Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 2 Massage Equipment and Environmental Considerations

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Sees – Décor –Every business has its own unique focus and personality. –Consider techniques you will use and types of clients you desire. –Color, window treatments, flooring, lighting, wall decorations, and extra touches are all elements of decoration.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Sees – Décor –Color psychology: field of study that evaluates effects of colors on human behavior and emotion. –Color symbolism: cultural significance of colors and what colors mean to different groups of people. –Window treatments: privacy, light control, style.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Sees – Décor –In treatment room, dimmer switches work well. –Wall decorations promote image of business, make soothing impression on client, dampen sound. –Decorative items on shelves, side tables, windowsills help create visual interest and define room’s style.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Hears –Auditory environment important because it helps set tone for session and mask outside noise. –Tile or wood flooring may cause echoes that are annoying or distracting. –The right music can evoke strong feelings and beneficial physiological changes in client.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Smells –Good ventilation and fresh air important in massage treatment space. –Therapists must consider their own smells and how they may impact client. –Good smells from natural essential oils in aromatherapy promote relaxation, pleasant mood. –When using aromas, use products with natural rather than synthetic fragrances.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Tastes –Clients sometimes get up from a session and feel shaky and dizzy from low blood sugar. –Small snack provides opportunity for client to wake up and come back to “real world.” –Fresh water provided before, during, after session. –Food and drink should be simple and manageable.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment What the Client Feels –Client enveloped in warm, soft textures. –Bolsters support the joints. –Keep client warm throughout session. –Lotion warmers heat massage oil. –Warm your hands as much as possible.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment Accessibility and Functionality –Doorways, hallways, bathroom entrances wide enough for wheelchairs. –Space accommodates someone in a cast or on crutches. –Long flights of stairs could be a problem. –Convenient parking. –Reception area friendly, neat, and functional.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Message Environment Accessibility and Functionality –Plan space where clients undress to provide privacy and place to hang their clothes. –In bathroom, provide liquid soap. –Have on hand amenities that make it easier for client to tidy up after session.