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Care of the Hands
The hands are the most valuable tool a massage therapist has. They should be taken care and kept in a presentable manner. The fingernails should be kept short, filled and clean. The hands should be washed before and after each massage so that you don't transfer the diseases from one patient to another. The hands should be warm when you give the massage. Be careful not to do any activities that might give you a blister before you give a massage.
Would you want someone to massage you with dirty hands? Would you want to receive a massage from someone that is scratching you with their long nails?
Posture
Remember to maintain good posture while giving a massage. When your giving 3 or 4 massages a day having good posture makes a difference in the way you'll feel at the end of the day. Stand erect and have your feet spread a part shoulder length. Instead of stooping to give strokes that require you to be closer to the patient (like tapotement & petrissage) spread your legs apart more. Give a massage on a table that is the proper height for you (A good test is to stand erect, arms at your sides, and if the table is about where your palms begin then it is fine.) By following the rules of posture you will keep yourself from needing a massage at the end of the day.
Positioning of the Patient
The patient should be in a position that will allow him to be relaxed while he is receiving the massage. Make sure the patient is comfortable and not lying bent to one side. Put a pillow under the patient's ankles to ensure that his feet are comfortable. The muscle that you are massaging should be completely relaxed. Ask the patient before beginning the massage if he is comfortable and if there is anything that he needs. People are very timid when it comes to massage therapists and they rarely complain. They might be in a very uncomfortable position yet not say anything because they think that you might have put them in that position for a reason. Always remember to keep good communication with the patient.
15 Laws of a Good Massage
1. Wash hands before every massage.
2. Make sure fingernails are trimmed and filed.
3. Do not use cold hands (if necessary warm hands with warm water).
4. Take off watches and all other items that might scratch the patient.
5. Use a clean room to give the massage in.
6. Do not over or under lubricate the patient.
7. Put a pillow under the patients ankles.
8. Never take your hands off the patient after you start the massage.
9. Always massage a muscle that is relaxed.
10. Never cross the spine with pressure when you are giving the massage.
11. Massage on the opposite side that you're working on when your doing friction.
12. Always work toward the head.
13. Never massage in a untidy or cluttered room.
14. Use good posture while giving the massage.
15. Always remember to get feedback from the patient.
This is some of the basics of giving a massage and the 15 laws to a good massage.