Expert Witness Insight: Working on the Lower Abdomen

Working on the Lower Abdomen

Some massage therapists work on the abdomen, but only when requested and for a particular reason. Abdominal massage can be very beneficial for certain conditions. However, the abdomen—especially the lower abdomen—is a very sensual area for most people, so when predator therapists start working on the lower abdomen, they are priming clients for assault.

 

The only person who regularly touches a person’s lower abdomen is one’s sexual partner, and if someone else, like a massage therapist, touches us below the navel, it’s often with sexual intent. There are exceptions, of course; in a physician’s examination, this area is often touched, but usually with a fair amount of probing pressure, not the light touch of a sexual encounter.

 

Gateway Area for Predators: Lower Abdomen

From my experience as an expert witness, lower abdominal massage is often a precursor for a predator therapist moving his hands increasingly lower and lower toward the genital region in a sexualized way. This is often used to test if the client will be compliant before the assault is attempted.

Abdominal Massage Has Real Benefits

Massage of the abdomen can be very therapeutic for several issues. These include constipation, severe menstrual pain, cesarian scar work, and abdominal muscle strain. Abdominal strain usually occurs in the muscles you use to do a sit-up, the rectus abdominus, often referred to as the six-pack. These muscles are often strained and develop poorly formed scar tissue and benefit from certain types of massage treatment.

 

Two Inches Below the Navel

When working on the abdomen, the therapist’s hands should remain at least 2 inches above the client’s pubic bone which is roughly 2 inches below the navel. Predator therapists gradually move lower and lower toward the genital region.

This area of the body is rarely massaged without a client’s request, and that request is infrequent. If the therapist suggests abdominal massage, there must be a good therapeutic reason that is explained to the client. Predator therapists often make up a reason like, “You are very tense in your stomach, and it would be good for me to work there.

 

Abdominal massage should be performed only with the client’s consent before the treatment begins. This consent is best given in writing. There will often be a drawing that the client circles or a list of body areas that the client wants to be massaged that is checked by the client. The therapist’s notes should also reflect the reason for working on the abdominal muscles.

 

 

Working Under the Abdomen When the Client is Face Down

 Another grooming technique that predators use is going way under the abdomen with their fingers when the client is face down.  The therapist does this on the return movement when working on the lower back.

 

 First, the fingers go to the sides of the abdomen. This should be done with firm pressure on the fingers. Then, a predator therapist’s fingers would slowly begin to move inappropriately underneath the abdomen. This should never happen. Then, the fingers would go farther and farther under the abdomen and down toward the genital region.

 

A predator therapist might also use a very light touch at the sides of the abdomen, more akin to foreplay than massage, with the intent of sexual stimulation building toward a sexual assault.

 

In Conclusion

Lower abdominal massage can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but only with the client’s full consent and understanding. In these scenarios, it is important to fully communicate the reason for the treatment and gain written consent before starting the session. Having clear boundaries helps the client feel safe, heard, and comfortable while also allowing the therapist to do their job more effectively.

 

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If you’re a lawyer who is currently involved in a sexual assault case and needs an expert witness with a massage or spa background, schedule a conversation with Dr. Benjamin here.

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Ben E. Benjamin holds a Ph.D. in Sports Medicine and has been an expert witness in cases of sexual assault in a massage/spa setting since 2004, advising lawyers, testifying in depositions and trials, and writing reports. His expertise extends beyond massage therapy and ethical behavior. He also advises spas, both large and small, on the creation of comprehensive sexual assault prevention strategies that ensure safe and ethical practices in the industry.