I Love My Job! A Massage School Teacher’s Account of the Joys of Education
I was deeply touched recently by an experience I had in the classroom. I have been a massage therapist for 13 years and an educator for 3. Every day presents an opportunity for me to learn about myself and others. That is one of the things that I love most about my job. It is so exciting to witness a client get reacquainted with their body, or watch a student when those light bulbs go on as they learn new massage skills.
I recently taught a class focusing on work with the abdominal muscles. The technique being taught that night was something called Myofascial Therapies. This is a therapeutic technique that helps with postural issues and injury rehabilitation. What is special about Myofascial Therapy is that it allows you to figure out exactly which muscles to work on so that the client can get immediate and lasting results.
During this particular class the student that was receiving the work during a demonstration of the techniques had a scoliosis (a side curve of the spine). This condition is something that she was born with, and it has always restricted her movement and had an effect on her posture. It also causes chronic pain and discomfort.
After receiving the body work, I did a “reassessment” which means I had the client/student go through a series of movements to see if there was any change created by the massage. The change was AMAZING! She stated that she was not in any pain at that moment, and was amazed by how much further she could move. Nobody had ever told her that change was possible.
This was inspiring to both of us. My student gained a whole new sense of possibility, and I had the privilege of being part of that transformation. It leaves me feeling like I just want to share this work with anyone I can get my hands on!
And then there was the response of the rest of the students. They are so excited and eager to share what they have learned with their clients, family and friends. They know that the work they do can truly change lives.
Let me just end by saying I LOVE MY JOB. I have a career where people walk away from their time with me feeling good. They are smiling when they leave and eager to come back for their next visit. What a gift!
~Breanna Gieseker
Mentor,
NHI Petaluma