Massage & Bodywork

JULY | AUGUST 2021

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L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 81 As bodyworkers, we know our work is not a one-visit-and-done type of situation; the work we do involves changing the way tissues operate, and this is no quick fi x. TV shows. If we are given the tools but are not taught how to use them, giving up becomes awfully appealing. A massage therapist might be technically gifted and able to utilize incredible skills to work through plantar fasciitis with a client. There might be intricate detail in the muscles of the calf and steadfast patience when manipulating the various elements of the foot. There might even be fancy tools or soothing oils handled like a chef at a Japanese steak house. But, unless we teach that client how to incorporate these tricks into their lives, they will just end up where they started—in pain and unhappy. Giving a client homework has never been a strong suit for bodyworkers. The idea of telling someone what to do seems to go against the very grain of everything holistic. The reality is, though, that we are responsible for teaching self-care. Walking clients through the details that will keep their tension at bay is more benefi cial than any extravagant technique. Assuming they know what to do—and they will actually do it—is on par with feeding your 8-year-old macaroni and cheese and then believing they can make it for themselves next time. CONSISTENCY CREATES RESULTS Allow time at the end of every session to sit with your client and walk them through exactly how to work on their own calf and stretch their own foot. Offer them options of how to stretch, like hanging their heel off a step, and choices of how to self-massage, like using their knuckles if it is too diffi cult with their thumbs. Be sure, though, not to allow too much leeway when it comes to how often—and how long—these stretches and self- massages should take place. These need to be set in stone. Lay out a regimen your clients can follow, including how often, how long, times of day, and frequency. Emphasize, in each of these layers, the importance of consistency. And then, be sure to schedule a follow-up session. Make sure clients feel you are on this journey with them—that you are as invested in their health as they are. Once your client leaves your offi ce, set a couple of reminders to check in with them before they return. Exemplify what consistency means. This will reinforce all the work you ignited. Remind them that their practice and energy are the missing elements in what it truly takes to heal. Dr. Strange: How do I get from here to there? Ancient One: How did you get to reattach severed nerves and put a human spine back together bone by bone? Dr. Strange: Study and practice. Years of it. —Marvel's Dr. Strange Allison Denney is a certifi ed massage therapist and certifi ed YouTuber. You can fi nd her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com. SCAN AND WATCH "Foot Muscles Part II" 1. Open your camera 2. Scan the code 3. Tap on notification 4. Watch!

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