Expert: Orlando - 11/14/2006

Question
I had a massage therapist at my chiropractors office massage my glute muscle I think it is.  It is on my but to be quite frank.  At the time I didn't think much about it but after I left it dawned on me she wasn't wearing gloves.  Is that normal?

Answer
Good morning Donna.  Thank you for your question.  It is a valid point to ask about.  Generally speaking, no, massage practitioners would not be wearing gloves for massage.  The only time I would recommend gloves is when the practitioner had a wound, scar or something similar on their hands would I recommend gloves.  In our practice, we use a water soluble spray-on skin moisturiser which already has an anti-septic in it.  If the client had a skin or medical condition which required the massage practitioner to wear gloves-I would say 'don't treat the client'.  Obviously, in terminal cases, the practitioner is going to have to use their discretion.  I am not sure that I answered your question Donna.  If you would like me to clarify any points further-please feel free to contact me again.

Cheers from New Zealand.