AWKWARRRRDDD...Meet, Señor Butts

::Chatting in grocery store line with friend::

A: ...hahaha!

Me: Smh..sigh..yeah, never a dull moment with him! lol

Señor Butts: 'Scuse me. Aren't you dat masseue, eh, massager person that works for the doc???

A: ::stares at Señor Butts then at me::

Me: Massage therapist. Yes...??

S.B.: Yeah, I thought I rekognized ya!

Me: ::awkard smile::

S.B.: So..you massage butts, right??

Me: ...Glutes? Yes.

S.B.: Butts??

Me: Yes...the glutes...

S.B.: Hmm. Well, er..dat other masseuse they had dere didn't do butts. I always axed her to massage my butt, but she neva did....I didn't like her much. And I like havin' my butt rubbed REAL good.

A: ::snort::

Me: ::glare at my friend then at S.B. ::
Well...having a good gluteal massage often goes neglected by clients and sometimes MASSAGE THERAPISTS. But..er..However, you're right a good gluteal massage can do wonders. It's a muscle too and it works hard.

S.B.: ::Nods head::
Good..good...so if I make an appointment with ya, then I'll be guaranteed to have my butt massaged??

Me: ::Inhale deeply:: Yes...along with the legs, arms, back and neck.

S.B.: Yeah..yeah, ok. Well, I'll be calling up there to make an appointment wit ya soon. I'll see ya later! ::Walks off::

A: ::Burts out in laughter::

Me: .......Yeah, I'm not touching his butt.



**Needless to say, he never made that appointment with me. For shame.**
**Names and location were altered to keep the anonymity of the people involved. :) **

Whisper Wednesday: Heat or Ice???

Ice, Ice Baby

This is a question I commonly get asked when someone is trying to treat a sports injury. Most people are aware of the R.I.C.E Treatment for an acute soft tissue injury, but are unsure when to use heat. If you're unsure as to which to use, it's a better bet to use ice before using heat.

ACUTE INJURY:
Typically you'll want to use ice on an acute injury. Such as from a sprain, strain or fall. For the Bboys/Bgirls working on those power moves. These injuries are often sudden and as a result can cause swelling at the site of injury, pain, tenderness, redness and skin hot to the touch.
 
Wrap the ice/ice pack in a towel and apply to the skin for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Make sure the skin returns to its normal body temperature before using it again. If applying the ice to an area of skin with little fat or muscle do not exceed 10 minutes.


CHRONIC INJURY:
Because chronic injuries develop over time and are often the result of repetitive use, both ice and heat can be used.

Cold Therapy:
An athlete such as a Bboy/Bgirl who has recurring knee pain that gets worse after dancing will want to ice the knee AFTER they're done dancing. This will prevent the occurrence of inflammation or reduce inflammation that has already occurred.


Heat Therapy:
Heat can also be used on a chronic injury that DOES NOT result in inflammation or swelling, such as muscle tension or stiff joints. That same Bboy/Bgirl with the recurring knee pain can also use heat BEFORE they dance to help reduce muscle tension and/or spasm. The heat can also help to increase flexibility of joint tendons and muscles.

Moist heat is most ideal because it penetrates the muscle deeper. Use a towel when using heat to prevent burning the skin and apply for 15-20 minutes.

If the symptoms of your injury do not improve or worsen in 48 hours, you should call your doctor. 


Hope you were paying attention! There will be a pop quiz soon!

Male vs Female Massage Therapists

When it comes down to it, there aren't any pros or cons to having a male MT vs a female MT. Sure, men are generally stronger than females, however the aim isn't to inflict the most amount of pressure as possible. That's the opposite of healing. Unless you're looking to get manhandled, then...I don't know what type of massage you're looking for. haha

But, if you're looking for an individual who listens to and addresses your needs and is professional you'll get both from either a male or female. So why is it typically difficult for men to succeed in the world of massage therapy? According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 85% of massage therapists are female. And from the poll that was taken a few months ago on this blog, out of 13 people that voted, 53% preferred a female and 46% said it didn't matter.  

In my opinion either a male client isn't comfortable with another man touching him and/or a female client is anxious at the thought of a man touching her and acting inappropriately. Unless you have a history of sexual abuse or are extremely conservative, then I don't think there is a reason for such bias. Regardless of my thoughts, obviously, you're free to choose whomever you like. Free will and all that. Although I do believe it's a form of discrimination and sexism. The most important factor should be ones skill and not gender.

A man can be just as nurturing as a female. If male nurses and gynecologists can be trusted and respected so can and should male massage therapists.

When thinking about the issues some male massage therapists face in this female dominated profession, I immediately thought of my good friend, Ronald Brister. You all may remember him from his On The Table interview in November. Ronald has been a massage therapist for 8 years and is quite successful in terms of his client base. Aside from the fact that Ronald has skills that come close to my own (lol), he has always had the right attitude when it came to his potential accomplishments as a massage therapist. If you go into ANY venture with a negative attitude, then you've already lost!

Ronald had this to say about how he's dealt with discrimination as a male MT and words of advice for prospective male massage therapists:

"I have met with some discrimination by men and I am sure some women. I realized from the beginning that not everyone is comfortable being touched..by anyone. Men are usually more hesitant to get massaged by another man. I have many theories to this..but none that really matter. I do not try to talk anyone into getting a massage by me. However, I do try to educate anyone who is interested in massage, in the procedures and the extra care I take in protecting my client's modesty. I try to explain how massage has come a long way in establishing itself as a viable and successful stress and pain-relieving therapy. I sometimes joke that it is no longer the HOUSE OF HAPPY ENDINGS. I stress the use of massage therapy in chiropractic and physical therapy. For men starting out [in massage therapy], I would suggest that they take extra care in how they touch the client. Draping is NUMERO UNO in making a client feel more comfortable. The rest will come in time."

How do you feel about this subject? If you only choose female massage therapists, do you do so consciously or unconsciously? And why?

*UPDATE*:
Also, gentlemen check out THIS blog post about common misconceptions about massage therapy. 

On The Table with Glenda Campbell

Happy New Year!!! I hope you all made it out in one piece and new resolutions in hand. ;)
For the new year I'd like introduce an amazing woman, Glenda Campbell, that has been involved in the world of massage therapy for 12 years! She is an inspiration for us all to maintain a healthy lifestyle and state of mind at any age.

Glenda Campbell, LMT

MW: How long have you been a MT and what inspired you to start?
GC: I've been Licensed by the National and State Boards as a massage therapist since 2002.  I practiced without a license since 1999.  I was inspired to start after receiving my first massage 14 years ago-- following the death of my father.

What kind of work place are you located at?
I work at Downtown Fitness Center [in New Orleans, LA] which is located at the Sheraton Hotel and Canal Place for 9 years as an on-call therapist.  I perform chair massages at the convention center, doctors' offices and a couple of gyms. I host workshops teaching individuals how to massage their loved ones. I'm on-call for a company out of California to do chair massages on movie sets and companies. I've also worked at Massage Envy Spa (4 days a week for 4 hours each day) doing sports, prenatal, deep tissue, hot stone, aromatherapy, reflexology and Swedish massages.

What modality/technique(s) do you specialize in and/or would you like to learn more about? 
I specialize in Swedish, Sports, Pre-Natal, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massage.  I would like to learn more about Shiatsu Massage.

What is your mission statement as a massage therapist?
My mission statement as a MT is to be the best I can be in bringing people to a state of total relaxation.

For someone considering going into the MT profession, what advice would you give them? And what should they and shouldn't they anticipate from such a career?
Think long and hard about going into this profession.  You should already be in top-notch physical condition-- if you are not, get fit immediately before going to MT school-- allow yourself at least 6 months.  I was lucky because I was already teaching all forms of exercise classes (step, body sculpting, hip hop dance, water aerobics, kickboxing, jazzercise, etc.) for 28 years.

Expect to work hard in this career.  Four to eight hour chair massages; three hours, back to back, table massages which may mean 60 - 90 min. massages followed by 3 more massages.  Also, expect to receive no paid holidays, no paid sick time, no Christmas bonus and no real respect from owners of spas.

For example, I worked at Massage Envy for 13 months (Sept. '09 - Oct. '10).  I didn't plan to get the job there, but only tested the waters as people over age 45 are rarely hired by companies such as these.
In the beginning, I was given 30 hours a week to work at this company.  I soon realized that I didn't want to work that many hours and after three months I had an opportunity to set my own hours.  I immediately selected 20 hours, then soon downsized to 16 hours.  This was the beginning of the end.  I worked from 2pm until 6:30 p.m., four days a week.  The money was okay but nothing to brag to mom about.  My husband told me later that I was being raped ($15/$20 per hour, plus tips).  I know I was, but I did not need the money.  I only wanted to stay busy for a few hours a week.

When Massage Envy opened two other locations (one in New Orleans and one in Kenner) which were not too distant from the Metairie location, business started to plummet at all locations-- the division was too much for this economic drought to bear. I was layed off in October and was elated that I was "free at last, free at last, think God almighty, I am free at last."  About a week later, I started to think "why did I not receive any lay-off papers."  So I called and requested them.  About a week later, an e-mail arrived and said I was not "layed off" but "terminated."  I was livid . . . never have I been fired, nor did I deserve to be by this lame company.  After further investigation, I discovered that the company thought I was seeking unemployed compensation; so, they concocted this story to cover their own ass.

I have so far survived and am doing very well on my own.  Thank God for resiliency.

You've gone through many ups and downs in your career as a MT. Do you have any hobbies/pastimes that shape you into more than just a MT?
I enjoy reading, writing, walking, dancing and yoga.  I am also a certified fitness instructor and am considering teaching step aerobics and yoga.

What's your favorite book?  
My favorite book(s):  anything by "Daniel Steele."

What is one thing most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know that I have a pretty good singing voice and that I love singing in church.

When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
God has truly blessed me to be 55 years of age and look and feel around 35.

What is one song you always have to crank up and sing along with? 
Just Fine by Mary J. Blige.

Whisper Wednesday: A Little Stretch Goes A Long Way

Client: I don't know why I'm always so stiff and aching. Especially in my lower back, neck and shoulders. I don't do anything active and at work I mainly sit at a computer booking appointments and answering the phone.

Me: What do you do when you feel the pain? Have you tried applying ice or heat to area? Does one or the other make it better or worse? And how good are you with drinking plenty of water?

Client: Sometimes I use heat. That makes it feel better for a little while. But I mainly just take an aspirin when I feel the pain. And I drink water. I'm sure I should be drinking more though.

Me: You implied that you aren't that active. Have you tried incorporating any stretches to your daily routine? Also, to make sure you're drinking enough water, TRY THIS.

Client: I can't find the time for stuff like stretching and exercising.

Me: Well, the great thing about stretching is that it allows you to multitask. Being that your job seems pretty sedentary, doing some simple stretches at your desk can greatly improve circulation to parts of your body, reduce muscle tension, increase your energy level and increase your joint range of motion. Also, if you can, get up and walk around every one or two hours to get the blood flowing.

Stretching won't replace all the benefits that massage or exercise can give you, however, with adding stretching to your daily routine you will start to notice a reduction in muscle tension and stiffness which allows me to avoid having to use too much pressure during your massage.

Client: Wow...sounds great! I'll definitely start stretching while at work and even while watching TV or reading a book.

Me: Excellent! Just remember to do a nice five minute warm up before you stretch. For example walking or jogging in place. Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds and make sure you breathe to help you relax. Don't bounce while you're stretching and if you feel any pain while stretching, slowly ease up until you don't feel the pain and then hold the stretch.


For those of you that are active in sports. Stretching is vital for the longevity or your career. It will help reduce the occurrence of injury and decrease recovery time if you have been injured. The better conditioned your muscles and tendons are the more they can endure the intensity of your activity.

Here are a few quick and easy stretches you can try while at home or sitting at work. Don't worry if you aren't as flexible as I am. Just do what is comfortable for you.

Neck & Shoulder

Hamstrings & Lower back

Hip & Glutes (Can also be down laying on your back)

Torso

Chest

Shoulder

Wrist & Forearm

(For Wrist and Bicep stretch, face palm out and fingers toward the floor. Use opposite hand to stretch fingers toward your elbow.)    **This post is not meant to diagnose or treat injury or illness. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise or stretching routine.**

MIA....I'm baaacckkk!!

Hello there!! Hope you haven't forgotten about me so soon! My hiatus was a bit longer than expected. Between, no car for nearly 2 weeks, arguing with mechanics, buying another car and then traveling for the holidays...things have been quite eventful! And fortunately, it all ended on a happy note! ^_^

As for Christmas...Nick and I treated ourselves to a Trailblazer, so that was the extent of our gift exchange. Or it was supposed to be, until he surprised me with the first season of Glee. :D
I always hear such great things about that show. So, I'm excited to start watching it!

How was your Christmas? Anyone get or give any gifts they were really excited about?? Do tell!

Well, Stay tuned for more updates!
Until then, enjoy these funny clips of a couple amazing, massaging cats. LOL

On the Table with Ronald Brister

Everyone say hello to Ronald!!

(Photo courtesy of Ronald Brister)

Ronald is a good friend of mine and a very successful LMT in Slidell, LA. We had the fortune and pleasure of going to massage therapy school together. And he has been kind enough to answer a few questions about his work as a LMT and his various pastimes.


MW: How long have you been a MT and what inspired you to start?
RB: 7 years..I had always enjoyed massaging my friends. A girl I worked with was going to massage school and I thought I would give it a try.

What kind of workplace are you located at?
I worked at a Chiropractor's office for the first two years..now I work at Hairport Salon and Day Spa [in Slidell, LA].

The massage area...where the healing begins!
(Photo courtesy of Ronald Brister)

What modality/technique(s) do you specialize in and/or would you like to learn more about?
Most of my clients come to me for deep tissue, reflexology and myofascial release. I would love to learn lymphatic drainage and am currently learning table thai.

Any hobbies/pastimes?
My first passion has always been theatre and music. I still sing fairly often in churches and gospel programs. I can sang!

What was the most memorable performance/concert/show you've ever been to? 

The most memorable performance,etc..is a hard one since I have been to so many. I always said the Stephanie Mills concert was the only concert that was great from beginning to end..but then so was Tony Bennett. Watching Baryshnikov dance was euphoric. Wicked was spectacular. I don't know girl. Can't narrow it down. 

Where did you last go on vacation?
Miami....and going to New York for Thanksgiving this year.

When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I don't have any wrinkles on my face..considering I am 49 years old. And OMG..I hate my double chin!

If aliens came to grant you one wish, what would it be?
Lots of money.

What is your mission statement as a LMT?
 To provide the utmost professional and caring body work possible.

For people considering going into the MT profession, what advice would you give them? And what should they and shouldn't they anticipate from such a career?

That it must be something you feel very deeply about. If you have any hangups about touching people, this is not the job for you. Don't expect that you are going to start making lots of money right away. Like any business, it takes time and commitment. You have to earn the trust of your clients. You have to put the time in at the office. So many young therapists are not disciplined enough.