RE: Hair and Massage

From: http://www.youtube.com/ivorylemons
Hello. I'm curious on how you would work with a patient with a considerable amount of hair on their body. Do they need to remove it beforehand so as to avoid pain or anything? How does the therapist deal with these situations? Thank you.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• hair
• back
• legs
• massage
• chest
• arm

[medicalmassagedvds]

The problem with women who have hair stubble is that in order to massage effectively, the strokes need to lead to the heart...obviously this goes against the grain of the stubble and can be uncomfortable. Again, a heavier viscosity oil on just this part is helpful. I also used Biotone deep tissue creme and found it better than the usual grapeseed or almond or other lighter oils.

Good question!

Carol Schaefer, LMT

(Asst. to Boris Prilutsky)

[medicalmassagedvds]

Hi...when I was working at a spa, I would leave in the cabinet some olive or canola oil...it is heavier in viscosity and worked much better regarding not pulling on hairs.

Also, it goes without saying I would check in quite often with the client to make sure he was comfortable.

[clspruance]

With really hairy men I use a little cream with my oils, which has worked for me.

[clspruance]

With really hairy men I use a combination of massage cream and oil, always using a little of each so it doesn't become to slippery.