Swedish massage example
This is a complete case study example from one of our student having studied our Swedish Massage Course
Preparation
Prior to my client arriving I had to make sure I had a calm and clean atmosphere. I carefully prepare myself, my massage couch and the treatment room. I had my new, clean protective clothing on giving a professional appearance. I placed a layer of couch roll on my therapist couch after I cleaned it with antiseptic wipes as the item had been newly purchased. I made sure everything I needed was close by, making it easy to reach if needed. I had removed all jewelry and had my hair tied back in a bun. I made sure my mobile phone was set to silent, being mindful of my clients peaceful and undisturbed Swedish massage session. I put on some relaxing music to set the mood, which I found on YouTube and dimmed the lights in the treatment room as the treatment room is fitted with a dimmer light switch. I took a few deep breaths and done some stretching exercise for a few minutes as I wanted to clear my mind of any clutter which may have been retained from my day, after which I left the treatment room calm and ready to greet and consult with my client.
Consultation
I greeted my client with a warm welcoming smile. I then sat next to my client to assist my client with her treatment form as English was her second language. I asked my client if she had any questions or concerns relating to the treatment form or Swedish massage session, which she did. I was able to answer my client’s questions and concerns to the best of my ability. This was the first time my client was to experience a massage of any kind. My client seemed somewhat self conscious about her body.
Offering Client Assurance
I assured my client that her treatment along with anything discussed in the consultation or during the massage session was strictly confidential and disclaimers were in place. I was pleased to learn that there had been no sudden life style changes in my client’s life.
Clients Current Health Status
My client has well all round health, with weekly gym classes, a healthy balanced diet and is not taking any medication. There were no other obvious underlying issues. My client accepted my offer for the free massage because she wanted to help me achieve my Swedish massage diploma so she kindly agreed to be my case study. I am truly grateful for her kindness.
Client Concerns
My client also expressed that her upper and lower back felt tight, she told me it was due to her carrying heavy bags to and from work. My client told me she hoped the treatment / Swedish massage I was offering would be beneficial for the tightened muscles she felt. I reassured my client of her hopes, explaining the massage would definitely be beneficial for the tight muscles. I advised my client to try to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity and to drink plenty of water.
Essential Oils
I offered my client a choice of two oils to choose from for her treatment (almond oil and Lavender oil). I had purchased the oils when I purchased my therapists uniform / protective clothing. My client chose Lavender oil as my client has nut alleges.
Explanation of massage strokes
I explained the different technique, strokes, and the pressure I would be using while carrying out the Swedish massage on my client. I assured my client that I would try my best to make sure she felt comfortable throughout the entire massage session. I explained that I was aware that knotted and tightened muscles can be a bit tender at times especially when worked on and I would be happy to stop the massage session at any time if she felt uncomfortable or were to experience any discomfort during the session as my aim was to ease the knots she felt in her back muscles and make her feel more relaxed overall.
Entering treatment room
Once my client and I entered the treatment room, I asked my client if she would undress, leaving just her underwear on. I explained that once undressed to lay down in the supine position / face up on the couch with her head resting on the towel and to use the larger towel if needed to cover herself once undressed. I left a larger towel neatly folded on the end of the couch. I left the treatment room allowing my client time to undress.
Swedish massage
When I entered the treatment room I asked my client if she wanted the music which was playing in the treatment room left on. My client said that she would like the music left on as it was giving her a relaxing feeling.
Arm Massage
With the client’s body and both legs covered, I exposed my clients left arm and proceeded to work gently on my clients arm by using gentle effleurage strokes X4 up the whole arm with the lavender oil. I tried my best to keep my hand relaxed, yet firm, flexible and controlled as I was aware it would make it easier for my hands to smoothly glide up and down my clients arm. This was my client’s first massage and I wanted my client to get use to having contact with me. I then preformed a Petrissage technique called Fulling X 3 after which I went back into Effleurage X4. I then covered my clients arm with the towel moving across to my client’s right arm and repeating the same movements and strokes listed above, after which I covered my clients arm with the towel.
Front of legs
I Effleuraged X4 strokes my clients left leg with lavender oil performing slow, gentle and rhythmic effleurage movements. I Effleuraged the client’s thighs X4 strokes using enough pressure to have a powerful effect on the area that I was working on. I then went into Petrissage X4 / kneading as I noticed her muscle were feeling warm and relaxed, after which I went back into Effleuraged on the clients whole leg, starting from ankle to thigh which I understand increases blood flow and aid circulation. After I had massage my clients left leg, I covered her leg with a towel and continued on the other leg, her right leg, repeating the same sequence as the left leg listed above.
Back massage
I went around to the left side of my client’s body and gently pulled my clients towel half way down her body, exposing her arms and back including the lower back only, keeping her legs and feet covered with the towel. I preformed the effleurage strokes X4 being mindful of my client’s tightened muscles. I went into Petrissage X4 which I know is used on all fleshy areas of the body. I was able to adjust the pressure to suit and work a little deeper in these muscles. I then went back into the effleurage strokes X4.
Back of Legs
I preformed the Effleuraged X4 strokes on the clients left leg with lavender oil. I performed slow, gentle and rhythmic effleurage movements, after which I went into Petrissage X4 strokes – kneading. I Effleuraged the client’s thighs X4 firm strokes. I then Petrissage X4 as I noticed her muscle were feeling warm and relaxed using the Kneading technique, moving in a circular rotating motion lifting the tissue as it is rolled away from the bone then back towards the bone with a squeezing compressive action using enough pressure to have a powerful effect on the area that I was working on. I went back into Effleuraged the clients whole leg starting from ankle to thigh which I understand increases blood flow and aid circulation. I covered my client’s leg with a towel and continued on the other leg / the right leg, repeating the same sequence as the left leg listed above.
Completion of Massage
When finished, I allowed my client space to have a little time to rest while I prepared a drink of water for her. When my client was finally ready I asked her if she needed assistance getting off of the treatment couch. My client told me that she didn’t need assistance getting off of the treatment couch. I left the room so my client could get dressed. My client expressed that her back and over all mood felt a lot better, feeling a sense of calmness after her massage. My client said that the tightness from her muscles did not appear tight anymore expressing how relaxed she felt.
Feedback from Client
My client told me that she really enjoyed her first massage experience and she would like to invest in a monthly treatment session
Completed.
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