By Laura Havice
Most teenagers know what Mono is—it’s the kissing disease, but what most teens and adults don’t know is how debilitating infectious mononucleosis can be. Mono can sideline your life for weeks or months and leave you feeling extreme fatigue beyond the initial symptoms have passed as well as other more serious complications. Mono can also strike long after your teen years have passed.
As a 28 year-old working adult, I was not expecting to get mono. I've always been a very active person, someone who enjoys packing two minutes of living into ever one minute of life. But in the late summer of 2005 I started to feel different, having fevers at night, sneezing, aching--all the symptoms of a cold that wouldn't go away. It wasn’t severe enough to make me worry; I just thought that traveling, working and school were catching up with me.
This lasted for approximately one month until the symptoms started getting extreme, a sore throat so raw that I could barely swallow water, splitting headaches that even migraine medicine couldn't touch and heavy fevers would soak the sheets at night. I had these symptoms for around two days and headed to the first doctor (on a weekend) for a visit. It was an urgent care office, and I felt I had strep throat again. The doctor advised it wasn't strep but probably a bad cold. She sent me home with a Z-pack for the cold.
By Monday the symptoms were worse and I could barely get out of bed. So I went to my regular physician and she thought that it had to be a severe cold and gave me a shot of steroids. No blood tests were done and no additional options were given. After two more days
I went back to the same doctor and begged for them to give me anything that would help. At this point they did a blood test that showed mono. They advised they couldn't give me anything. I was to just ride it out. The doctor also told me that mono takes six to eight weeks to incubate, which means I probably contracted it at a recent conference I had attended.
Infectious mononucleosis, (also known as the kissing disease, or Pfeiffer's disease, is more commonly known as glandular fever, is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults. Teens tend to show symptoms of fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue but can also be present in small children with white patches on the tonsils or in the back of the throat. Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is typically transmitted through blood or saliva ("the kissing disease"), or by sharing a drink, or sharing eating utensils. The disease is so-named because the count of mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a one-lobed nucleus) rises significantly. Although not usually serious, the mono virus stays in your system for life.
I ended up being out of work for two months with the first two weeks being the absolute worst. Once diagnosed correctly, I was in bed for almost two weeks, switching between fevers and chills, so weak I couldn't take a shower and with extreme pain both in my head and body as well as my throat. I've never felt so much pain. It was blinding.
Eventually the symptoms subsided but I was left with a high level of weakness that lasted for months. I couldn't walk down steps without help. Taking a shower was impossible because I couldn't lift my arms that high due to the pain probably due to my swollen lymph glands. I also didn’t have the strength to stand that long. Instead, I would sleep for 18 hours a day and then get tired again simply walking to the bathroom. I had to drop out of school, (I was finishing my BFA degree with a few night classes) and take a medical leave of absence from work and depended on a boyfriend’s daily care just to do the basic things. He did not contract mono, and from what I’ve read about this disease, it’s not as contagious as most people think.
Typical Symptoms of Mono:
• Fever--this varies from mild to severe
• Enlarged and tender lymph nodes--particularly on both sides of the neck and under the arm pits
• Sore throat--White patches on the tonsils and back of the throat, perhaps strep throat that doesn’t get better with antibiotics
• Fatigue (sometimes extreme fatigue)
Other Symptoms of Mono Include:
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Soft, swollen spleen
• Night Sweats
• Aching muscles
• Jaundice
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Dry cough
• Enlarged Prostate/Inflamed genitals
• Puffy or swollen eyes (may occur in the early stages of infection)
Fever and fatigue are the hallmark initial symptoms of infectious mononucleosis and can last from one-two months. Many people exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus do not show symptoms of the disease, but carry the virus and can transmit it to others. Children present milder symptoms, which often goes undiagnosed. Due to the long (four to six week) incubation period, mono is difficult to control or track (epidemiological control). About 6% of people who have had infectious mononucleosis will relapse.
Mononucleosis can cause the rectum to swell, which in rare cases may lead to a leakage of feces. Other complications include hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) causing elevation of serum bilirubin (in approximately 40% of patients), jaundice (approximately 5% of cases), and anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells). In rare cases, death may result from severe hepatitis or splenic rupture.
One of the major concerns of mono is a splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) can occur from infectious mononucleosis, therefore contact sports should be discouraged for four to six weeks after diagnosis. The longer mono symptoms are experienced, the more the infection has weakened the person's immune system and the longer the recovery time will be.
In December, I was able to go back to work but I found that I was highly susceptible to any type of cold. I contracted every cold and flu bug I came in contact with. It was over a year before I began to feel somewhat like my old self. I ended up with weight gain and muscle loss from the lack of exercise, and two years later, this is something I’m currently addressing.
Treatment
Acetaminophen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce fever and pain. Aspirin is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome in children and young adults. Steroids are sometimes used to reduce swelling of the throat or lymph nodes.
Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the infection and contact sports should be avoided to reduce the risk of splenic rupture, for at least one month and can be determined by an ultrasound scan.
Laura Havice lives and writes in Jacksonville, Florida. Her stories have been appeared in many publications including The Osprey, Andwerve, Starry Night Review and Fiction Fix.
Medical facts were gathered from:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/mononucleosis
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious
Friday, September 7, 2007
I Want a Massage But I Don't Know What to Expect
By Lisa Schmidt, LMT
Erin would like a massage, but she’s shy and doesn’t know what to expect.
her neck and shoulders spasm in pain. As an insurance adjuster, she spends close to eight hours a day on the computer and on the phone. A massage might help, but she doesn’t know what to expect.
Erin represents many people who find massage intimidating. They might be afraid they will have to strip down and be seen by a stranger. They’re afraid they’ll be judged as fat, or wrinkled, or that they don’t know how to talk to or relate to a massage therapist. They’re not sure of standard protocol. Do they talk during a massage? Or remain silent? Should they speak up if the massage if too hard or too light? What if they pass gas? Many of these concerns keep people from enjoying the benefits of massage.
As a licensed massage therapist and educator, I hope to explain in detail a basic massage, its benefits, and offer insight on the many benefits of massage, and how to be more comfortable and get the most out of your massage.
The Benefits of Massage:
• Breaks down metabolic wastes
• Helps circulatory and lymphatic systems
• Helps with muscle aches and pains
• Helps with range of motion in the joints
• Is beneficial after exercise
• Helps reduce stress
• Can help with insomnia
• Massage is often recommended after surgery or for certain conditions such as: thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, frozen shoulder, carpel tunnel, chronic headaches/migraines and other medical conditions
• Helps break down scar tissue or allow wounds to heal faster
The Two Most Basic Types of Massage are Swedish and Deep Tissue
Other Modalities Include:
• Hot Stone
• Reiki
• Lomi, Lomi
• Watsu
• Shiatsu
• Acupressure
• Polarity Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Thai Massage
If you’re truly uncomfortable with the idea of someone else touching you, then consider reflexology. Reflexology massages only the feet and hands--calves down and forearms down. This allows you to be at ease with another person touching you.
The Swedish massage is the “feel good” massage and is your most basic. For the purpose of this article, I will be referring to a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage lasts anywhere from 25-50 minutes (as per scheduled) and is for relaxation purposes only—you should not feel overly sore or achy after this massage.
A deep tissue massage does not mean more pressure. It means the massage therapist will be working on deeper muscles, not superficial ones. You should not leave bruised or in pain. Deep tissue massage concentrates on the underlying muscles that may be the cause of your pain or discomfort. With any massage, you may request a specific area and the time spent will be concentrated on your ailment. When making your appointment, you may request male or female.
Your First Massage What You Can Expect:
When you enter the spa, your massage therapist will come to the front, greet you and discuss what your treatment is for the day. You will most likely be offered a beverage. The massage therapist should mention how long the massage will be since they can vary in length. You will then be walked back to the treatment area. The therapist will ask privately if there are any areas you’d like them to concentrate on (pain, soreness). They will also ask if you have any medical conditions or concerns that will relate to this massage. A massage license will be posted in their room. Feel free to ask to view it.
The therapist will share some basic information about your session and ask if you prefer to start face up or face down. You will be instructed to lie between the sheets and demonstrate how to do this. Therapist will explain how to disrobe and ask about your comfort level—if you’d prefer to leave on your undergarments or socks on, etc. Do what you feel comfortable with—every client is different. A massage therapist can massage over clothing, but realize it might not be as relaxing and rejuvenating since your muscles cannot be manipulated as well. You do not need to feel embarrassed about what level of disrobing you choose. This is your massage and your preference, you will not be judged. A good massage therapist is there to help you feel comfortable and safe. You will be asked to remove any jewelry you don’t want lotion to penetrate. You may be asked if you want your gluts, feet, abdomen or face to be massaged. Realize that this will take time away from other areas.
Beginning the Massage:
The massage therapist will leave the room to wash their hands and will not reenter without permission, so feel free to take your time to disrobe. You will then undress and slide between the sheets. Don’t worry about being on the table properly; the therapist will readjust the headpiece (sometimes referred to as the face cradle) and sheets. The therapist will reenter the room by knocking and asking if it’s okay to enter. They will ask you if you’re comfortable, adjust you if needed, ask if the temperature is comfortable and then ask if you’re ready to receive your massage—which is the appropriate way to ask permission to touch you.
To begin your massage, you will be lying on the table either face up or face down, (face down for this discussion) completely draped with a sheet and blanket. The therapist will start with a “still touch,” meaning they will place their hands on your back, not massaging as of yet, just for you to become comfortable with their touch and not feel startled or invaded. Your back will be undraped down to your hips. If you leave your underwear on, the therapist may tuck the sheet under the top of your waistband, or they will place their hand on your lower back/upper buttocks to fold the sheet back to its proper place. Your gluteal “cleavage” should not show. Therapist will then proceed with the massage on your back, shoulders and neck and may ask you if you are satisfied with the pressure of the massage. Speak up soon so that you can enjoy the rest of the massage. Don’t suffer—a good therapist will not be insulted. You can ask the therapist to readjust the pressure at anytime time during the massage; you might want to request more pressure on a certain area, such as your back.
After your neck, shoulders, and back have been massage, the therapist will then proceed to your gluts, if this is what you requested. If you have agreed to receive gluteal work, your “cheek” would be undraped up to the gluteal cleavage but not revealing the cleavage. Only one “cheek” will be worked on at a time so that the cleavage is never exposed. The therapist can also work on the outside of the sheets, but it’s not as effective. After the gluts, or if the gluts were skipped, the therapist will then proceed to the thighs. During inner thigh work, the massage therapist’s fingertips should never move toward your groin, always away. If the therapist observes signs of shyness or that you are uncomfortable, they will respect you and work further down the thigh or area in question. The calves and the feet will be massaged as well, and the massage will follow a circular pattern, working from the shoulders and back, down one leg to the next, then your arms, neck and head.
There are many draping methods used to ask a client to turn over, but rest assured you will stay covered under the sheet. Most massage therapists will lean against the table with their legs so that they’re anchoring the sheet, and then reach across you to hold up the sheet and look away as you turn over. Another alternative is to once again anchor the sheet in place with their legs, lean against the table and hold the top of the sheet near your upper back as you turn over. The therapist will be standing behind the sheet so it will act as a curtain.
The therapist will ask you to move down so that your head is on the table, not in the face cradle. They will start with the last leg they worked on when you were face down. They will work up and undrape in a similar manor as described above.
The abdominal area will be massaged only if requested. When massaging the abdomen, if the client is a female, your breasts will be draped with a pillow case or sheet at all times. The top of the sheet will be draped to the top of your hips. An abdomen massage is usually reserved for those who specifically request this to relieve the ailment of constipation. It’s highly effective and should work immediately, so consider this when requesting abdominal work.
The massage therapist should not go above your rib cage and will work about two inches below your clavicle (collar bone) so your breasts will not be touched during a massage. The order of a frontal massage is: feet, legs, abdomen, (if requested) arms, shoulders and working toward the head. If you are concerned that your breasts might be exposed as your arm is being removed from the sheet, know that a skilled therapist can do this easily and modestly.
Neck and shoulders are typically massaged last. The therapist will then sit on a stool at the head of the table to work on your neck and head. They will work on your face and your hair (if requested). Some people might not want lotion or in their face or hair. Hair and head massage is very relaxing and soothing, so consider cancelling any plans afterward to enjoy this treat. Most spas and even day spas offer complimentary showers and hair products, so feel free to take advantage of this and schedule your time appropriately.
Finishing the Massage:
Just as the massage began, the massage therapist will end your massage in a “still position” resting their hand lightly on either your shoulder or head. The therapist will indicate your massage is complete and may gently rock your shoulders. The therapist may ask that you take a minute to gather yourself before you get off the table and dress since some people might be dizzy. The therapist will then leave the room and wait for you outside. Be aware that the therapist only has five to ten minutes to prepare for their next client. As tempting as it is to take a nap, therapists are often scheduled for consecutive massage treatments. Leave the sheets on the table. You don’t need to straighten the room.
Tipping can be left on the counter, or after you dress you can hand it directly to the therapist or leave it at the front desk. Most major spas do not encourage their employees receive tips —so if you feel compelled to leave a tip—which is greatly appreciated, you may need to offer it three or four times, or simply leave it on the massage table or on the counter. Gratuity is added into your service charge, but that percentage does not go directly to your massage therapist and is divided among everyone you have seen at the spa—from the receptionist, to the locker room attendant. Since massage therapists give both physically and emotionally to their clients, you may feel close to them and want to hug them, or offer an additional tip. This is perfectly acceptable. Most people enjoy building a rapport with their massage therapist and request them again and again
It’s perfectly normal for your massage to affect your emotions. Most people in the United States are either touched sexually or casually, and since we are not an affectionate nation, having someone touch us is an unusual act and affects each person differently. Massage therapists understand this reaction.
Embarrassing Moments:
• Passing Gas
• Burping
• Excessive Talking
• Erections
Most massage therapists are not going to say anything about a client passing gas, but appreciate an “excuse me.” Their training gives them the understanding that they are affecting the digestive and circulatory system. They expect these occurrences to happen.
Burping is a similar bodily response. Be courteous and say “excuse me.”
A good therapist should not talk unless spoken to. Massage is supposed to be relaxing, so don’t feel obligated to entertain the massage therapist. Some people experience the need to talk excessively out of nervousness. That’s fine, but don’t be offended if your therapist doesn’t seem chatty. They’ve been trained to be quiet and calm for your benefit. If talking makes you comfortable, the therapist will pick up on this and converse with you accordingly. For stomach gurgling or growling, the therapists may offer you something to eat if you indicate a need. There are snacks available, so feel free to ask.
An erection is a physiological response and blood is being pushed into the core of your body. Massage therapists realize and understand that this may not be a sexual response. Unless you take further action a good therapist will not give this any attention and continue to work professionally. If you appear uncomfortable, the therapist may offer a heavy blanket to anchor the sheet or ask if you’d like to turn over.
After the Massage:
Drink lots of water after a massage to help wash out toxins. You may feel a little tender depending on your physical condition and pressure you requested during your massage, or the condition of your muscles. Take Ibuprophen if you feel a need. Soaking in Epsom’s salt is helpful as well. The first massage is the most uncomfortable, so find the most reputable establishment near you—even if you have to pay a little more.
Spas can be found at www.Spafinder.com or www.massagetherapistfinder.com.
Other helpful websites are:
www.massagenetwork.com
www.nationwidemassage.com
www.amtamassage.org/ (American Massage Therapy Organization
www.ncbtmb.com (National Certification Board for Therapeutic and Bodywork
Lisa Christine Schmidt is a LMT working in the state of Florida, MA # 35255.
She has been licensed for six years and has worked at some of top spas in the US including Ritz Carlton, SawGrass Marriott, and Amelia Island Plantation.
She currently enjoys teaches massage therapy at FCCJ Community College and Sanford Brown College.
Erin would like a massage, but she’s shy and doesn’t know what to expect.
her neck and shoulders spasm in pain. As an insurance adjuster, she spends close to eight hours a day on the computer and on the phone. A massage might help, but she doesn’t know what to expect.
Erin represents many people who find massage intimidating. They might be afraid they will have to strip down and be seen by a stranger. They’re afraid they’ll be judged as fat, or wrinkled, or that they don’t know how to talk to or relate to a massage therapist. They’re not sure of standard protocol. Do they talk during a massage? Or remain silent? Should they speak up if the massage if too hard or too light? What if they pass gas? Many of these concerns keep people from enjoying the benefits of massage.
As a licensed massage therapist and educator, I hope to explain in detail a basic massage, its benefits, and offer insight on the many benefits of massage, and how to be more comfortable and get the most out of your massage.
The Benefits of Massage:
• Breaks down metabolic wastes
• Helps circulatory and lymphatic systems
• Helps with muscle aches and pains
• Helps with range of motion in the joints
• Is beneficial after exercise
• Helps reduce stress
• Can help with insomnia
• Massage is often recommended after surgery or for certain conditions such as: thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, frozen shoulder, carpel tunnel, chronic headaches/migraines and other medical conditions
• Helps break down scar tissue or allow wounds to heal faster
The Two Most Basic Types of Massage are Swedish and Deep Tissue
Other Modalities Include:
• Hot Stone
• Reiki
• Lomi, Lomi
• Watsu
• Shiatsu
• Acupressure
• Polarity Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Thai Massage
If you’re truly uncomfortable with the idea of someone else touching you, then consider reflexology. Reflexology massages only the feet and hands--calves down and forearms down. This allows you to be at ease with another person touching you.
The Swedish massage is the “feel good” massage and is your most basic. For the purpose of this article, I will be referring to a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage lasts anywhere from 25-50 minutes (as per scheduled) and is for relaxation purposes only—you should not feel overly sore or achy after this massage.
A deep tissue massage does not mean more pressure. It means the massage therapist will be working on deeper muscles, not superficial ones. You should not leave bruised or in pain. Deep tissue massage concentrates on the underlying muscles that may be the cause of your pain or discomfort. With any massage, you may request a specific area and the time spent will be concentrated on your ailment. When making your appointment, you may request male or female.
Your First Massage What You Can Expect:
When you enter the spa, your massage therapist will come to the front, greet you and discuss what your treatment is for the day. You will most likely be offered a beverage. The massage therapist should mention how long the massage will be since they can vary in length. You will then be walked back to the treatment area. The therapist will ask privately if there are any areas you’d like them to concentrate on (pain, soreness). They will also ask if you have any medical conditions or concerns that will relate to this massage. A massage license will be posted in their room. Feel free to ask to view it.
The therapist will share some basic information about your session and ask if you prefer to start face up or face down. You will be instructed to lie between the sheets and demonstrate how to do this. Therapist will explain how to disrobe and ask about your comfort level—if you’d prefer to leave on your undergarments or socks on, etc. Do what you feel comfortable with—every client is different. A massage therapist can massage over clothing, but realize it might not be as relaxing and rejuvenating since your muscles cannot be manipulated as well. You do not need to feel embarrassed about what level of disrobing you choose. This is your massage and your preference, you will not be judged. A good massage therapist is there to help you feel comfortable and safe. You will be asked to remove any jewelry you don’t want lotion to penetrate. You may be asked if you want your gluts, feet, abdomen or face to be massaged. Realize that this will take time away from other areas.
Beginning the Massage:
The massage therapist will leave the room to wash their hands and will not reenter without permission, so feel free to take your time to disrobe. You will then undress and slide between the sheets. Don’t worry about being on the table properly; the therapist will readjust the headpiece (sometimes referred to as the face cradle) and sheets. The therapist will reenter the room by knocking and asking if it’s okay to enter. They will ask you if you’re comfortable, adjust you if needed, ask if the temperature is comfortable and then ask if you’re ready to receive your massage—which is the appropriate way to ask permission to touch you.
To begin your massage, you will be lying on the table either face up or face down, (face down for this discussion) completely draped with a sheet and blanket. The therapist will start with a “still touch,” meaning they will place their hands on your back, not massaging as of yet, just for you to become comfortable with their touch and not feel startled or invaded. Your back will be undraped down to your hips. If you leave your underwear on, the therapist may tuck the sheet under the top of your waistband, or they will place their hand on your lower back/upper buttocks to fold the sheet back to its proper place. Your gluteal “cleavage” should not show. Therapist will then proceed with the massage on your back, shoulders and neck and may ask you if you are satisfied with the pressure of the massage. Speak up soon so that you can enjoy the rest of the massage. Don’t suffer—a good therapist will not be insulted. You can ask the therapist to readjust the pressure at anytime time during the massage; you might want to request more pressure on a certain area, such as your back.
After your neck, shoulders, and back have been massage, the therapist will then proceed to your gluts, if this is what you requested. If you have agreed to receive gluteal work, your “cheek” would be undraped up to the gluteal cleavage but not revealing the cleavage. Only one “cheek” will be worked on at a time so that the cleavage is never exposed. The therapist can also work on the outside of the sheets, but it’s not as effective. After the gluts, or if the gluts were skipped, the therapist will then proceed to the thighs. During inner thigh work, the massage therapist’s fingertips should never move toward your groin, always away. If the therapist observes signs of shyness or that you are uncomfortable, they will respect you and work further down the thigh or area in question. The calves and the feet will be massaged as well, and the massage will follow a circular pattern, working from the shoulders and back, down one leg to the next, then your arms, neck and head.
There are many draping methods used to ask a client to turn over, but rest assured you will stay covered under the sheet. Most massage therapists will lean against the table with their legs so that they’re anchoring the sheet, and then reach across you to hold up the sheet and look away as you turn over. Another alternative is to once again anchor the sheet in place with their legs, lean against the table and hold the top of the sheet near your upper back as you turn over. The therapist will be standing behind the sheet so it will act as a curtain.
The therapist will ask you to move down so that your head is on the table, not in the face cradle. They will start with the last leg they worked on when you were face down. They will work up and undrape in a similar manor as described above.
The abdominal area will be massaged only if requested. When massaging the abdomen, if the client is a female, your breasts will be draped with a pillow case or sheet at all times. The top of the sheet will be draped to the top of your hips. An abdomen massage is usually reserved for those who specifically request this to relieve the ailment of constipation. It’s highly effective and should work immediately, so consider this when requesting abdominal work.
The massage therapist should not go above your rib cage and will work about two inches below your clavicle (collar bone) so your breasts will not be touched during a massage. The order of a frontal massage is: feet, legs, abdomen, (if requested) arms, shoulders and working toward the head. If you are concerned that your breasts might be exposed as your arm is being removed from the sheet, know that a skilled therapist can do this easily and modestly.
Neck and shoulders are typically massaged last. The therapist will then sit on a stool at the head of the table to work on your neck and head. They will work on your face and your hair (if requested). Some people might not want lotion or in their face or hair. Hair and head massage is very relaxing and soothing, so consider cancelling any plans afterward to enjoy this treat. Most spas and even day spas offer complimentary showers and hair products, so feel free to take advantage of this and schedule your time appropriately.
Finishing the Massage:
Just as the massage began, the massage therapist will end your massage in a “still position” resting their hand lightly on either your shoulder or head. The therapist will indicate your massage is complete and may gently rock your shoulders. The therapist may ask that you take a minute to gather yourself before you get off the table and dress since some people might be dizzy. The therapist will then leave the room and wait for you outside. Be aware that the therapist only has five to ten minutes to prepare for their next client. As tempting as it is to take a nap, therapists are often scheduled for consecutive massage treatments. Leave the sheets on the table. You don’t need to straighten the room.
Tipping can be left on the counter, or after you dress you can hand it directly to the therapist or leave it at the front desk. Most major spas do not encourage their employees receive tips —so if you feel compelled to leave a tip—which is greatly appreciated, you may need to offer it three or four times, or simply leave it on the massage table or on the counter. Gratuity is added into your service charge, but that percentage does not go directly to your massage therapist and is divided among everyone you have seen at the spa—from the receptionist, to the locker room attendant. Since massage therapists give both physically and emotionally to their clients, you may feel close to them and want to hug them, or offer an additional tip. This is perfectly acceptable. Most people enjoy building a rapport with their massage therapist and request them again and again
It’s perfectly normal for your massage to affect your emotions. Most people in the United States are either touched sexually or casually, and since we are not an affectionate nation, having someone touch us is an unusual act and affects each person differently. Massage therapists understand this reaction.
Embarrassing Moments:
• Passing Gas
• Burping
• Excessive Talking
• Erections
Most massage therapists are not going to say anything about a client passing gas, but appreciate an “excuse me.” Their training gives them the understanding that they are affecting the digestive and circulatory system. They expect these occurrences to happen.
Burping is a similar bodily response. Be courteous and say “excuse me.”
A good therapist should not talk unless spoken to. Massage is supposed to be relaxing, so don’t feel obligated to entertain the massage therapist. Some people experience the need to talk excessively out of nervousness. That’s fine, but don’t be offended if your therapist doesn’t seem chatty. They’ve been trained to be quiet and calm for your benefit. If talking makes you comfortable, the therapist will pick up on this and converse with you accordingly. For stomach gurgling or growling, the therapists may offer you something to eat if you indicate a need. There are snacks available, so feel free to ask.
An erection is a physiological response and blood is being pushed into the core of your body. Massage therapists realize and understand that this may not be a sexual response. Unless you take further action a good therapist will not give this any attention and continue to work professionally. If you appear uncomfortable, the therapist may offer a heavy blanket to anchor the sheet or ask if you’d like to turn over.
After the Massage:
Drink lots of water after a massage to help wash out toxins. You may feel a little tender depending on your physical condition and pressure you requested during your massage, or the condition of your muscles. Take Ibuprophen if you feel a need. Soaking in Epsom’s salt is helpful as well. The first massage is the most uncomfortable, so find the most reputable establishment near you—even if you have to pay a little more.
Spas can be found at www.Spafinder.com or www.massagetherapistfinder.com.
Other helpful websites are:
www.massagenetwork.com
www.nationwidemassage.com
www.amtamassage.org/ (American Massage Therapy Organization
www.ncbtmb.com (National Certification Board for Therapeutic and Bodywork
Lisa Christine Schmidt is a LMT working in the state of Florida, MA # 35255.
She has been licensed for six years and has worked at some of top spas in the US including Ritz Carlton, SawGrass Marriott, and Amelia Island Plantation.
She currently enjoys teaches massage therapy at FCCJ Community College and Sanford Brown College.
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