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Therapeutic Boundaries
Could you guys give me an opinion about therapeutic boundaries?
1. What a massage therapist will do if a client who is or wants to become regular client, has offensive body odor?
2. A Client requested you spend extra time on his feet, as you are draping to work on feet you realize his feet are filthy?
Thank you so much
1. What a massage therapist will do if a client who is or wants to become regular client, has offensive body odor?
2. A Client requested you spend extra time on his feet, as you are draping to work on feet you realize his feet are filthy?
Thank you so much
Views: 1082
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Julie Onofrio on
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The best thing is to address issues as they come up and be direct. Just tell them. Body odor problems sometimes can't be solved with a shower and are really a health issue. Aromatherapy might have to be discussed.
Dirty feet can be remedied by sending them to the bathroom to clean them or you can say you can do it next time when their feet are cleaner or something like that.
Or in both cases you can just say you can't work with them. It isn't your job to take every and all clients. Taking less than your ideal client drains you of your energy.
Julie
www.massagecareerguides.com
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Permalink Reply by Kanoknat (Fiona) on
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Thank you so much for your opinions! Very helpful :)
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Permalink Reply by Dror on
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My approach is a bit different and trying to be tactful.
For the feet problem: depend how filthy they are but you can take a baby swiper and clean it for them. you can mention that it will be easy if they would do it next time before they come.
Body odor is more difficult as some people just have it...do you think they are not having shower? if so, let them know that their muslces are tense and ask them to have a hot shower before they come. you solve the problem, keep them as a client and they might learn something about regular shower....
Best of luck and hope you dont need a gas mask to treat next time!
Dror
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Thank you agakin! I will check it out.
Terry Capuano said:Kanoknat - there are lots of groups on these pages to join. One of them is the Essential Oil group. If you decide to go the route of aromatherapy, they should have some information for you.
Kanoknat Lertprasertsilp said:Thank you so much for your opinions! Very helpful :)
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Thank you so much!
Dror said:My approach is a bit different and trying to be tactful.
For the feet problem: depend how filthy they are but you can take a baby swiper and clean it for them. you can mention that it will be easy if they would do it next time before they come.
Body odor is more difficult as some people just have it...do you think they are not having shower? if so, let them know that their muslces are tense and ask them to have a hot shower before they come. you solve the problem, keep them as a client and they might learn something about regular shower....
Best of luck and hope you dont need a gas mask to treat next time!
Dror
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on
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another way to deal with this before the client comes in is to have a check off list of "what to do before a massage"
you could give it to them with their client questionnaire.
it can list things like:
turn cell phone off
shower prior to session
discuss any allergies
discuss music options/talking during sessions
ask questions
come up with a few so it doesn't look like the main reason is for showering. Also, before the client gets on the table, let them know where the box of baby wipes are and offer them as a "if you'd like to wipe down your feet before getting on the table, I have some baby wipes over there"...this will make the client think about it and hopefully recognize the need for it. :)
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Permalink Reply by Robin Byler Thomas on
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Another method I use in the dirty feet situation (besides the above mentioned great ideas) is to work their feet with the sheet still draping the area.
You can also find some foot sprays that have tea tree oil, pepperment, and other essential oils in them.
Then there's the airing out of the room afterwards.....
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Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on
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*sigh* When I was in school, I had a couple of regular clients who had very strong body odor, even right out of the shower. One of the environments I was in did not allow for the use of essential oils, candles, or anything like that. So I would simply breathe through my mouth while working on them.
As for dirty feet--at the spa I used to work at, we had a hot towel cabinet with steamed towels. I would start every session with a warm washcloth on each of the client's feet; they loved it and I knew their feet were clean. I've also used hot water from a hydroculator or a quick zap in the microwave.
If none of those are regular options for you, I'd just say something to the client about "I'm going to step out for a second and get a washcloth to wipe down your feet." People know their feet get dirty, but they may not think about it before they get on the table. Having someone use a warm washcloth on your feet feels fantastic, rather than scrubbing at them yourself with wipes.
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Thank you so much everyone who responded to my question! Your feedback was very helpful.
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Permalink Reply by Marissa on
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Agree with the "hot towel" treatment. It's a luxurious little perk that all clients will love while doing double duty on the ick factor. Also, you may want to try Sacred Earth Botanicals Foot Cream. It's a little pricey, but the combo of lemongrass and peppermint is fantastic. It completely takes away any offensive odors.
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