Obesity is the underlying cause of hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States every year. It increases the risk of heard disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer, among other serious conditions, yet society seems to turn away from recognizing it's effects on health, and understanding how it's treatment and prevention can help save lives. Massage therapists can play a valuable role in aiding their obese clients.

Being discriminated against in various aspects of life due to obesity has led to many individuals experiencing severe emotional discomfort, thus keeping them away from effective therapies such as massage. It's important for a massage therapist to be in tune with the client's emotional state in order for healing to take place.

In addition to putting you at risk for life-threatening diseases, obesity causes general everyday obstacles. At times, mobility and range of motion are limited, circulation is decreased, and extreme pain is felt due to carrying around excess weight. Massage therapy can be vital in eliminating, or at least temporarily relieving these discomforts.

This article was prepared for HomeStudyCredits.org. Learn more about massage therapy, and massage continuing education programs.