Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body (skin, muscles, connective tissue) usually done through rubbing using some tupe of oil or lotion. Myofascial Release massage is different as it does not use oil, and relies on holds, compressions, and glides to achieve change in the human form.
Holds are done on a skin on skin basis, and do not work through clothes. MFR works by aligning the pelvis (the body's physical center), and then working up and down from there. As in a normal massage, the client is asked to undress to their comfort level and draping materials (usually a sheet) are made available. Although the ideal situation is for the client to be completely undressed, some people are not comfortable with this and will leave on their underwear. Keep in mind, since an MFR therapist works with the pelvis, movements will be performed underneath the client's underwear. In some cases, the client will be asked to pull the underwear down so that the therapist can better work around the low back, lumbar and sacral spine areas, and sometimes hips and glutes (gluteus muscles).
In a proper MFR massage (as performed by Caring Palms), the client is covered or draped at all times with a sheet or towel. The areas worked are always at the discretion, and within the comfort levels of the client. If at any time a client feels uncomfortable, it is up to them to tell the therapist so that the movements can be changed so the client is not uncomfortable. Keep in mind that for MFR to achieve alignment, the low back / pelvic area must be worked. If the client is not copmfortable with this, than the session will end.
While alignment is the primary focus of MFR (as the body tends to stay well when in alignment), it can be used to help with other issues like stiff necks, sore shoulders, limited range of motion, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many more. It is not uncommon for an MFR session to focus on specific problems rather than alignment. (Some specialty styles require less draping. And this is something discussed before the massage. Caring Palms believes in education first so that the client understands exactly what will be involved during the massage session and that there are no surprises for the client or therapist. This happens before the client gets on the table.)
MFR Massage from a licensed professional is not sexual - MFR Massage is healthcare.
