obese clients

[XxhollyxX]

anything I should know or tips about massage obese people in your chair? Is it comfortable for them in the chair?

 

[Summers J]

anyone? I have a lady who is obese who wants a chair massage and I am afraid it would be awkward if I dont know ahead of time any tips..

 

[Anna :D]

How big is she? What's the weight limit on your chair?

Where are you doing chair masasge? If it's at a business you can put the weight limit on the bottom of the sign-up sheet.

 

[Mama Bear]

#1, yes, make sure you know the weight limit of your chair. #2, are your nealing pads removable? If she does not exceed the weight limit, she may not be comfortable in the nealing position, so have her put her feet flat on the ground, if they come off great, if not see if you can put your feet easily in front of the pads.

 

[Pompal 09.]

We have some fairly large sized regular clients at the chair massage kiosk I work at... most of them are fine, one of them likes to have the knee pads removed.

Just be in communication with them so that they can be responsible for their comfort.

 

[cralyn]

We have some fairly large sized regular clients at the chair massage kiosk I work at... most of them are fine, one of them likes to have the knee pads removed.

Just be in communication with them so that they can be responsible for their comfort.

EgoMagickian, you worded that so kindly. I think you are in the right profession. No doubt your regular clients, and not so regular clients, feel your compassion and concern for their comfort.

 

[Divine Oubliette]

EgoMagickian, you worded that so kindly. I think you are in the right profession

Thank you "Fatphobia" is a pet peeve of mine, anywhere, but especially in our profession.

 

[Monique]

thank you everyone, actually she is a co-worker..she is a hair stylist and she does my hair but hates the massage table and wants to try the chair, Wow, i don't even know the weight limit of my chair...I am very concerned for her comfort...I dont think the knee things are removable..?
do you think sitting in a chair up next to a table leaning on a pillow would be more comfortable?

 

[Schooling You]

Here's an example of a chair with removable knee pads: http://www.stronglite.com/home/sl1/page_10_3/ergo-pro-massage-chair-by-stronglite.html

If the chair you're using doesn't work like that, have her try it anyway and see what she thinks.

At some point generalizations fail and the only way to know what's comfortable for her will be to ask her.

You don't have to make a big deal out of it or say anything about her size. Just offer to let her try the chair, ask if it's comfortable, let her know that if it gets uncomfortable at any time you can readjust it or stop the massage.

If she doesn't like the chair, you can try the second idea you mentioned.

 

[Pompal 09.]

You should be able to look it up via the manufacturers website or via a Massage retailer.

For instance I have a Golden Ratio Quicklite.
The weight capacity for that chair is 300 lbs
The Golden Ratio Quicklite Sport version has a weight capacity of 425 lb.

The pisces dolphin II is 350 lb.

The Stronglite Ergo Pro claims it's weight capacity is 600 lb.

Using a chair and pillow may work though you probably aren't going to get the support you would from a massage chair with face cradle. You might want to consider getting a desk top unit eventually jacqueline, if she seems to enjoy the chair massage more than the table.

 

[Kaykay034]

I have an Oakworks and my husband, who is a very big guy, is easily held by it. It's not a very adjustable chair, though, so it's not super-comfy for him.

I agree w/EM -- just let her try it out, see it she likes it! You can suggest feet flat on the floor, but I would do it only as an option, not the "fat" option. Here's a thing to know: a lot of bigger folks silently and constantly assess furniture, wherever they go -- restaurants, friends' homes, a new workplace. There is very little more upsetting than breaking or getting stuck in the furniture, and people know how to avoid doing it! So just as she knows she is big and doesn't need anyone to tell her (not that you have), if she had the slightest doubt about the chair holding her, she probably would never have brought it up.

I have generally found that what the table will hold, the chair will hold. Just a matter of positioning.

 

[rodney c]

Sometimes the knowlege is best for their comfort, and yes, that is the most important thing, to make sure they are comfortable with whatever you do for them. I am secure that you will find a way to make it available for her.

I had a guy that was no where near the limit of the strong lite, his girlfriend was trying to get him in the chair but he was scared because he was probably about 6'4 and a big guy over all. His eyes said it all by looking at the chair.

As for myself, I can't receive a chair massage, because of a knee injury and can not have my leg at that angle with added pressure added to it.

 

[Whips&Chains]

There are lots of things to try. Not having the head rest lean so far forward helps some of my larger clients be comfortable in the chair. I also have a sternum bolster for my chair, which helps a lot.

My chair doesn't have the client actually kneeling. The position looks like a kneeling position, but there is no weight on the knees, and explaining that helps people be more comfortable even trying it.

Yep, list options, and be willing to change the positioning a few times before you start. Since she is a co-worker, she is probably aware of the positioning options and has a good idea of what will work for her. She also has seen you give other people options, and change something for them, so will know "these are some things we can try" does not mean, "because you are large".

 

[blitzisbest]

Yeah, tall is more hard to fit than fat. I can say fat because I am. I fit into all the chairs that I've sat on, but I willl confess that a seat sort of broke once. I didn't feel bad about it, either.

I have the Avilla, and it sort of self adjusts to fit everyone. Otherwise, a chair/table/pillow will work, you may want to move the table against the wall.

Got a preggo pillow setup? That may be what she needs to make the table comfortable for massage.

 

[Katharine K]

Got a preggo pillow setup? That may be what she needs to make the table comfortable for massage.

For my larger clients on the table I use a comfort bolster (for the breasts) and raise the face cradle up as high as it will go. Sometimes I will give them a pillow under their hips if they have low back issues. Makes a big difference in their comfort.

Angie