tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17109563974119577932024-03-04T21:35:36.048-08:00Find Touch: Massage Therapy CommunityCareer satisfaction and fulfillment for massage therapists. Practical client tips. Dina Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283990346260336510noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-89772132704629664362014-02-24T16:38:00.001-08:002014-02-24T16:38:29.989-08:00What We Massage Therapists Know…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.drishti-soft.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Interview-250x187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.drishti-soft.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Interview-250x187.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently in looking for an associate to assist in my practice, I interviewed a bunch of massage therapists with ample experience. I thought I would offer a good step-up to private practice to people who wanted to move in that direction. I looked for experience because I wanted people who understood the economics and challenges of massage practice. The resumes were pretty interesting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One resume listed athletes the person had massaged. That’s it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did ask for credentials. People told me they were licensed in my state. We don’t have a state license.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or they could get it if required, along with insurance. Tell me, how had they worked in the field thus far without the basics?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I weeded through the applicants, I tried interviewing a few by phone. One hung up when I explained that I would pay minimum wage//click//plus piece-work for massages performed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was getting a little bummed out. Then I found someone who I thought was great in person, on the phone and in resume. There was only one problem. She did not want to work on any of the days/shifts I could make available. Turns out she was burned out on her spa job and did not want to take on any more massage time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why was she answering my ad, I thought.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to the drawing board.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-57090318277696843182013-12-30T14:33:00.000-08:002013-12-30T14:33:05.376-08:00 Tidy Time
<a href="http://www.gobankingrates.com/system/uploads/2011/01/end-of-year-calendar1-300x176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gobankingrates.com/system/uploads/2011/01/end-of-year-calendar1-300x176.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">With each
year end, I like to do two things: tidy up the loose ends of my massage therapy
practice and set my sights on the coming year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tidy time is
important in the visceral sense: make sure my tax stuff and books are at least
all in one box, if not organized, all set for the tax man. I also like to get
some statistics: How many massages have I done, daily and weekly averages, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">An important
part of this look-back is to check and see when I have been feeling good or
overworked. I can often see some times when I should have done a little less or
spread my duties out more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">G</span><span style="font-size: large;">one are the
days when I could work straight through an 8-hour spa shift and then see two
private clients after hours. I don’t miss that a bit. But when I was foolish
enough to have done those things, I learned, as I laid prostrate on my bed the
next day, not to do so much in one day. Days off are no fun if they are spent
flat out zombie-fied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Days off for
a massage therapist are for stretching, tai-chi, family, errands, the beach,
all the things that days off are for. I learned not to work so much that I felt
drained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Another
lesson is to not drown in paperwork. If, like my therapist friend, you use a
bookkeeping program, you still have to plunk the numbers in. Amazing how many
other things you can find to do before doing the books. To save myself some
angst, I found a good bookkeeper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Outsourcing
is great for the things you do not want to do. For me, it is the bookkeeping.
For others, it might be the laundry. The key is figuring out what you do not
want to do, or what you are truly bad at doing, and if you are willing to pay
for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In hindsight,
“outsourcing” is what many of us do when we work for employers. We take a pay
cut because we don’t want to book clients, make re-appointments, keep track of
permits, negotiate leases. There is nothing wrong in that, by the way. Some
therapists enjoy being able to leave work at their appointed time and not keep
a to-do list. A lot of us have to pick up kids, make dinner and a host of other
things for family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>When I’ve
looked back at my year, I then look forward. More about that next blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-54817048166935237252013-12-21T20:44:00.000-08:002013-12-21T20:44:37.257-08:00Care and Greeting of Clients<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/origami/1/0/2/0/-/-/origami-christmas-card-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/origami/1/0/2/0/-/-/origami-christmas-card-5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What are you
doing?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My therapist
friend said that phrase in a tone of voice that implied I was sculpting a stone
wheel from a boulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m writing
holiday cards to my clients, I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ohh, no, no,
no you will get carpal! she said. Let me show you my toys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Out whipped
the tablet. With its apps. This one sends appointment reminders automatically,
along with holiday greetings and birthday offers. Au-to-ma-tic, she said, as if
it were a word I have never heard before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yup, that’s
me sitting there with my stones knives and bear clubs, sending out cards to
people whom I have been seeing for massages for so long they are like family.
But no, I am modern. My stamps are self-sticking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I swear it is
not age. We are about the same age, my massage therapist friend and I, and we
have come up through the ranks into developing our own independent practices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I still
have an appointment book and pencil. And I send holiday cards. Handwritten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As my
software engineer client told me one day, those apps. are great. Until all your
data gets stuck somewhere in the cloud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Bah Humbug!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-49592868842138698762013-12-07T17:13:00.001-08:002013-12-07T17:13:38.336-08:00Massage with an Historic Difference
<span style="font-size: large;">It is an old
law school question: Would you be Hitler’s lawyer?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>It is a tough
one. All people regardless of their crimes are due a spirited defense, law
students are taught. Yet what about the worst criminal in recent history? Would
you be the one? Could you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here’s how
the question could be posed to a massage therapist: Could you be Hitler’s
massage therapist? Would you? Would it make Hitler more human? Or make him a
more efficient Hitler?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some thoughts to ponder. I have not
found any evidence that Hitler ever got a massage, although the treatment was
very popular in the late 19</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> and early 20</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> century for
many ills.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But I did
find some history about a “doctor” of massage in western Europe who was tapped
to be the therapist for Heinrich Himmler, the head of the Nazi SS, the elite
and brutal militia that perpetrated many atrocities against Jews and others on
the hit list in the Nazi era.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Felix Kersten
was a gifted therapist popular with the European elite who was “asked” to be
Himmler’s personal masseur. He took the job, perhaps because it was an offer he
could not refuse, and used his relationship with Himmler to spare some of the
intended victims of the Third Reich.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>The breadth
of his exact contribution to saving lives is debatable. He got his client, who
suffered from severe gastric problems relieved by massage, to sign documents
sparing people from death. He also claimed to have softened the SS’s plans to
kill subjugated civilians in Denmark and Finland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Others disputed his claims to
saving civilian populations, but his ability to entice Himmler spare some
individuals is not in doubt.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to read more
about Kersten and his times, I suggest:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Kersten Memoirs, by Felix
Kersten.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Man with the Miraculous Hands,
by Joseph Kessel.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Massages’Greatest Humanitarian,
excerpt in Massage Magazine by Robert Noah Calvert, from The History of
Massage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Devil’s Doctor, by John H.
Waller.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-88202000862709602422013-12-02T13:20:00.001-08:002013-12-02T13:20:22.939-08:00Whys and What Knots
<span style="font-size: large;">Knots have
the element of surprise. Massage clients are often very perturbed that they
have a knot, and then the inevitable question…why is that knot there?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I try to
offer some explanations – to much time using a mouse, too many repeat
micro-movements of muscles in a static hold, etc. Working under too much
deadline pressure is a very common circumstance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But why do
knots occur and stick around for so long? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Massage
therapists see thousands of knots over the years, and yes, I think they each
have their own unique origins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For reasons I
cannot easily explain, I can feel when knots are old – from a long-gone by car
accident for example – these older knots are more established and habituated to
the body’s daily existence. They need some extra attention and therapeutic
touch to loosen and return their host tissues to normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That said these older knots seem to
be more than simply forgotten dysfunctional areas of muscle. Something has
happened along with the formation of the knot to make it last. Perhaps, if
knots form like memories, they become more robust when a person is excited or
energized.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having read and seen many
interviews of people who remember what they were doing 50 years ago when they
heard President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, I suspect the major knots
also had a sudden, sharp focus of attention. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the chemicals of surprise
or fear also help muscles retain knots, as people retain memories of the JFK
assassination in more vivid detail than any other days in 1964 or beyond.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Could some knots have a
date-and-time stamp?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.slate-workshop.co.uk/generator/assets/home/2_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.slate-workshop.co.uk/generator/assets/home/2_large.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I wonder. I know my
massage clients do.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-63999561511728425742013-11-16T13:26:00.001-08:002013-11-16T13:26:23.347-08:00Too Big for Massage or Too Dark?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://files.softicons.com/download/object-icons/phone-icons-by-cemagraphics/png/128/red_phone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thecoachingpair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/red-phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://thecoachingpair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/red-phone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The question
comes up. A caller on the phone, looking for a massage. I had no openings. Let
this massage therapist say for the record that I really had no openings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>We talked for
a while, a male voice on the phone, pretty husky voice. A Carolina accent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you
wonder, the caller said. You wonder if when I call and there’s no openings, if
someone calls later who sounds white and there are plenty of openings. I’ve
heard it happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m not like
that, I said. But I have heard it from another client, a large, deep-voiced
African-American actor. It just might happen. He told me he had a hard time
finding someone who would do a good massage on him, you know, the kind of
massage that makes you want to come back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Oh yeah, I’ve
had those, too, he said. Massages so bad they feel like an oil slick. Terrible.
You wonder if the massage is bad because they don’t want to see you again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s not
me, nor my practice. But I do wonder. Are men, particularly ethnic-sounding or looking
men, on an avoid list because of the difficulty of the massage - or therapists’
unfamiliarity with them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope not.
Massage therapists are free, of course, to choose their clients. It is a skill.
But a professional therapist cannot discourage a client for a discriminatory
reason – sex, race or religion. Even if those things might imply that a person
might be harder to work on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Yeah, my
caller said. One time a lady told me to change my voice because it was probably
scaring some massage therapists. I just sound like I sound, he said. That’s me.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-66322890944677590442013-11-08T11:36:00.000-08:002013-11-08T11:36:24.494-08:00What Good Would Massage Do?A friend
shared an experience with me. His stiff back had become worse recently. After
sitting for a while at his desk, if he turned the wrong way when getting up or
reached too far, ZAP! A pain would<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/osteoarthritis_overview_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_knee_in_pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/osteoarthritis_overview_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_knee_in_pain.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
shoot down his leg from the low back to the
knee.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“It just
takes my breath away,” he said. “It really gets my attention.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This
gentleman has played football, fought in the war, and built suburbs. If the
pain is bad enough to rob his breath, I am on alert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A few trips
to the doctor and he was diagnosed with foramen stenosis, a term that means
osteoarthritis – calcifications and inflammation - were taking up residence in
the area where spinal nerves exit L4-L5. The osteoarthritis pushed against the
nerve bundle as he tried to move. Hence the ZAP!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I inquired
about the plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“Well, I
went to p.t. and at first the stretches seemed to help, but then they made
things worse. It’s not bad enough to operate on yet. I am just trying to move
my back as little as possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Good heavens. I had to speak.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
“Have you considered doing some
massage?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
“What good would massage do?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Oh yes, sometimes this question
comes up. I happily urge all massage therapists to answer it when it does.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Too often
people think inflammation and calcifications of osteoarthritis are set in
stone. They move less and less, giving the condition a wide-open opportunity to
get much, much, worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well,
massage therapy alleviates back pain, inflammation and swelling. It is why we
train to do what we do. I mentioned a recent study that found general,
non-specific massage helped reduce stenosis pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>He asked if
massage could fix the problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The study
didn’t go long enough to figure that out, I explained. The big result is that
people felt better and thus did more and felt healthier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Do massage
therapists think gentle rubbing can reduce osteoarthritis? Or “just“relieve it?
I think we know the answer, don’t we?</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-47133126138088407552013-11-02T20:35:00.001-07:002013-11-02T20:35:10.425-07:00Jump Out of the Recycle Bin: Work-Finding Tips for Massage Therapists…<span style="font-size: large;">Most job
hunts for massage therapists starts with the cover letter </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.forsythco.com/cpfiles/Images/checklist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.forsythco.com/cpfiles/Images/checklist.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">email and attached
resume. It’s the first introduction to a potential employer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grab this
opportunity to make a great impression!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have come up with some tips based
on my experience interviewing and hiring therapists. These may seem elemental,
but many people will be surprised how often applicants skip these steps,
sending their first contact into the trash bin folder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. When an ad for employment lists
requirements such as insurance, licensing, certification, etc., the applicant
should be specific in listing those credentials. This means including the
proper title, registrant number, issuance date and expiration. Believe it or
not, I have seen resumes claiming “state license” in states that do not have
licenses. Also, a massage class certificate is not a “license.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Be clear if you do not have a
credential. You can always say you qualify - if you really qualify - and will
get the credential before starting work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Please use spell check. When an
applicant spells their title as “theraspit” it suggests lack of diligence and
care, qualities many employers value highly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">4. List prior work experience even
if it is in another field. Many massage therapists are on their second or third
career, and unrelated work experience boosts applicant credibility.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Pictures are optional.
Applications are not dating ads. That being said, if you think a picture will
get you on top of the list, use it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. If you don’t get interviews, ask
if there is anything you could do to improve your application for the next
potential interview. Many employers will be happy to give you tips. It might
also signal a willingness to learn, a quality that will get you noticed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Good Luck!<o:p></o:p></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-79341756613464474552013-10-19T20:51:00.000-07:002013-10-19T20:51:21.748-07:00Massage Up or Down?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dcprosportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/thumbsupdown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://dcprosportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/thumbsupdown2.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the risk
of hearing some strong opinions, or not, I would like to ask the question: is
it proper to massage up or down?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I have had
many massages, and I am always baffled by the selection. I have had massage up
the back, down the back, diagonally and sideways. Does it matter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some folks
have very fixed ideas on this, particularly teachers who are trying to herd
cats (massage students) into some semblance of a class. For every rule to never
be broken, however, I find more classes and higher learning invite rules
changes with ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Personally, I do not enjoy
effleurages or neural strokes that go down the arm, although my energetic
therapist friends use those to clear energy and swear by it. They seem a little
pent up if I ask them not to do that. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m happy to offer my palm for some
airy, off-skin swirly-dibbles to clear energy, so that seems to keep the peace.
But what about those skin riders?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shudder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In a
discussion, I would avoid answering my own question, but this is a blog and the
rules are fluid.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Intent, I think may be the answer.
If the intent is Swedish, to move both lymph and blood, then massage upward
toward the heart. If the intent is neural, massage down the spine toward the
sacrum. If lymphatic, massage in the direction of the lymphatic watershed. If
aruveydic, well, then it depends. Well, is that as clear as it gets?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-4971965246689610552013-10-12T15:27:00.000-07:002013-10-12T15:27:42.014-07:00Carpal! Foiled again!
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes, it
can be so much fun to be in the soft-tissue massage biz. A new client asked for
help with numbness at night in the thumb, forefinger and ring-finger.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As part of
the overall massage, I did a bit of cross-fiber, compression and MFR on the
pronater and supinator.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/carpal_tunnel_overview_slideshow/princ_rm_photo_of_thumb_atrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/carpal_tunnel_overview_slideshow/princ_rm_photo_of_thumb_atrophy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We massage
therapists know those are the muscles that turn your palms up or down while
doing tasks. For instance, if you are typing on a computer, your pronator is
pulling your radius bone over the ulna bone – compressing a whole bunch of
stuff in the forearm. When it gets too hot and too inflamed, your wrist hurts
and/or your first three fingers go numb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Elementary,
to a massage therapist, but for some reason this is often unknown to the
client.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>The forearm
muscles felt like bone, hard, adhesed, starved and chronically contracted.
Massage strokes help separate the muscles and tendons, opening the area up to
circulation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Unknown to me
at the time, this client had the testing for carpal tunnel syndrome a week earlier.
A few days after her massage, she got the results. Her doctor told her she
needed surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“I told him I didn’t need to have
surgery because I had a massage and my hands are fine now,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt a bit puffed up with such a
nice compliment. Most important, though is proof of the power of doing hands-on
therapy before invasive solutions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The medical literature says carpal
surgery works in about 30 percent of carpal diagnoses. Why? Most likely because
the tests do not specifically confirm carpal tunnel syndrome but other
myofascial problems in the forearm, triceps, even the neck.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-17764123504137561702013-09-23T12:45:00.000-07:002013-09-23T12:45:11.414-07:00Bright Lights, Big Spin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/fa/ug/cure-vertigo-800X800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/fa/ug/cure-vertigo-800X800.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A new massage
client had a history of vertigo and migraines. After about $20,000 worth of
tests, she had been diagnosed with post-viral balance disorder and sent to a
balance clinic. Her therapy was consistent: Flashing lights, juggling balls and
teeter-totter devices.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>She kept
mentioning how the migraines and vertigo got much worse during each session. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">By the time
she came in, her vertigo approximated the deck of a rolling ship. The migraines
were overwhelming and she had not slept for more than three hours a night. When
she did sleep, it was on a mound of pillows to keep the vertigo down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“I’m getting
worse!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey, I offered, the important thing
is that all the scary things had been checked and ruled out (there’s a big
scary list that goes with vertigo and migraines, stuff such as brain tumors and
multiple sclerosis,) info I did not share.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I went right for her history. Any
car accidents? Yes, a big one 8 years ago with lots of whiplash and torsion. No
soft tissue therapy. The fractures took priority.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok. Let’s give this a try. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I put the lower half of the massage
table down two notches, and she was able to get on the table supine. I went
after the anterior trapezial “nausea points” and the headaches points in the
ligamentum nuchae. Her vertigo retreated, as did the migraines. Encouraged, I
also massaged the masseter and infra-hyoids.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“I think we may be on to something,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-15880272441427611582013-09-19T14:55:00.000-07:002013-09-19T14:55:53.593-07:00Picture This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTV8nsXDNO71ha65RvCTKZbxKRrsEpsXoaz3BjjYEp1STbd4NgN2A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTV8nsXDNO71ha65RvCTKZbxKRrsEpsXoaz3BjjYEp1STbd4NgN2A" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">M</span>assage
therapists undergoing postural correction or structural integration often take
pictures to show themselves their “befores” and “afters.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been
tempted to try this with clients, but on the occasions it has seemed right, the
clients seemed apprehensive.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“You want to
take my picture?” Sounding pretty doubtful, especially early in the therapeutic
relationship, about having a photo done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With so much online media, I
thought this question would get easier to fly. Not quite.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With a recent client who had severe
gait, lumbar and foot distortions, but seemed totally unaware of them other
than the pain they caused, I suggested she have her husband take a cell phone
video (on her cell phone) of her walking. Just so she could see why we were
working on some areas and to make the tai chi walking exercises seem more
worthwhile.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trying a video at home was more
comfortable for her; although she disliked seeing herself try to walk so much
she erased it right away.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tough stuff, I told her, but helpful
in seeing how much the altered gait and injuries were affecting her energy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When
we are done, I told her, I bet you will like your walking pictures much better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-26912405672983809332013-09-13T16:15:00.000-07:002013-09-13T16:15:11.949-07:00Core Strength and Armor
<span style="font-size: large;">When we speak of “core strength” do we
all mean the same thing? I recently experienced a very different version with a
client.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Core strength is a current
buzzword, with therapists and trainers giving tips on how to develop core, keep
core, activate core, etc. as a panacea for injuries and prevention. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I recently read Erik Dalton’s most
recent explanation of different cores and massage, with “medium core” as
splinting in the quadratus lumborem and obliques to shore up lack of spinal
muscular core.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve also been in those martial
arts classes when they instruct students to make their surface areas “hard”
(external core!) to deflect the blows of others.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My experience with a client
recently was a bit different “core” in terms of protecting oneself from
assault. This client has been dealing with a very difficult time in life. Her
mother has to be in a nursing home because she can no longer keep track of her
meals and medications, along with dementia and a terminal illness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The family first tried to care for
her themselves, and then brought in elder helpers, but those solutions did not
work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now mother is in a home, she has
been scheming day and night to find a way to get out, including engineering her
escape through a naïve relative.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The bottom line here is that mother
has always gotten her way, no matter what, and the penalties for not going
along are very, very high. While the positive side of that energy is that
mother always got things done, the icky side is that a lot of mean things come
out of her mouth when she does not get her way, and the abuse escalates until
she wins.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This client prepared herself,
rehearsing in the mirror and coming up with answers to her mom’s presumed
objections ahead of time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next time Mom started to protest
her living situation, she was ready.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“I really am trying my best to make
sure you are well-cared for, and when you say mean things it stabs me right in
the heart,” she told her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Did it help? “I feel a lot better
that I was finally able to say something,” my client said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The affected muscles?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I massaged
her masseter and other jaw muscles, rubbed her tummy to restore diaphragm
breathing and also worked with the thoracic spine to release the erectors and
neural supply to the diaphragm.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She felt
better to the core. But was it core? Or a girding of the loins? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-74196234876272589082013-09-04T09:34:00.000-07:002013-09-04T09:34:45.222-07:00Save Your Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwNXhirFX1CUx7e_O03KMeUYccv0ZYg0G8PwpiJfG02Rxr7IlZTw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwNXhirFX1CUx7e_O03KMeUYccv0ZYg0G8PwpiJfG02Rxr7IlZTw" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hands are the
best tools in a massage therapist’s toolbox and the most likely to be injured.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It happens to
even the most careful therapists: a burn from a hot pan, a scratch that gets
oily, a bit of tendonitis that turns into a raging case of nerve inflammation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Plan A for
most therapists is don’t do stuff that can hurt your hands. Hopefully we
learned these things in school:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No unsupported thumb work, glide with the whole hand, wrist
straight when using pressure. Push with the entire body from the feet, not the
shoulders, neck or back. Avoid radial and ulnar deviation during effleurages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Prudence in off-hours helps, too.
No ATV riding, no mountain-biking, no rock-climbing, wear gloves while
gardening, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plan B for many therapists is a few
forced weeks off, with the resulting flat wallet. Few of us have disability
benefits or the inclination to sit idle.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So there is a need for therapists
to tap some resources from our wiser colleagues. Books are helpful, such as
“Save Your Hands!” by Lauriann Greene et al.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most conventions have one if not
two classes in ergonomics for therapists, yoga for therapists, Tai Chi for
therapists, etc. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have enjoyed Val Guin’s classes
and her DVD “Forearm Dance” that demonstrates the principles of working with a
Tai Chi stance and avoiding use of the hands as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One good self-audit for your work
is to video yourself while performing basic massage moves. You will see when
you lose form or go off track.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The resources are there for us to
use before injury. Hopefully we can practice prevention and recovery as much as
we preach it to clients….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-29359708289748295242013-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:002013-08-19T09:07:33.222-07:00Reward: Used Maroon Astra-Lite Table with Wheeled Black Carry Case….<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"></span>Other than a
rare bad check, my massage practice and business has never been ripped off –
until last month. Armed with a pizza, the dog, my phone and laundry, I
neglected to make sure all the doors were securely closed on my car that Sunday
night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday, after
doing about 10 errands, I noticed things looked different in my car. The
console was light on pennies, dimes and nickels; the papers usually on the
glove box shelf were on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where
is my gum?</div>
<br />
I stopped at the next errand and
looked in the trunk. My massage table was gone. Along with a nice big bag of
clean laundry (they left the bag of dirty sheets) and my coffee can full of
pens, cheater glasses and odd bits.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“Aren’t you
mad somebody ripped you off?” a friend said. “Don’t you feel violated?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well,
actually I didn’t feel that way. I thought about putting a $100 bill in the
middle of a bear trap in the driveway, but it seemed like it might create too
much paperwork. I don’t look good in an orange jumpsuit. Who does?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Revenge takes
too much effort. A cracked-open door with a wrapped birthday present on the
front seat loaded with exploding skunk stink packs would be too elaborate.
Plus, burglars and thieves injured on or by other folks property can sue their
homeowner’s insurance and often win. Plus-plus, I can’t wrap presents very
well.</div>
<br />
Back to the $100 bill fantasy, this
time coated with herpes simplex virus, itching powder and dog floop.<br />
<br />
Things happen, especially when you
don’t make sure to lock the car. I was thinking about a new table anyway.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, if someone tries to sell
you a used maroon Astra-lite with wheeled black case….
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-41084311710391294842013-08-17T20:07:00.001-07:002013-08-17T20:07:32.889-07:00Forever Gifts<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Gift
certificates for a massage are always welcome, and if the massage therapist who
wrote them is lucky, the certificates are used and result in a new client; if
the massage therapist is lucky in another way the certificate is never used.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heck, in
California, and possibly a few other states, gift certificates never expire.
Once, I had an ancient gift certificate redeemed, after our prices had gone up.
The certificate read for a 90-minute massage, and the client had paid $20 less
than our current fee. After that I learned to put a dollar amount rather than
only a timed service on the gift line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>The banks,
ever enterprising, have figured out that while certificates don’t expire they
can add fees. If the certificate or card is never used, it is eventually
swallowed by those fees. They have the fine print to support it. I just can’t
see doing that on a slip that says Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas.</div>
<br />
Some gift certificates pop back up,
mysteriously coffee-stained or crinkly, years later. Did I already mention that
they never expire?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple I
had not seen for eight years wandered in this past weekend. The children had
bought mom a gift certificate for Mother’s Day – in 2005. She had gotten him
one for Christmas in 2006.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ooh, this
expired yesterday,” I cooed. He grinned back, a little embarrassed, but not
enough. “Of course this is still good,” I said. “Always.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Glad for the
opportunity, I suggested they were both overdue for massages. “I can’t believe
you haven’t had a massage since 2006,” I said. “This is good for you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This couple
was a little tight, a little tired and a lot stressed.</div>
<br />
“What is the occasion?” I asked.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“We are going
to Costa Rica for three weeks.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oooh,
speechless am I.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-57429058470998984012013-08-03T20:52:00.000-07:002013-08-03T20:52:40.430-07:00The Diabetic Foot
<span style="font-size: large;">Some regular
massage therapy is a good thing for most diabetics. Swedish strokes tend to
help lower blood sugar, and structures suffering from loss of blood – from
bones to the soft tissues, enjoy a boost of circulation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Most people think
of diabetes as an imbalance of insulin hormones, but we massage therapists see
the true disease – lack of circulation throughout the system as cells struggle
with basic movement of nutrients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.tracywalton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSC_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://www.tracywalton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSC_0313.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>With many
clients this massage therapist works intently to improve circulation,
especially in areas of the hands and feet. Such detail as massaging each toe
can help prevent diabetic ulcers and other skin breakdowns. I am always on the
lookout for any signs of skin compromise so it can be evaluated quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>With
insulin-resistant diabetics, Type 2, I also look for ways to improve their
ability to walk moderately to lessen the effects of the disease. Some
diabetics, however, who have had the disease for a long time can develop a
softening of the foot bones that can lead to collapse of the structures. The
condition is called “Charcot foot.“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I</span><span style="font-size: large;"> had seen
Charcot only in books until a recent client came in hoping to relieve some back
pain. Massage for the back pain and hip muscles relieved her troubles for a few
days, but as time passed her lumbar pain returned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>When I looked
to her feet, I found bumpy surface lacking all three arches. The main medial
arch was flat and had a very hard, round spot dead center – a foot bone had
possibly dropped down through the arch. The lateral arch was also flat with
another dropped bone. The last arch at the base of the big toe and second toes
was also flattened and most of the toes had hammered down in response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Her ambition
to walk 30 minutes a day on the line, she checked with her doctors, and they
diagnosed the Charcot foot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Her doctors
have advised her to wear orthotic, supportive shoes at all times – not just
when out of the house. Also, she has to wear supportive arched wet shoes when
doing pool exercises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>As massage
therapists, we are often telling people with arch problems to make sure their
feet are supported around the house and patio in addition to when they walk
outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>With this and
other diabetic clients, we massage folks can help not only with suggesting
people have their feet checked closely for ulcers and skin breaks, but also for
structural problems worsened by the disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-71716625168287066132013-07-29T13:26:00.000-07:002013-07-29T13:26:36.587-07:00Taming the Tube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.forms-surfaces.com/sites/default/files/BB_Gal_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.forms-surfaces.com/sites/default/files/BB_Gal_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It had been a
particularly busy Saturday, with lots of clients coming in for massage therapy
at my office. After work, tired though I was, honey and I went over to the
local promenade for dinner and walked along the cement boardwalk for quite a
ways looking at the crowds and shops.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Usually we
stop for a few moments to listen to the street musicians. This time I wanted to
stop at the benches by the flamenco guitarist. We found a spot. Honey asked me
what was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“My
quad(ricep)s are numb,” I said. “It seems to go away when I sit down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After a few
minutes we resumed walking. Again, the front of my legs above the knee went
numb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“What’s going
on?” Sweetie asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t
know, but I am going to find out,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We walked
back to the car pretty slowly, my legs complaining the whole way back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>As massage
therapists we are used to people having symptoms of things that might be a bit
worse than just sore muscles. I know I have. It is easy to tell a client to go
have it checked out. But do we forget how hard that can be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My doctor
wanted to know what was going on right away. He recommended a lumbar X-ray
series and a lumbar MRI. The X-rays, no problem. I walked in to the offices of
the local. The MRI?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh heavens.
I’d had one years ago for my neck and shoulders, and I remembered being able to
handle it as long as I kept my eyes shut. Starting in the hall outside the
machine. I put the test off for a few days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My doctor
called to find out if I had the MRI yet. The X-rays showed suspected spinal
stenosis. I needed to get in ASAP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Spinal
stenosis? I did what everyone else does. I looked it up on WebMD. By the way,
never do that. By the time I went in for the MRI, I was convinced I would be
disabled for life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">MRIs have not
changed much, but I have. This time my arms hit the side of the tube, making me
feel like I was being held. I couldn’t do the time in the machine. Two tries
later I was sweating and resigned. I went to the local “open” MRI. Much better.
Except for the train-wreck sounds. The tech had insisted I listen to some spa
music. Thank heavens. It gave me something to focus on besides the noise of the
MRI. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I was pretty
tense when I went in for a consult with a neurosurgeon. The lady in the waiting
room was about 30, in a wheelchair. She smiled at me. I thought about whether
they have to measure you for a tongue stick. You know, the kind you use to
paint watercolors because you are in a wheelchair for life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the exam room, I had high blood
pressure for the first time in my life. “White coat syndrome?” the assistant
asked.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Seeing a neurosurgeon. Egads. The
assistant loaded the MRI onto a computer. I stared at the image. What was that?
Lobster tail?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The discs and all were fine, but I
do have spinal stenosis and a pinched nerve at the L4-L5 foramen. The doctor
smiled at me and recommended a cortisone shot. “You should be fine,” he said.
“That should take care of your symptoms. You need to strengthen your psoas and
spinal erectors.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hmm. That last part sounded like
what I find with many massage clients. I thought I could feel my blood pressure
drop back to normal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I took a breath, perhaps my first
of the day. “I’m sorry. I have been pretty freaked out about this,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time for a
massage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-66459281606263545062013-07-11T14:48:00.000-07:002013-07-11T14:48:00.264-07:00Frequent Fliers and Massage Therapy <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.sciencedaily.com/2010/11/101124171538-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://images.sciencedaily.com/2010/11/101124171538-large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Folks who
travel for vacations complain the most about the plane ride home – they are
tired, often sunburned and a bit depressed that the dream vacation is over.</div>
<br />
Many clients book massages during
their vacations, but forget about dealing with the stress and fatigue of the
trip home.<br />
<br />
That’s why I have recommended
people get a jet lag massage post-vacation.<br />
<br />
We book it in advance for the day
after they return, (air travel isn’t always timely these days) and I plan on
spending a lot of the massage time trying to relax the nervous system and flush
the lymphatic system.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
post-vacation massage seems to be helpful in getting rid of the blues and trip
tiredness. I also enjoy hearing a bit about the vacation, as most of my clients
`take much more exciting trips than I do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clients are
often surprised by how much better they feel. It helps them get enough energy
together to unpack, clean up and get ready for work again.</div>
<br />
So I suggest more massage
therapists offer the post-travel massage. It is a wonderful way to reconnect
with clients and serves their needs well.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-51700166922430802452013-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:002013-07-08T10:52:26.633-07:00 Wrapped Up in Fibromyalgia Massage
<span style="font-size: large;">A recent
study showed hyper nerve endings under the skin of people with fibromyalgia –
the first “objective” sign that people with fibro are not just whining about
their pain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Well, we
massage therapists are different from others in the treatment community who
have doubted the clinical basis of fibromyalgia. The difference is fairly
simple – when people tell us they hurt and where they hurt, we believe them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>For something
to be so simple it is also hugely significant for people with fibro. They are
often battered, doubted, maligned and otherwise felt to be somehow less legit
than someone who has an X-ray proven injury such as a broken leg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I have had
clients who have been “fired” by therapists in other modalities because they
can’t stick to exercise programs. Even though within a few weeks, even a few
hours, exercise programs make fibro folks feel worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>A recent
client pointed it out to me in bright flashing lights. She does not look like
she has fibro. She is young, thin, and fairly flexible and has no apparent
history of trauma other than a car accident 5 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Several times she has tried to
comply with strengthening programs only to have her head and neck pain increase
– and her disability from fibro go wild. When she complained of increasing
problems, her complaints are dismissed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Figuring that the definition of
insanity was proving true – Crazy is doing the same thing over and over and
expecting a different result - she decided to do her own research.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She stumbled across some articles
about trigger points and fibro and decided to try massage. I’m happy to say she
is feeling much better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Reminding us all that it never
hurts a massage therapist to believe people when they report symptoms, nor does
it hurt to use our skills to relieve those symptoms. It is our strength.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-65760791448858086862013-06-29T15:36:00.002-07:002013-06-29T15:36:40.266-07:00Look! No Hands!
<span style="font-size: large;">It being the
crack of summer and my massage practice being filled to the seams, I decided to
take 10 days off. Daring, I know, for anyone in private practice, but it was
great.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For 10 days, no massages, no excess
use of my hands and now, heading back to the office for another full slate, I
am doing my back exercises in hopes I can keep it all working just right when I
head back in.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Taking time for a vacation can be a
big guilt trip for therapists. It can take years to build a decent practice,
and sometimes it entails working through your weekends – a massage here and
there on Sunday or Mondays off to keep the books full.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEAPoKGoEsHR2un673KKVx4B0cjjP3Qv2ZgzxLUrjqgGPDmw-tfA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEAPoKGoEsHR2un673KKVx4B0cjjP3Qv2ZgzxLUrjqgGPDmw-tfA" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In my first five years of practice,
I worked four days a week at a spa and spent my “off” days serving private
clients. Trouble was, if the spa called me and I could fit it in, I would also
work extra shifts. I was being a team player, of course, helping the manager
avoid canceling massage appointments because of someone calling in sick on a
weekend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After 30 days with no days off, I
took the daring step of saying no to some extra shifts. They managed to live
without me, and I saw the error of my ways.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I took vacations fairly
regularly, a week here and there, and used my time off to do massage related
things such as attend conventions. I loved the classes, and I came back
recharged.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As time passed, however, I felt
less like immersing myself in c.e.u. classes on my time off. The true
massage-less vacations began and I enjoy them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A good friend in practice for more
years than I explained the math to me: If you do too many massages in a week or
a month, maybe that is fine. But let’s say you do too many massages in a
quarter or half-year or a year?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend was seeing 35 clients a
week. After a few months, he woke up one morning with no energy for anything.
He dropped two of his side jobs and went with his own practice clients
exclusively. It took him a year to recover.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Frying out is a danger to all
massage therapists. Every person has their own personal limits, and before you
reach them you may have no clue as to what those limits are.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I teetered along the edge of
burnout for a few years, I began to see no-work vacations as a blessing. Yes,
leave a message that you are gone. It will be OK.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When clients come in, they notice
you are fresh. And it is a great compliment when they admit two-timing you
while you were off, and coming back because the massage elsewhere wasn’t that
good.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-73326401915113374642013-06-20T16:11:00.000-07:002013-06-20T16:11:08.506-07:00Covering the Cradle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Some things
about being a massage therapist are all about the details – the atmosphere,
noise level, lighting, and yes the table linens.
<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Face cradle
covers have always been problematic for massage therapists. The disposable
covers are scratchy – and although no client has ever complained about them I
have heard clients complain about other therapists who use them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>One fellow
observed that he stopped using a therapist because of the scratchy covers. A
comment I took note of.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spas that
have to worry about mounds of laundry at the end of the day – and costs – often
use cotton hand towels. I have always found that kind of scratchy, too. I used
pillowcases at first, and moved to soft paper/cotton towels for a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fitted
covers that come with sheet sets seem to be ill fitting for the larger, softer
face cushions. After wrestling with the underwear-like elastic gathers on those
cradle covers I finally threw in the towel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Now I use a
compromise on all fronts – soft, cotton flannel, flat cradle covers. These can
slip around a bit but they do not have any seams to leave lines on the face and
they are easier to fit over a face cushion. Less wrangling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cotton
flats avoid the too-snug fit of elastic-edged covers and overcome the scratchy
thing of disposables. At $5.99 apiece, the thought of stocking all flats has
made me queasy, especially so because I suspect they will not be as durable as
the undie-fit covers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found a
site that would give me a wholesale discount and got 25 covers for about half.
We will see if they measure up. So far, so good. The flats stack a lot neater
and smaller. No more grappling in the linen closet for a good one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-17541814368437496792013-06-08T20:32:00.000-07:002013-06-08T20:32:01.290-07:00Massage Me, Massage My Dog <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.weruletheinternet.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2010/november/kitten_massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://www.weruletheinternet.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2010/november/kitten_massage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dogs love me, and I love dogs. Cats love me, and I love
them too. When this massage therapist does house calls, I suddenly find myself
surrounded by four-legged fans.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I didn’t mean to, but I have managed to train all of my
house clients’ domesticated beasties to expect a mini-massage when I get in the
door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>It started with golden retrievers, irresistible big dogs
with soulful eyes. Now the list includes Siamese, calicoes, mutts and Cairns. I
really don’t mind, sort of, because they are such good animals and love to lean
on me and get all glossy-eyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Animals instinctively love massage, which shows their
superior tastes and energies as far as I am concerned. Nothing in the world
beats a good belly rub, be it a dog or feline. People who don’t like tummy
massage should learn from their pets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>It struck me by surprise, but I recently learned from a
client that she knew I was the one massage therapist for her family when the
dog liked me. Apparently dogs and cats are a screening method for more than
just boyfriends and future in-laws.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Once I have passed the pet-TSA, I get invited to pet-pat,
pet-sit and pet-feed. My book is a little too full to take on many of these
offers, but I do appreciate them as a sort of badge of acceptance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I have made the occasional exception. A married couple
brought in their new foundling, a micro-chihuahua who barely weighs one pound.
They hadn’t been able to get to the movies for a few weeks, as the little guy
is being dropper-fed and is way too little to leave near their big dogs.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">They
went to the flicks and I got the little carry-bag with the pee pads, special
vitamins and puppy-food mix. I put his nibs on my shoulder and the little guy
immediately snuggled into my shirt and stayed there. My little implant.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
week I asked a client if I could take his cutie-pie terrier home. He looked at
me in surprise. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Take me instead,” he said. I replied: “Do you roll over and
put your hands and feet in the air?”</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>“I can learn,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Another lesson gleaned from our companions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-70235856034419630082013-05-22T11:52:00.001-07:002013-05-22T11:52:35.313-07:00 Adding New Skills<span style="font-size: large;">One of my
massage therapist friends had a good bit of extra time on her hands when she
first started her practice, so she picked up a Spanish book and taught herself
to speak it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My therapist friend has not used
her knowledge of Spanish much in her day spa, but it has come in handy many
times when out and about in Southern California, where the number of people
more comfortable speaking Spanish than English is fairly significant. Learning
another language was a good brain stretch for her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spanish is also good to know in a
therapeutic setting, especially in medical massage, with many staff therapy
aide jobs preferring bilingual.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus I had been thinking a bit
about trying to learn at least survival Spanish, the kind that can help you
find a fire exit or a bathroom. At the hotels where my day spas were located,
most of the staff was more comfortable speaking Spanish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I often sat at the large round
table in the cafeteria where the house-workers had lunch, trying to follow as
much as I could of the conversation, which went on at about 450 miles per hour.
I picked up a few verbs and phrases with a little coaching, and felt a little
more confidence in my language abilities.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My motivation was something else as
well. During the height of the recession, I decided to limit the amount of time
I spent banging my head against the wall trying to book clients. I needed
something to stretch my brain, too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have ever watched TV there
are about 500 commercials on about 500 channels for a language immersion course
on computer. I didn’t do that. I picked instead some cd’s that I could play to
and from work in the car. Old-fashioned, yup, that’s me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Months into my cd experience, I
decided to try my Spanish out at the local Mexican restaurant. My mother-in-law
orders in perfect New-Mexico Spanish all the time. I thought I would try my
luck. The staff at Bahia’s is famously bilingual, slipping from English to
Spanish and back to English with ease.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I carefully ordered what I thought
would get me a combo with a little cerveza.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our server looked at me in complete
surprise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Aha! She can tell I am speaking
excellent Spanish, I thought.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After a pause, she leaned over the
table and looked me right in the eye.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“WHAT?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My mother-in-law explained, in
Spanish, that I was trying to speak Spanish. We all had a good laugh. Me, my
folks, the people in the next booth, the entire wait staff and the lady seating
customers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite much urging, I declined to
repeat my order and pointed at the menu.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710956397411957793.post-44412036168781953072013-05-22T11:52:00.000-07:002013-05-22T11:52:06.729-07:00Taking the Last Step off the Diving Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://toonclips.com/600/99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://toonclips.com/600/99.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At a recent
continuing education class, I spoke with a recent massage graduate struggling
with starting her massage career.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A few months have passed since
graduation, and she has had trouble with deciding on a venue for massage.
Should she work on her own? Work for a doctor? A spa? Join an established
massage practice?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure what would be the right
path, she has been holding back.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I offered my advice. “Go to the end
of that diving board and jump off. You have to get some experience to know what
you want and what fits you well.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Easy for me to say, but someone has
to say it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Starting a career in massage is not
easy. A newbie therapist might find out, after spending a lot of money for
training, that he/she does not like massaging people. It happens.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Know, however, that life will go
on. If you don’t like something, you can always do something else.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I view massage training like a
nurse’s education. Sure, there are plenty of opportunities to work on a
hospital floor. But nurses may end up anywhere in a hospital, sub-acute
facility, even an insurance company.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of my good friends found out she didn’t
like hands-on, but she is darn good at administration. Turns out that is a gift
from God, too, and she runs a large day spa quite well. It is a bonus that she
understands what therapists are going through. Empathy has a place outside the
therapy room, too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At the other end of the spectrum,
another therapist told me one day how disappointed she was in her training. “I
thought I would be setting my own hours and making $60 an hour,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She was happy to give up on massage
and blame her school for misleading her. I went to the same school and never
heard any of that talk. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But the time to start your career
is when you don’t know where you are going. Experience does not have to be a
negative. It can lead you where you need to go. Sometimes you just have to step
into the air and have faith.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3