Massage and overweight

Overweight is usually not a problem when giving a massage to a client. The massage therapist is trained to take it into consideration and knows how to deal with what issues might arise.

As with body hair the massage therapist will not be judging or evaluating the looks and attractiveness of the client. We are used to all body types and appreciate them all for their uniqueness and the person inside. In fact, most massage therapists will welcome a different challenge and session, allowing them to explore and expand on techniques they might not get a chance to employ that often. The looks of a client is the last of our concerns. We focus on the issues at hand and at giving the client the best possible treatment on all levels. Physically, mentally and spiritually.

Even when the overweight becomes so much that the muscles are hidden, there are techniques to address these challenges. Trigger points can still be reached and stimulated as well as stretches can be used. A good massage therapist is educated in not only using her fingers to massage, but also use palms, forearms and even elbows. These are all methods that will allow the therapist to work in depth in spite of what body fat might be covering the muscles.

There is also the entire relaxation and well-being part of a massage which doesn't depend on the ability to use fingers to work on a muscle. A long smooth massage strokes makes the client relax and let go, which in return relaxes the muscles and helps removing tensions. The massage therapist aids the client in healing himself.

There are many benefits to a massage for an overweight person, both mentally and physically. Massage physically has the same benefits no matter the weight of the client, since the reactions in the body, the relaxation and de-stressing works the same. Psychologically overweight people can benefit from a massage even more than normal weight people. Studies show that massage can help people to accept their body as it is. Being accepted by the massage therapist can become a great victory and a good massage session will be a very positive experience for the client.

The massage therapist must always be sensitive to the client's needs and concerns and take all these things into consideration. It can be by draping, taking extra time to prepare to allow the client to feel at ease, talking to the client, using oils that makes the client feel confident and trusting, be reassuring and always 100% professional, never letting any personal opinion or thought surface. That said, most massage therapists have experience in massaging overweight people and are quite used to it.

A good massage therapist is always open to talk to the client about what concerns he might have and answer any question objectively and professionally. The confidence between therapist and client is sacred. There is no need to worry about what might be said and shared once the session is over.

Do not cheat yourself for a good massage because of worries about your weight or looks.

Further reading:
http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2006/08/bodywork_for_ob.html