Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122
TABLE LESSONS best practices 26 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 5 "Good morning," I said as I greeted Mrs. S. in my waiting room. "It's wonderful to meet you. Thank you for being here. If you would like, you can bring your things with you back to the room." Observing the guarded way Mrs. S. turned to pick up her coat and purse, I had a pretty good idea of the problem at hand. This was confirmed as we settled into my treatment room. I could see Mrs. S. hesitate, looking for the right words to convey what she felt. "Essentially, no one knows what to do with me," she began in a rather exasperated voice. "I have seen many health-care providers over the last several years, but I get the sense they do not understand my situation. Everyone tries to treat my neck, but I think my muscles don't know how to respond appropriately anymore. Most often, the intervention leaves me worse off than before. Exercises often make me worse. The effect isn't always immediate—it might take two or three days—but I am in much more pain after doing them. "But if I don't do anything, I will never get better. It's like my neck is excessively weak and sensitive, but I suffer when I try to do the exercises. It's a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation. "Honestly, I am not even sure what I am asking of you. In the past, massage has made me worse, but several people suggested you might approach this differently. Moving by Design Exploring Choices in Movement By Douglas Nelson