Health at Every Size® Aligned Massage Therapy
Blog post by Stephanie Teal.
Talk to any massage therapist, and we’ll probably tell you that we got into the field of massage therapy because we wanted to help people. Helping people relax, connect to their bodies, and access healing through therapeutic touch is a true gift. With that gift comes a responsibility to show up in advocacy and allyship for all bodies.
As a massage therapist, it’s important to recognize that to receive bodywork requires an incredible act of vulnerability and trust from our clients. By embracing principles of Health At Every Size® (HAES®), massage therapists can create a space rooted in empowerment, compassion, and celebration of body diversity. This makes it so individuals of all body types can have the opportunity for healing.
Central to the HAES® philosophy is the belief that health is not determined solely by body weight or size. Instead, it is multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. HAES® has three principles relevant to the context of massage therapy: weight inclusivity, health enhancement, and respectful care. People in larger bodies systematically and systemically do not receive inclusive care because of negative attitudes and stereotypes attached to body weight and size. Examining our own biases is an excellent place to begin for any professional looking to begin practicing in a HAES® aligned way. In addition, there are practical ways to practice size inclusive care.
Actionable tips for practicing HAES® aligned Massage Therapy
Inclusive environment: Creating a welcoming space where clients feel comfortable -doorways, furniture, location — should be accessible for all. In particular, making sure our massage table supports every body in length, width, height, and sturdiness.Supportive bolstering: Using blankets, pillows, and bolsters can help clients feel comfortable and supported while on the table.Communication: Checking in with clients can help promote body autonomy, preferences and boundaries, while empowering them to take an active role in their healing.Language: Speaking in a way that celebrates your client’s decision to receive care and honors how their body shows up.Intake form: Refraining from asking weight on an intake form — we can provide care without knowing someone’s weight.
Massage therapy gives us an opportunity for empowering individuals to embrace their bodies at any size and cultivate a positive relationship with body focused self-care. We have not only an incredibly important opportunity but also an ethical obligation to participate in providing an accepting, supportive environment for all clients.
As we continue to challenge societal norms and embrace a more inclusive definition of health, the integration of HAES® principles will be crucial for forward movement in providing equitable opportunities for engagement in body focused self-care. The interconnectedness of massage therapy, body positivity, and HAES® is the path forward to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate approach to health, where all bodies are not just respected but also celebrated.
Stephanie Teal (she/her) is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist at Current Wellness.
Stephanie approaches massage therapy with the understanding that physical, emotional, and spiritual health are all interconnected. Caring about how our bodies can hold and store our life experiences, she offers integrative and intuitive massage therapy rooted in compassion and presence. Stephanie practices bodywork that is trauma sensitive and informed by deep listening, somatic practices, Thai massage, Swedish, Reiki, deep tissue and myofascial release.
At Current Wellness we strive to align with HAES® principles in all our services. Our massage table has a weight capacity of 550lbs.