Draping

Draping refers to the covering of a client with a sheet or tile, allowing only the portion of the clients body being worked upon to be uncovered.

When the therapist works he/she on drapes the area that will receive the work. The adjusted drape now becomes a nonverbal boundary to the client.

It tells the client where the therapist will work and stop working. A therapist never works under a draped area. If the drape is too low, the therapist must stop and adjust the drape to accommodate the work. Once the therapist finishes with that area, the client is re-draped. Genitals and women’s breasts are never exposed or massaged.

Draping creates a sense of professional boundaries for the client, which instills a sense of safety.

Draping:

• Demonstrates professionalism
• supports codes of conduct
• supports the law in most states
• creates boundaries
• establishes trust
• communicates respect and honor
• creates a non-verbal message to the client that:
  • the therapist is taking care of him/her
  • the massaged is non-sexual
  • the client can relax in knowing his/her modesty is being protected
  • the therapist works from a place of intention, awareness and respect for the client
• keeps the client warm
• allows the therapist to work comfortably