Positioning a client on the table

[Nomadic Exile]

Hello all! I have been noticing an interesting problem with a few of my overweight clients. Have any of you noticed that when you have them turn from supine to prone that they look off kilter?? Due to their large stomach? ( and I don't mean this disrespectfully )
What I am noticing is that they seem to be cocked off to one side a bit, whether it is from them avoiding laying directly on their stomach because of the pressure, or because they just aren't mobile enough to get positioned right.
So, I usually can work around it but just wondered if any of you have noticed this? I worry at times that laying like that during their bodywork might cause some muscle imbalances...
One interesting note: If I start them prone, they seem to be lined up better so it definitely must be the mobility issue with the turn.

 

[Lon]

Actually, this problem is not limited to larger people. I've noticed that some people in general have this re-alignment problem. Conversely, some large clients, when they turn over to prone, are perfectly aligned. I attribute this 'massage brain'. When this happens, I simply ask them to move a little more into the either the right or left, depending which would make them more center.

 

[I amErica]

Hey Gaspen!!
Well, I am not really talking about "listing" to one side, I know that happens, I am talking about when the bulk of their tummy bulges out to one side and they don't want to lay directly on their stomach.
I see that they are struggling a bit to turn and I think they want to just get postioned and not draw attention to it. But it really causes an elevation of one hip and a shortening of the erectors and so on.
Whenever possible I try to just begin the massage prone but was wondering if others have noticed this?

 

[LittleBitOfSugar]

With my larger, or less mobile clients, I work mostly with them on their sides. When it's time to switch, I have them hold the drape, swing knees off table, sit up, and lie down with head at other end of table. This takes the whole tummy issue out of the picture. You have to support more with pillows and bolsters, but the overall effect is nicer for the client. Those who do prenatal work are usually familiar with this method.

Hope this helps a bit


Darren

 

[Popple]

I have found over the years that I can strain/injure myself rather easily when using poor body mechanics. Even 1 massage can do it. Too many times I have said to myself "I don't want to inconvenience the client by adjusting the table height or repositioning the client" The next aching day I invariably say "I should have made that adjustment". LOL.
Something to think about.

 

[Charly ~ !]

Naples,, isn't that the truth??? I find myself thinking (and feeling!) the same way!! My favorite is when I give a massage to a client who brings his dog, who lays right where I need to stand and I end up literally straddling the dog while giving the massage..... crazy!!
But this stomach issue is tough, I have thought about side lying but really hate to hurt anyones feelings........it is an interesting body issue, though, isn't it??

 

[JackaLxM]

I once knew an MT who used the Body Cushion for every client, whether they were pregnant or large, or not! Even smaller people, or people with breasts of any size, could benefit from the breast recesses and the way it lets your spine lay. This takes away the "hurting anyone's feelings" issue (cause you're using it on everyone) and gives a place to put that belly! I got a massage on one awhile back when I was about 30 pounds overweight. I wouldn't say I was big, but I had a little pot belly. It was VERY comfortable! Also apparently when the client lays face up on it, it allows you to slide your hands under and do some cool shoulder work. I haven't added one to my practice yet, but plan on it sometime this summer.

 

[Power of m squared]

I am overweight, but because I "am" a MT, I know how to adjust myself on the table. I read this post earlier, but have been trying to think of things that you could say that would help your client be more comfortable and would not offend.

"Would you like a folded towel or pillow under your stomach?"

When my low back is hurting, I find this more comfortable than laying flat. The positioning of the pillow will raise the client and this will distribute the weight evenly as s/he settles back on the table.

"That position looks a bit awkward, are you comfortable?"

If the answer is no, you can redrape the back so that s/he can adjust the position.

hth t001

 

[Dylan Calvert]

Denise, both of those are awesome ways to word it.!

I will try these approaches,, but I fear they will just say" No, no, I am fine"

: I am actually glad to hear that others have noticed this also.

 

[billyvnilly]

Side thoughts.... Stomach disorders or things like crohns or endometriousus can make it uncomfortable for a client. Some won't mention it due to privacy or embarrassment.

Also I have noticed over the years if the ceiling tiles are not lined up with the table folks tend to unconsciously align themselves to the site line and not the table.