I did my first massage outside of class on Sunday! Since starting classes in July, we are strongly encouraged to do as many massages outside of class as possible so we can get used to different body types, practicing our strokes, palpating the muscles, their fiber direction, origin and insertion points, etc, all part of the learning process. Right now, for me, I can feel some of the differences in muscle bellies, their fibers…still learning their actions. Anyway, the massage I did was on a friend who completed an 80 mile bike ride on Saturday in 4:45! I did a 1-hour, full body Swedish massage with specific work on the legs, arms, upper/lower back muscles and some positional release stretches. Her hamstrings were pretty tight, so I didn’t overwork those muscles…after an 80 mile ride, I didn’t want to overwork them! I felt confident when I explained how the muscles work, and what I was doing as I went along. I’ve actually had this worked out in my head how I was going to set up my table, what supplies I would need…I even got a battery powered clock so that I could track time…it has an iPod player, however, it didn’t work (not sure why, maybe I need power for that function), which actually worked out ok because I set up the table in her living room and we had the front door open…the birds were chirping, the sun was shining…a more natural ambience than I could have created myself! When we go to someone’s home to do massage, we rely as little as possible on the client. We should be prepared and have everything with us. I did. Although I’ll have to make a checklist for appointments. I also created an intake form to get some health history so I have documentation.
As I drove home, I felt exhilarated…like this is where I am supposed to be. Truly, this whole experience, massage therapy school, has just fallen into place. I am having to work for it, don’t get me wrong…learning is hard work, however, I do believe this is my calling. I received a very nice note this afternoon from my client thanking me for taking my time to give her such a precious gift. Wow…we just never know how we affect other people…I was just practicing.
Talk soon...
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Courage
There are a couple of women in my massage therapy class who are going through a divorce. R is 22 years old, was married for 3 years, has a 2 year old daughter. Turns out the ex just didn’t want to be married anymore, his family intervened on his behalf, and helped him to “escape” to another state where he filed for divorce. She traveled there this past week to finalize the process. D is 31 years old, has 4 kids, the oldest is 11, the youngest is 3. She grew up in St. David, about 50+ miles east of Tucson, small rural community. When school started in July, she was making the commute M-Thu driving 100 miles each day. She has since left her husband, but was unable to bring the kids with her because she didn’t have a job or even any money. Think: a home situation so intolerable that she was “forced” to leave her children behind. I say forced because sometimes we have to do what we have to do for our own safety. Her kids are safe, cared for…something that, for the time being, she is unable to do. She is living with one of our classmates, found a part time job here in town, commutes daily to St. David to see her kids. On Wednesday I saw her come into class with a black leather jacket on a hanger; she spoke to the instructor in hushed tones…it was about 5:58 pm. At 6, she got up in front of the class, described the jacket as being two years old, hardly worn, and it was for sale. She was asking $100. She paused, choked up, and said she needed the money for gas to go see her children the next day…she had no money. She apologized for crying. My heart just broke for her (as did everyone else’s!). I believe it took every ounce of courage, not to mention embarrassment, to stand there in front of her peers to sell an item, that I’m sure meant a lot to her. One of the guys asked permission to leave the class to go home for some money to give her for gas. I think several of us gave her what we could so she could at least make that trip one more time. It didn’t solve her problem but it gave her another day.
We continued the class discussing bone pathologies.
We continued the class discussing bone pathologies.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veteran's Day
In honor of Veterans Day, I wanted to jot down some thoughts. My grandfather, my dad, my FIL, ex and his dad, were all military people. My grandfather served in the Korean conflict, and though my dad didn’t see combat, he was stationed in the UK and Holland in the late 50’s. All served our nation proudly, and I owe them a great debt…because of their service, I can sit and write this e-mail without fear of retribution.
Whenever we are at a sporting venue, as the Color Guard is presented, and the Star Spangled Banner is sung…always, always, I cry. Not openly, but I do choke up, and tear up. The national anthem has always affected me deeply. I know the words, and I sing, audibly. Actually, a lot of people do. Anyway, at the opening of last Saturday’s football game, as the national anthem was being sung, the American flag displayed on the jumbo-trons, way off in the distance, you can see two Blackhawk helicopters making their way toward the stadium. My heart (and eyes) just welled up. As they passed right over us, seemed to be in slow motion, the emotions stirred in me were quite powerful. I think it must have stirred everyone as the ovation was quite loud and long! I wonder if they were out of Yuma, which is what Glen thought, as he didn’t think they were based out of DMAFB here locally. They headed west and made their way back home.
HBO had a movie earlier this year, Taking Chance, with Kevin Bacon. It is actually based on a true story. If you have an opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it. I’ve watched it several times and each time I am sobbing! Whether you agree with the war, the reason we are there, or not, how can it not affect us as individuals and as a nation when our men and women, who are serving proudly, to protect the freedom we enjoy return alive (though I am sure, changed), and some return by other means. The movie is done very respectfully.
Thank you to all of our men and women who have served, are serving or will serve at some point in the future.
Whenever we are at a sporting venue, as the Color Guard is presented, and the Star Spangled Banner is sung…always, always, I cry. Not openly, but I do choke up, and tear up. The national anthem has always affected me deeply. I know the words, and I sing, audibly. Actually, a lot of people do. Anyway, at the opening of last Saturday’s football game, as the national anthem was being sung, the American flag displayed on the jumbo-trons, way off in the distance, you can see two Blackhawk helicopters making their way toward the stadium. My heart (and eyes) just welled up. As they passed right over us, seemed to be in slow motion, the emotions stirred in me were quite powerful. I think it must have stirred everyone as the ovation was quite loud and long! I wonder if they were out of Yuma, which is what Glen thought, as he didn’t think they were based out of DMAFB here locally. They headed west and made their way back home.
HBO had a movie earlier this year, Taking Chance, with Kevin Bacon. It is actually based on a true story. If you have an opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it. I’ve watched it several times and each time I am sobbing! Whether you agree with the war, the reason we are there, or not, how can it not affect us as individuals and as a nation when our men and women, who are serving proudly, to protect the freedom we enjoy return alive (though I am sure, changed), and some return by other means. The movie is done very respectfully.
Thank you to all of our men and women who have served, are serving or will serve at some point in the future.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Its late and I should be studying...
Tonight I had my Neuromuscular Technique & Sports Massage class. We paired up and were able to do a full body massage for one whole hour. We are incorporating what we've learned thus far, last quarter and this quarter. Each instructor has their own techniques for the same stroke and as we are developing our own style, we take a lil' bit o' this and lil bit o'that and attempt to put it into practice. What I like about the Tuesday night class is the instructor basically leaves us to our own devices, uninterrupted. It allows us to use critical thinking skills when we come across a muscle that is tight or rolls, and trigger points in the body that refer pain to other areas. For example, most people have a trigger point just medial of the inferior angle of the scapula. Upon palpating it, you can feel it. Putting pressure on this trigger point by allowing your finger to sink deep, can cause pain or tingling in the hand or biceps. By applying pressure, and not moving your fingers, you can feel the point "melt". Then you can do some deep strokes to continue the massage. Not everyone's trigger points are the same, but most people have them somewhere in the body.
We "hold" tension, stress, etc. in the muscles (thus the need for massage), it is also possible to hold emotions in our muscles. It is very common to feel an emotional release while receiving a massage. Tonight was my first encounter with such an event, however, I was the one giving the massage! I had read about this phenomenom and had witnessed it in class. There is one classmate that always cries, but it hadn't happened to me. I didn't know what to do. When I finished the massage on Samantha, I saw the sheet under her face looked wet, I asked he if she was ok. She said, no she needed some tissue. I got her some tissue and she just released the tears. I went to the instructor to let her know what was happening. The instructor came over and cradled her head, and just kind of let her know it was ok, let it happen, and just take her time getting off the table. It was a good 10 minutes to regain her composure. Now it was my turn to receive massage from Sam, and I was unable to relax completely because I was afraid that her emotional state could transfer onto me, which is also a reality. I've had massages from Sam before, and she is usually really good. I could tell tonight she was "off". She had had a very stressful day at work and that could have been a factor to her emotional state when she got to class. She works with mildly mentally challenged young adults, and assists with deaf and blind popultations at her job. She is always stressed. I hope she can get some rest.
The above situation is something I need to be prepared for. While I know this is a very common occurance, I must admit it threw me for a loop! I have to understand that the person on the table is my client, and I am working as a massage therapist. I don't know their mental, emotional, spiritual state...I'm working on the physical, but its all wrapped into one package. An emotional release is the client's way of allowing pent up stressors to come to the forefront. The client is unable to control it either. It is also not up to me to "fix" it. I can be sympathetic, empathetic, and I can listen, but I cannot give advice. The relationship must remain professional. I must draw lines and adhere to them. Even when I am working on a family member, I have to maintain the professional air. I still have so much to learn!!
Work has been so busy! I've transcribed 6 meetings, 19 pages each, for the last week and a half. It is tedious having to listen to people spew their propaganda, but I do learn about the business in the process. I've also learned that some of the people on the Executive team don't do a whole lot, but they sure have titles that relate their importance...NOT!
I really should be studying! Talk soon...
We "hold" tension, stress, etc. in the muscles (thus the need for massage), it is also possible to hold emotions in our muscles. It is very common to feel an emotional release while receiving a massage. Tonight was my first encounter with such an event, however, I was the one giving the massage! I had read about this phenomenom and had witnessed it in class. There is one classmate that always cries, but it hadn't happened to me. I didn't know what to do. When I finished the massage on Samantha, I saw the sheet under her face looked wet, I asked he if she was ok. She said, no she needed some tissue. I got her some tissue and she just released the tears. I went to the instructor to let her know what was happening. The instructor came over and cradled her head, and just kind of let her know it was ok, let it happen, and just take her time getting off the table. It was a good 10 minutes to regain her composure. Now it was my turn to receive massage from Sam, and I was unable to relax completely because I was afraid that her emotional state could transfer onto me, which is also a reality. I've had massages from Sam before, and she is usually really good. I could tell tonight she was "off". She had had a very stressful day at work and that could have been a factor to her emotional state when she got to class. She works with mildly mentally challenged young adults, and assists with deaf and blind popultations at her job. She is always stressed. I hope she can get some rest.
The above situation is something I need to be prepared for. While I know this is a very common occurance, I must admit it threw me for a loop! I have to understand that the person on the table is my client, and I am working as a massage therapist. I don't know their mental, emotional, spiritual state...I'm working on the physical, but its all wrapped into one package. An emotional release is the client's way of allowing pent up stressors to come to the forefront. The client is unable to control it either. It is also not up to me to "fix" it. I can be sympathetic, empathetic, and I can listen, but I cannot give advice. The relationship must remain professional. I must draw lines and adhere to them. Even when I am working on a family member, I have to maintain the professional air. I still have so much to learn!!
Work has been so busy! I've transcribed 6 meetings, 19 pages each, for the last week and a half. It is tedious having to listen to people spew their propaganda, but I do learn about the business in the process. I've also learned that some of the people on the Executive team don't do a whole lot, but they sure have titles that relate their importance...NOT!
I really should be studying! Talk soon...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hittin' the books...
Another week has passed, another month, only two months remain in the year! I don't remember time passing so quickly when I was younger, or maybe I'm just more aware that the clock doesn't stop...it just keeps on ticking.
I had class yesterday, Introduction to Clinic. We will be doing clinicals next quarter, where we actually do massage on the public. This class is teaching critical thinking skills, visually assessing clients, interview questions, etc. to determine treatment. We will also be doing massage on special populations, elderly, amputees, HIV, many different types of people. How many of these people do not ever receive touch because they are different? I am more than a little nervous, however, I've made it this far. I need to actually do more massages outside of class time, when is the question. Between school, work, my family, chores, and, hey, I have to sleep sometime. I am feeling sleep deprived most of the time. It would probably help if I stayed off the computer, huh?? This is the biggest time waster of all!
Alisha and I went to an arts and craft fair today...just for a couple of hours because, of course, I had to study! We didn't even stop for coffee or lunch because I had to study!! We hadn't gotten together since she returned from Germany mid-September and it was good to see her. I have missed our conversations, our walks, and just hanging out. I think she will be going back to school in a couple of months too...welcome to my world! Oh, and she's going on a cruise in January, she just got back from Germany, then she went to San Francisco. Don't know if she's going home to Oregon for the holidays this year. We'll forego our annual Sedona trip in December due to...you guessed it, school!
My sister went ghost hunting this weekend, how appropriate! I haven't talked to her to find out if she saw anything, but I'm sure I'll get the low down tomorrow!
How about those Vikings!! Ok, so they lost last week, and it was a sad loss...they didn't even play that well. UofA had a bye this week, we play on Saturday at 1:30 pm, which means I'll have to hightail it over to the stadium immediately after class, which ends at 1 pm...yikes!! Hope its not too hot...it was about 90F today. Last week, Tuesday and Wednesday, it was in the lower 60's...go figure.
Talk soon...gotta study!!
I had class yesterday, Introduction to Clinic. We will be doing clinicals next quarter, where we actually do massage on the public. This class is teaching critical thinking skills, visually assessing clients, interview questions, etc. to determine treatment. We will also be doing massage on special populations, elderly, amputees, HIV, many different types of people. How many of these people do not ever receive touch because they are different? I am more than a little nervous, however, I've made it this far. I need to actually do more massages outside of class time, when is the question. Between school, work, my family, chores, and, hey, I have to sleep sometime. I am feeling sleep deprived most of the time. It would probably help if I stayed off the computer, huh?? This is the biggest time waster of all!
Alisha and I went to an arts and craft fair today...just for a couple of hours because, of course, I had to study! We didn't even stop for coffee or lunch because I had to study!! We hadn't gotten together since she returned from Germany mid-September and it was good to see her. I have missed our conversations, our walks, and just hanging out. I think she will be going back to school in a couple of months too...welcome to my world! Oh, and she's going on a cruise in January, she just got back from Germany, then she went to San Francisco. Don't know if she's going home to Oregon for the holidays this year. We'll forego our annual Sedona trip in December due to...you guessed it, school!
My sister went ghost hunting this weekend, how appropriate! I haven't talked to her to find out if she saw anything, but I'm sure I'll get the low down tomorrow!
How about those Vikings!! Ok, so they lost last week, and it was a sad loss...they didn't even play that well. UofA had a bye this week, we play on Saturday at 1:30 pm, which means I'll have to hightail it over to the stadium immediately after class, which ends at 1 pm...yikes!! Hope its not too hot...it was about 90F today. Last week, Tuesday and Wednesday, it was in the lower 60's...go figure.
Talk soon...gotta study!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Hanging in there...and then some!
Yup, still in school! I actually missed work today because I had so much homework! Its not just the school work...I'm neglecting my household chores as well. Glen helps as much as he can, however, there are certain things I would rather do myself, like grocery shop. Glen does laundry (I sort it!), and he'll cook pretty much anything. He's actually gotten pretty good at it. He'll vacuum - I pretty much do all else, dust, clean toilets, change sheets, clean the fridge, floors, etc. When I'm behind on chores, it seems chores is at the forefront of my thoughts daily...add to that school and work...ugh!
My sister and I went to the football game on Saturday afternoon. I went to school from 9 am to 1 pm, then headed straight to the game after stopping for a bite to eat. It was really warm, even though a nice breeze was blowing. As soon as the sun went down, though, it got really cool, like very cool...58-60F...with a breeze. We stayed until the end, then headed out to dinner at a nice little Italian place on 4th Avenue, Caruso's! Its locally owned, has been around forever, and serves really good, authentic food. I had the cheese and spinach manicotti; my sister had the spaghetti with meat sauce - throw in a couple of salads, lotsa garlic bread and it was a delish meal! My sis had wine, alas, I could not as I was driving, but I did have a nice cup of coffee, ok, two cups, and then I took her home. I was home, in bed, by 10 pm! Oh, and sis had dessert...not a bad night for her...wine AND dessert! Oh, yeah, and we won!! We have a bye this week, then homecoming on 11/7.
On Sunday, I volunteered at a triathlon event on the university campus. Athletes swam, rode a bike and then ran the final leg. We were set up with massage tables offering free massages to the athletes, whether it was pre or post event, we were there, ready! I did check in and guided athletes to open tables. Not a single pre-event massage - it was pretty chilly in the morning, but we had plenty of post event athletes...just massaging legs, some pec muscles...mostly relaxation techniques. From the chatter I heard from athletes, family and friends, it was a well sponsored event. Nothing like the PF Chang Rock n Roll Marathon which is coming up in Phoenix in January that is just crazy crowded P F Changs Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon - Phoenix Arizona Marathon Don't think I'll be going to that one! Tucson is hosting the El Tour de Tucson in November, a 109 mile bike race that circles the perimeter of Tucson, and we will be doing massages at that event in lieu of our Saturday class! It is exciting to be a part of a sports event, however, I know just enough technique to hurt someone! Not really, but I haven't actually put my hands on anyone yet in that type of venue...but you only take that first step once, and then you're an old pro!! Breathe....
Not much of a Halloween person...never have been. I'm too much of a scaredy cat!! We don't have street lights so we hardly ever get any kids in the neighborhood. Every year, though, I still buy candy, always making sure to buy what we like because chances are we will end up eating it! I wanted to go to a Halloween party at one of the resorts where one of my fav bands is playing, but my sister will be out of town, ghost hunting. She and some girlfriends are on a quest to find a ghost at some of the haunted hotels and venues in Arizona. So far, they haven't seen anything, but they've gotten some weird vibes or their electronics cease to work! They will be in Tombstone - that alone is scary - on Friday night, then in Douglas on Saturday night. The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas is said to be haunted. Haunts & History I've never been to Douglas, but sounds like fun...ghosts notwithstanding!!
I'm going to do one last run through my notes for class tonight - test in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology on cells...ugh! Talk soon...
My sister and I went to the football game on Saturday afternoon. I went to school from 9 am to 1 pm, then headed straight to the game after stopping for a bite to eat. It was really warm, even though a nice breeze was blowing. As soon as the sun went down, though, it got really cool, like very cool...58-60F...with a breeze. We stayed until the end, then headed out to dinner at a nice little Italian place on 4th Avenue, Caruso's! Its locally owned, has been around forever, and serves really good, authentic food. I had the cheese and spinach manicotti; my sister had the spaghetti with meat sauce - throw in a couple of salads, lotsa garlic bread and it was a delish meal! My sis had wine, alas, I could not as I was driving, but I did have a nice cup of coffee, ok, two cups, and then I took her home. I was home, in bed, by 10 pm! Oh, and sis had dessert...not a bad night for her...wine AND dessert! Oh, yeah, and we won!! We have a bye this week, then homecoming on 11/7.
On Sunday, I volunteered at a triathlon event on the university campus. Athletes swam, rode a bike and then ran the final leg. We were set up with massage tables offering free massages to the athletes, whether it was pre or post event, we were there, ready! I did check in and guided athletes to open tables. Not a single pre-event massage - it was pretty chilly in the morning, but we had plenty of post event athletes...just massaging legs, some pec muscles...mostly relaxation techniques. From the chatter I heard from athletes, family and friends, it was a well sponsored event. Nothing like the PF Chang Rock n Roll Marathon which is coming up in Phoenix in January that is just crazy crowded P F Changs Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon - Phoenix Arizona Marathon Don't think I'll be going to that one! Tucson is hosting the El Tour de Tucson in November, a 109 mile bike race that circles the perimeter of Tucson, and we will be doing massages at that event in lieu of our Saturday class! It is exciting to be a part of a sports event, however, I know just enough technique to hurt someone! Not really, but I haven't actually put my hands on anyone yet in that type of venue...but you only take that first step once, and then you're an old pro!! Breathe....
Not much of a Halloween person...never have been. I'm too much of a scaredy cat!! We don't have street lights so we hardly ever get any kids in the neighborhood. Every year, though, I still buy candy, always making sure to buy what we like because chances are we will end up eating it! I wanted to go to a Halloween party at one of the resorts where one of my fav bands is playing, but my sister will be out of town, ghost hunting. She and some girlfriends are on a quest to find a ghost at some of the haunted hotels and venues in Arizona. So far, they haven't seen anything, but they've gotten some weird vibes or their electronics cease to work! They will be in Tombstone - that alone is scary - on Friday night, then in Douglas on Saturday night. The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas is said to be haunted. Haunts & History I've never been to Douglas, but sounds like fun...ghosts notwithstanding!!
I'm going to do one last run through my notes for class tonight - test in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology on cells...ugh! Talk soon...
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Where I've been...
One down, 3 to go...quarters of school, that is! I just completed 11 weeks of Massage Therapy school. Hard to believe that in mid-July, I was a naive student, never having a full body massage without my panties (I know, TMI!), and here I am now, disrobing with people I didn't know 3 months ago! It is truly a great program with an accredited institution, and that is all they do - Massage Therapy instruction. I looked at another school in town, the one my son graduated from 2 years ago, and it was less expensive, however, the school I chose, is preferred and recognized by my workplace. I work at a premiere health resort, and if its good enough for them, its good enough for me! Anyway, I managed 2 A's, and 2 B's. Surprisingly, one of the B's (88%) was in Muscles and Kinesiology - not bad for a gal that's been out of school for well over 30+ years! Second quarter begins 10/5 and goes through mid-December. The classes will become increasingly difficult, I'm sure, plus a Saturday class has been added to the curriculum.
I received my massage table mid quarter, and I need to practice, however, when do I have time??!! Between work, school, and just life in general, I am one busy girl! Glen agreed to let me practice on him a couple of weeks ago, and he said "ouch" too many times. His feedback was "when the client says ouch, you should probably stop!" What!!?? I can fix your tight fascia! I can alleviate muscle tightness by loosening the fibers by working them in different directions! Needless to say, Glen will not be a guinea pig for future practice. He is not cooperative!
Work has picked up gradually, and we are heading into the high season. Occupancy a couple of weeks ago was at 80%!! Whoo hoo...we haven't been at that level for at least 15-18 months! I attended a guest lecture yesterday by a staff clairvoyant, and there were about 25 guests. During the summer, lectures were mostly attended by staff to fill seats, maybe 5-6 people.
Anyway, just checking in. I hope to write more in the next couple of weeks, but if I don't, you know where I am!! Talk soon...
I received my massage table mid quarter, and I need to practice, however, when do I have time??!! Between work, school, and just life in general, I am one busy girl! Glen agreed to let me practice on him a couple of weeks ago, and he said "ouch" too many times. His feedback was "when the client says ouch, you should probably stop!" What!!?? I can fix your tight fascia! I can alleviate muscle tightness by loosening the fibers by working them in different directions! Needless to say, Glen will not be a guinea pig for future practice. He is not cooperative!
Work has picked up gradually, and we are heading into the high season. Occupancy a couple of weeks ago was at 80%!! Whoo hoo...we haven't been at that level for at least 15-18 months! I attended a guest lecture yesterday by a staff clairvoyant, and there were about 25 guests. During the summer, lectures were mostly attended by staff to fill seats, maybe 5-6 people.
Anyway, just checking in. I hope to write more in the next couple of weeks, but if I don't, you know where I am!! Talk soon...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Where have I been...
Where have I been? A while back I mentioned returning to school for Massage Therapy…I have just completed week 3 of instruction! My, what a challenge it has been. I attend class M-Th, 6 to 9 or 10 pm. Week 1, I was sleep deprived, not eating well, not drinking enough water, etc., just trying to adapt to the new routine. This past week has been much better, and although I am still not sleeping enough, and not eating as I should, I am hoping to plan better. There are 14 women, and 3 men in class. One male attended week 1 and hasn’t been seen since!
Monday’s class is Body Mechanics, self care, massage therapy as a viable modality in the wellness industry. The health care world hasn’t fully embraced MT to complement traditional treatment…its getting there…just very slowly. Then, of course, there is the notion that massage is a sexual offering. Check out Craigslist.com in your area, and you will see that there are a few bad apples that can taint the industry...just as in any profession.
Tuesday’s class is pretty much hands-on. The more bodies you touch, the better you will be. We are also strongly encouraged to practice, practice, practice outside of class. So far, we’ve learned several strokes, put them together to create a massage recipe, developing our own style. We have learned to drape and massage the posterior: back, arms, glutes; anterior: legs, arms – last night we did the abdomen focusing on proper draping technique for that area. State laws vary, but in AZ, draping is absolutely required of the genital area, breast (men, too), and gluteus. Even if the client doesn’t want to be draped, it is a requirement. In Europe…no draping is required! Draping is a sheet over the body, which acts as a boundary for the practitioner and client. The practitioner cannot extend hands or fingers past the drape, and the client knowing that, can feel safe that the boundary is understood. It is not as easy as it sounds! The practitioner is so focused on good body mechanics, each stroke with the minimal amount of exertion, that’s not to say that even in a Swedish massage, deep work isn’t required, but if you move your body, from the legs, with the stroke, it will prevent injury to the practitioner and prolong their career. Focusing on which stroke you will do next, while listening to your body, the client’s body (how much pressure the muscles will take), and breathing (important, I hear)…can be overwhelming, and not crossing any draping boundary! Oh, and the client is undressed to their level of comfort, which means that some people will leave some article of clothing on. That being the case (their level of comfort), as the practitioner, we work with what we have. It is optimal to have the body sans clothes, however, that will not always be so. I paired up with one of the (mature) ladies in class on Monday night. She is from the south, and appears to be quite modest (culture, generational). We were working the back, undraping to the sacroiliac crest (the dimpled area on each side of the lower back area), and she left her sweat pants on…to the waist! How was I to work the back muscles with not much exposed area?? That was my first thought (ego), then realizing this was her level of comfort, I just had to do the best I could. My strokes were not perfect, rather truncated, but this was my slate…work with it. The Monday night instructor has been massaging her mom for over 6 years now, and her mom still leaves her bra and panties on…and its her mom!!
Wednesday’s class is anatomy! The instructor is very dry, besides, the subject matter is intense!! After working 8 hours, a 4 hour anatomy class is taxing on the brain and body. We’ve already had a quiz on the skeletal system (not graded yet), and will be moving to joints, muscles and cardiovascular, very soon according to the syllabus. Oy vey.
There is also a Professional Ethics and Communication class taken online on your own time, but must be completed every week. Try fitting this in with all of the above and see what you get?? A tired girl for sure, yet excited at what I’ve learned so far!
I finished reading the second book in the trilogy by Pamela Aidan on Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman. It is along the lines of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This series focuses more on Mr. Darcy, just who is the man who would woo Ms. Elizabeth Bennett?? Bound by honor to the Darcy name, Elizabeth is quite beneath his station, yet he cannot shake her from his mind, comparing all women he meets with her, and none quite matching up with her wit and intelligence. Aidan’s books are not as “hither and yon” as Ms. Austen’s style of writing, however, the period language is still dominant. With that being said…I just started Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen! I don’t know how I even have time to read, though it is an escape I enjoy. I'm such a sucker for romance...
Other than that…life goes on. Work has been kind of slow mostly, with sporadic spurts of projects and deadlines. Kiddos are doing good, folks are ok (hey, they go to doctor appointments and breakfast a couple of times a week – not a bad life!). Weather here has been extremely HOT! Triple digit temps since June, at least…dry heat. We are hoping the monsoon flow will return soon for some much needed rain. We are still quite behind the normal precipitation for the year. I know…I’ll wash my car and it’ll rain for sure!
Talk soon…
Monday’s class is Body Mechanics, self care, massage therapy as a viable modality in the wellness industry. The health care world hasn’t fully embraced MT to complement traditional treatment…its getting there…just very slowly. Then, of course, there is the notion that massage is a sexual offering. Check out Craigslist.com in your area, and you will see that there are a few bad apples that can taint the industry...just as in any profession.
Tuesday’s class is pretty much hands-on. The more bodies you touch, the better you will be. We are also strongly encouraged to practice, practice, practice outside of class. So far, we’ve learned several strokes, put them together to create a massage recipe, developing our own style. We have learned to drape and massage the posterior: back, arms, glutes; anterior: legs, arms – last night we did the abdomen focusing on proper draping technique for that area. State laws vary, but in AZ, draping is absolutely required of the genital area, breast (men, too), and gluteus. Even if the client doesn’t want to be draped, it is a requirement. In Europe…no draping is required! Draping is a sheet over the body, which acts as a boundary for the practitioner and client. The practitioner cannot extend hands or fingers past the drape, and the client knowing that, can feel safe that the boundary is understood. It is not as easy as it sounds! The practitioner is so focused on good body mechanics, each stroke with the minimal amount of exertion, that’s not to say that even in a Swedish massage, deep work isn’t required, but if you move your body, from the legs, with the stroke, it will prevent injury to the practitioner and prolong their career. Focusing on which stroke you will do next, while listening to your body, the client’s body (how much pressure the muscles will take), and breathing (important, I hear)…can be overwhelming, and not crossing any draping boundary! Oh, and the client is undressed to their level of comfort, which means that some people will leave some article of clothing on. That being the case (their level of comfort), as the practitioner, we work with what we have. It is optimal to have the body sans clothes, however, that will not always be so. I paired up with one of the (mature) ladies in class on Monday night. She is from the south, and appears to be quite modest (culture, generational). We were working the back, undraping to the sacroiliac crest (the dimpled area on each side of the lower back area), and she left her sweat pants on…to the waist! How was I to work the back muscles with not much exposed area?? That was my first thought (ego), then realizing this was her level of comfort, I just had to do the best I could. My strokes were not perfect, rather truncated, but this was my slate…work with it. The Monday night instructor has been massaging her mom for over 6 years now, and her mom still leaves her bra and panties on…and its her mom!!
Wednesday’s class is anatomy! The instructor is very dry, besides, the subject matter is intense!! After working 8 hours, a 4 hour anatomy class is taxing on the brain and body. We’ve already had a quiz on the skeletal system (not graded yet), and will be moving to joints, muscles and cardiovascular, very soon according to the syllabus. Oy vey.
There is also a Professional Ethics and Communication class taken online on your own time, but must be completed every week. Try fitting this in with all of the above and see what you get?? A tired girl for sure, yet excited at what I’ve learned so far!
I finished reading the second book in the trilogy by Pamela Aidan on Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman. It is along the lines of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This series focuses more on Mr. Darcy, just who is the man who would woo Ms. Elizabeth Bennett?? Bound by honor to the Darcy name, Elizabeth is quite beneath his station, yet he cannot shake her from his mind, comparing all women he meets with her, and none quite matching up with her wit and intelligence. Aidan’s books are not as “hither and yon” as Ms. Austen’s style of writing, however, the period language is still dominant. With that being said…I just started Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen! I don’t know how I even have time to read, though it is an escape I enjoy. I'm such a sucker for romance...
Other than that…life goes on. Work has been kind of slow mostly, with sporadic spurts of projects and deadlines. Kiddos are doing good, folks are ok (hey, they go to doctor appointments and breakfast a couple of times a week – not a bad life!). Weather here has been extremely HOT! Triple digit temps since June, at least…dry heat. We are hoping the monsoon flow will return soon for some much needed rain. We are still quite behind the normal precipitation for the year. I know…I’ll wash my car and it’ll rain for sure!
Talk soon…
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