Swedish/Deep Tissue on floor???

[jhEnny]

I have a client interested in home work, which I have only done one other time. Maybe he did some research, but he was concerned about the stability of a portable table being that he is 350+lbs. Even if they table ends up stating that it can handle the weight, it is still a tad wobbly and not wide enough to accomodate his arms, which are very important since I intend on doing some work to relieve what I suspect is cubital tunnel syndrome.

He suggested floor work, and later I got to thinking about it and I am intrigued by the idea of different setups, since I have been strict prone/supine for my year of experience so far. I am not sure yet if I would attempt to improv a floor session...but the massage would be different from table Swedish/Deep Tissue combo...I am imagining a more focused true DT session.

Anyway, any input on similar situations, or experiences with floor work (keeping in mind that I don't do Thai work, or much passive stretching for that matter) would be very helpful.

Thanks !

 

[sahtlover]

Swedish/Deep Tissue on floor???

Floor work will require dramatic changes in your body mechanics, so I highly recommend some practice sessions in which you are just feeling out how it would change how you need to apply the methods you know. Perhaps do them with a willing guinea pig instead of this client, so you don't have the pressure of trying to produce any particular results.

An alternative option would be to upgrade to a sturdier and/or shorter portable table. I've seen portable tables with ratings up to 650 lbs, such as "The Boss" by Oakworks, and you can get side extensions to support his arms for pretty much any table. Just adding the side extensions to the table you have might be a big enough improvement.

 

[Aundrea]

Swedish/Deep Tissue on floor???

OK, I checked the weight capacity on my table (http://www.mastermassagetables.com/index.php/massage-tables/portable-tables/30-coronado-therma-top-table.html) and it says I'm good for 1500 lbs. I've had another guy on it before that was easily his size.

Anyway, my main deal now is how to do arm work. From experience, I know that his arms aren't going to rest easily on the table. The session is going to be more clinically oriented, so I am not worried about keeping a great flow - so I am wondering if there is a good position to put him in where I can do detailed arm work (cubital tunnel syndrome) and he can still be comfortable. Any suggestions?

 

[mita]

Swedish/Deep Tissue on floor???

Again as Jason suggested the arm supports are the best option - See Example - http://www.massagewarehouse.com/products/earthlite-arm-rest-bolster/ or this one: http://www.massagewarehouse.com/products/oakworks-arm-rest-bolster/
though if you pad your table with twin sized eggcrate foam padding & possibly other extra padding such as I have done, adding a twin sized memory foam pad on top of the eggcrates - you do get more width to your table that way.