Working with the developmentally disabled population requires the massage therapist to work outside the traditionally held practices taught in our massage schools. It requires us to step beyond the model of detached professionalism and to embrace the higher part of ourselves, which includes compassion, patience and the willingness to try something different.
As the massage therapist we are providing a service that most of us take for granted and that this population rarely receives: touch for the sake of touch. Many of the clients you will be working with are never touched for any reason except to be directed to the dinner table or the bathroom or to bed. They are never just touched for the pure enjoyment of it. Some clients can be very suspect when first approached. Others will catch on very quickly and show happiness and enthusiasm when they see you.
Developmentally and intellectually disabled persons come from all backgrounds and frames of reference. Some will be completely ambulatory. Others will be confined to bed or ambulate very little except with the help of staff. They may be nonverbal, hearing or visually impaired. They may be profoundly developmentally and intellectually disabled or only mildly. Some will do really well on the table and allow more traditional Swedish massage. Some will only allow seated massage. Others may only be able to allow touch to their feet while you are seated in front of them. Still others may not be able to handle touch at all and may require gentle energy work until they can work up to full touch.
Many people that you may work with will not have the social restrictions on behavior that you and I may have. There may be behaviors that are not socially acceptable that have to be gently redirected: having your arm stroked, self-stimulating behaviors, noises, crying or rocking. There may be times when the client suddenly decides that the session is over and you must respect their wishes. As with all of us, there are good days and bad days for each person.
As with traditional massage, massage for this population is individually tailored to each person. However, techniques used will not necessarily be the ones learned in school. Sometimes your technique will include a much more personal touch such as stroking the back or making the session into a game. This work requires you to be flexible and innovative. It also requires you to be ready for anything that may happen.
Above all, this work is the most rewarding that I have ever had the pleasure of providing. You will improve your practical skills for sure, but more importantly, you will grow as a person. You will have a deep sense of helping someone’s life be just a little bit better.
If you are a massage therapist who would like to be a part of this gratifying work, please feel free to contact us about openings in your area.
As the massage therapist we are providing a service that most of us take for granted and that this population rarely receives: touch for the sake of touch. Many of the clients you will be working with are never touched for any reason except to be directed to the dinner table or the bathroom or to bed. They are never just touched for the pure enjoyment of it. Some clients can be very suspect when first approached. Others will catch on very quickly and show happiness and enthusiasm when they see you.
Developmentally and intellectually disabled persons come from all backgrounds and frames of reference. Some will be completely ambulatory. Others will be confined to bed or ambulate very little except with the help of staff. They may be nonverbal, hearing or visually impaired. They may be profoundly developmentally and intellectually disabled or only mildly. Some will do really well on the table and allow more traditional Swedish massage. Some will only allow seated massage. Others may only be able to allow touch to their feet while you are seated in front of them. Still others may not be able to handle touch at all and may require gentle energy work until they can work up to full touch.
Many people that you may work with will not have the social restrictions on behavior that you and I may have. There may be behaviors that are not socially acceptable that have to be gently redirected: having your arm stroked, self-stimulating behaviors, noises, crying or rocking. There may be times when the client suddenly decides that the session is over and you must respect their wishes. As with all of us, there are good days and bad days for each person.
As with traditional massage, massage for this population is individually tailored to each person. However, techniques used will not necessarily be the ones learned in school. Sometimes your technique will include a much more personal touch such as stroking the back or making the session into a game. This work requires you to be flexible and innovative. It also requires you to be ready for anything that may happen.
Above all, this work is the most rewarding that I have ever had the pleasure of providing. You will improve your practical skills for sure, but more importantly, you will grow as a person. You will have a deep sense of helping someone’s life be just a little bit better.
If you are a massage therapist who would like to be a part of this gratifying work, please feel free to contact us about openings in your area.