Healing Hands

   

I found this quote about a week ago and it resonated with me. 

Some clients that have been with me for more than a few years, would probably be able to tell about how my massage style has changed and morphed over the last 13 years. Like lots of fledgling massage therapists, in the early days I did deep tissue by steamrolling the shit out of everything knotty. I thought I had to hit every inch of the body in 60 minutes and that left little time for me to gradually soften tissue...so I muscled their knots into submission. This still happens occasionally, but I have learned to work deeper without wearing my body down now, and I am secure in telling clients that we will probably not get to the whole body in 60 minutes if they want me to really address problem areas.

So we have established that I have mad deep tissue techniques, to include the Atomic Elbow.  I also do very gentle treatments: lymphatic drainage and craniosacral therapy. I have some knowledge of Thai massage as well, but if I tried to box my massage style up with just one word to describe it, it would be intuitive. I still ask clients what is going on in their bodies, but when I put my hands on their bodies, I get a more detailed report. I can feel lines of tension. I can feel how this knot is causing pain in another part of the body. I get a better idea of how I can help folks. And knowing the client's pain as something you have experienced in your own body gives you incredible insight into their pain management and treatment plan.

I have insight into middle-aged women and all our quirks with room temperatures and linens. I know the pain that hairdressers and dental technicians feel in their necks, arms and upper backs because I feel similarly after a long day of my work. Migraine pain and treatment? Check. IBS? Yep. Tennis elbow? Been there, massaged it.

A lifetime of my painful experiences brings a wealth of knowledge to my clients. 

Compassion. Empathy. Support. Touch.  Healing.