Massage Tips for Overweight/Obese Clients 

Above all things: don't be an asshole. Spencer, I greatly appreciate your honesty and respect for your patients. Well done at being a good person!

I'm an obese girl, and I've never received anything but kindness & respect when I go for massages. When I approach the table confident and respectful of myself, the therapist usually catches that vibe and responds in kind ❤

This young man is very intelligent. This is the reason why he is so successful. It's not just about the money, he seems to care. That is what people want.

I’m almost in tears. I wish all health professionals treated us big people like this guy does. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This video is everything.

Working with larger bodies has never been addressed in all my years of study and practice, I’m SO grateful for your succinct, professional, and clear insight and experience on this topic! Thank You!

I have always wanted to get a massage, but have been way too anxious to even make an appointment. My back is sore, my posture is terrible and my neck feels so tight all of the time. I'm 30, male, now about 275lbs, having lost about 65lbs this year. Some commenters below confirm my anxieties, but your video has given me a little bit of confidence to maybe give it a try. I hope to find a caring, professional therapist like you in my city. Thank you.

Thank you! I'm an obese massage therapist and it really upsets me when other massage therapists make negative comments about a client's body type or weight. It's very important to understand we DO NOT NEED more pressure and bruise easier. It feels better to use forearms when working larger body areas. True,I am morbidly obese but I also like to run and dance. So just because someone is obese doesn't mean that they are immobilized or frail

Thanks Spencer! I had lost 70lbs and was finally not embarrassed to get a massage. The LMT said, "you need to lose weight", I said "I just lost 70 lbs!" he said "well you need to lose more"! Thankfully I was proud of myself and didn't let him intimidate me. I found another LMT whom I absolutely love!!

The most honest professional guy I ever seen I hope to see you on a place that you deserve in fact you deserve always the best

I've been a licensed massage therapist for just over 6 years and I truly feel so honored to do the work I do. We all have hang ups about our bodies, so to be trusted by my clients to see and touch their bodies means so much to me. I recently had a client who was obese and she told me that she went somewhere else for a massage and she had been mistreated. She told me about times she felt judged or embarrassed and she said on more than one occasion, she had a therapist go way too deep assuming that her size meant they had to push harder. She left those treatments physically and emotionally hurt. I've worked on clients of all different body types, ages, genders, and varying levels of health but she was the first overweight client who confided in me about her prior experiences. Having her trust meant sooo much to me and I've carried the compassion I had for her into all of my treatments since. Especially here in the states, we NEED to include education on working with overweight/obese clientele- bolstering, draping, and actual massage technique. Thank you for sharing this video! 💚 Also if anyone is reading this and is nervous about getting a massage, I want you to know that as professionals, our goal is to help you feel good! We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed and we want to help ease your pain and increase mobility as well as give you a place where you feel safe and cared for. If you are hurting, book yourself a treatment. We see so many bodies and we look at all of them with compassion. We are not judging you, and we want to give you the most positive experience possible

Brother, I'm overweight. Today I'm going to a long session massage that has been a long time coming. A recent pain event has begun to limit my head movement and... well, suffice to say it was time for massage. I'd been following you for a while and this video... on the morning of a necessary massage for me has me in tears and relief. I'm so happy to be in orbit with someone like you out there. There is a profound sense of grounded, confident, caring and compassionate support in this video (as in all of your videos) and it helped me realize I am a bit anxious about this upcoming massage. You are a lovely human and I appreciate you.

Man it’s good when any human being knows his shit and is empathetic. Not just with massage but anything. Keep being on point. I appreciate your vids

Great video. I have obese clients and learned quick the style changes. Warm up the adipose, then you sink in better. And they are very tender/sensitive.

I love helping people, I absolutely love massage school. I wish I would’ve found massage a lot sooner. It has taught me body acceptance...not just everyone I’m massaging, but myself as well. I love helping EVERY body. You’re so wonderful. Thanks.

As an obese man I can only appreciate your kind and professional words. I am very aware of my weight (duh) and I dislike having to see a doctor/specialist who is going to have me undress. This includes seeing MTs or beauticians. Knowing I'll be facing professional people who don't judge but do their job best they can would be a huge plus, but you cannot know that in advance, unfortunately. Curiously enough, the only place I don't care is the beach. I know swimming is good for my body, that I can do a whole lot of good without too many risks for my joints and, besides, I like being there. So I don't care if there's plenty of people around me who see me in my trunks.

You should do a video on massaging an anorexic or underweight client. My massage therapist had an anorexic client years ago and she said it's one of the hardest massages she's ever done. She said it was very draining both physically and emotionally, she said it was heartbreaking. So maybe doing a video on how to deal with that condition would be helpful

Thanks so much for addressing this subject. As a morbidly obese man, I definitely had my reservations about going for a massage, but given the jobs I work (office work, and driving Uber/Lyft) I have issues with muscle tightness and pain in my back, hips, and legs. I found a great massage therapist who I've been going to for over a year now, 90 minutes, every 3 weeks (plus weekly chiropractic adjustments as well) and I've felt the best I have in my life. Trying to make those other healthy changes as well (eating right and exercise) so get some weight off of those joints. I so appreciate the effort my therapist puts in, I know it can't be easy to lift someone my size's leg, etc to do the stretching that we do ,but I definitely see the benefits. I'm sure your bigger clients appreciate what you do for them as well.

I need massages so bad, but stopped because I gained weight after getting pregnant. I got a massage while pregnant and the judgement about my weight gain was crazy! Not to mention she was putting SO much pressure that I was in tears from the pain she was causing! When I asked her for less pressure she made a comment that she needs to put more pressure since I gained weight. I never got the attitude before I was pregnant and before the weight gain. I never got a massage after it. I left there in more pain than I went in there with and with a shattered sense of self esteem.

This guy is so sincere about doing what is best for whoever comes in for a massage

I love the way Spencer talks.

As a fat girl with autoimmune issues, thank you for this.

Thank you for sharing this info. You’re such a likable fellow and address this concern in a compassionate and sensitive yet straightforward way

I appreciate your honesty and glad there are people like you with a good heart towards all.

Thank you for this! More therapists need to here/watch this message. Recently had a massage and not only did the therapist not know what to do with me she ignored my knowledge of how to position me as to not smash down on my top half. I had to ask three or four times for a pillow to place under my ribs for comfort and she laughed at me with her colleague several times during the session. I can't believe I even stayed through the whole session. To add insult to injury, she acted so surprised when I didn't tip as though I should have just been grateful that anyone would possibly be of any service to me at all. She called her boss, put me on the phone with her and tried to bully me into giving a tip. Last time I ever get a massage in NYC. We travel a lot and I get massage as a part of my regular self care routine. I don't do it as frequently as I should because it's tough to find therapists who really know how to handle larger bodies. Notable though that in the aforementioned case, it could have been one of or a combination of multiple biases (my dark skin color, my larger body, my husband is white...as it was a 90 min couples session). Sometimes I just wish they would say "I don't do [insert bias]" so I can push on and not waist my time or money (in this case $300+/pp vs $200 in Vegas or back home in CA). Thank you for just being a decent human. It's not helpful to encounter this type of discouragement when you're trying to take better care of yourself. 💕

Hi, I came here because... to be honest, to see how you speak of obese/overweight people (being one myself). I am so pleased by how respectful and kind you speak. Indeed, obese people know they are fat. It never fails to upset me how people tell us how we are. We live this everyday so we know best how to walk in our shoes. Thank you for your great attitude

My respect to your level of humanity and professionalism 💪👑🌻

I thank you for being so kind and considerate. You are AMAZING! We need more people like you in the world.

This is so refreshing and validating, thank youuu! 😊 I've had a bad massage experience. Therapist was rude commenting on shyt about myself i dont wanna hear. And, her techniques are really bad considering it is a "luxury" place. Never felt an underwhelming massage ever. I am not paying my money to you just to hear your judgments which i already know.

I love to add cupping to my larger friends for more precise work! Never avoid a massage because of that internal dialogue, we are thrilled to see you especially taking proactive steps to better your health!

YES. I agree with everything you said. You’re very professional. I always ALWAYS treat my patients the same regardless of weight- over or under weight. “Do no harm” thanks spencer!!

As a LMT in MO this was really helpful for me as this was not addressed at school. Respectful, professional and informative. Great video!

Thank you. I am a big girl and was fat shamed by a massage therapist. She told me I was making it hard on her and even grabbed some fat to make her point. It took me so long to try and get another massage after this. Thanks for sharing the hopeful, positive message.

love him and his accent

Good for you for being professional about such an awkward situation. Thank you for sharing.

I appreciate your approach for working with obese patients. I am obese and struggling with mobility issues due to back pain. After watching your video, it has given me the courage to follow up with a chiropractor. This is the beginning of a fresh start to help relieve pain so I can become more active and exercise in order to lose weight. People who are overweight already feel bad about ourselves so please don't make it worse by being judgmental and rude. That only adds fuel to the fire and makes matters worst. Thank you for making this video in order to educate those in the helping profession. Great Job.

I wish I could go to him for a massage.

Thank you for this video. I appreciate the sensitivity and compassion you show for your overweight and obese clients.

Love youuuuu! Can you please do a video of a demo massaging an obese client. I always feel uncomfortable a bit because of the challenges getting to the muscle and also my concern with the level of inflammation vs. Requests for pressure

as an obese young woman, this made me get my first massage at 27. thank you so much.

Dude! You've no idea how long I've been searching for a video that addressees this issue... Thank you so much!

I'm french and learning massage. Thank you for your advices !

Thank you, as an obese individual, you made me feel much more comfortable pursuing this. Thank you!

We'll done...❤ Alot of times just touching them and having contact with them is so much comfort. Just love them.

I love you so much!! :'(

Spencer,... you inspired me to do some videos in german. After 30 years in this job there is a lot to teach ang get right. So thank you Spencer 🙏🏻👍🏻😎

I love the way he talks. Great videos.

Thank you so much for this video. All the others I could find were about weight loss and massages to do for weight loss. I'm a student right now and one of my first clients is obese so this was very helpful.

Excellent video. I appreciate how conscientious and caring you are.

You are such a human angel! You're a gift to mankind buddy. Love you!

Thank you for this video, I am a massage therapist and I want to work with plus-size clients.

Had this today. Thanks Spence. Every client is a person whatever the circumstances.... We have job to do. We're healers

I like your explanations, can u tell us about self massage for getting rid off cellulite, and for getting rid off water oe swelling in legs and knees. Many thanks

Thank you so much for this video. Due to a medical issue and treatment I’ve gained a considerable amount of weight which causes extremely embarrassment for me and I would love to get a massage but up until this point Ive held back for this reason so thank you for touching in this topic

I wish you uploaded daily. I love your videos and you are so knowledgeable.

As being and overweight Pt. I really appreciate your Professionalism. I work in the Medical field and it really PISSES ME OFF when other “Medical Professionals” Who treat Overweight individuals like Quasi Moto. At the end of the Day, it’s ALL ABOUT PT. CARE. I recently began seeing a Massage Therapist while at my Chiropractors office, I was apprehensive at first, because of my weight. But I’m SO GLAD I overcame that and decided to do it. I’ve only been to 4 sessions, but it has helped so much. Again THANKS FOR YOUR PROFESSIONALISM. And as always another GREAT VIDEO.

Helping us to see the humanity ❤ you're great

Really refreshing to see how professional you are... considering not everyone is what the media says they should be . Each person is different. The variety of life . Really great job man. Mean to ask, how to do a colonic massage as an overweight person?

I have 2 loved ones in my family and really appreciate how sensitive you are and how you discussed this! Really loved how you presented this!

I really appreciate all the content you share. Thank you for speading knowledge and sharing your time with us!

Great video and message. Your understanding and kindness to others is something so admirable. You embody what a massage therapist is and does. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and being just all around cool. Love your videos! Thank you for your work.

You're amazing. Thank you.

This was so well done, and well articulated. I’m in my last 2 months of school and wanted to make sure I had a lot of info for all body types. Thank you. ❤

Thank you! I am one of the people you're talking about. It took a lot for me to even go in for a massage. I don't regret it. Again, thank you.

Spencer is such a good guy.

This is a very informative and helpful videos. A lot of my clients are obese and it’s a struggle for me at times. This video points out the main points and still very respectful way. Thank you

Excellent video with all areas of concern covered in a positive and helpful way focusing on quality of care for every person...well done Spencer 🤗😀♥️

I do wish you were located near Newport Beach? . My boyfriend would truly appreciate your help & knowledge. He's a bit overweight and finding a hydro massage place would be best we felt for him. He's dealing with an umbilical hernia & it's caused his weight to be a bit off. He's receiving surgery soon. So a person like you is gold ✨ Thank you 😊

You are so right. The issue is shame and is a barrier to alot of people getting massages

Really great info you gave. You inspire me to really look into doing massage work and I learn alot from your videos. 😁👍🏼

❤❤❤❤ truth! ...and thank you. Wish you were in Arizona!! I'd be on your table asap!

I was so waiting to cringe (as an obese person) - thanks for being respectful and knowledgeable. I wish more health professionals had this approach.

Thank you Spencer for sharing your great tips. More power to you!

Respect.. why haven't I looked into this earlier. Anatomy. Thanks

❤thanks for not being judgmental

As a obese man and a massage therapist. This is so good information, especially broad motions a lot love really hard pressure, but only with broad motions. One of the best thing i did in school were massaging really large person, it made palpating so much easier after.

I agree with everything you said. I'm doing everything right. Thank God for my hydraulic table.

Haven’t even watch yet and I am like yessszzz!

It would bre great to see a long demo for overweight clients I can't even find one on RU-vid

Answering the real questions, I love your attitude and channel! I'm not even a massage therapist!

Thanks Spence for an informative vid!☺

My heavies usually are men, and keep asking for deep, deeper and more deeper pressure. I think because all the adipose is blocking muscle tissues they can’t feel. I give them deep safely watching my body mechanics (and lowered table). If they keep insisting more and more pressure I’ll suggest they go to a different therapist because I’m not jeopardizing my body.

God Bless You....

Thanks always thanks for the videos.

What a respectful explanation!!! Thank you!!!

Ah, Spencer--youre one in a million!

Thank you very much for adressing this.

Great job Spencer! Thank you!

Iam new in the field and I find this filled with great content..thank you..

Highly professional... good job.

Very informative as always continue the good job..

i like your video, its a sensitive subject and as you said we need to be more sensitive to our clients and be non judgmental

Well done. Keep going like this. 👍🏻

I think some people are less afraid of judgement and more afraid that the therapist will have too much difficulty.

Excellent tips, thanks a lot. Good work. Respect.

You seem like such an awesome hands on person somebody you can tell where every pain is bugging you and you can figure it out you seem very well trained, Wish you were localI said you would do a lot more then your so called chiropractor. You're awsome take care. DRS.

thanks for talking about this! I always have trouble with this! I just physically can't do it most of the time!

Great video as always . I need practical tips on positioning for larger person . Eg. if I’m using a portable table do I suggest the client stands up and the repositions to change from laying prone to supine??? If the table is narrow , how to move arms into a position to safely work on them ? As they will not rest comfortably on the sides of the table . Do I rest person’ arm on my upper leg with a towel underneath or hold it up the whole time?? Also working on extremities ( swollen ankles) affected by oedema . Do you use advanced lymphatic draining strokes ? Safe to elevate legs ? without making client feel uncomfortable … Thank you

Thanks for posting video.

Everybody deserves to feel good, and every BODY is different. I look at it as a challenge, and I do rely heavily on my anatomical knowledge.

My friend walter will appreciate these