How I became the Massage Therapist That I Am Today
How I became the Massage Therapist that I am today, 6 years later, as of April 11, 2022.
In massage school we learn the basic massage modalities and strokes. Swedish and sports massage involving effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. I was convinced that if I went any deeper than firm that I could hurt someone and even pop their rib out.
I’ve had my fair share of being a “Guinea pig” for many therapists as their learning a new technique. As you may be aware, every therapist has their own style or “song and dance” as I call it and I’ve received massages I personally didn’t quite enjoy and others where I’d want to go back weekly.
My neck and shoulders have always been tense from holding mental anxiety and maybe even the exhaustion of OCD tendencies. I was also diagnosed with A.D.D. in my early 20’s, before massage school was even a thought. I tried community college multiple times and I wasn’t engaged in the classes, it wasn’t my learning style. I needed to touch, tinker, move and explore solutions. I began working WITH my personality traits, not against them. That’s what led me to researching the trade school option.
I also have chronic sciatica on my left side because my right leg is longer due to an old injury from slipping and twisting my knee in my dog rescue job. That created a bone bruise on the patellar surface of the femur that extended my right leg 1/4 inch. I have to wear a wedge in the shoe of my shorter leg to even out my hips and reduce sciatic flare ups, it helps! Massage reduces irritability, anxiety and keeps me healthy to continue doing my work. Plus, it feels so damn good and you get to leave your phone on silent and be taken care of!
Giving massage is both my meditation and creative outlet.
I experienced a mixture of a Myofascial release and therapeutic massage from a coworker down in Florida and it was the first time in 4 years of receiving, that someone was able to release my neck and traps without excessive force. I’ve had therapists deeply “run over” my levator muscle, trying and trying to release the tension without any success, as my shoulders just got higher in anticipation of it stopping. I never wanted my client to feel that way under my hands, so I took a continuing education course for Myofascial Release to learn how to release the connective fascia where chronic pain is stored. My techniques are firm, slow and intentional so your muscles and nervous system will release on their own time. I rarely force a reaction and just let it be. Who am I to tell you what to do? You’re in control of your body and know your body better than anyone!
Come late summer I will be learning a deep barefoot myofascial release technique, so stay tuned!
This community of healers has helped me tune in to my own mind and body. I receive because it clears my mind, eases anxiety reduces my headaches, improves my mood and eliminates the aches that come with such a physically demanding job.
