Can your massage clients on the floor!?

Well I wouldn't do it ; it would be hell on my back! As I client I would find it very unusual to be expected to lie on the floor tho and I don't think I would enjoy the experience. But I guess it's between you and your client. If you are both happy then go for it.

I would have to say no, I would feel that it was too intimate and destroys the boundaries that a table creates.

I would have to say no, I would feel that it was too intimate and destroys the boundaries that a table creates.

Thanks guys I think you're both right!! I'll stick with the bed!!!!!

I have shiatsu whilst lying on a very comfy mattress with strategically placed cushions and covers, but it is not 'massage'.

I once had a deep tissue massage whilst at a spa abroad. I was lying on my towel, on a very low marble slab (in Sri Lanka). It was agony. I asked the therapist to stop after about 10 minutes.

You can only ask your clients and let them make the choice. Some may enjoy it, others may not. I, like Sally, will only use a couch - I value my back too much!

thank you Jabba c xx

The OP suggested that shiatsu isn't practiced on the floor. It is generally actually practiced on the floor.

As practitioner who works on a mat (as well as a couch/table) with the client clothed or unclothed with oils, it is totally possible.

Massage on the floor isn't that common in the UK as so many therapists have dodgy knees and backs, and college courses are so unimaginative which then gives the impression that working on a couch (table) is the only way to practice.

As for professional boundaries involved in working on the floor, that's up to the therapist to understand what messages or unconscious desires they may be giving out.

One method of oil massage on the floor is Ayurvedic Yoga Massage and this can be researched online.

Personally I find working on the floor with a comfortable mat (comfy for the client and for my knees) is overall better for my posture and psoas muscles than using a couch. There is many stances that allow the therapist to maintain good posture when working at floor level. All can be learned from the study of Thai (Yoga) Massage, then techniques can be modified with the use of oil massage.

All it takes is a different approach to massage treatments. But if your knees can't handle being on the floor, then keep with the couch.

The OP suggested that shiatsu isn't practiced on the floor. It is generally actually practiced on the floor.

As practitioner who works on a mat (as well as a couch/table) with the client clothed or unclothed with oils, it is totally possible.

Massage on the floor isn't that common in the UK as so many therapists have dodgy knees and backs, and college courses are so unimaginative which then gives the impression that working on a couch (table) is the only way to practice.

As for professional boundaries involved in working on the floor, that's up to the therapist to understand what messages or unconscious desires they may be giving out.

One method of oil massage on the floor is Ayurvedic Yoga Massage and this can be researched online.

Personally I find working on the floor with a comfortable mat (comfy for the client and for my knees) is overall better for my posture and psoas muscles than using a couch. There is many stances that allow the therapist to maintain good posture when working at floor level. All can be learned from the study of Thai (Yoga) Massage, then techniques can be modified with the use of oil massage.

All it takes is a different approach to massage treatments. But if your knees can't handle being on the floor, then keep with the couch.

Thanks for this - definitely food for thought!