Did you see the moon tonight? What a beautiful sight! I love the full moon as it casts shadows and illuminates the night. I've even gotten up from bed thinking the back porch light had been left on only to find it was the brightness of the moon!
I will be starting week 3 of the 3rd quarter of Massage Therapy School, as I continue the march towards graduation in June. Each quarter becomes progressively more demanding in the work required and the effort to master techniques. Granted, I want the person givng me massage to be knowledgable, personable, and client centered when I am the client, and that remains my focus - provide the service I would want to recieve. I can emphatically say I am not there yet, however, I am working toward that end.
I've talked about the Monday night class, Special Populations. A week from Monday, we will be assigned a client with some type of condition or disability. We will establish a client/therapist relationship with this person, providing therapeutic massage, monitor progress, and if no progress is made, then maintaining the current level of health, whatever that may be. Last Monday night, I had to present a short paper on Strokes, the definition, signs and symptoms, whether massage is indicated and benefits derived from receiving treatment. The conclusion I came to, from what I read, is that massage helps to aleviate pain and anxiety, and cannot be administered for weeks or even months after a stroke. If there is neurological damage, then massage may not be indicated as the client may not be able to feel pressure. We must also work with the clients' health care team to ensure no further harm is caused. On Tuesay night I have an Ethics and Communications class, which is one of my favorite classes. We talk about current events, how ethics and/or communications comes into play. Very interesting to discuss in an open forum. This particular instructor was a TA for one of my classes in the first quarter so I know him and like his style of teaching. He works at a local resort and always shares anecdotes of his clients, real stories, some funny, some not so much, but to give a taste of situations we may encounter in our practice. Wednesday night is Myofascial Techniques...hurt me, baby!! I love this class...it is hands on, and allows us to practice. Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue throughout our body. When this web becomes restricted due to stress, trauma, sedentary lifestyle, etc. it can cause postural misalignments, pain, may form to the muscle causing adhesions. In order to release the fascia, massage techniques to release the fascia or unstick it from the muscles, can cause pain, but its a good pain. Sometimes after massage if you are sore, it can be due to fascia release if you've asked for deep tissue work. I, personally, like deep work as I know I need it. Some people are sensitive to deep pressure and it can be due to hypertonic fascia. There are really so many variables to what can be causing pain, and only through an in depth interview with the client can you form a recipe for treatment. Saturday clinics are challenging as we have 3 massages in 4 hours, 15 minutes between clients to hydrate, go to the restroom, eat(?), write up notes on what we observed...yikees...last week was tough! Thursday night is Anatomy, Pathology & Physiology - I don't even want to talk about that class! Let's just say it will be challenging to remain focused...
Thats my story and I'm sticking to it...talk soon...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Special Pops
Monday night class was awesome!! Special Populations – we discussed the many variances of who constitutes a member of a special population, and it can be anyone, really, because all of us have some type of “issue”. However, the definition we came up with: Any condition that limits/interferes with daily activities. It can be temporary, for example, a sprained ankle will eventually heal (or should), so while it limits daily activities for a while, it isn’t a permanent condition. The segment of population we will be working with have a permanent condition. The first 4 weeks will be lectures, discussions, preparing for an actual client who will be assigned to us for 3 weeks. We will do a complete intake interview, assessment, and design a massage treatment just for that person. They, in turn, will provide comprehensive feedback. Some of the clients who participate in clinic have been in the program for 15+ years; as long as they are benefitting and are providing good learning tools for the practitioner, they can remain. Many of these folks cannot afford a massage elsewhere, so their involvement is a privilege taken seriously…and while we may not provide a “cure” or even make them feel better, depending on the condition, as long as we help them to maintain the benchmark already established. For some, that is the best we can hope for. We are expected to establish a client/practitioner relationship…I am so excited!! I also have a research paper due on 1/25 on strokes, what it is, population affected, and if massage is indicated. Tonight’s class is Ethics. I can hardly believe I am in the third quarter!! June will be here before I know it!!
One of the questions the instructor asked was…recalling your earliest memory of when you were exposed/introduced to a “disabled” person, how did it make you feel, what were your thoughts? Some classmates talked about a relative who was mentally challenged, a grandfather who was in a wheelchair, an amputee co-worker; we used names (not very nice ones) commonly used to describe these type of conditions, and while it made me feel uncomfortable, I had to acknowledge that is what people say. I remember my nana’s younger brother had a leg about 6 inches shorter than the other. He wore a shoe that had an iron(?) attachment, and he also used crutches. I was afraid of him maybe because he was different or perhaps because the adults were so hush hush about him...as if he had a contagious illness or something. I believe he contracted polio which stunted the growth in one leg. One of the reasons why we shun those different from ourselves is fear…we are afraid of “catching” what they have, or we are afraid of what we do not understand. How sad for the person who is ignored, sadder for us who choose to see those different from us as less than. A person is human first, with a condition, not the other way around.
Talk soon...
One of the questions the instructor asked was…recalling your earliest memory of when you were exposed/introduced to a “disabled” person, how did it make you feel, what were your thoughts? Some classmates talked about a relative who was mentally challenged, a grandfather who was in a wheelchair, an amputee co-worker; we used names (not very nice ones) commonly used to describe these type of conditions, and while it made me feel uncomfortable, I had to acknowledge that is what people say. I remember my nana’s younger brother had a leg about 6 inches shorter than the other. He wore a shoe that had an iron(?) attachment, and he also used crutches. I was afraid of him maybe because he was different or perhaps because the adults were so hush hush about him...as if he had a contagious illness or something. I believe he contracted polio which stunted the growth in one leg. One of the reasons why we shun those different from ourselves is fear…we are afraid of “catching” what they have, or we are afraid of what we do not understand. How sad for the person who is ignored, sadder for us who choose to see those different from us as less than. A person is human first, with a condition, not the other way around.
Talk soon...
Friday, January 8, 2010
So ready to go back to class!!
Winter break is winding down, classes resume on Monday. I have missed, not just the learning, but the friendships as well. Some of us have stayed in touch via text (gotta love technology), however, it is not the same as face to face contact. In any type of environment you will meet people who strike a chord with you or in you. We started out with 18 students. One guy made it through week 1, and we never saw him again. He was in sales and had a very stressful job. His reason for attending Massage Therapy School was to change his career path. He had an uncle who was very zen-like, acquired through being a massage therapist…something he desperately sought for himself. Week 2 was the first week we were disrobing and starting hands on. Perhaps it was a bit more than he was ready for. There was a mother-daughter pair whose goal was to go into practice together. The daughter came to class using a cane, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in her knees. Not to say she couldn’t do it, however, so much of our strength when doing massage is utilizing our legs and our core, not so much our arms. The physical aspect was too much for her. Her mom, a small petite woman in her early 70’s, struggled with the material presented and the physical component. She, too, had rheumatoid arthritis, in her hands, and it was difficult for her to apply deep pressure when required. Perhaps in her practice, deep pressure would not be required, however, to pass the class, it was a critical point. She did not advance to 2nd quarter. Half-way through 2nd quarter, another classmate got sick with bronchitis, missed several weeks of class and was unable to make up the work. She is a single mom of 3 teen-agers, widowed (her husband was murdered); I felt so bad for her - she saw massage therapy as the change in course for a better life for her and her kids. That leaves 14 of us. Two women are going through ugly divorces; a gentleman was relocated to Tucson via Katrina and his dream is to return to the home he so misses. “Tucson just ain’t Nawlins’ !” One woman found out she was pregnant, and due about the time we graduate. She missed more than several classes, and was unsure if she could continue due to the strenuous physical aspect. As a class, we’ve kind of adopted her unborn baby, think godparents…asking about “him”, and looking forward to his impending birth. I don’t know if she’ll be there on Monday. The rest of us, with our stories and struggles, journey onward, toward the same goal, yet the path each of us takes to get there, our own.
The massages I scheduled during the break have been awesome! Family and friends who have allowed me the privilege of providing this service have touched me deeply. The time we spent, their vulnerability in a state of undress; my own, an awkward not-sure-what-I’m-doing-but-I’ll-get-through-it mode. They were happy, I was happy - served dual purposes.
We have made it through the first complete work week of 2010! I’ve been busy. I cleaned my dining room table from all of the last two quarters’ school paraphernalia. I purchased some plastic totes to store sheets, towels and other massage accessories; a filing cabinet for all my learning documents and books, plus the files I’ve now started for my clients (ooh, I like how that sounds!)
Talk soon…
The massages I scheduled during the break have been awesome! Family and friends who have allowed me the privilege of providing this service have touched me deeply. The time we spent, their vulnerability in a state of undress; my own, an awkward not-sure-what-I’m-doing-but-I’ll-get-through-it mode. They were happy, I was happy - served dual purposes.
We have made it through the first complete work week of 2010! I’ve been busy. I cleaned my dining room table from all of the last two quarters’ school paraphernalia. I purchased some plastic totes to store sheets, towels and other massage accessories; a filing cabinet for all my learning documents and books, plus the files I’ve now started for my clients (ooh, I like how that sounds!)
Talk soon…
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome 2010!
Happy New Year!! I slept through all the festivities last night...not that we go out partying on the last night of the year, but in our neighborhood, shooting firearms and illegal fireworks are the norm to ring in the new year. Last night...I didn't hear a sound. That doesn't mean my neighbors suddenly became considerate and refrained from this type of dangerous behavior...no, just means I slept through it.
Ok, I have to say it...we lost...badly, worse than bad, embarassing bad. My sister and I went to the Holiday Bowl, drove up Wednesday morning, arrived in San Diego about 11 am. The hotel was gracious enough to let us check in early, so we were able to freshen up before heading out the Qualcomm Stadium. The hotel was about 1.5 miles from the stadium, and the last thing we wanted was to have to deal with traffic. The concierge at the hotel advised us that we could park at a mall a couple miles north of the stadium, and take the trolley to the stadium. We drove to the mall, and as soon as we turned onto mall property, there is a sign: Qualcomm parking not allowed; violators will be towed. YIKES!! We drove around the mall trying to find the trolley station, but I had an uneasy feeling that just my luck, my car would be the one towed! If you recall...just my luck, when I purchased my tickets, I ended up getting 2 pair (4 tickets), and charged for both. My confidence in the UofA ticket office was shaken enough to not have them cancel a set, lest they cancel the ones we would try to use at the gate...long story short...we decided to park at the stadium, $15, Row H3. We got there pretty early because the concierge told us to get there early, he should know, right...he lives in San Diego. Ok, we'll get there early, so we decided to just grab something to eat at the stadium. They didn't have any concession stands, rather, a catered tailgate event that was $50 per person...now, is it just me or is that expensive?? It didn't even include a whole lot to eat, and it was a cash bar! We decided to wait until the gates opened, so 2.5 hours later, 1.5 hours before game time, some of the gates opened, not all (whats that about?); we found an open gate, and got a hot dog, $7, hot chocolate $5.75, water $5.25. Don't even think about a beer, $8 domestic. It was raining, so we got a poncho, $5. Not that we didn't take enough cash, its just that I hate to part with it! It started raining right before kick-off, then continued on and off during the game, good thing we got those ponchos! We were on the very top level, view level they call it...highlight of the game were when 3 Navy seals parachuted out of a plane and due to the breeze, appeared to be off target, however they were able to "steer" and landed right smack dab in the middle of the field! It was awesome. At halftime, 200 marines unfurled a flag the size of the whole football field, now that was awesome!!! One of the best firework shows rounded the halftime festivities. The rain continued, people drank more and more...a guy sitting behind us walked or I should say staggered out of his row, stumbled and almost fell right on top of my sister and I. Luckily, the people right behind us, caught him before he fell full force onto us. He never came back. There were a couple of altercations between fans right around us, police responded, not sure what they were about but profanities abounded, and you can be sure alcohol was a factor. By the time we decided to leave, 6:18 left in the third quarter, it was misting pretty steady...trying to find the car, hey it was in H3 wasn't it. We walked up and down the row...nada. My sister and I got separated (I am directionally challenged anyway), so I decided to let her find the car, and I'll just stop moving. Right on cue, cell phone rings, sis says, "where are you?" "By the port-a-potty, I'll wait for you" So now, we're trying to make our way out of the parking lot, and just get back to the hotel, we're hungry, wet, and cold. Almost an hour later, to travel that 1.5 mile, we are at the bar, drinking a beer and having dinner. What a night! Nebraska 33, UA 0.
As we drove home yesterday, we agreed that while the outcome of the game wasn't what we would have liked, it was a great experience. We really had a great time, laughed a lot, talked about anything and everything...my sis is so funny, and just shared thoughts. This was a true bonding experience...glad we went!
Oh, and that extra pair of tickets, chalk it up to experience. There were posted signs everywhere stating that the re-selling of tickets was unlawful (as if I didn't know). My luck, I would have sold to an undercover cop, and been thrown in the pokey. Yeah, try to explain that one!!
Talk soon...
Ok, I have to say it...we lost...badly, worse than bad, embarassing bad. My sister and I went to the Holiday Bowl, drove up Wednesday morning, arrived in San Diego about 11 am. The hotel was gracious enough to let us check in early, so we were able to freshen up before heading out the Qualcomm Stadium. The hotel was about 1.5 miles from the stadium, and the last thing we wanted was to have to deal with traffic. The concierge at the hotel advised us that we could park at a mall a couple miles north of the stadium, and take the trolley to the stadium. We drove to the mall, and as soon as we turned onto mall property, there is a sign: Qualcomm parking not allowed; violators will be towed. YIKES!! We drove around the mall trying to find the trolley station, but I had an uneasy feeling that just my luck, my car would be the one towed! If you recall...just my luck, when I purchased my tickets, I ended up getting 2 pair (4 tickets), and charged for both. My confidence in the UofA ticket office was shaken enough to not have them cancel a set, lest they cancel the ones we would try to use at the gate...long story short...we decided to park at the stadium, $15, Row H3. We got there pretty early because the concierge told us to get there early, he should know, right...he lives in San Diego. Ok, we'll get there early, so we decided to just grab something to eat at the stadium. They didn't have any concession stands, rather, a catered tailgate event that was $50 per person...now, is it just me or is that expensive?? It didn't even include a whole lot to eat, and it was a cash bar! We decided to wait until the gates opened, so 2.5 hours later, 1.5 hours before game time, some of the gates opened, not all (whats that about?); we found an open gate, and got a hot dog, $7, hot chocolate $5.75, water $5.25. Don't even think about a beer, $8 domestic. It was raining, so we got a poncho, $5. Not that we didn't take enough cash, its just that I hate to part with it! It started raining right before kick-off, then continued on and off during the game, good thing we got those ponchos! We were on the very top level, view level they call it...highlight of the game were when 3 Navy seals parachuted out of a plane and due to the breeze, appeared to be off target, however they were able to "steer" and landed right smack dab in the middle of the field! It was awesome. At halftime, 200 marines unfurled a flag the size of the whole football field, now that was awesome!!! One of the best firework shows rounded the halftime festivities. The rain continued, people drank more and more...a guy sitting behind us walked or I should say staggered out of his row, stumbled and almost fell right on top of my sister and I. Luckily, the people right behind us, caught him before he fell full force onto us. He never came back. There were a couple of altercations between fans right around us, police responded, not sure what they were about but profanities abounded, and you can be sure alcohol was a factor. By the time we decided to leave, 6:18 left in the third quarter, it was misting pretty steady...trying to find the car, hey it was in H3 wasn't it. We walked up and down the row...nada. My sister and I got separated (I am directionally challenged anyway), so I decided to let her find the car, and I'll just stop moving. Right on cue, cell phone rings, sis says, "where are you?" "By the port-a-potty, I'll wait for you" So now, we're trying to make our way out of the parking lot, and just get back to the hotel, we're hungry, wet, and cold. Almost an hour later, to travel that 1.5 mile, we are at the bar, drinking a beer and having dinner. What a night! Nebraska 33, UA 0.
As we drove home yesterday, we agreed that while the outcome of the game wasn't what we would have liked, it was a great experience. We really had a great time, laughed a lot, talked about anything and everything...my sis is so funny, and just shared thoughts. This was a true bonding experience...glad we went!
Oh, and that extra pair of tickets, chalk it up to experience. There were posted signs everywhere stating that the re-selling of tickets was unlawful (as if I didn't know). My luck, I would have sold to an undercover cop, and been thrown in the pokey. Yeah, try to explain that one!!
Talk soon...
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