The massage or bodywork client puts much trust in the therapist. Rarely in any other circumstance would the client allow someone they know so little so much privilege. The client may be undressed on a massage table, or sitting in a chair with their back to the therapist. The therapist hovers over client, allowed to manipulate the client’s body. Whatever the therapeutic scenario, the client realizes they are in a vulnerable state. Proper draping goes a long way in enabling the client to overcome vulnerability and relax in this situation.

An improperly draped client may demonstrate discomfort by chattering. Placing a blanket over a chatterer and massaging one small uncovered part at a time will frequently end the stream of talk. The client feels the heaviness of the blanket and realizes the protection.

Many people are not all that comfortable with their bodies. They do not think they are beautiful. They are the worse critics of their own bodies. The more they are draped, the more relaxed they will be. Until they get to know the therapist better, they may worry they are being judged.

Male therapists working with female clients should be particularly diligent with this ethic. In the United States, it is common practice to drape the female clients breasts. Any deviation should be authorized in writing for the therapist’s own safety.

Some jurisdictions do not require draping but this ethic suggest that certified therapists will drape whether or not the law requires them to do so.

Schools teach proper draping methods. As therapists accumulate practice, they become comfortable with bodies and may become sloppy in their draping. This is an area where sticking to the rules will avoid problems.

There is a common scenario in movies. A male patient, embarrassed at having to expose himself to a female nurse, is greeted by the nurse with “You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before.” This does not change how he feels, even in the film. Reponses such as this are not appropriate. It does not insure the comfort of the client. Some clients are simply uncomfortable with their bodies. A more appropriate response to such a client might be to discuss a draping method that the client can be comfortable with.

Therapists working from medical instructions will ensure the safety of the client by strictly adhering to the limits of the doctor’s orders.