Remaining Teachable

I received my Massage Therapy Training in the 1980’s. Back then there wasn’t a lot of research based evidence about my profession. There seemed to be some, what I would now call, mythology around the practice of Massage. I have to say I wasn’t adept in critical thinking or questioning my teachers. I just didn’t have the skill set back then.

Some of what I learned was that Massage: increases circulation, removes toxins, helps this, that, and the other thing. Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do, I see it as valuable and it appears to benefit my clients but the actual mechanics of how that happens I’m still figuring out. 

What I’ve learned is what to say, what not to say or claim and point people in the direction of research. In Massage Therapy School, I learned that it’s not my job to diagnose or prescribe. I have found that people want answers and it’s tempting to give them. I had the opportunity to do some continuing education training with the late, great Massage Therapy teacher, Dianne Polseno, and I recall her saying that even telling someone to drink water is a directive. 

In 2010 I received my training and certification in Oncology Massage from the amazing Tracy Walton and Associates.  That experience made me look more deeply into my responsibility as a Massage Therapist. Tracy has a wonderful ebook available through The Massage Therapy Foundation entitled: 5 Myths and Truths About Massage Therapy: Letting Go Without Losing Heart.  Here is the link to the Massage Therapy Foundation: https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/

I am grateful to be able to point people in the direction of Massage Therapy Research, if they’re interested. I do not underestimate the power of a good massage. I receive massage therapy on a regular basis myself! I am more careful about what I say and I know I don’t have all (or many) of the answers!

Let me know if this is helpful.