Draping Standards

GMF's draping Standards
In order to comply with draping standards set by the American Massage Therapy Association, and to ensure the safety and comfort of my clients, the following standards shall be observed:
1. All clients shall be draped such that genitals, breasts, and the gluteal cleavage are covered. These areas constitute what is referred to later as “private body parts”.
2. When massaging the front of a client’s torso, a towel or pillowcase shall be placed over the client's breast area prior to the sheet being pulled down for access to the abdomen. For massaging the chest, the towel shall remain in place and the therapist will work through the towel or pillowcase.
3. Standard draping practice shall be that the client is fully draped except for the area of the body being massaged. When that part is undraped, care shall be taken to leave covered all private body parts. If a client feels warm, other body areas as requested may be uncovered so long as all private parts remain draped.
4. When turning the client, the massage therapist shall lift up the sheet toward the farthest side of the client just high enough for the client to turn over easily without exposing or uncovering the client.
5. At no time during the massage shall the massage therapist work with the hand under the drape.
6. If at any time any private body parts of the client should become exposed, the therapist shall avert their eyes, or shall maintain eye contact with the client. This technique will add to the comfort of the client and the professionalism of the massage session.
7. All drapes that directly touch the client shall be hygienically clean.
8. Proper body mechanics must be used during draping procedures.