Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/867515
thigh. While the client is disrobed, their legs should never be spread wide apart to secure the drape. The primary fact to remember is that the drape is there to define the area of the body to be worked on. The therapist's hands should never go under the drape. Attention to Sensitive Regions of the Body The Female Breasts: Female breasts should always be fully draped. When the client is supine, the drape generally covers the body up to the upper axilla (Image 4). Sometimes the drape is lowered to right above the top breast line to work on the upper pectoral muscles, but only when the client gives permission. In some areas of the United States, direct treatment of the breast is prohibited either by law or by professional ethical guidelines. In certain parts of Canada, Europe, and the United States, breast massage is considered appropriate when indicated by a particular client condition and with specific consent. For instance, massage can be useful for nursing mothers, especially when there is a clogged milk duct, or for women with painful postmastectomy scars. Another potentially legitimate reason for working near the breast is the treatment of injuries to the intercostal muscles and when working with other types of tissue damage in close proximity to the breast (Image 5). Intercostal massage is appropriate only when performed by a therapist who is trained in working with these particular types of injuries, following the specific request of a client seeking help for this issue. Typically, that would occur in a private massage therapy practice or a chiropractor's office. The Upper Inner Thighs: It is essential to maintain good physical boundaries during massage of the thighs. In most people, the upper inner thigh is a very private, sexually sensitive area. The drape should always cover the upper 3–4 inches of the inner thigh, whether the client is lying prone or supine (Image 6, page 60). In most massage therapy sessions, the therapist should never make contact with the upper inner thigh. Careless technique is no excuse for the fingers to move 1 2 3 4 5 See our Digital Extra for more advice about working near the breasts.