewelry, and have a robe handy if they need to use the restroom during the session. Tell them your choice of lubricant, but have other lubricant supplies available if they prefer another. With female clients, make sure that using lubricant on the neck, which could possibly get into scalp hair, meets with their approval. If not, be prepared to use techniques that do not require lubricant or gliding strokes in this area. Be careful that your clients approve any use of aromatherapy scents, candles and so on. Recognize that using a scent for one client may not be wanted by the next, and it could be difficult to eliminate the smells from the room. If this is the case, have an air freshener ready to neutralize odors. Keep your room spotlessly clean. Decorate your room with pleasing furniture or knick-knacks that are in no way offensive. Choose wall and curtain colors in shades that are soothing and relaxing. Have water, tissues, breath mints or cough drops available for yourself or the client. Be sure their cell phones as well as yours are turned off. Your attention to all these details will enhance a setting of relaxation that your client is sure to appreciate. Explain how to receive a massage Conducting a professional interview includes ensuring that clients know how to receive a massage. Any new client, regardless of whether this is their first, can benefit from guidelines on how to receive a massage. Your instructions can answer any unasked questions in their minds and calm any fears. You may be surprised by how many clients with massage experience have never had this explained by previous therapists. When clients follow your instructions, you will find it easier to complete a successful session. Begin your explanation by asking them to remove all jewelry possible. If they wear contact lenses, suggest removing them if possible, or not wearing them when coming to their next appointment. Explain that being in the face cradle could cause lenses to be pressed against the eye and potentially scratch them. Because some people will not feel free to remove their contacts, ask them whether there is any discomfort when you place them in the face cradle and determine whether to use it. If applicable, use a pillow on the table and have clients turn their heads from side to side during treatment. Next address the removal of clothing. Tell clients that most clients receive massage completely unclothed, although they will be draped at all times. Avoid using terms like naked or nude because they may conjure thoughts of sexuality. Explain that it is also OK to keep underwear on if they prefer. Explain that the rationale for receiving massage unclothed is tied to the physiological benefits of massage. Tight-fitting clothing or elastic bands put pressure on blood vessels, impeding blood flow. Because one of the main benefits of massage is enhancing blood flow, thereby ensuring that cells better receive nutrients and oxygen and more effective removal of toxins, eliminating any clothing restrictions provides a greater chance for healthy tissue functioning. Assure clients that whatever level of clothing removal that is comfortable for them is certainly acceptable. Once clients are on the table, instruct them to let go of their body tension, let their body be limp like a noodle or a ragdoll and to let you do all the lifting and moving of their head, arms and legs without their help. Suggest taking a few deep breaths and exhaling fully. Tell them to think of a pleasant thought or place, to drift into the relaxing music, to use any meditation practices they may have, to think of this time as their sanctuary away from all responsibilities and cares of the world. Let them know that is OK to fall asleep and that you will gently wake them when necessary. If during the session they feel a need to cry or laugh, assure them it is alright because massage can sometimes release emotions, and they will be safe and supported by your caring presence. Suggest that using the restroom before getting on the table is a good idea because massage can sometimes stimulate the need to go. Ask them to tell you if a restroom need arises during the session instead of trying to wait until the session is finished. Explain that you will leave the room and they can use a robe or wrap the draping around them and can notify you when they have returned to the table by calling out to you. Remind them to give you feedback if they have pain during the session. Tell clients you will whisper in their ear when the session is completed and remind them how to safely get off the table before you leave the room. If at all possible, tell them it is okay to remain on the table for a few minutes after completing the session to soak in the feeling of relaxation, and then to get up slowly. Describe and even demonstrate how to get off the table by asking them to roll on their side, bring their knees up to a 90-degree position, letting their feet dangle off the table. Then they should use their hands and arms to push them to a seated position; explain that this method puts the least strain on their back muscles. Instruct them to sit at the edge of the table for a few moments, gather themselves, and then gently ease off the table. Stress the need to ease off the table gently because clients who quickly push off the table could actually pull a back muscle in the process. If your client is short or frail and your table is set high, provide a fold out step or step stool for getting on and off the table safely. If your client is elderly or frail, you may wish to cover them with the draping and help them get off the table. Finally, let clients know you will be waiting for them in your office or will come back when they are dressed and ready after the session is completed. Ask whether they have any questions. Tell them you will now leave the room so they may get off the table and dress. Let them know you will knock for permission to re-enter the room. Once the session is completed and you have left the room, give clients at least five minutes before checking on them to make sure they are okay and are preparing to leave the room or for permission to re-enter. Describe what the client may expect to feel following a massage It is just as significant for clients to know what to expect to feel after a massage as it is to know how to receive one. While reactions may vary from person to person, knowing some of the possibilities will help your clients more clearly identify what they are feeling. This awareness allows you to maintain accurate documentation regarding the outcome of the session. Those receiving relaxation or pain relief massage may respond similarly or have completely different results. Take time to explain possible outcomes regardless of whether it is a client receiving his or her very first massage or a new but experienced client, no matter what their reasons for getting a session. As a general rule, following a relaxation massage, explain that people tend to feel a floating or dream-like sensation. Clients often relate feeling a mind- and body high, relaxed, a feeling of wellness, or even feeling a little foggy but in a good way. Tell them these feelings generally last about 10 minutes to an hour following a session. Understand that these feelings are the reason many people love getting massage. Explain that massage triggers a physiological response in the body by releasing endorphins from the brain to create an elevated sense of mood, triggering these positive feelings. Clients receiving pain relief treatment may also have these same feelings but may be focused more on what their pain levels are following a Massage.EliteCME.com Page 15