If you’ve booked a professional massage before, you may have wondered about something called “draping.” What is draping in massage, and why is it done during a massage session?
OR, you arrive at the spa for your massage appointment and are led to a quiet, candlelit room. After a moment, the therapist steps in and asks you to undress and lie down under the sheet on the table.
As you settle in for some much-needed relaxation, a thought suddenly occurs – how exactly will I be covered during the massage? Will it feel awkward being undressed? What gets draped, and when?
Questions like these are common for first-time massage clients. You want the stress-relieving benefits of bodywork but may feel apprehensive about aspects like draping.
Not to worry! Proper draping techniques are a core skill for professional massage therapists. Their goal is to keep you comfortably covered, only uncovering the area being actively worked on at a given time.
In this post on “What is Draping in Massage,” I’ll provide a primer on draping – what it means, why it’s used, and best practices to preserve your modesty and comfort on the massage table. Consider it a draping FAQ so you can relax and focus on enjoying the massage.
Let’s start by answering the most basic question…
What is meant by Draping in Massage?
“In simple terms, draping refers to the use of sheets, towels, or blankets to cover parts of the client’s body during the massage. The purpose is primarily for privacy and comfort. Draping allows clients to feel more relaxed and secure as they receive therapeutic bodywork.”
What is the Purpose of Draping in a Massage?
So why do massage therapists go through the effort of draping clients during sessions? What purpose does this process serve?
There are a few key reasons draping is considered a best practice:
- Preserves modesty – Having areas covered helps clients avoid feeling exposed or vulnerable when undressed. Draping maintains a level of privacy.
- Provides warmth – Lying still with oil on the skin could cause clients to get chilled. Drapes help retain body heat during the massage.
- Aids relaxation – Clients may tense up if they feel too uncovered. Draping provides a sense of security that allows better relaxation.
- Upholds boundaries – Therapists must respect personal boundaries regarding touch. Draping is a way to honor a client’s preferences.
- Shows professionalism – Proper draping demonstrates the therapist’s training and respect for clients. It builds trust.
The bottom line is that draping facilitates an environment where the client feels safe, respected, and cared for throughout the therapeutic massage. It enables the physical and mental benefits of bodywork to be delivered effectively.
When is Draping Used in Massage?
The use of draping is standard practice for most types of massage. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and other common modalities are almost always performed with draping. It preserves modesty and makes clients more comfortable receiving otherwise beneficial bodywork.
However, there are some exceptions where draping may not be used. For example, Thai massage is traditionally performed with clients wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The techniques applied in Thai massage don’t require directly touching the skin, so draping sheets aren’t necessary.
There are also a handful of specialized massage techniques where the client may need to be partially or fully uncovered. For example, certain lymphatic drainage techniques are applied directly to the skin and thus require moving drapes.
However, reputable massage therapists will always communicate clearly with clients in advance if the work requires any draping adjustments or uncovered areas. Clients should speak up if they have concerns or preferences regarding draping during their session.
So, while draping is standard for most massage modalities, there are some exceptions based on the specific type of bodywork to be performed. Thai massage and other clothed modalities don’t require draping. Certain specialized techniques may involve discreetly moving drapes only as necessary. However, open communication about draping is key in every session.
Is it OK to be Uncovered During a Massage?
In most cases, it is not considered acceptable or professional for clients to be fully uncovered during a massage. Proper draping techniques are the standard that therapists are trained on. Being completely undraped could make many clients feel embarrassed or exposed.
However, as mentioned, there are certain modalities like Thai massage where clothing can remain on. Some specialty massage techniques do require discreetly adjusting drapes to uncover the specific area being worked on.
However, it is not the norm or standard practice for clients to be nude or completely uncovered at any point in a massage. Therapists should not make assumptions here. The onus is on them to apply draping judiciously based on the treatment, while clients also need to voice their preferences.
If you have concerns about modesty or feel you would prefer not to have certain areas uncovered, communicate that to your therapist ahead of time. Some massage clinics provide forms where you can specify any draping preferences you have.
Responsible therapists will explain their draping protocols and make sure you are comfortable with the degree of coverage. They should seek consent before uncovering any area, only doing so temporarily as needed to perform a technique.
While moments of discreet uncovered positioning may be appropriate based on the modality, you, as the client, are entitled to specify your comfort level. Clear communication between both parties is key to ensuring proper draping is applied during any massage session.
Related Post: Do I need to get Naked for a Massage?
Proper Draping Techniques
So, how exactly should a massage therapist properly drape clients during a session? Proper draping relies on the strategic use of linens to cover different sections of the body comfortably and securely.
Typically, therapists will use a combination of sheets, towels, and blankets to drape clients on the massage table. Flat sheets are ideal for covering the torso, while smaller towels can drape the glutes, hips, and upper thighs discretely.
The client should initially be covered with drapes everywhere except the first area being massaged. For example, if starting with the back, the client would lay face-down with their back exposed and the rest of the body covered.
As the therapist moves to massage other areas like the legs or shoulders, they carefully adjust the linens to uncover that specific part temporarily. Quick hand motions are used to hold drapes in place while moving between body zones.
If any technique requires moving drapes from a sensitive area like the glutes or chest, it is done with great care and communication. The therapist may ask permission, pause so the client can adjust drapes themselves, or find other workarounds to preserve modesty.
The key is only uncovering what is absolutely necessary at a given moment during the massage. Through precision draping methods, clients can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy while feeling comfortably covered throughout the session.
Draping Different Body Areas
When draping clients during massage, therapists need to take special care with certain sensitive areas of the body. How to best drape the back, legs, glutes, chest, and other areas takes practice and consideration.
Let’s go over some key tips.
- Back – The back is often massaged first, in which case a flat sheet can cover the lower body while the client lies face-down. Side-lying positioning may require additional small towels to cover the hip/glute region.
- Legs – The legs are relatively easy to drape discreetly with a single sheet, only moving the drape to expose one leg at a time during massage. Bending the knees can help prevent overexposure.
- Glutes – Draping the glutes is done carefully with small towels, preserving modesty during techniques like sacral work. Therapists may ask before uncovering this area even partially.
- Chest – Women may prefer to keep the chest fully covered during supine positioning. Towels can be placed strategically across the collar bones/pectorals if necessary.
- Inner thighs – Extra care should be taken when working on the inner thighs, using hand towels to protect privacy. Clients may prefer to self-drape this intimate area.
Gender, personal trauma history, and other factors also influence draping preferences. Open communication allows therapists to determine how to drape each client appropriately. Establishing trust and comfort is vital.
What Happens After Draping?
Proper draping etiquette doesn’t end when the massage does. Therapists still have an important role to play once the session finishes.
Key steps include:
- Ensuring the client is fully covered as the massage concludes. At this stage, all drapes that may have been moved for access during massage should be replaced. The client should be left feeling secure and comfortable as they transition off the table.
- Allowing the client privacy to get dressed after the session. This means stepping out of the room or turning away while they remove any covering sheets and put clothing back on. Rushing this process could undermine the relaxing benefits of massage.
- Properly disposing of soiled linens used during massage. Any sheets or towels containing oils or other debris should be placed in designated laundry bins. Proper cleaning prevents contamination between clients.
Following this kind of post-massage protocol shows clients that their experience and comfort with draping matters up until the very end. Therapists still need to exercise the same care and professionalism once the actual massage is over.
Taking these steps helps clients leave with the best impression of their therapist’s respect for modesty and privacy when using draping during massage. Remember, unlike happy ending massage therapists, Pure professionals assure the best privacy as much as Possible.
Draping Standards and Regulations
Most massage therapists today receive training on draping as part of their professional education. Respecting clients’ preferences and boundaries regarding draping is now considered an essential skill.
Specific licensing laws related to draping also exist in many states where massage therapy is regulated. For example, some states require that genital areas and breasts are always covered with drapes during massage.
Draping education often covers:
- Using appropriate materials like sheets that are non-transparent.
- Only uncovering the exact body part receiving a massage at a given time.
- Verbal or written consent if adjusting drapes from sensitive areas.
- Proper coverage of all body parts at the conclusion of massage.
Upholding these standards shows clients that professionalism is paramount when providing therapeutic massage. Draping is not just about the physical covers used but about preserving comfort and trust.
Of course, clients have the right to request modifications if certain draping protocols conflict with their values or trauma history. Clear communication and compassion on both sides is key. But respecting common regulations is a therapist’s duty. Remember, Real professionals don’t involve in any illegal Activity, even if you need a Full-Service massage.
Final Words for What is Draping in Massage
We’ve explored the core concepts and questions around draping during professional massage sessions.
To summarize:
- Draping involves using sheets, towels, and blankets to cover clients’ bodies during massage for privacy. Only the area being worked on is uncovered.
- Draping is standard practice for most massage modalities, with some exceptions, like Thai massage. Clients should communicate their preferences upfront.
- Therapists take care when draping sensitive areas like glutes and chest. Gender, trauma history, and personal preferences guide draping techniques.
- Proper draping protocols are taught in massage therapy programs and regulated by licensing laws in many states. Upholding standards shows respect for clients.
- After the massage, ensure clients are fully recovered before allowing them to dress privately. Properly dispose of any soiled linens.
I hope this overview has provided a helpful introduction to draping best practices in massage therapy. While professional therapists aim to preserve modesty and comfort through draping, open communication with clients is still key.
If you have any other questions about draping, don’t hesitate to ask prior to your next massage session. Your therapist should be happy to explain their protocols and work within your boundaries. That way, you can relax and benefit from massage without any draping concerns.
