Inclusive practice in action: Welcoming large bodies

I consider it a foundation of my work to approach every client and their body with respectfulness, honouring, and heartfelt care. For me, inclusive practice as a bodyworker is an essential expression of that commitment and sincerity. Here, I write of practice that welcomes and makes space – literally – for people with large bodies.

The customised massage table I ordered from California arrived at my studio recently, after a months-long sea journey. Its wider-than-UK-standard width is one of the specifications for doing Sarga® barefoot myofascial massage. It also meets a long-held and deeply important requirement of my own: the space for every client to feel fully supported by my table, whatever their body size.

I have not always had a choice about massage tables; often I used whatever came with the studio I hired. But for as long as I was using ‘standard width’ tables, I struggled with the incongruence of offering an inclusive service while my large-bodied clients had to adapt to an inadequate surface. Some had no option but to hold their arms against the sides of their bodies – or let them dangle. These were hardly optimal conditions for relaxation.

So, it is with both relief and delight that I now have a 32” wide triple-padded table that is comfortable for a very wide range of body sizes. It is not just a matter of practicality; it is one of meaning too. People who experience systemic minoritisation get messages in myriad ways that they do not fit, and that they must make do. So, even something as seemingly simple as a massage table with a width that is comfortable for large bodies can counter some of those messages, by conveying consideration, welcome and care. All three of these principles belong at the heart of person-centred services and should guide practitioners’ decisions, including on practical aspects like equipment.

The status quo of practice norms received through training and product marketing rarely consider those who are minoritised, so inclusive practice requires conscious thought and active choices. It also necessarily involves ongoing learning, self-reflection, and listening carefully to accounts of lived experience.

The wellbeing industry can and must do better for large-bodied people – individually and collectively. It requires consideration of equipment, space, access, and practitioner assumptions. Inclusive practice content is needed in bodywork training courses as standard, to help students (and the practitioners they become) to develop the lenses to spot inequalities in practice so we can address them where possible - and acknowledge when we can’t.

For fellow practitioners, I offer some practical tips for delivering a high quality service to clients with large bodies:

• Invest in a massage table that is wider than the UK’s standard size of 24”-28” and which has a high-end maximum working weight. Consider contacting UK massage table manufacturers and stockists directly with your request, so they are aware of the market demand.

• Set the table legs a setting or two lower than what the ‘fist brush’ check indicates, to allow for the height of the client’s body when horizontal. This ensures optimal ergonomics for the bodyworker.

• Adjust bodywork techniques as required. Explore techniques that work especially well for large bodies.

• During holistic massage, when bodywork on their back is complete, tuck the covering sheet under the client’s arms for added support (it has a cocooning feeling, too).

• Train in and offer floor-based treatments, especially if you’re stuck with a narrow table in your treatment space.

• Use weight-neutral language, referencing weight only if the client themself has raised it.

• Do the personal work - and continue to do the work - on your assumptions and biases to better serve and support minoritised people. It’s not a one-time thing, but a life-long journey to unlearn socialised prejudice.

• Start where you are - even little changes can make a positive impact!

With thanks to Somatic Therapy Studio @ Warwick Works E5 for making space to store my wide and super-awesome table. All the ♥️

Photo of person by AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash