Lecture #4: “Grounding Consent” Flashcards
Name the procedural steps for setting up a table for massage.
- Sanitize table and pillows
- Put on first sheet and tie knots at the ends to secure the sheet
- Place a small towel at the head of the table
- Place one pillow where the abdomen will be and one pillow where the feet will be.
- Place second sheet on top. You can use a blanket as well if client is cold.
- To check the height of the table, therapist should stand at the side of the table with arms at their side, and rolled knuckles. Knuckles should be able to rest on top of the table for correct height.
- Ensure all sheets are neat and clean
*remember to remove these pillows when rotating a client
Describe proper body mechanics for the therapist (body awareness during massage)
A) Horse stance- standing with legs shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, back in neutral position, shoulders relaxed, facing table standing at the side of the table
B) lunge stance-  standing with leg space wildly apart, swivel to the side, knees bent, back straight in neutral position. This posture is used during effleurage and long stroke movements
C) proper mechanics for hands and arms:
- Never extend arms more than 45° away from the body allow motion to come from legs rather than shoulders
- hands must be lined up with wrists and should not radiate in an ulnar or radial direction. Extreme flexion and hyper extension should be avoided. The hand and wrist Should work together as one unit
- Thumbs should not abduct too far from the hand
- Shoulders should be relaxed and not raised
-  Head should be in neutral position not bent towards client or bent to either side
Describe the body safety checklist.
- Head: only bent forward slightly and not from side to side
- Shoulders: relaxed and not raised up. Strength should come from feet planted on floor and nit from shoulders .
- Back: neutral position, not bent forwards at the waste
- Legs: stand with legs apart and knees bent for support and strength
- Wrists and hands: The hand and wrist should work together as one solid unit. Avoid twisitng and bending the writst and keep thumb together with hand.
What does grounding & mindfulness entail by the therapist?
-being present in the moment and not thinking about your to do list because the client feels this energy break
-being one with the client
-protect yourself from bad energy do not absorb the client’s bad energy
-taking steps to ground yourself such as walking barefoot in the sand or using crystals
-Learning to purify your own energy

Proper hygiene practice prevents the spread of micro organisms and bacteria. Describe the massage therapists hygiene procedure.
- Roll up sleeves and remove jewellery where the bacteria can be trapped behind
- Adjust water for washing hands to warm not hot enough to remove oil and not cold enough for micro organisms to survive
- Lather and foam soap really well
- Clean under fingernails as needed do not use a brush. Nails should be cleaned once a day or as needed.
- Wash up to your elbows adding more soap if needed. keep hands lower than elbows at all times. Briskly using frictions and rotary motions are more effective than back-and-forth rubbing. Rub in between fingers knuckles and the outside surface of the fifth digit as well as the ulnar border of the hand.
- Rinse starting at the elbow
- Dry arms and forearms thoroughly by blotting not rubbing to maintain skin health and avoid cracking
- Use the used paper towel to shut off faucet and to open the door
- Use hand lotion for your skins integrity
- Wash lotion bottle as well. Keep exit pump clear so bacteria does not travel up into lotion
- Keep gloves and finger cots handy to use if you have cuts or rash on hands or finger.
Describe additional hygiene steps and concerns.
-Always use clean linens for each new client
-Store clean and used linens separately
-Used linens stored outside of room or in a container with a lid
- if you have a cold or contagious condition wear a mask when treating your client or reschedule. Dispose mask in sealed plastic bag.
-if you or the client needs to blow their nose the person who used the Kleenex should dispose of it
-use the same procedure if client has a nose bleed or any cut that bleeds.
-Open window and regularly air out the room to disperse airborne germs and dust
-regularly clean fans, air conditioners and anything else that moves the air
Because massage can be very intrusive boundaries should be considered by a therapist at all times. List the five different types of boundaries you should share with your client.
- Emotional -don’t pry or over share information. Let them talk but don’t get involved.
- Intellectual – talk to client in Laymans terms not medical language so they feel they are on your level
- Physical – create a physical barrier with sheets and or blanket and always ask for consent before palpating
- Interpersonal – friends and family – it is easy to drop routine and professionalism when working on friends or family. It is also important not to make friends with your clients.
- Sexual - off-limits at all times
** draping helps maintain boundaries between client and therapist. Keep very consistent routine so client can begin to learn how the service will be and what to expect. This helps build comfort level with consistency.
** Role boundaries – it is important to stick to your role as a massage therapist and stick to what is agreed to in the contract. Do not advise outside your area of expertise.
** being judgemental- clients are there to relax and not to amuse you. Accept every client and give them the best possible service that you are capable of
Therapists should not be judgemental of their clients. Describe “subjective” and “objective” terms, and which should be used when speaking with your client.
- Subjective terms include: short, tall, fat, thin, old, young, pretty, ugly, etc.
- Objective terms include: height is 5 foot four, hair is brown, hair is shoulder length, eyes are green, client is wearing black suit.
** The difference between subjective and objective terms are that subjective terms are that of opinion and objective terms are facts. The therapist should not be talking to the client with subjective terms.
What is palpation and what is it used for in massage? What are the four t’s of palpitation?
To palpate is to touch your client. The hands can observe conditions of the skin. Palpating can observe what the other senses cannot… What you cannot see, hear or smell.
When putting our hands on the client we are using the “four t’s of palpitation”:
- Temperature Dash is the skin hot or cold, is the skin the same temperature throughout the body or does it change from one area to another? Cold feet might mean poor circulation. You can apply a heat pack if no contraindications. If one knee feels hot it could indicate information due to injury or arthritis.
- Texture – rough, smooth, scaly, hairy, etc. Skin on the feet is usually rougher as well as the elbows. It is important to know if it is normal for that part of the body. Are there any rashes, moles, skin tags, or any other abnormal textures?
- Tension – with experience you can recognize any unusual tensions in the body and muscles. It is important to recognize quality of muscles and how tense muscles feel different than untensed muscles.
- Tenderness Dash this is subjective meaning a client can feel if they are tender and will report that to you. If client reports area is tender use a lighter touch or pressure.
** ensure the client reports to you by using constant communication, always asking if the pressure is too deep, or if they are uncomfortable.
How do we use “visualization” to empower the client before massage?
It is important for your client to know what to expect from a relaxation massage. Client has the opportunity to ask questions and to refuse any part of the service. Client can ask to discontinue service at any time.
- what to discuss with your client before the massage begins:
1. Benefits of the service they’re about to receive
2. Any risks or negative aspects of the service
3. What alternatives you may offer
4. Which portion of clothing the client will have to remove
5. What kind of oils and lotions you will be using in case of allergy or sensitivities
6. Empowerment Dash client should feel free to tell you if they feel uncomfortable about the techniques being used, or if more or less pressure should be used.
7. Be clear of how you want the client to Andres and position on the table. Show the client where and how to lay down so they are not in the wrong position when you enter the room.
8. Always ask if the client has any questions before you begin
9. Always get the clients consent to continue the massage

Describe static holding and the purpose of this manipulation.
Static holding is the first massage manipulation to be performed as well as the last one. The purpose of this manipulation is to establish contact in touch with the client, reduce their anxiety, induce relaxation, and transfer positive energy.
In order to perform static holding the therapist hands are relaxed and in contact with the clients body. The therapist hands are commonly placed in a symmetrical position. Weight of hands is rested on the clients body without applying any additional pressure. Hands make and break contact gently and gradually. Hands are held steady while in contact with the clients body. This manipulation is performed for 30 seconds up to two minutes.
Describe static holding of the leg.
- Undrape leg securing sheet under the leg and talking into inferior edge of the clients underwear
- Palpate muscles of the thigh, then calf
- Feel the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel
- Palpate both legs for any differences in temperature, texture or tension
Describe the effects & benefits of massage on the body.
Our bodies respond to massage in two specific ways: physically and psychologically.
- Psychological effects of massage or broad. When performed on a regular basis massage can relieve stress and tension in the client. Client will feel refreshed, invigorated and healthier in her outlook.
- Another factor that contributes to positive and beneficial effects of massage is spending 50 to 60 minutes in a relaxing ambiance while receiving focussed attention from a therapist
- Lasting affects of a massage vary from each individual. Majority of benefits may cease immediately after massage. Long-term effects may be sustained through the clients self-care and maintenance.
- physical benefits include the indirect cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, along with the skin, muscles and tissue.
- Improve skin condition
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Decreases the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis
- Reduces premenstrual syndrome
- Increase is white and red blood cell count
- Increased oxygen saturation in blood
- Reduces the heart rate providing a calming affect
-  promotes rapid removal of waste products from the body
- Replenish nutritive materials
- Create an overall sense of well-being
- Softens and breaks down localized fatty deposits
- Relaxes tense and contracted muscles, improving muscle tone
- stimulates the nerve endings, relieve muscle fatigue and pain
