Here’s just a few of my ideas on good communication and massage.
Professional presentation
For me this means both the presentation of myself, and of the massage clinic/room. Being neatly dressed is important, as it shows the client I am serious about what I am doing, as does a clean and tidy work space. Qualifications and charts (eg: muscle and bones) are a good thing to have on the wall, as the client then has access to this information, and it gives the room a professional feeling, and a professional looking room and therapist will help put the client at ease!
Phone booking and reception skills
When taking phone bookings and greeting clients at reception, it is important to be polite and friendly, as this is the first impression that the client is getting of your practise, so you want it to be a good one!
Client welcome and greeting
Greeting the client is a very important part of the client interview. It is important that you make the client feel welcome and comfortable, and simply saying hello with a smile can do this. Also using their name shows you respect them as an individual, and that they are not just ‘another person coming for a massage.’ A handshake is also a great way to make the first physical contact!
Client communication – interview
The interview is when you collect all the information from the client that you need to know to be able to give the best massage. This includes things like medical history, lifestyle, current health, and current stress levels. Because this is personal information, you need to make sure you have built a trusting bond between yourself and the client. Being friendly and showing respect will help you achieve this. Showing you are listen and attending to what is being said will encourage the client to divulge information. It is also essential to ask questions if you are not completely sure of what is being said, and to relate it back to the client so they know you understand what they are telling you.
Client communication – massage
During the massage you will pick up on certain things that may or may not have come up in the interview. This may include tight muscles or markings on the skin. If you find something that concerns you, ask the client about it – don’t just go around it!
Post massage and rebooking
To maintain a good client base, rebooking clients is essential. For me this is something I need to work at, as I’m not a big fan of trying to ‘sell myself!’ However just pointing out the benefits of the session, and what future sessions could do, then asking if they would like another one in the future, should help in getting recurring clients!
Premium customer service
To give the best service means knowing your scope of practise and sticking to it. You must also make sure that the client is aware of what this is too. It is also important to get as much client information as you can regarding their health, fitness and medical conditions, as there might be something that can have an affect on what you can offer them. A client details form, along with a client interview, is a great way to do this. After taking all their details into account, along with your training, allows you to give the client the best massage for them. Make sure you explain your treatment plan and goals to the client before starting, to make sure they agree with it.
All of the above skills are important in giving the best service you can, and in ensuring you get rebookings!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sustainable massage practise
Sustainability is a concept that more businesses are starting to consider. Sustainable resources are those that are used at such a rate that the source is never too depleted to regenerate, so is still available for future generations. Three main areas requiring sustainable practise, are environmental, social and economical.
Because the earth is a limited resource, it is important for the environment to be conserved as best as it can be, to prolong the life of our natural resources, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. Environmental sustainability can be carried out in a number of ways, for example using solar power to heat our rooms instead of heaters, using recyclable materials when possible, and by using natural based products, all help to keep our planet healthy. As a massage therapist we can be more sustainable by using solar panels to heat our clinics, and using eco-friendly washing powder when laundering our drapes. Using natural based waxes in recyclable containers also increases the sustainability of our products. Another good idea is to buy an adjustable wooden table, as the production of a wooden table emits a lot less toxins into the environment than the making of a metal table, and having an adjustable table means you are unlikely to out grow it, so it can last the whole of your massage career. This in turn means less wastage which would damage the environment. Living Earth Crafts (2008) are working to preserve the environment by planting a tree for every massage table they sell, which is a great way to sustain our forests!
Social sustainability is the idea of having a social network in which you can keep in contact with other professionals and existing and potential clients. For example, for practising massage therapists in New Zealand, MNZ (massage New Zealand) is a good network to become a member of, because without the inclusion of other people (to help motivate you to keep up a professional practise, and obviously paying customers) you would be unable to achieve a successfully functioning business.
Lastly, economic sustainability relates to the amount to revenue coming into the business. Obviously you need to be making a profit to keep your business running successfully. To increase and maintain the economic sustainability of a massage practise, you need to make sure you keep your clinic up to a professional standard by keeping all client records confidential, providing adequate services but always stating and keeping within your scope of practise, having relevant qualifications on display, and keeping clinic and personal hygiene at a high standard. By sticking to these criterion, your business should run smoothly and keep the profits up.
As discussed above there are many ways in which a sustainable massage practise can be achieved. By using natural and environmentally friendly products and prolonging their lifespan for as long as possible, joining a network like MNZ which will help you keep in contact with other practising therapists and help you to build a client base, and by making sure your clinic is client focused, will help you build a practise that encourages environmental, social and economic sustainability. A sustainable practise is also more likely to have a superior reputation with the public, so your practise should continue to run smoothly into the future.
References
Living Earth Crafts. Massage Tables: Environmentally friendly massage table certification (2008). Retrieved August 25th from http://www.massage-tables.info/
Ministry for the environment. Sustainability, a definition (2009). Retrieved August 25th from http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/tools-services/definition.php
Because the earth is a limited resource, it is important for the environment to be conserved as best as it can be, to prolong the life of our natural resources, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. Environmental sustainability can be carried out in a number of ways, for example using solar power to heat our rooms instead of heaters, using recyclable materials when possible, and by using natural based products, all help to keep our planet healthy. As a massage therapist we can be more sustainable by using solar panels to heat our clinics, and using eco-friendly washing powder when laundering our drapes. Using natural based waxes in recyclable containers also increases the sustainability of our products. Another good idea is to buy an adjustable wooden table, as the production of a wooden table emits a lot less toxins into the environment than the making of a metal table, and having an adjustable table means you are unlikely to out grow it, so it can last the whole of your massage career. This in turn means less wastage which would damage the environment. Living Earth Crafts (2008) are working to preserve the environment by planting a tree for every massage table they sell, which is a great way to sustain our forests!
Social sustainability is the idea of having a social network in which you can keep in contact with other professionals and existing and potential clients. For example, for practising massage therapists in New Zealand, MNZ (massage New Zealand) is a good network to become a member of, because without the inclusion of other people (to help motivate you to keep up a professional practise, and obviously paying customers) you would be unable to achieve a successfully functioning business.
Lastly, economic sustainability relates to the amount to revenue coming into the business. Obviously you need to be making a profit to keep your business running successfully. To increase and maintain the economic sustainability of a massage practise, you need to make sure you keep your clinic up to a professional standard by keeping all client records confidential, providing adequate services but always stating and keeping within your scope of practise, having relevant qualifications on display, and keeping clinic and personal hygiene at a high standard. By sticking to these criterion, your business should run smoothly and keep the profits up.
As discussed above there are many ways in which a sustainable massage practise can be achieved. By using natural and environmentally friendly products and prolonging their lifespan for as long as possible, joining a network like MNZ which will help you keep in contact with other practising therapists and help you to build a client base, and by making sure your clinic is client focused, will help you build a practise that encourages environmental, social and economic sustainability. A sustainable practise is also more likely to have a superior reputation with the public, so your practise should continue to run smoothly into the future.
References
Living Earth Crafts. Massage Tables: Environmentally friendly massage table certification (2008). Retrieved August 25th from http://www.massage-tables.info/
Ministry for the environment. Sustainability, a definition (2009). Retrieved August 25th from http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/tools-services/definition.php
Sunday, August 23, 2009
History and culture of massage therapy
1. A comparison of the development of massage in the eastern and western traditions.
Massage has been practised for a number of years throughout a large variety of cultures. It was first used as a healing procedure, carried out by the village Sharman (healer), or taught in the family and passed on through the generations.
Massage was first documented in Eastern cultures as early as 3000BC in China, where it was used as a treatment for illness. By 90BC, acupuncture was being used, and using this and their knowledge of massage procedures, the Chinese developed Amma, a method involving pressing with the fingers which became the grandparent of all massage therapy. By the 6th Century massage was well developed and widely used within China, and new techniques evolving from amma had spread throughout Japan, Thailand and India. Ayurvedic massage had become especially popular in Hindu culture becoming a sacred practise acknowledged as the code of life, and associated with rebirth, salvation and the soul. Eastern massage is very holistic, focusing on healing not only the body but the mind and spirit as well.
At the same time a different type of massage was evolving in the West, being developed by the Romans and Greeks, and focusing more on science and the human body. It was seen more as a healing technique, rather than a spiritual release as it was in the East. Some influential people involved in the development of Western massage were Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell and Cyriax, who introduced massage and its benefits to the medical community (Salvo, 2007).
2. The role of Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell & Cyriax in the development of massage in the western tradition.
The first person to document the benefits of massage was Hippocrates. Known as the “Father of Western Medicine” (Salvo 2007, pg 6), he focused on the patients needs, and developed massage techniques to aid in the healing of injuries. Two of his long standing methods are traction and stretching, both of which are still used today (Salvo, 2007). Many years later, Galen, a follower of Hippocrates findings, linked touch to human anatomy and physiology. He studied the effects of massage by looking at the influence of massage both pre- and post-event, thereby associating massage with sports, and also health (Elluminate, 2009).
An important person in modern massage was Ling, who used the rhythm of gymnastics to develop a set of therapeutic movements, which improved circulation, eased muscle pain, increased flexibility and encouraged relaxation. Although Ling did not have a medical background, he taught massage to medical students, and it became an accepted medical procedure (Salvo, 2007). Metzger however, had a medical background, so was more capable at promoting the benefits of massage in a medical environment. It was he who coined the massage terms such as effleurage and petrissage, and who introduced massage to scientific publications (Salvo, 2007).
While Ling and Metzger were influencing the medical community, Kellogg was convincing the public by publishing many books and articles on the health benefits of massage, which helped increase its popularity (Salvo, 2007).
Emil Vodder developed a method to assist in the movement of lymphatic fluid. Soft massage across the surface lymphatics was found to help with lymphatic diseases, such as lymphodema (Fritz, 2004).
Janet Travell is known for her work on trigger points. She mapped previously unknown pain patterns in the body, and found that working into these points can relieve myofascial pain pre-existing from old injuries (Salvo, 2007).
Another important name in massage today is Cyriax, an orthopaedic physician who is recognised for his work on the diagnosis of soft tissue damage. He was involved in rehabilitation treatments, such as assessing range of motion, and also developed transverse friction methods (Salvo, 2007).
3. A comparison of Maori massage (Miri-miri & Romi-romi) with western massage.
Maori massage is very traditional and holistic, as it focuses on both the body and mind, and is passed on through the family. Infants are massaged everyday to encourage a shapely form, and to build a sense of trust and caring within the family and community. The two main methods are Miri-miri and Romi-romi. Miri-miri is a healing process comparable to relaxation, that uses short strokes to address the four dimensions (body, mind, spirit and family), whereas Romi-romi involves the kneading or squeezing of the fleshy parts of the body, and also the use of elbows, hands, knees, sticks, stones and water, for work at a deeper level.
Maori massage is different to Western massage, as Maori massage is very holistic, focusing on the body and mind, whereas Western massage focuses more on the human body only. However, there are some similarities, in the fact that Maori infants are massaged each day to perfect the way the body grows, which has a more scientific purpose. Also, Romi-romi follows western trends moreso than Miri-miri (Riley, 1994).
4. The massage scandals of the 1800s and their impact on the massage industry.
The downfall of massage came when the profession was criticised for having inadequately trained therapists, false advertising and overcharging for poor service. This was due mainly to the excessive number of women being quickly, and therefore insufficiently, trained on the premise that they would have many grand job offers on completion on the course. Unfortunately this was not the case, and many of the women had to resort to using massage clinics as covers for prostitution in order to pay back their study fees, which destroyed the public’s confidence in massage. Luckily, in the late 1800’s, eight women launched the Society of Trained Masseuses, which recognised the importance for adequate training and standards, and so massage therapy was re-established in a favourable light (Fritz, 2004).
5. The development of professional massage in New Zealand including MINZI,
NZATMP, TMA & MNZ.
In 1985, Bill Wareham founded the Massage Institute of New Zealand Incorporated (MINZI). MINZI focused on providing a high standard of education to massage therapists in New Zealand by ensuring that teachers taught at appropriate standards. MINZI also hold yearly workshops, which massage therapists can attend in order to develop new and perfect existing skills. Not long after MINZI was established, Jim Sanford recognised the need for a professional organisation focusing on therapeutic massage, and so formed the New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners (NZATMP). This organisation provides high quality training in therapeutic massage and professionalism, and now has many members from all over New Zealand. NZATMP is now known as TMA (Therapeutic Massage Association), and has a list of all therapists holding the National Diploma of Therapeutic Massage, and promotes their continued training and development of massage therapy. In 2006, a merge between MINZI and TMA produced an independent association called Massage New Zealand (MNZ). MNZ promotes the practise of professional massage, and ongoing training and support of massage in New Zealand. It is a good way for massage therapists registered in New Zealand to advertise their services, and to build a network with other practising therapists (Tuchtan, Tuchtan, & Stelfox, 2004).
6. Contemporary massage.
Contemporary massage, such as lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular approaches, orthopaedic massage and fascia work, have all developed through the 20th Century. The Vodder technique stimulates the movement of lymph fluid around the body, and is now practised worldwide, with Bruno Chikly combining lymphatic drainage and craniosacral work. These methods help with diseases like lymphadema, which block up the lymph system. Neuromuscular work, such as Travell’s trigger point therapy, and myofascial treatment, work to break up any pre-existing muscle tightness in the body’s connective tissue, and Cyriax’s orthopaedic work focuses on the rehabilitation of tissues and joints by assessing the range of motion, and limitations in normal movement. Acupressure also focuses on relaxing and releasing any muscle tension, by applying pressure to certain points on the body. These techniques are continuing to grow and become more accepted as we learn more about the contemporary approaches that are available to us (Elluminate, 2009).
7. A discussion of how the following philosophical approaches to massage (body, body-mind, body-mind-spirit) relate to the historical and cultural contexts discussed.
Holistic treatment (treatment of the mind and spirit as well as the body) is traditionally an eastern practise, while western massage is more body driven. Eastern cultures recognise the link between the body and mind, which is important in a therapeutic sense, as it aims to relax the mind via manipulation of the body. Because western massage is more medical based, it fails to encompass the mind-spirit-body association, as the mind and body are seen as completely different entities. However, holistic health care is becoming more accepted in the west, as practitioners are becoming more aware of the mind-body connection (Holey & Cook, 1997).
References
Fritz, S. (2004). Fundamentals of therapeutic massage. (3rd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Mosby Incorporated.
Holey, E., & Cook, E. (1997). Evidence based therapeutic massage. A practical guide for therapists. (2nd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Churchill Livingstone.
Molloy, F. (2009). History and Culture. Elluminate session, July 20 2009. Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand.
Riley, M. (1994). Maori healing and herbal: New Zealand ethnobotanical sourcebook. Paraparaumu, New Zealand: Viking Sevenseas.
Salvo, S. (2007). Massage therapy: Principles and practise. (3rd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Saunders Elsevier.
Tuchtan, C., Tuchtan, V., & Stelfox, D. (2004). Foundations of massage. N.S.W, Australia: Churchill Livingstone.
Massage has been practised for a number of years throughout a large variety of cultures. It was first used as a healing procedure, carried out by the village Sharman (healer), or taught in the family and passed on through the generations.
Massage was first documented in Eastern cultures as early as 3000BC in China, where it was used as a treatment for illness. By 90BC, acupuncture was being used, and using this and their knowledge of massage procedures, the Chinese developed Amma, a method involving pressing with the fingers which became the grandparent of all massage therapy. By the 6th Century massage was well developed and widely used within China, and new techniques evolving from amma had spread throughout Japan, Thailand and India. Ayurvedic massage had become especially popular in Hindu culture becoming a sacred practise acknowledged as the code of life, and associated with rebirth, salvation and the soul. Eastern massage is very holistic, focusing on healing not only the body but the mind and spirit as well.
At the same time a different type of massage was evolving in the West, being developed by the Romans and Greeks, and focusing more on science and the human body. It was seen more as a healing technique, rather than a spiritual release as it was in the East. Some influential people involved in the development of Western massage were Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell and Cyriax, who introduced massage and its benefits to the medical community (Salvo, 2007).
2. The role of Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell & Cyriax in the development of massage in the western tradition.
The first person to document the benefits of massage was Hippocrates. Known as the “Father of Western Medicine” (Salvo 2007, pg 6), he focused on the patients needs, and developed massage techniques to aid in the healing of injuries. Two of his long standing methods are traction and stretching, both of which are still used today (Salvo, 2007). Many years later, Galen, a follower of Hippocrates findings, linked touch to human anatomy and physiology. He studied the effects of massage by looking at the influence of massage both pre- and post-event, thereby associating massage with sports, and also health (Elluminate, 2009).
An important person in modern massage was Ling, who used the rhythm of gymnastics to develop a set of therapeutic movements, which improved circulation, eased muscle pain, increased flexibility and encouraged relaxation. Although Ling did not have a medical background, he taught massage to medical students, and it became an accepted medical procedure (Salvo, 2007). Metzger however, had a medical background, so was more capable at promoting the benefits of massage in a medical environment. It was he who coined the massage terms such as effleurage and petrissage, and who introduced massage to scientific publications (Salvo, 2007).
While Ling and Metzger were influencing the medical community, Kellogg was convincing the public by publishing many books and articles on the health benefits of massage, which helped increase its popularity (Salvo, 2007).
Emil Vodder developed a method to assist in the movement of lymphatic fluid. Soft massage across the surface lymphatics was found to help with lymphatic diseases, such as lymphodema (Fritz, 2004).
Janet Travell is known for her work on trigger points. She mapped previously unknown pain patterns in the body, and found that working into these points can relieve myofascial pain pre-existing from old injuries (Salvo, 2007).
Another important name in massage today is Cyriax, an orthopaedic physician who is recognised for his work on the diagnosis of soft tissue damage. He was involved in rehabilitation treatments, such as assessing range of motion, and also developed transverse friction methods (Salvo, 2007).
3. A comparison of Maori massage (Miri-miri & Romi-romi) with western massage.
Maori massage is very traditional and holistic, as it focuses on both the body and mind, and is passed on through the family. Infants are massaged everyday to encourage a shapely form, and to build a sense of trust and caring within the family and community. The two main methods are Miri-miri and Romi-romi. Miri-miri is a healing process comparable to relaxation, that uses short strokes to address the four dimensions (body, mind, spirit and family), whereas Romi-romi involves the kneading or squeezing of the fleshy parts of the body, and also the use of elbows, hands, knees, sticks, stones and water, for work at a deeper level.
Maori massage is different to Western massage, as Maori massage is very holistic, focusing on the body and mind, whereas Western massage focuses more on the human body only. However, there are some similarities, in the fact that Maori infants are massaged each day to perfect the way the body grows, which has a more scientific purpose. Also, Romi-romi follows western trends moreso than Miri-miri (Riley, 1994).
4. The massage scandals of the 1800s and their impact on the massage industry.
The downfall of massage came when the profession was criticised for having inadequately trained therapists, false advertising and overcharging for poor service. This was due mainly to the excessive number of women being quickly, and therefore insufficiently, trained on the premise that they would have many grand job offers on completion on the course. Unfortunately this was not the case, and many of the women had to resort to using massage clinics as covers for prostitution in order to pay back their study fees, which destroyed the public’s confidence in massage. Luckily, in the late 1800’s, eight women launched the Society of Trained Masseuses, which recognised the importance for adequate training and standards, and so massage therapy was re-established in a favourable light (Fritz, 2004).
5. The development of professional massage in New Zealand including MINZI,
NZATMP, TMA & MNZ.
In 1985, Bill Wareham founded the Massage Institute of New Zealand Incorporated (MINZI). MINZI focused on providing a high standard of education to massage therapists in New Zealand by ensuring that teachers taught at appropriate standards. MINZI also hold yearly workshops, which massage therapists can attend in order to develop new and perfect existing skills. Not long after MINZI was established, Jim Sanford recognised the need for a professional organisation focusing on therapeutic massage, and so formed the New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners (NZATMP). This organisation provides high quality training in therapeutic massage and professionalism, and now has many members from all over New Zealand. NZATMP is now known as TMA (Therapeutic Massage Association), and has a list of all therapists holding the National Diploma of Therapeutic Massage, and promotes their continued training and development of massage therapy. In 2006, a merge between MINZI and TMA produced an independent association called Massage New Zealand (MNZ). MNZ promotes the practise of professional massage, and ongoing training and support of massage in New Zealand. It is a good way for massage therapists registered in New Zealand to advertise their services, and to build a network with other practising therapists (Tuchtan, Tuchtan, & Stelfox, 2004).
6. Contemporary massage.
Contemporary massage, such as lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular approaches, orthopaedic massage and fascia work, have all developed through the 20th Century. The Vodder technique stimulates the movement of lymph fluid around the body, and is now practised worldwide, with Bruno Chikly combining lymphatic drainage and craniosacral work. These methods help with diseases like lymphadema, which block up the lymph system. Neuromuscular work, such as Travell’s trigger point therapy, and myofascial treatment, work to break up any pre-existing muscle tightness in the body’s connective tissue, and Cyriax’s orthopaedic work focuses on the rehabilitation of tissues and joints by assessing the range of motion, and limitations in normal movement. Acupressure also focuses on relaxing and releasing any muscle tension, by applying pressure to certain points on the body. These techniques are continuing to grow and become more accepted as we learn more about the contemporary approaches that are available to us (Elluminate, 2009).
7. A discussion of how the following philosophical approaches to massage (body, body-mind, body-mind-spirit) relate to the historical and cultural contexts discussed.
Holistic treatment (treatment of the mind and spirit as well as the body) is traditionally an eastern practise, while western massage is more body driven. Eastern cultures recognise the link between the body and mind, which is important in a therapeutic sense, as it aims to relax the mind via manipulation of the body. Because western massage is more medical based, it fails to encompass the mind-spirit-body association, as the mind and body are seen as completely different entities. However, holistic health care is becoming more accepted in the west, as practitioners are becoming more aware of the mind-body connection (Holey & Cook, 1997).
References
Fritz, S. (2004). Fundamentals of therapeutic massage. (3rd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Mosby Incorporated.
Holey, E., & Cook, E. (1997). Evidence based therapeutic massage. A practical guide for therapists. (2nd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Churchill Livingstone.
Molloy, F. (2009). History and Culture. Elluminate session, July 20 2009. Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand.
Riley, M. (1994). Maori healing and herbal: New Zealand ethnobotanical sourcebook. Paraparaumu, New Zealand: Viking Sevenseas.
Salvo, S. (2007). Massage therapy: Principles and practise. (3rd Ed.) Missouri, USA: Saunders Elsevier.
Tuchtan, C., Tuchtan, V., & Stelfox, D. (2004). Foundations of massage. N.S.W, Australia: Churchill Livingstone.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Time Management
Time management
Being a student takes up a lot of time. There is always class or an assignment to do, and then work, appointments and social events on top of that. Time management is the idea of organising your time, so you have enough time to get everything done to a suitable standard (Victoria University Webpage, 2007).
I have found that using a wall planner is a great way to plan out my time. I have a 6 month wall planner on which I note down any class and elluminate days in one colour, assessment dates in another colour, and other important non-negotiable appointments in another colour. This is a strength of my time management as it allows me to easily see when I have time for personal activities, and also times when I have a lot on and therefore need to save a few days prior to that for study.
Another strength for managing my study time, is to arrange study with someone else. That way I am a lot more motivated to stick with my study plan and to do some study prep before the session, to make sure I am well prepared so to not let down my study partner. However, even though I have my time so well prepared, and good intentions when it comes to negotiating time to study in, sticking to my plans is never as easy as I think it’s going to be!
One main reason why I find it difficult to stick to a study timetable, is that apart from class, allocating study time is completely voluntary. And unless I’m feeling really pressured to get something done, I can usually think of other things I would rather be doing with my spare time. But I think if I work on seeing study time as important and immovable (which I should be doing anyway), then I’ll get better at getting it done rather than putting it off!
Another weakness in my time management, is that I’m easily distracted, so my study time keeps getting pushed back and shortened. To overcome this I need to make sure I remove myself from any, or at least most, possible distractions before I start studying.
Overall, I think planning my time is my strong point, but actually sticking to my plans is something I need to work on. However, by realising the importance of study time, and by scheduling group study away from distractions, will hopefully help me to better manage my time in the future.
References
Victoria University of Wellington. (2007). Time Management. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.victoria.ac.nz/st_services/counselling/concerns/time.aspx
Being a student takes up a lot of time. There is always class or an assignment to do, and then work, appointments and social events on top of that. Time management is the idea of organising your time, so you have enough time to get everything done to a suitable standard (Victoria University Webpage, 2007).
I have found that using a wall planner is a great way to plan out my time. I have a 6 month wall planner on which I note down any class and elluminate days in one colour, assessment dates in another colour, and other important non-negotiable appointments in another colour. This is a strength of my time management as it allows me to easily see when I have time for personal activities, and also times when I have a lot on and therefore need to save a few days prior to that for study.
Another strength for managing my study time, is to arrange study with someone else. That way I am a lot more motivated to stick with my study plan and to do some study prep before the session, to make sure I am well prepared so to not let down my study partner. However, even though I have my time so well prepared, and good intentions when it comes to negotiating time to study in, sticking to my plans is never as easy as I think it’s going to be!
One main reason why I find it difficult to stick to a study timetable, is that apart from class, allocating study time is completely voluntary. And unless I’m feeling really pressured to get something done, I can usually think of other things I would rather be doing with my spare time. But I think if I work on seeing study time as important and immovable (which I should be doing anyway), then I’ll get better at getting it done rather than putting it off!
Another weakness in my time management, is that I’m easily distracted, so my study time keeps getting pushed back and shortened. To overcome this I need to make sure I remove myself from any, or at least most, possible distractions before I start studying.
Overall, I think planning my time is my strong point, but actually sticking to my plans is something I need to work on. However, by realising the importance of study time, and by scheduling group study away from distractions, will hopefully help me to better manage my time in the future.
References
Victoria University of Wellington. (2007). Time Management. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.victoria.ac.nz/st_services/counselling/concerns/time.aspx
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Ethics of professional practise
Client centered care
The main aim of a massage therapist is to provide a beneficial service to their clients, to the best of their ability. To make sure the client gets the most out of the service, the therapist must focus on what the client wants to gain from the experience, and must build a trusting environment in order to do so. Clear boundaries and communication must be estabilished, so that if the practitioner is unable to carry out exactly what the client wants, they are able to refer them onto another health care professional. The therapist must also take all necessary steps to make sure the client is not harmed during the service.
Informed consent
It is important for your clients to give consent at the start of each massage. In order to give informed consent, you must make sure your client fully understands what is going to happen during the session. This is done by the therapist going over benefits, contraindications and other approaches to massage with the client. This way they know exactly what they are consenting too.
Scope of practise
Scope of practise is the extent of what you can provide and what you cannot provide for your client. This depends on what training, experience, qualifications and ability you have as a massage therapist. For example, relaxation massage therapists are not trained in injury management or rehabilitation. Before beginning the massage, the therapist must make sure the client knows what they are able to do, and that they do not have any unrealistic expectations. The therapist must not attempt to carry out any work in which they are not properly trained.
Confidentiality
Any details or information gathered about clients must be kept strictly between the therapist and the client the information concerns. When they are not in use, records should be locked away in a filing cabinet. The therapist must not relay any verbal information about the client, received during the session, or pass on any of their recorded details, unless the client has given them permission to do so.
Boundaries
There are a number of boundaries in massage therapy, including personal space, emotional relationships, our bodies, and the terms of the service. Boundaries are in place to help establish different roles and responsibilities, and to facilitate trust and expectations/limitations of the service being provided. Boundaries can be crossed if the therapist is a friend of the client or becomes too close to them, makes comments about the client’s body, or works out of their scope of practise, or on areas of the client that should not be worked on, for medical or personal reasons. Crossing boundaries can cause clients to become uncomfortable, or may cause people to think negatively of your clinic, which can cost you clients.
Power differentials
Power differentials encompass the difference in power between the client and the therapist. It is important for the therapist to build trust quickly between themselves and their client, to make the client feel less intimidated and vulnerable. Although the therapist is the dominant one in the relationship regarding massage, it must be the client’s decision as to what the session will involve. The therapist must make sure the client knows of their qualifications and what they can and cannot do, before they start giving the massage.
Relationships
Relationships between the therapist and clients should be kept strictly professional. Therefore it is a good idea for the therapist not to have friends or family as their clients, as the friendship – therapeutic relationship line may become blurred. A therapeutic relationship is built of trust. The client must be able to trust that the therapist will give them the best service they can, without taking advantage of their vulnerability, either during the massage or with regards to the personal information they are giving. When trust is built, the client will feel happy and safe, and a good treatment outcome is likely. It is also important that therapists do not enter into an intimate relationship with any of their clients while they are under their care.
Transference and counter-transference
Transference occurs when a client becomes too attached to their therapist. Signs of transference include being given personal gifts, being invited to social events, calling more than is needed and an irregular interest in your personal life. In these situations, care should be taken to maintain a professional relationship, and supervised sessions may be of help. If the client finds it hard to keep the relationship a professional one, referral may be needed.
In contrast, counter-transference is when the therapist is the one seeking attachment to their clients. This can happen when the therapist feels the need to be perfect, heal the client, or just to be liked. This can hinder their ability as a therapist, as they may become frustrated if their plans for the session do not run as they hoped/expected, or if the client shows no emotional attachment. Again, this can be overcome by focusing on maintaining a professional relationship, supervised sessions, or referral.
The main aim of a massage therapist is to provide a beneficial service to their clients, to the best of their ability. To make sure the client gets the most out of the service, the therapist must focus on what the client wants to gain from the experience, and must build a trusting environment in order to do so. Clear boundaries and communication must be estabilished, so that if the practitioner is unable to carry out exactly what the client wants, they are able to refer them onto another health care professional. The therapist must also take all necessary steps to make sure the client is not harmed during the service.
Informed consent
It is important for your clients to give consent at the start of each massage. In order to give informed consent, you must make sure your client fully understands what is going to happen during the session. This is done by the therapist going over benefits, contraindications and other approaches to massage with the client. This way they know exactly what they are consenting too.
Scope of practise
Scope of practise is the extent of what you can provide and what you cannot provide for your client. This depends on what training, experience, qualifications and ability you have as a massage therapist. For example, relaxation massage therapists are not trained in injury management or rehabilitation. Before beginning the massage, the therapist must make sure the client knows what they are able to do, and that they do not have any unrealistic expectations. The therapist must not attempt to carry out any work in which they are not properly trained.
Confidentiality
Any details or information gathered about clients must be kept strictly between the therapist and the client the information concerns. When they are not in use, records should be locked away in a filing cabinet. The therapist must not relay any verbal information about the client, received during the session, or pass on any of their recorded details, unless the client has given them permission to do so.
Boundaries
There are a number of boundaries in massage therapy, including personal space, emotional relationships, our bodies, and the terms of the service. Boundaries are in place to help establish different roles and responsibilities, and to facilitate trust and expectations/limitations of the service being provided. Boundaries can be crossed if the therapist is a friend of the client or becomes too close to them, makes comments about the client’s body, or works out of their scope of practise, or on areas of the client that should not be worked on, for medical or personal reasons. Crossing boundaries can cause clients to become uncomfortable, or may cause people to think negatively of your clinic, which can cost you clients.
Power differentials
Power differentials encompass the difference in power between the client and the therapist. It is important for the therapist to build trust quickly between themselves and their client, to make the client feel less intimidated and vulnerable. Although the therapist is the dominant one in the relationship regarding massage, it must be the client’s decision as to what the session will involve. The therapist must make sure the client knows of their qualifications and what they can and cannot do, before they start giving the massage.
Relationships
Relationships between the therapist and clients should be kept strictly professional. Therefore it is a good idea for the therapist not to have friends or family as their clients, as the friendship – therapeutic relationship line may become blurred. A therapeutic relationship is built of trust. The client must be able to trust that the therapist will give them the best service they can, without taking advantage of their vulnerability, either during the massage or with regards to the personal information they are giving. When trust is built, the client will feel happy and safe, and a good treatment outcome is likely. It is also important that therapists do not enter into an intimate relationship with any of their clients while they are under their care.
Transference and counter-transference
Transference occurs when a client becomes too attached to their therapist. Signs of transference include being given personal gifts, being invited to social events, calling more than is needed and an irregular interest in your personal life. In these situations, care should be taken to maintain a professional relationship, and supervised sessions may be of help. If the client finds it hard to keep the relationship a professional one, referral may be needed.
In contrast, counter-transference is when the therapist is the one seeking attachment to their clients. This can happen when the therapist feels the need to be perfect, heal the client, or just to be liked. This can hinder their ability as a therapist, as they may become frustrated if their plans for the session do not run as they hoped/expected, or if the client shows no emotional attachment. Again, this can be overcome by focusing on maintaining a professional relationship, supervised sessions, or referral.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
more story of stuff
Another thing that stood out to me was the information about how fast we are using up our earths natural resources. We are already overexploiting these resources and if we keep going at the rate we are now, we will need at least another 3 earths to support us, which is a scary thought because obviously we only have the one! So what will happen if we continue this consumption rate? Even if everyone in the world starts recycling we can never get back to a where we started, too much damage to our earth has already been done!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The story of stuff
One of the main things that stood out to me when watching the story of stuff was the idea of planned obsolescence (the way things are made so that they have to be thrown out and replaced far too often!). And I realised that this is happening more and more often with our stuff, especially now that technology is improving so rapidly. Like if you think about some of the older appliances your parents or grandparents have, they’ve had them for years and years, decades even, and they’re still going strong! But now days, when you purchase a new washing machine, computer or microwave, you usually end up replacing it within a few years, or paying about the price of a new one to have it fixed! And it’s just so the produces of the products can keep making money (not that they really need anymore either!). And what do you do with all your old stuff when you replace it…toss it away. So can we really blame the public for polluting the earth by throwing away all thier old stuff? If things were made to last longer, then there would be less pollution because less things would be thrown out! But then again, if people don’t need to keep buying things that’s going to put a lot of people out of work! And this leads into perceived obsolescence (when you replace your old stuff to keep up with trends, even though its still working, like buying the latest cell phone). You don’t want to be known as the person who can’t keep up with everyone else, do you? So we seem to be stuck in a vicious cycle where we throw out all our old, trusty stuff, in favour of the newer, more modern looking stuff, only to be replacing it (whether or not we need to) every few years, and we can’t seem to be able to stop!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
effects of massage
The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system controls all of the involuntary activity in your body. That is, every action that is carried out automatically without your awareness, such as sweating, the beating of your heart and of course, the stress response. The autonomic nervous system is split into two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated when we are exposed to any stressful stimuli, which causes physiological changes in our body, for example an increase in heart rate, airway expansion and mobilisation of the bodies’ energy stores. Epinephrine, a stress hormone, is secreted into the blood stream, when the SNS is activated, triggering the suppression of any processes that do not directly target the stress, like digestion and reproduction. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) characterises relaxation, and is active whenever the sympathetic nervous system is turned off. Functions of this system include regulating the normal processes of the body, such as digestion, respiration, and nutrient storage (Sapolsky, 2004).
Massage works to relax the body, by activating the PNS and suppressing the SNS. The holds at the start of each massage are extremely important, as the initial physical contact can produce a stress response, which is overcome as the client becomes accustomed to the therapist during the hold. This is the first step in prohibiting the SNS. In addition, massage reduces anxiety, relaxes the muscles and mind, and decreases levels of the major stress hormones in the blood. The reduction in these stress hormones means that little or no threatening signals are being sent to the brain. The PSN also increases the perception field of the client, so they are better able to judge impending decisions (Salvo, 2003).
The effects of massage strokes
Touch/holding is a good way to start the massage as it lets your client get accustomed to your touch. Once they are used to your touch they will begin to unwind, and therefore will be relaxed and ready for the massage. The gliding stokes of effleurage warm and extends body tissues, which prepare them for deeper strokes. Effleurage also has an effect on the nervous system, calming it if done slowly, and stimulating it if performed at a more rapid pace. Furthermore, this gliding stroke is effective at moving blood and lymph throughout the body, and aids in flushing out metabolic waste from congested areas. In addition, effleurage soothes any tired muscles, or any areas that are sore, or have been deeply massaged. Effleurage is also a great stroke to use when transitioning between two areas of the body. Like effleurage, petrissage is another technique that flushes waste material out of bodily tissues, and increases blood and oxygen flow back into the tissue, which improves cellular nutrition. Moreover, petrissage is a useful way to relieve any swelling or fatigue in the body, and also helps reduce any soreness or stiffness of the muscles. One particular form of petrissage, known as skin rolling, breaks up any fascia build up, which in turn improves circulation of fluids around the body and encourages the release of endorphins. Unlike the rhythmic patterns of effleurage and petrissage, compression is about applying pressure that is focused on certain points, although, like the others, it helps move fluids about the body, and relieve pain. Like the previous three methods, tapotment can be used to relieve pain, and also increases blood flow. However tapotment should not be done straight after exercise, or for a prolonged period of time as it can cause muscles to cramp up. In addition, this is a good technique for mobilising phlegm if the client is feeling congested, as tapotment to the back of the chest loosens any built up mucous. Another procedure for decongestion and enhanced circulation, is vibration. Vibration also stimulates the nerves and muscle spindles, which aids in pain relief and muscle relaxation. Of course, all strokes enhance the relaxation of the client (Salvo, 2003).
Other effects of massage
Massage has a number of positive effects on several parts of the body. Deep strokes enlarge blood vessels, which in turn improves blood flow, aids in moving venous blood flow to the heart, and decreases blood pressure. An increase in blood flow has many benefits, such as amplifying the amount and efficiency of oxygen and nutrients that are distributed to the cells, tissues and muscles of the body, quickening the removal of metabolic wastes, and improving the skins condition. Because of the increased nutrient and oxygen enrichment of the muscles, muscle fatigue and soreness is decreased. This along with the direct pressure of massage, relieves any tightness and restrictiveness in the muscle, resulting in the reduction of muscular tension. This reduction in tension improves the muscles range of motion, the bodies balance and posture, and also motor skills. Another benefit of massage is an increase in lymph flow and lymphocyte count, as a result of widening of the vessels, which improves immune functioning. The body is also more efficient at removing waste from the immune system and transporting white blood cells round the body. Connective tissue is also improved via massage, as massage decreases excess scar tissue and adhesion formation, promoting typical movement of muscles and joints. Deep massage also activates fibroblasts, causing connective tissue to stimulate collagen production, which strengthens new tissue. Sleep patterns of massage clients are likely to improve, as delta wave activity increases during massage. This promotes deeper sleep, and a more rested feeling on waking. The long gliding strokes of effleurage also help relieve insomnia. The digestion process is stimulated during massage (due to the activation of the PNS), promoting the movement of bowel contents through the colon, which will help with constipation and relieving any colic or intestinal gas. Relaxation also minimises pain, as the pressure from massage interferes with pain signals, therefore temporarily breaking the pain cycle. Massage also stimulates the secretion of pain reducing neurochemicals, namely endorphins. These counteract with pain signals, and so stop the brain receiving information from areas of the body that are sore. There are positive effects on mood and concentration as a result of massage. Stress and negativity are reduced, which improves concentration, academic ability, self esteem, energy and general mood. Accordingly, anxiety, depression, aggression, and anger are all subdued. Lastly, satiety and bonding are enhanced through massage. Satiety is a sense of satisfaction that can be reached with massage. There is also a bond built between the client and therapist as the client must trust the therapist to be able to completely relax, to get the total benefits of the massage. Massage increases bonding due to increased relaxation, mood and decreased stress. (Salvo, 2003).
References
Salvo, S. G. (2003). Massage therapy: Principles and practise. Missouri, USA: Saunders Publishing.
Sapolsky, R. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers. New York, USA: Holt Paperbacks
The autonomic nervous system controls all of the involuntary activity in your body. That is, every action that is carried out automatically without your awareness, such as sweating, the beating of your heart and of course, the stress response. The autonomic nervous system is split into two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated when we are exposed to any stressful stimuli, which causes physiological changes in our body, for example an increase in heart rate, airway expansion and mobilisation of the bodies’ energy stores. Epinephrine, a stress hormone, is secreted into the blood stream, when the SNS is activated, triggering the suppression of any processes that do not directly target the stress, like digestion and reproduction. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) characterises relaxation, and is active whenever the sympathetic nervous system is turned off. Functions of this system include regulating the normal processes of the body, such as digestion, respiration, and nutrient storage (Sapolsky, 2004).
Massage works to relax the body, by activating the PNS and suppressing the SNS. The holds at the start of each massage are extremely important, as the initial physical contact can produce a stress response, which is overcome as the client becomes accustomed to the therapist during the hold. This is the first step in prohibiting the SNS. In addition, massage reduces anxiety, relaxes the muscles and mind, and decreases levels of the major stress hormones in the blood. The reduction in these stress hormones means that little or no threatening signals are being sent to the brain. The PSN also increases the perception field of the client, so they are better able to judge impending decisions (Salvo, 2003).
The effects of massage strokes
Touch/holding is a good way to start the massage as it lets your client get accustomed to your touch. Once they are used to your touch they will begin to unwind, and therefore will be relaxed and ready for the massage. The gliding stokes of effleurage warm and extends body tissues, which prepare them for deeper strokes. Effleurage also has an effect on the nervous system, calming it if done slowly, and stimulating it if performed at a more rapid pace. Furthermore, this gliding stroke is effective at moving blood and lymph throughout the body, and aids in flushing out metabolic waste from congested areas. In addition, effleurage soothes any tired muscles, or any areas that are sore, or have been deeply massaged. Effleurage is also a great stroke to use when transitioning between two areas of the body. Like effleurage, petrissage is another technique that flushes waste material out of bodily tissues, and increases blood and oxygen flow back into the tissue, which improves cellular nutrition. Moreover, petrissage is a useful way to relieve any swelling or fatigue in the body, and also helps reduce any soreness or stiffness of the muscles. One particular form of petrissage, known as skin rolling, breaks up any fascia build up, which in turn improves circulation of fluids around the body and encourages the release of endorphins. Unlike the rhythmic patterns of effleurage and petrissage, compression is about applying pressure that is focused on certain points, although, like the others, it helps move fluids about the body, and relieve pain. Like the previous three methods, tapotment can be used to relieve pain, and also increases blood flow. However tapotment should not be done straight after exercise, or for a prolonged period of time as it can cause muscles to cramp up. In addition, this is a good technique for mobilising phlegm if the client is feeling congested, as tapotment to the back of the chest loosens any built up mucous. Another procedure for decongestion and enhanced circulation, is vibration. Vibration also stimulates the nerves and muscle spindles, which aids in pain relief and muscle relaxation. Of course, all strokes enhance the relaxation of the client (Salvo, 2003).
Other effects of massage
Massage has a number of positive effects on several parts of the body. Deep strokes enlarge blood vessels, which in turn improves blood flow, aids in moving venous blood flow to the heart, and decreases blood pressure. An increase in blood flow has many benefits, such as amplifying the amount and efficiency of oxygen and nutrients that are distributed to the cells, tissues and muscles of the body, quickening the removal of metabolic wastes, and improving the skins condition. Because of the increased nutrient and oxygen enrichment of the muscles, muscle fatigue and soreness is decreased. This along with the direct pressure of massage, relieves any tightness and restrictiveness in the muscle, resulting in the reduction of muscular tension. This reduction in tension improves the muscles range of motion, the bodies balance and posture, and also motor skills. Another benefit of massage is an increase in lymph flow and lymphocyte count, as a result of widening of the vessels, which improves immune functioning. The body is also more efficient at removing waste from the immune system and transporting white blood cells round the body. Connective tissue is also improved via massage, as massage decreases excess scar tissue and adhesion formation, promoting typical movement of muscles and joints. Deep massage also activates fibroblasts, causing connective tissue to stimulate collagen production, which strengthens new tissue. Sleep patterns of massage clients are likely to improve, as delta wave activity increases during massage. This promotes deeper sleep, and a more rested feeling on waking. The long gliding strokes of effleurage also help relieve insomnia. The digestion process is stimulated during massage (due to the activation of the PNS), promoting the movement of bowel contents through the colon, which will help with constipation and relieving any colic or intestinal gas. Relaxation also minimises pain, as the pressure from massage interferes with pain signals, therefore temporarily breaking the pain cycle. Massage also stimulates the secretion of pain reducing neurochemicals, namely endorphins. These counteract with pain signals, and so stop the brain receiving information from areas of the body that are sore. There are positive effects on mood and concentration as a result of massage. Stress and negativity are reduced, which improves concentration, academic ability, self esteem, energy and general mood. Accordingly, anxiety, depression, aggression, and anger are all subdued. Lastly, satiety and bonding are enhanced through massage. Satiety is a sense of satisfaction that can be reached with massage. There is also a bond built between the client and therapist as the client must trust the therapist to be able to completely relax, to get the total benefits of the massage. Massage increases bonding due to increased relaxation, mood and decreased stress. (Salvo, 2003).
References
Salvo, S. G. (2003). Massage therapy: Principles and practise. Missouri, USA: Saunders Publishing.
Sapolsky, R. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers. New York, USA: Holt Paperbacks
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My name is Kate Mathewson, I'm from Darfield (about a half hour drive inland from Chch) but have been flatting in Dunedin for the last 3 years. I play social netball with my friends and flatmates, and also enjoy shopping, watching movies and listening to music. I like massage because its an awesome way to relax, and I wanted to learn a skill I can use around the world as I would like to travel after I have graduated.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)