Massage therapists frequently deal with people who have mental and physical impairments, and should be aware of potential contraindications to offer massage therapy for this group. Most of the time, clients with special needs might not be able to disclose medical conditions or the need for accommodations until they show up for their appointment, therefore it is the responsibility of massage therapists to stay aware of situations where they are, and when it’s not appropriate to offer massage therapy. Hovedpine (headache)
Special Needs
The term “special requirements” is broad and covers a wide range of needs ranging from minor to extreme that range from mobility aids as well as cognitive disabilities, and those suffering from medical issues. When special needs patients are scheduled for massage, they usually (but occasionally don’t) declare that they suffer from an impairment in their mental or physical health that requires special care. For massage therapists, is essential to be aware and ready to deal with those who require more care and techniques in order to deliver an excellent massage without harming the client’s health or security.
Learning Yourself
How do you deal with clients with special needs that require wheelchairs to aid in mobility? How do you deal for a patient who has been treated for a complete skin graft placed on his back? How can you offer massage therapy to someone who has an history of seizures? Many massage therapists the answer to these questions is mostly guesses knowing about the possibility of special-needs scenarios will allow you to gain insight and be prepared for unexpected need and possibly contraindications.
For instance those with special needs or mobility issues might not be able an supine, or prone position on a regular massage table in order to receive massage therapy. Although a massage chair may be an option for some, patients may not want or be able to get up from their wheelchairs and need to be treated from a sitting position. If you are prepared with cushioning pillows and bolsters massage therapists are able to provide massage to a client even when they’re at ease in their chair. Make sure you educate your client on the process you’re using in the massage therapy session, as well as the reason behind it. If you are working with special patients with special needs, ensuring their physical and emotional comfort is one of the top priority.
Another way to work with clients is who have hearing or visual difficulties. How do you talk to your client when it’s difficult for them to hear or see you? If your client is hearing impaired massage therapists must be prepared to create an agreement on hand signals and have some sort paper and a pen in hand to note down any the questions or phrases. The fact that special needs patients might not be able to hear you, it’s not a reason not to try to convey information in the course of a massage, such as “are you hot or cold?” “Is the pressure comfortable?” “Are you prepared to lay down?” With hearing limitations, massage therapists must be ready to alter their approach to communicating with clients with special needs who suffer from visually impaired. Before you begin your massage, explain the space help the client get to sit down, then describe what’s in the room. Make sure to not move anything after you’ve explained the layout because it can cause confusion to the client. In a massage therapy session make sure you clearly explain what you’re planning to doand then give the client time to signify his or her consent.
Another instance is working with clients with special needs who suffer from medical conditions that could be unclear in the eyes of the massage practitioner. Massage therapists in school are trained to work on clients suffering from autoimmune diseases and communicable illnesses. But what happens to clients who have full-back skin Grafts? What happens to a patient who has admitted that she suffers seizures? What is the best way to work with a patient who is terminally ill? Special needs clients are a few examples of the conditions massage therapists are likely to be faced with during their professional practice Each therapist must anticipate these situations and plan appropriately to provide top quality massage therapy.
How to Prepare Your Practice for clients with special needs
For a normal massaging session most massage therapists have their rooms which is set up with an bolster, table along with candles, additional sheets, and headrests. There are fewer massage therapists with the luxury of having a drawer full of bolsters with different shapes (triangular thin, thick flat, circular) and an ergonomic massage chair for clients who can’t lay prone or supine and lights that be dimmed or turned on in accordance with a client’s visual needs, or an eraser board for communicating with clients with hearing impairments.
The physical preparation of accessories and the arrangement of your space to host a massage therapy session can enhance the pleasant experience for clients with special needs by a significant amount. Massage therapists also need to think about how their clients can reach your massage space. Are the hallways at your clinic sufficient to accommodate clients of any size, and those with disabilities? Are you ADA compatible with stairs and ramps towards the front door as well as an option for moving between floors like an elevator?
Are you also advertising you massage therapy business is open to people with special needs? by writing a statement on your website that reads “I am happy to serve any client, and ask to be informed of any special requirements prior to booking an appointment. I appreciate the additional time you take to set up your massage area as well as create a place for any animals who require assistance and get ready to provide you with a high-quality massage” Massage therapists could announce that they offer massage to people with special needs.