A client may have areas on their body that exhibit a loss of tactile sensation, meaning they are unable to feel temperature or pressure in that area. The area affected will feel numb, and could be short-term or permanent.

This loss of sensation is caused by damage to the sensory nerves or nervous system.

The cause behind this damage could be due to a number of medical reasons– including diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, infection, or injury.

Action to take

Avoid the area, or adapt the massage by only doing gentle massage in that area because the client cannot give feedback about pain. Spend a longer time on another area of the body. If the loss of sensation is unexplained, advise the client to seek medical advice for diagnosis before commencing.