Proper Positioning

Did you know? Positioning Pointers

Incorporating side-lying positions for certain massage services can really help providers better work with existing and new clients, especially those who are pregnant, elderly, recovering from surgery or those with implanted medical equipment, and even athletes, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. Here’s why:

• Safety: For some people, lying on their backs for any long periods of time can result in a drop in blood pressure. This is especially true for pregnant women, those with heart and lung disease or those who are overweight. In these cases a lateral recumbent position can relieve any pressure on the vena cava and maximize blood flow and oxygenation to avoid any unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or weakness.

• Comfort: Side-lying can be especially helpful for those with colds, allergies or other respiratory problems -- no more sniffling! That positioning can also avoid any painful pressure for clients with pacemakers, chemotherapy ports or healing scars, among other things. On top of all that, the lateral recumbent position most closely copies a fetal position that many people find very reassuring.

• Effectiveness: Side-lying increases provider access to the hips, shoulders and spine, which can make your therapy more effective by allowing you to work those soft tissues and joints – especially helpful for athletes.