Introduction: I practice medical massage, which is a more pinpointed type of massage than typical massage therapists. I take the whole body into account when coming up with a strategy for a session, but ensure that the results my clients are looking for are first and foremost in my mind and work during any session.
I make sure that every client who comes in is treated with respect, dignity and compassion. I listen to each client to find out where their pain is, to see if there is anything specific that caused it, and to answer any questions the client may have. I want to know that every client is completely comfortable with the entire experience, and can only do that by listening to both what the client needs, as well as what the client wants.
For some people, massage is a last resort for pain that hasn't been helped by anything else. Many clients have mentioned that they felt ignored by other health professionals, and that they saw massage as a last-ditch effort to feel better. Several clients even said that they really didn't think massage would help them much, but that they were both surprised and delighted by the results!
To help understand why I feel so strongly about listening to, and helping my clients, please read my story below:
When I was a teenager I developed some severe back pain that could put me in misery for days on end. To find some relief from the pain I sought help from several different doctors as well as specialists. Since at the time I was active, at a good weight, and hadn't had any severe injuries to speak of, it was a complete mystery to them (and to me!) where this pain was coming from. Most of the doctors simply scratched their heads and said "We don't know." Some of them were extremely dismissive about my complaints, and even the ones who showed real concern and tried their best to help simply weren't able to do much.
Since the traditional medical system wasn't really able to help me, I started looking for other ways I could feel better. I stumbled upon someone in the area who was an energy worker as well as a bodyworker and booked a session. I didn't know what to expect, but within one session my back pain was completely gone and I felt better than I had in years. I didn't know HOW she did what she did, but I was determined to find out!
Those experiences started me down my path to becoming a massage therapist. They are with me every time I sit down with a client and I am reminded of them every time a client comes to me with an issue that no doctor has been able to solve. And yet, as much as my clients want me to help them physically, often some part of them just wants someone to listen. Because sometimes it's about more than just fixing the problem....sometimes it's also about being heard.
I love being able to see a massive difference in a client in just one single session! It's amazing the difference an hour of clinically-focused body work can make!
