Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

50 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

clients. While most people would know what hamstrings are, they are not likely to know what the iliopsoas is. Avoid using medical terminology that is unknown to non-health care providers. • Provide help when needed . Use translation software or apps to deliver information to clients who speak languages other than English. Impairments and Massage: Serving Clients With Impairments As previously defined, an impairment is when part of the body is not functioning properly or is missing, which causes a loss of function. Examples are loss of a limb, hearing or vision loss or memory difficulties. However, the more common impairments are mobility, vision, hearing and speech. Impairments can be permanent, temporary or even situational, and massage therapists need to understand how an impairment affects an individual client.

Each impairment is accompanied by challenges the individual faces daily. These challenges are sometimes not as obvious, but they are often the secondary obstacles that go undetected, for instance, isolation, loneliness and depression may be an issue for some people with impairments. People with impairments are at least three times more likely to experience depressive symptoms as compared to the general population. 29 A massage therapist’s focused attention and compassionate touch may help reduce these feelings. Evidence suggests that massage therapy not only improves mood but also reduces pain and fatigue, improves range of motion and promotes sleep in people with disabilities. 30 These benefits are important because they have a substantial impact on a person’s quality of life. If the client has notified you before their appointment and requested accommodations, take care of these first. During the intake, take time to learn about a client’s particular experience related to their impairment and use this information to formulate the session. Doing so will help you determine indications and contraindications and identify the client’s goals. A note or sticker on the chart can remind you each time you see them. Clients with Mobility Impairments Mobility impairment is a condition that limits a person’s strength, stamina, coordination or ability to move purposefully. Movements affected may range from gross motor skills, such as walking, to fine motor skills, such as grasping and lifting objects. Mobility impairments are also called physical impairments. Some agencies include speech difficulties with mobility or physical impairments. Many types of orthopedic or neuromuscular conditions can impair mobility. These include, but are not limited to, amputations, arthritis, spine disorders (degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, and scoliosis), paralysis (spinal cord injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy), diseases (multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy), chronic

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