What are your session flow(s) like?

[Farty McFart]

Hey folks,

I'm curious to hear about people's session flows. Someone was asking me if I followed "scripts"... and I don't have a clear yes or no.

For relaxation clients and nearly every spa session, I have a general flow I like that follows a particular flow of energy in the body: I start them prone and start at the lower legs and work my way up the back of the body, then turn them over and work down, ending at the feet.

Within that, I have specific sequences of strokes I generally like to use, transitions that I've developed that work for me, etc.

When people come multiple times and their bodies aren't all that different each time, the massage does tend to be very similar each time... especially in a spa setting. Given the amount of time (next to none) I have to get to know the spa clients, I really value having this framework that each session can hang off of, and only modify portions within the framework to tailor to the specific person.

I have been modifying it a lot more, especially with clients who have specific complaints, particularly ones that just don't fit into the framework. For example, with a number of folks I've been starting them off with fascial work first on specific areas... of course then I tend to the move into my framework massage, but even that is changing some lately.

How about you? How similar or different is each massage?

 

[noselessman]

I have my own office where I do most of my massage, but I do one day a week at the clinic at the massage school as a professional, and a couple massages a month at a local salon.

For swedish, I have a "basic" routine, with transitions, main strokes, and usually the same beginning/ending. I start with them prone, do back, arms/hands, then legs/glutes/feet. I flip them over and do front of leg/feet, and then do chest, then neck, then head/face if they desire.

If they have particular trouble spots, I will focus on those, and depending on their requests, I may mix up various parts of the massage to suit their needs (i.e., start with them supine, instead of the usual prone, if they want more neck work than anything else--do the neckwork, and then do everything else).

For deep tissue it is all individual, besides the swedish I use to warm up and finish.

I find that it helps having a "routine" and writing down I do with each client so I can remember for next time. I think people really like to know that everytime they come in, they'll get the same thing, or something similar, so they know what to expect. It keeps them coming back to me, I think, as long as I personalize it to their specific needs enough to make them feel the best they possibly can!

 

[Hannah B]

Actually I don' t have to much of a set routine, except the ending. I always end with hot towels on the feet and some compressions followed by a full body jostle. I am pretty much on my own now but when I was at the spa I know what you mean. Its easier with the time constraints and knowing you have 4 or 5 in row to establish more of a set thing. That being said, with my regulars I try and do what ever it is that they really liked last time. I have taken to asking them if there is something I did they really liked last time or something another LMP did that they really liked.
Lets hear more

 

[shadow95340]

well, ego, i would have to say like you, there's no clear yes or no. when i was working in the salon/spa, and it was saturday with seven clients on the book in eight hours (thanks for the lunch break, huh?) it was REAL easy to slip in to that massage robot mentality... going through the day without almost being there. main stroke neck, main stroke neck, main stroke neck.... man, there's some tight scms.... main stroke pecs, main stroke, pecs, main stroke pecs... hopefully moving quick enough to spend extra time on traps and levator scap (where they indicated tightness) but "can you please still do a full body for relaxation?", even though they showed up 10 minutes late, (and yes you need to fill out that form and sign that disclaimer) and so on.... NEXT. also, when we did couple's massage, we tried to time the massages out, so that we both started prone and then flipped at the same time. so, that got to be pretty routine.

also, i had kind of one routine that i learned the first time i went to school. you know, the demo massage you practice relentlessly until you get the call from the first potential employer to schedule an interview and demo. as i practiced on the public, learned what worked, learned new things from other therapists i worked with, a new kind of routine developed at the salon... then, when i went to school the second time, i kind of doubted myself and everything i had already learned, [after all i only went to a 300 hour program, and THIS program is 1150 hours (this has passed)] and i tried to "put away" the way i used to do things. i guess i really tried to put aside my self, and try to absorb my school experience with as fresh an attitude as possible. and then, you know, i realized the way i was doing massage was lovely, and special. and i would do things in student clinic that i used to do as a MT, my clients LOVED it. they thought my flow was so unique. and i had the confidence to combine the TrP therapy and neromuscular therapy routines into a massage that flowed and relaxed the client, but also gave them the "technical" work they come to expect from the students and staff who work there.

my preference, when i'm working for myself, is to take my time with each client. to really listen and observe what they want the outcome of their session to be. and then, apply the techniques that are appropriate. ideally my sessions are 80-90 minutes, especially if they have specific work to be done. if they are seeing me for the first time, i think it takes that long for them to really get relaxed and have time for me to get to know their issues and apply some therapy. after we are doing regular sessions, like we have done at least 3 or 4 consecutively, i might say something like, "do you need anything different than the last session?" and go from there. i keep pretty good notes, but they'll usually let me know, "yeah my calves are tight like always, and extra time with my left shoulder please." or whatever it is.
also, i remember when i first started doing massage, i used to visualize myself doing a massage before going to bed, so i could see myself applying the strokes and moving through a routine. i guess i used to stress when i worked at the salon, because i preferred to work intuitively and was in constant danger of running over time if i didn't pay attention to being a massage bot instead.

 

[Skalite]

I wouldn't personally say that I had a "script", but there are a few things that I incorporate into my routine almost without fail.

-Always I try to incorporate at least three or four good double forearm strokes along the paraspinals.

-Since I have a pretty decent wingspan I like to massage the client's foot, and then reach up and simultaneously massage their scalp. I can almost never retain proper stance to do so, but it's a temporary position, and it hasn't failed to blow my clients away so far. From there, I'll work my foot hand up their leg, and my scalp hand down their back, and meet at the glutes for some kneading. Then, I'll work my way back down, reapeat once more, and then go with both hands either down the leg or up the back to the neck, depending on what I want my next move to be.

-Toward the end of the massage, with maybe 20 minutes left, I'll have them flip over onto their back. I'll begin by running my arm underneath their body at their lower back. Then, I'll run an arm under each side, almost hugging them, and pull them back again. Finally, I'll go for the whole back. Beginning from a position at their left hip and facing their head, I will take my right arm (moderately lotioned) and run it diagonally under their body. My left hand will pull up their right shoulder to give my right hand access to it. When my right arm is completely under their body, I lift their torso up and off the table with my right arm as I rake my hand back down to their left hip, gently lowering them as I go. It's a lot of effort, and it is a major drain on my strength (especially with my heavier clients), but after receiving this massage from my instructor, I knew I had to learn it and use it as often as I can.

-I'll usually conclude with a scalp massage, and gently extract myself from the client's space by pulling my hands gently through the length of their hair.

 

[carmencita120]

I wouldn't personally say that I had a "script", but there are a few things that I incorporate into my routine almost without fail.

-Always I try to incorporate at least three or four good double forearm strokes along the paraspinals.

-Since I have a pretty decent wingspan I like to massage the client's foot, and then reach up and simultaneously massage their scalp. I can almost never retain proper stance to do so, but it's a temporary position, and it hasn't failed to blow my clients away so far. From there, I'll work my foot hand up their leg, and my scalp hand down their back, and meet at the glutes for some kneading. Then, I'll work my way back down, reapeat once more, and then go with both hands either down the leg or up the back to the neck, depending on what I want my next move to be.

-Toward the end of the massage, with maybe 20 minutes left, I'll have them flip over onto their back. I'll begin by running my arm underneath their body at their lower back. Then, I'll run an arm under each side, almost hugging them, and pull them back again. Finally, I'll go for the whole back. Beginning from a position at their left hip and facing their head, I will take my right arm (moderately lotioned) and run it diagonally under their body. My left hand will pull up their right shoulder to give my right hand access to it. When my right arm is completely under their body, I lift their torso up and off the table with my right arm as I rake my hand back down to their left hip, gently lowering them as I go. It's a lot of effort, and it is a major drain on my strength (especially with my heavier clients), but after receiving this massage from my instructor, I knew I had to learn it and use it as often as I can.

-I'll usually conclude with a scalp massage, and gently extract myself from the client's space by pulling my hands gently through the length of their hair.

I so visualized this while reading....One day I will hunt you down (not literally lol) when I am in your state and get a massage by you!

 

[Q.B]

I'd be honored. Good news...since I'm in the Pensacola area, I'm a hop, skip, and a jump away.

 

[peter]

I wouldn't personally say that I had a "script", but there are a few things that I incorporate into my routine almost without fail.

-Always I try to incorporate at least three or four good double forearm strokes along the paraspinals.

-Since I have a pretty decent wingspan I like to massage the client's foot, and then reach up and simultaneously massage their scalp. I can almost never retain proper stance to do so, but it's a temporary position, and it hasn't failed to blow my clients away so far. From there, I'll work my foot hand up their leg, and my scalp hand down their back, and meet at the glutes for some kneading. Then, I'll work my way back down, reapeat once more, and then go with both hands either down the leg or up the back to the neck, depending on what I want my next move to be.

-Toward the end of the massage, with maybe 20 minutes left, I'll have them flip over onto their back. I'll begin by running my arm underneath their body at their lower back. Then, I'll run an arm under each side, almost hugging them, and pull them back again. Finally, I'll go for the whole back. Beginning from a position at their left hip and facing their head, I will take my right arm (moderately lotioned) and run it diagonally under their body. My left hand will pull up their right shoulder to give my right hand access to it. When my right arm is completely under their body, I lift their torso up and off the table with my right arm as I rake my hand back down to their left hip, gently lowering them as I go. It's a lot of effort, and it is a major drain on my strength (especially with my heavier clients), but after receiving this massage from my instructor, I knew I had to learn it and use it as often as I can.

-I'll usually conclude with a scalp massage, and gently extract myself from the client's space by pulling my hands gently through the length of their hair.

Whoah. I so want a massage from you!

 

[Mari C]

It's a long way down from Wisconsin, my friend...but if you're ever in Pensacola, look me up.

 

[Smooch Bat]

My routine is also not really a script but sort of the same, that is I have an idea of what I want to accomplish in a normal session with each client. This is good for those rare times when I lose focus....I can refocus and for the next couple of strokes get it back together. Anyone else ever do that?

Within my routine, I have tons of strokes I use depending on the client and what they need. With some of my weekly people, I try to throw in something new every few sessions. I don't want them bored and I don't want to fall into a robotic state. One of my clients likes her feet done first, so I accomodate her.

I also do the 2 hands under the back with the client supine. I let their body weight be the pressure as I move up from the lower back to the base of the neck and out. Sometimes, I'll add a little jostle as I'm coming up rather than a straight shot up the spine.

Another one my clients love.....this stroke is done while the client is prone. I do upper work in one block and then go to each side for glute and leg work. When I'm done with the one side (and before going to the next), I'll undrape the one side completely (leaving the other side completely draped....all very proper)........and starting at the feet, do one complete unbroken stroke (2 hands), following the contours of the body, ending in the upper trap area where I give a hold.....and lightly fingertip back (one hand following shoulder, arm and hand and the other following body) down for one more stroke. I then drape and go to work on the other side.

 

[Pompal 09.]

my flow is a bit different with each client as well. I find that I will focus a gentle/firmer touch based on their needs that day. I have learned that listening to what the client wants is more important than what I think they may need. Lots of times I will find myself doing a stroke that I didn't consciously think of doing, it's as though my hands can sense what the client needs.

I am still very new to the field, and feel that I have much to learn. I really enjoy reading these posts, I'm so glad I found this site!!

 

[usman]

Because I do mostly relaxation massages, I have somewhat of a sequence that I follow, as far as the order of body parts, but with variation on what specific techniques I use on those body parts.

Most often, I start with the client prone, work the back and posterior neck, redrape, then work each leg/glute/foot, redrape, flip, then work from the feet back up the body, ending with the face/scalp if the client wants that (note that I use hand sanitizer after I finish the feet). If I start with the client supine, the order of parts is basically reversed.