Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/121374
Beyond these unintentional side effects of bodywork, some embarrassing situations can arise from a client's lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of pre-massage instructions, as Amanda Blackmon Muscato, of Georgia, found: "I had an elderly lady come in for her fi rst massage ever. When I came back in the room she was butt naked, face down on top of the blanket, with her head resting on the foot bolster." Clients can also sometimes fail to disclose important details, as was the case for Crystal Lenzen, of Minnesota. "I started massaging the face and scalp of a client once," she says, "and just as I began the massage, I lifted off her wig." Many of these incidents can be avoided by communicating with your clients, particularly if they are new to you or have never received bodywork before. Utilizing thorough intake forms, discussing what will go on during the session, and asking clients if they have any questions before you begin can help alleviate anxiety for massage neophytes, and head off some embarrassing situations before they become a problem. However, not all of these incidents can be avoided, so always be ready to respond professionally and sympathetically should you be surprised by an uncomfortable situation. Be Prepared! PERHAPS THE E ASIEST WAY OF AVOIDING EMBARR ASSMENT IS TO CRE ATE AN OPEN DIALOGUE WITH NEW CLIENTS tips & Tricks education is Prevention It's not a good massage until somebody farts. Ruth Werner, Oregon I tell my clients that [farting] is as natural as burping. We have a little giggle, then continue with the session. Nancy Bakker, California I call farting the unfavorable compliment. If you can relax enough to fart, that's awesome! Juliann White, Colorado If a client farts, I usually grab an essential oil, rub it in my palms, and breathe it in—asap! Sally Shupert-Cavalier, Georgia We all know clients pass gas when they doze off. It's just something you grow to accept as one of the undesirable aspects of our profession. Jeniene Nieboer, Michigan SO THE Y KNOW WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU DO, AND HOW THE SESSION WILL UNFOLD. HERE ARE A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS THAT SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER RECEIVED BODY WORK MIGHT HAVE: • HOW MUCH SHOULD I UNDRESS? Make sure you connect with us to get your voice heard in next issue's Tell Me … • WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE SESSION ? www.facebook.com/ABMPpage • HOW SHOULD I LIE ON THE TABLE? • WHAT SHOULD I DO IF IT STARTS TO HURT? • @ABMPmassage WHAT IF I NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM ? • WHAT IF I FALL ASLEEP? WHAT IF I SNORE? http://abmp.us/LinkedInMT • WHAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY PASS GAS DURING THE SESSION ? • WHAT SHOULD I DO AF TER RECEIVING BODY WORK? mp www.massageprofessionals.com www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 21