Stepping into a massage session often brings anticipation, but for many newcomers, getting onto the table can introduce uncertainty. Understanding the proper procedure for mounting and positioning your body ensures a smoother experience. Your comfort and clarity about these initial steps allow you to fully relax and receive the therapeutic benefits of the session.
Preparing for the Table
Before you approach the massage table, your therapist will provide clear instructions regarding what clothing to remove and what to keep on. In most common modalities, clients undress to their level of comfort, knowing they will be fully covered by a sheet or blanket throughout the session. This draping material is used to maintain your modesty and warmth, which helps prevent the activation of the sympathetic nervous system’s cold response.
Once the therapist has left the treatment room, wait until they have closed the door and given you permission to start your preparation. This communication ensures your privacy before you begin to undress and get ready to mount the table.
Positioning Face Down
After preparing, the initial position is typically face down, or prone, which allows the therapist access to the posterior chain of muscles first. To get onto the table, stand alongside the long edge, place one hand on the table for balance, and step up, turning your body to lie down slowly. It is important to position yourself centered and fully supported by the table’s surface to prevent feeling unbalanced during the massage, which could interrupt your relaxation response.
The next step is to settle your head into the face cradle, which is the padded, horseshoe-shaped support at one end of the table. Adjust your neck until it feels neutral and relaxed, avoiding any strain or awkward angle that might compress the cervical vertebrae. The design of the cradle is intended to keep your airway open and your spine in alignment while you are lying on your stomach.
Allow your arms to rest naturally along your sides, or place them on any dedicated armrests that might be present on the table. Avoid crossing your arms under your forehead or attempting to hold a stiff posture, as this can introduce tension into the shoulder girdle. Once you are settled, make sure the sheet is pulled up to cover your body completely before the therapist re-enters the room.
Transitioning to Face Up
At the appropriate time during the treatment, the therapist will verbally instruct you to turn over from the face-down position. This transition is always guided by the professional, so wait for their specific directions before attempting to move. They will often hold the sheet or blanket taut to maintain a secure line of sight barrier.
To turn, you will generally move like a log, rolling smoothly onto your back while maintaining contact with the sheet draped over your body. The sheet acts as a continuous, dynamic privacy screen, moving with you as you change orientation. Once you are lying face up, or supine, ensure your body remains centered on the table.
Your arms can rest comfortably at your sides, and the therapist may place a bolster or cushion beneath your knees. This slight elevation under the knees is a common technique used to relieve strain on the lower back and promote complete relaxation of the hip flexors. Your only job during this transition is to follow the therapist’s simple instructions and remain passive in the movement.