By Dawn Castiglione
Before an airplane can go “wheels up,” a lot of preparation must take place. And the success of that flight depends greatly upon the efforts that went into every step of that preparation. In much the same way, the success of a massage therapy session is greatly dependent upon the steps taken by the practitioner in preparation for their time with a client. And when a client has additional needs, the therapist has additional prep that needs to happen as well. For MTs who work with our geriatric population, as well as with clients who have long-term degenerative conditions, extra preparedness measures contribute to a successful session together. Let’s take a closer look at what this means.
Maintenance Check
We all know what it’s like to sit on the airport tarmac, waiting for a few last-minute details to be tended to in order to make our imminent flight safe and uneventful. In the same way, a few extra moments in preparation for a massage session with a senior client can make all the difference in the world. Run through this basic “maintenance” checklist before your session:
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Is my equipment ready to be used safely and effectively?
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Is my massage table at a safe height for my client?
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Do I need to use a stool, instead of standing, while massaging with a lower table?
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Does the client need a caregiver present to help with transferring to and from the massage table?
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Do I have a plan for helping a senior client undress and dress again after the session if they need assistance?
Supplies Check
Next, how prepared are you for the things that will bring comfort to your clients? Ask yourself these questions:
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Have I planned for extra blankets? A more frail client often gets chilly during a massage.
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Have I planned for extra pillows or bolsters? These are a must to keep an often stiff and aching body comfortable in one position for a prolonged period.
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Have I planned for the right lubricant? Lotion, instead of oil, is a great idea with this population. Oil attracts dirt to the skin and may stain the clothing and bedding of clients residing in assisted-living facilities. (Also note: Bathing routines are not always able to be scheduled as frequently as one would like in these settings, so be mindful of that constraint.)
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Have I planned for massage music? Music is an extremely therapeutic addition to a massage session, although traditional “spa music” is not always the best choice for an elderly clientele. Often, a babbling brook with trickling water will signal the need for a bathroom break in the middle of an otherwise relaxing and productive session. And chirping birds may annoy certain hearing aids and cause undue alarm. I love to play music that either the client has expressed they enjoy, or something instrumental that doesn’t require more energy of the client to process it.
Cargo Check
Whatever environment you are in when delivering massage, whether at an assisted-living facility or in an office setting, make sure your “cargo” is in place. Ask yourself:
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Are my tools and equipment safely and compactly stored, not presenting any danger?
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Are there any cords or throw rugs that clients can easily trip over?
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Is the lighting appropriate? Dim lighting may be good for ambience, once the session has begun, but be sure there is plenty of light in the room as the client enters, maneuvers their body to the massage table, and tucks away a possible walker or cane in a safe space.
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Do I have a designated place for jewelry, a watch, hearing aids, and eyeglasses? A pretty tray or dish, or even a safe plastic container, is a welcome sight to a senior who likes to keep track of their valuable items, including their cell phones.
Personnel Check
Now it’s time for a personal “personnel” check-in:
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Have I “reported for duty” in a well-prepared manner, ready to give my all? A flight attendant is “the face” of the airline team—the one from whom the passenger will ask for help or who will provide any needed items or bring greater comfort during their time together. As a massage therapist, the way you interact with your client, the confidence and respect you show them, and your willingness to truly listen to their needs, completely sets the tone for the experience they will have with you. I guess you could ask yourself, “Have I made sure to put my own mask on first, in order to be ready and capable to help others to the best of my ability?” These should be your final “flight” preparations. Ask yourself:
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Will I show up well-rested and clear-thinking?
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Will I honor my professional appearance standards and have a sincere smile on my face?
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Will my voice and demeanor be calm, pleasant, and reassuring?
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Will I show interest in my client’s needs being served with care, precision, and kindness?
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Will I show respect for my client and gratitude for the time I was able to spend helping them feel better?
Sometimes, even after tending to all these details before starting my day with clients, I still need to remind myself to slow my pace a bit to allow for all that may transpire within the client’s mind, spirit, and body. Seniors are often slower in physical movement, in thought processes, and in absorbing the information you give to them, whether verbally, energetically, or kinesthetically. And we need to be prepared to spend that time, without making them feel hurried in any way. Consider the word spend as meaning “to invest,” rather than “to use up” or “give away.” The more we invest emotionally with our more senior or condition-challenged clients, the more of a return on our investment we receive. The blessings are endless.
author bio
Dawn Castiglione has been a licensed massage therapist since 2010. Since 2022, she has worked as the owner, director, and principal educator for DayBreak Geriatric Massage Institute. Working mainly in retirement communities, assisted-living facilities, and memory-care units, Castiglione has enjoyed a career in massage therapy with her focus on seniors and those with degenerative conditions. She enjoys guest speaking at support groups and major events for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and looks forward to helping massage therapists everywhere take their skill and passion to the next level, helping them to embrace the geriatric specialty in massage therapy. For more information, visit daybreak-massage.com.