Another sheet question

[JobHunting2010.org]

I've searched through topics on sheets, but not run across my question, so please bear with a newbie here. I just graduated this year and about to start my practice. For school I used the Walmart cotton sheets to learn draping. With the way I was taught draping and using the cotton sheets, I can drape very high on the hip and nicely snug...almost like having a diaper on the client, you know? Now that I've done a few hands-on interviews, though, I see that many places are using flannel sheets, which I find harder to drape with smoothly. The first time I ran across the flannel in a hands-on, it totally threw off my game as it seemed like it "stuck" to the bottom sheet and I could not pull the drape as high as I usually do. Does anyone else feel this way? Can you give me some tips? I need to supply my own sheets at the place I have decided to work. I know the flannel sheets feel nicer to many clients, so I was considering buying some, but I don't want to appear unprofessional using them when I can't seem to drape properly with them.

 

[Larkin L]

I'd suggest practice practice practice... and maybe instead of pulling the sheet all the way through under the leg to make the diaper drape, just tuck in under the leg.

 

[sitnfish]

...and the newer the flannel sheets are, the "stickier" they are too. Once they have been used a while, they smooth out a little lol.

What I found when transitioning to flannel, is to expose more before making the "swoop" under whatever during the drape. This means less material has to slide to get it where I want it. For example, when draping the leg in supine, in school we were taught to slide the edge of the sheet at an angle a couple inches above the knee, then reaching under the leg and sliding the drape underneath and securing. With the flannel sheets, I'll slide the edge at an angle darn close to where I want the final drape to lay, so there's much less material that has to pass under the leg. I also make sure there's enough extra material up around the torso so that I can adjust/secure the top part of the drape so I have access to the ASIS and lateral hip as necessary, and still have enough to tuck the drape without the sheet slipping off the clients shoulder.

I REALLY hope something in there made sense LOL

Bottom line though, IS to practice until you're comfortable with whatever technique works for you .

 

[Rebecca A]

JaeMarie, that does make a bit of sense. I believe I know what you mean.

Moose-Goose, my next step is to buy a set and as you say....practice practice practice!

Thanks, folks!

 

[cheryl d]

Massagewarehouse.com has their flannel sheets on sale for (I believe?)$14.99/set. I was just looking at their latest sale booklet yesterday and noticed that.

Angie

 

[dijahtude08]

Hi shoelessmom,
Congratulations of finishing school and beginning your practice!

On the subject of sheets here's my opinion. I have used flannel sheets for a long time. Lots of people like them and say so. However, there are people that don't like them - too hot. Also, I am using more of the regular-type sheets (light weight) now because the flannels take much more dryer time.

Draping: Unless I am going to do something that requires moving the legs around, I prefer to push the sheet between the leg in one smoothe movement making sure that the sheet is giving the person the feeling that it is secure (which it is). When I do feel like I need to drape under the leg, I have the person involved in the process. I let them know what I will be doing and have them slightly bend their leg to allow the sheet to be positioned correctly. This way they are comfortable and feel in control and I am spared the lifting of a heavy limb.

 

[donya d]

If you end up working at a place that uses flannel, you'll become comfortable with them in short order. It's just a matter of learning by doing, and hopefully getting some pointers from other MTs that have been doing so longer than you.

 

[bryn]

I am actually going to start working at a place where I will provide my own sheets, so I am trying to make the decision of which type to buy.

 

[jr1972]

I am actually going to start working at a place where I will provide my own sheets, so I am trying to make the decision of which type to buy.

I have both flannel and regular sheets that I use. This time of year you can't really find flannel in the stores to buy, so I ordered some (super soft!) ones from bed bath & beyond.com.

 

[POM MOM..GUNNER AND DIXIE]

I'm considering buying both. I know I am at least going to buy a few flannel sets at first to practice with at home and see if I can get more comfortable with draping them. I'm getting so excited about finally getting to work. Still waiting on my license to finalize here in TN, but it should only be a few weeks now and I'll be good to go.

 

[Socks33]

The entrances to my massage room are through the mens and womens locker rooms at a health club. The temps are pretty stable, but even during the summer the air conditioning is cranked so cool that I use flannel year around, and add a blanket during the winter.

If you're buying your own, I'd ask the other therapists what the rooms are like in different seasons.