spiralngphoenix | (no subject)

If anyone wonders why I do not want to work in a spa setting (especially one of the chain ones), this would be it. This is from today's listing on Craigslist for elements. The language, poor grammar, and horrible abuse of capital letters in the opening of the ad is enough to put me off the idea, and frankly says a lot about how they view the industry and therapists in general:

"Looking To Hire Great, Hard Working Therapists For Our Woburn Studio. Over 800 Members & 1,500 Massages Monthly Between Our Two Studios. Looking for Enthusiastic, Hard Working, Self Motivated, Team Players Who Are Not Looking to Sit Around & Who Are Interested in Making Lots Of Money While Increasing Their Massage Skills!!"

On a different line, my website has a blog on it. I've been tossing around the idea of making use of this, but am not sure what to write about. One idea I've been toying with is an article addressing the most common misconceptions about massage therapy (such as the idea that Swedish massage is only for relaxation, or the idea that the more it hurts, the more effective it's being in getting out the knots, etc.) The problem here? I went through massage school and have no misconceptions about it. I've known too many MT's over the years, and so never really did. So, dear readers, I have a request from you. What do you think massage therapy is? What can it or can't it do? What questions do you have about it?

Also, let me know if you would prefer that I screen responses, or feel free to send them to me at riverswaymassage@gmail.com. :D

Edit: Screened unless otherwise specified...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(no need to screen mine)

I think writing blog posts once every couple weeks is a good idea - covering misconceptions, different benefits of MT, etc. Even covering news like that stupid sexual massage game for the Wii would be relevant.

My views on MT:
- can be used to aid relaxation, to help ease stress and physical tension.

- can be used as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness. One way of "checking in" with your body.

- helps lymph systems function properly

- part of physical therapy for injuries, scar tissues, and congenital conditions. Also can be used to help prevent or treat sports-related injuries.

- part of PTSD treatment, i.e. "safe touch" therapy. Can be used as selective desensitization of touch-triggers when done by someone trained in such techniques. Can also be used to help with dissociation - as being massaged feels best when the person being massaged stays present. Trust-building is key, and can be very helpful for survivors of trauma.

My questions about MT:
- I know how well MT works on muscular and stress-related issues, but what can it do as far as helping issues with ligaments/tendons, or issues which incorporate muscles and either l/t or skeletal issues?

- what does each school of massage focus on. i.e. What is the aim of Swedish massage versus hot-stone, etc?

- what issues should you bring to your massage therapist's attention before starting a session?

- what to look for when seeking an MTist, what conditions are treatable with MT.

I think you just gave me a couple months worth of articles, there. Yay! :D One of the first ones is very likely going to be the "What issues to bring to attention" one, as I've noticed that I run into this a lot. (Generally, after I've got the person on the table and I hear the dreaded words, "Oh, by the way, I have X"...usually as I'm about to do/have just done something that is contraindicated for X.)

Woot! Glad to help.

I think the "what issues to bring to attention" is the one which is one I wonder the most. I have SO many physical issues that I'm never sure what's relevant, and what's not. I usually end up either overloading them, or not giving them enough.