Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2026

22 • Massage Therapy Journal

feeling or what they need verbally. It’s ok to “take the reins,” so to speak, and guide them through the session. For example, during intake, you might remind them that they can talk or stay quiet during the session, whichever is more comfortable for them (and you should take your cue from them in knowing if they want you to talk during the session, beyond the needed check-ins around pressure and other information you need). Also, they aren’t obligated to share any details of their loss; the “what” isn’t relevant, but how they’re feeling is important. Direct your clients out of their heads and into their hearts as much as possible. Tears may or may not happen, and either is OK. But if they do feel emotional during the session, let them know they’re in a safe space where tears are welcome and encouraged. Let them know where to find the tissues (keep them within reach next to the table). They can also direct you to stop the session, or pause and keep contact at any time—whatever is the most comfortable for them. If you’re already in a regular session and a client discloses a loss or a tragic life event, you can check in and ask them if they would like to continue with their regular session or try work that is more focused on connection, then honor whatever they request. How the end of massage sessions may differ for grieving clients. Following the session, give the client time to get dressed and compose themselves, then communicate the importance of doing more grief-specific work. Nurturing a broken heart is just as important as healing a physical injury. The appropriate treatment plan would be the same as you would recommend for acute pain (about twice a month). The goal is to help them feel better without having to lean on coping mechanisms that might not be as healthy or provide as much relief as massage therapy. Facing Your Own Fears and Feelings Around Loss and Grief The biggest fear massage therapists face is usually saying the wrong thing, and that’s valid. In fact, certain cliches or figures of speech can make someone feel misunderstood and guarded. Being

How Can Massage Therapy Help People Manage Grief? Massage therapy alone will not fully relieve a client’s grief, but as with so many other client populations, massage can be an integral part of a person’s overall approach to managing feelings around grief, both physical and emotional, like anxiety and stress, as well as pain. What makes a grief-centered massage different? Clients who are suffering from loss are already in pain. So, we need to be sure we’re not using techniques that might compound their discomfort, like deep tissue, myofascial or trigger point work. Our intention is to calm an overstimulated nervous system while maintaining heart-centered contact throughout the session. Many times, someone who is actively grieving is more than likely disconnected from their body in order to process their loss. They could be caring for others and putting themselves last, or they might be organizing funeral arrangements, managing legalities, going through belongings, or navigating numerous health care appointments. As best we can, we want to “defragment” them and facilitate their need to release physical and emotional tension while they are on our tables because that may be the only place they will allow themselves to let go. What makes holding space different for grievers? You’re allowing them space for what’s said and what is unsaid . Going back to the “decision fatigue” mentioned earlier, our clients may become apathetic or frustrated if we ask too many questions or give them too many options during intake. If that happens during a session, please don’t take offense or question your ability. Grievers don’t always have the mental capacity to articulate what they’re Many times, someone who is actively grieving is more than likely disconnected from their body in order to process their loss.

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