Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68012
WORKING WITH OBESE CLIENTS Advice for the Big Bodyworker It's not easy being obese in our society, and bodywork professionals have their own challenges. We've got a few tips on how to thrive and enjoy your profession: • Your size can be an asset, especially when doing deep work. You have to rely less on strength and can use your body weight to push into the stroke. • You can create an atmosphere that is visibly welcoming to people of all shapes and sizes, a place where your clients know they will not be judged. • Clinics (both student and professional) often require therapists to wear uniforms, but rarely provide a size and fit suitable for large people. If you're working in such an environment, ask if they can provide a decal sporting its logo. That way, you can find appropriate clothes that fit you and simply apply the logo. • Clinics and spas often have small treatment rooms. about the situation and whether you've done everything you can to best serve the client and your own well-being. We live in a society where the fat stigma is widely practiced and accepted, and it would be amazing if none of us absorbed any of those negative messages. As you discover your own prejudices, practice the same nonjudgment on yourself that you would with others. As Buddhist nun and author Pema Chödrön suggests in Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living (Shambhala, 2004), simply acknowledge the thoughts, then send them on their way. Working with an obese client gives you an opportunity to challenge common assumptions. You will undoubtedly find that obese people are smart, ambitious, and beautiful—just like everyone else. You also have the right to, first and When applying for a job, check out the room you'll be working in and make sure there's enough room for you to work ergonomically. Also make sure it's a good emotional fit, where size discrimination won't be a significant issue. • Respect your body. If you have a hard time getting on and off the floor, don't work on the floor. If it's hard to stand for the full session, lower your table and sit in a rolling chair. Your body is your livelihood and your temple, so be kind to it. • Your work is what matters. Continue to expand your knowledge and skills, stay present and give your best massage. That way all your clients will care about is your work, and they'll come back for it again and again. foremost, take care of your own body. If you simply have not found a way to adapt to the physical challenges, let your client know how valuable he or she is to you, but because of your own body size, strength, etc., you are unable to offer them the relief they need. Tell them you'd like to refer them to a massage therapist who can better meet their needs. This may feel awkward—I could never empower myself enough to do it with George—but the reality is, you're setting a good example of how to care for yourself—physically and emotionally. This is the best gift you can give any client. Portland, Oregon, for more than a decade. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including LivPdx, Iron Horse Literary Review, Subtropics, Northwest Women's Journal, Berkeley Fiction Review, and ZYZZYVA. Contact her at lizprato@comcast.net. Liz Prato has been a massage therapist in visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 49