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An over weight client.

I have a client who is 25 years old and her weight may be close to 300 lbs. both of her legs are swollen from the knee down as well as her right arm. I do not notice any pitting. Her legs from the knee down are swollen and hard. Im in need of a way to address the issue with her as to what the problem may be as well as if I should even be massaging her. I have only given her two massages so far and kept them on the light side. Today I noticed that her right arm was swollen as well.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Keffer on July 19, 2011 at 9:43pm

I'm a bit put off by your comments as us overweight population just want to be treated as humans. Yes we need lighter pressure(some of us, I prefer Deep Tissue) and it generally has to do with inflammation in the body. But rather than discount this client or another client for being overweight just inquire more about their medical background. Mention I noticing your example: right calf is swollen is there a medical condition I should be aware of? Also is the site painful, tingle, etc. By inquiring from a medical standpoint your not going to offend the client. This client is not going to be your only obese client so I suggest you get use to is fluffy people or stick strictly to models and athlete's only. :(

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Permalink Reply by sandy macdonald on July 20, 2011 at 4:44am

Stephanie, Im sorry that you chose to read this in a negative way. Maybe you should re-read what I'm saying again. It's not my first "fuffy" client thats why I' m concerned.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Keffer on July 20, 2011 at 10:05am

I would inquire more medical questions on this client and see if you can get to the root cause. Going out on a limb but it's probably diabetes or a medication that is causing the edema. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Lucianna Johnston on July 22, 2011 at 11:18pm

I understand why you're concerned and I'm sure it has nothing to do with "fluffyness"....but more with the fact that edema and swelling is sometimes contraindicated with a massage. Swelling of the extremities is definately something you should ask questions about to be sure there is no contraindication. Do you do a health intake? Maybe you can refer back to that and let it guide your questioning. Sounds to me like you're feeling a red flag. I would follow that lead and investigate. After all, it is for the good of your client. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Salome Brunner on July 23, 2011 at 8:24am

Hi Lucianna,

very good advice, with any form of contraindication it's safe not to massage until all this is cleared. Outstanding!

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Permalink Reply by Lucianna Johnston on July 24, 2011 at 10:16am

Thanks Salome :)

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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on July 25, 2011 at 9:23am

Hi Sandy,

I have received many massages over the last 6 years. Mostly once and sometimes twice a week. Anything from Swedish to Deep Tissue. The type of massage does not matter in my case. I do not weight anything near 300 pounds. My body just retains fluid. I have to take a water pill for the fluid retention. I wish I did not but that is just how it is for now. The last week I have been eating mostly Fruits and Veggies, no meat and no caffine. Very little dairy, just eggs. I have lost 10 pounds in 7 days and I feel great. No hunger pains etc. The fluid retention seems to be much better since I have been eating this way. Maybe she has not seen her doctor about the fluid retention and the suggestion may be just what she needs. Just my thoughts.