Some breakthroughs in the last few years have revolutionized the scenario of weight management with the emergence of new medications, such as Wegovy. Wegovy is an injectable prescription medicine for chronic weight control in adult patients. The more this drug is prescribed, the more often massage therapists will find clients using it. This blog will try to give all the detailed information about how massage therapists can approach the changes required in their techniques while working on a Wegovy user to be effective and render a safe treatment plan.
What is Wegovy, anyway?
Wegovy is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used for the treatment of chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which targets areas of the brain that control appetite and food intake.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy supports the reduction of body weight by increasing the feeling of fullness, delaying gastric emptying, and decreasing hunger. It is an injection that should be administered once a week to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Understanding how Wegovy works can help the massage therapist better comprehend the physiological changes that are taking place within their client’s body.
Physiological Effects of Wegovy
Changes in Appetite and Digestion:
Wegovy can change significantly both the appetite and digestion of a person. The users could experience a reduced desire to eat and may eat smaller meals. These changes might have an impact on their overall energy and physical comfort during a massage session, so the practitioner should be mindful of this fact.
Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Because Wegovy helps to reduce weight, it may also influence blood pressure and heart rate. Some patients can experience a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or light-headedness, especially upon standing from a prone position. It is important for massage therapists to be familiar with these side effects in order to prevent adverse reactions while in session.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of Wegovy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. All of these can significantly impede the comfort of a client during massage. Other more dangerous, yet less common side effects are pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Again, allowing for awareness and necessary precautions to be taken.
Adapting Massage Techniques for Wegovy Users
Initial Consultation and Health History
Before any massage treatment, it is a requirement to always take a full initial consultation and health history from the client. Ask specific questions regarding their utilization of Wegovy, which side effects they may be experiencing, and in what health they are at that time. This information will help in tailoring the right massage session.
Communication with Clients
Work with Wegovy users and explain the need for them to report any discomfort or unusual sensations during or after a massage treatment. Ask for any concerns the client may have, such as a previous surgery or an area of the body that needs more attention in massage.
Pressure Adjustments and Techniques
Considering the potential for low energy and gastrointestinal discomfort, therapists should adjust the pressure and techniques used during the massage. Use gentle, soothing techniques overall, but in particular over the abdomen. Avoid deep tissue work in areas that may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Positioning and Comfort
Because Wegovy may induce dizziness or lightheadedness, clients should be properly positioned and supported for comfort. Bolsters and pillows provide much in the way of extra comfort and support, particularly during position changes.
Special Concerns for the Massage Therapist
Monitoring for Distress or Discomfort
Any indications of distress or discomfort suffered should be monitored for the duration of the massage session. If the client seems to be hurting, getting dizzy, or nauseous, halt the massage right there and then to assess the situation. It may require a rethinking approach or possibly rescheduling the appointment if your client is just not feeling well.
Managing Low Blood Sugar Levels
Wegovy can affect blood sugar levels but does so more acutely in clients with diabetes. Make sure that the clients are well-fed before their massage and won’t have an episode of low blood sugar. Small snacks or juice can be offered in case a client gets weak or feels faint while in the massage.
Address Psychological and Emotional Aspects
Weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, may affect a person psychologically or emotionally. Be sensitive to this and try to provide a supportive environment. Evaluate your patients’ concerns, and be sensitive to the history of previous attempted weight loss regiments and other medications.
Incorporation of Holistic Approaches
Utilizing Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be incorporated to supplement massage therapy with relaxation and the decreasing of tension. The effects of some massage-enhancing oils such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint gently relieve the patient and can be beneficial in decreasing gastrointestinal spasms that may cause some of your patients distress upon assessment. Such deepening relaxation can be facilitated by incorporating encouragement in mindfulness and breathing techniques. The client may also be guided on how to pay attention to their breath as a way to manage nausea and any symptom related to Wegovy.
Nutritional Advice and Collaboration
The massage therapist would not typically offer nutritional advice to a client, but collaboration with the client’s healthcare team goes further toward maintaining a holistic approach to weight management. Recommendation of adherence to their specifically prescribed dietary plan and remaining well-hydrated is one way to generally support the well-being of the client.
Case Studies: Working Examples
Case Study 1: Sarah
Sarah was a 45-year-old female on Wegovy, and she came to the clinic for stress and muscle tension relief via a body massage. She experiences a small amount of nausea and dizziness at times, when it comes to conversing with her during an assessment. The therapist used light rhythmic strokes without any deep pressure on her abdomen. Sarah explained how relaxed she felt and how her general stress levels were reduced.
Case Study 2: John’s Journey
John is a 50-year-old male who had already been diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes and had been prescribed Wegovy for weight management. During all sessions of massage, the level of comfort of John was monitored and changes in the techniques implemented within the session were determined based on the responses of the patient. He has been aided to control anxiety by the therapist through breathing exercises and aromatherapy so the experience can be beneficial in every way.
Marketing Your Massage Services to Users of Wegovy
Express Your Expertise
Market your massage services to prospective clients using Wegovy by focusing on your expertise and experience in working with individuals under weight management drugs. Emphasize your special training or certification that enhances your credibility in this field.
Develop Content
Develop written content, such as blog posts or social media updates, to better educate potential clients about your massage service to users of Wegovy. Share tips, success stories, and case studies to demonstrate your expertise and the positive impact of your services.
Special Packages
Consider offering special packages or promotions for Wegovy users. These can include tailored sessions that address their particular needs and problems. Value-added services like aromatherapy or mindfulness training will make their overall experience even more enjoyable.
Relationship with the Health Care Provider
Build relationships with local health care providers who are writing prescriptions for Wegovy. Working with the physician and other health and wellness professionals can create referrals that help to both grow your practice and support your client’s goals.
Conclusion
With the growing use of Wegovy for weight management, massage therapists have a unique opportunity to support clients on this medication with tailored, compassionate care. This will enable the therapist to adjust techniques based on the physiological effects of Wegovy and maintain a safe, effective treatment for all. Wegovy users receive the best care when communication is clear and monitoring is close, and treatment is approached from a whole-body perspective.
Here at Step Above Massage, we aim to stay on top of the latest advancements in health and wellness to serve our clients better. Whether you are on Wegovy or trying to figure out other ways to control your weight, our experienced therapists are with you every step of the way for that healthier, better you. Schedule an appointment now to feel the difference professional, personalized care can have on your life.
