Need help re: overweight clients

[sundown]

Howdy-
I just did a search on massaging overweight/obese clients. My school did not teach us any physical aspects of massaging overweight folks, so it's on my loooong list of "things I am clueless about". The threads I found were helpful, but there was a recurrent theme that I was hoping you all would help clarify. I kept seeing things like "make sure you use lots of pillows" or "bolster properly".

What does that mean? Put pillows where? When? Why? Aaagh.
t100

 

[Frud]

I think it's going to depend on the individual as to how you use bolsters, etc. I have larger clients that have no issues and just want a bolster under their knees when supine or feet when prone.

I have clients large or not with reflux and they might want a wedge or a larger pillow under their backs. Some are not comfortable at all supine, so I work with them side lying, with pillows, bolsters, towels..whatever works for them...between knees, maybe ankles, something for their arm to lay over, under their heads.

I think if you have a variety of things available, you will be able to meet the needs of all clients, not just large ones. Experiment with yourself in different positions, with different props to see how they feel. Good luck!

wellnessgarden

 

[BOsKO]

The best rule of thumb that I have always used is to remember that you want to keep the client comfortable. Just because they are/may be overweight/obese does not mean that they are comfortable in the standard positions that we would put a normal standard weight client. The pillow theory only works if you have a client that is used to using pillows in their own lifestyle. Reposition them on the table, i.e. side-lying, I know it makes the massage a bit more difficult but it makes them a bit more comfortable. I have also had to resort to doing my overweight clients actually lying on the floor, or propped up next to the table in a sitting position.

Just use your best judgement.

 

[Namibnat]

As WellnessGarden said, you will need different things for different clients, even for 2 clients who are the exact same size. In my room I have my usual foot bolster plus I have a breast bolster and pillows available in case I need to use them.

The breast bolster is great for any client who either has large breasts (some small women have them) or has tender breasts. The one I have is the one sold at MW as the "comfort bolster" which has recesses where the breasts go.

Another tip for working with large chested clients (men as well....I have some who are "barrel" chested) is to raise the height of the face cradle so it comes up to where their face naturally is. A double-tilt cradle is best for this since it actually lifts up rather than the ones which only tilts.

I do have one or two clients that like to have a pillow under their hips but this is more because they have low back issues rather than their size.

The only other thing I do different is draping. I normally use a very large towel for draping but for my larger clients I use a sheet.

My only other piece of advice to to make sure you treat them just as you would any other client. Don't make a big deal out of the fact that they are overweight or that you have to use more bolstering. The last thing they need is to feel "judged" by the person they are going to let "see" their body. Many of them will have body issues as it is. Be accepting and make them feel just like any other client that you have.

Angie

 

[Jillian]

Another thing you might want to consider is bringing in a small stool so they can rest their arms. They may be too wide for their arms to rest comfortably on the table when they are prone. I place one under the table near the face cradle.

Also, keep in mind that just because someone is overweight, they still have nerve endings. Some people tend to go too deep too fast in attempt to get to the muscle. Make sure you warm them up before going in deep.