Question - Awkwardness w/"Bodymechanics"

[FarmerCec]

Today we started learning body mechanics, what a difference it made from just doing them at home any old way huh!

Well my question is this, am I supposed to feel so awkward with it? The student I practiced  on today fell asleep but that doesn't mean I did it right. I felt really awkward, maybe because it's new? Ok ..sorry just a new student here getting the nervous jitters, lol. Also have a big test tomorrow on Musculoskeletal. Bony landmarkings and such..YIKES!Have a happy evening and thanks in advance for any advise or words of wisdom to a new student!!

Off to studying!

 

[Bobbie]

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I second what Breathe said. It really does feel strange at first, but after awhile you will start to realize when you are out of alignment. Your teachers are there to help you through that awkwardness, and to help you learn these new patterns of movement. It just takes time and practice.hope your test goes well.

 

[Click ?]

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Bodymechanics are extremely important to your survival in this business.  It makes you very aware of your posture, pressure and presence with your client.  You will also hopefully realize how to properly set your table in order to work.  When I was in school I couldn't work with a lower table due to a significant knee surgery 2 months prior to school starting.  I now set my table 3 notches lower than I did back then, which ended up causing me back, neck and shoulder issues at the higher height.  The only problem I had with the class was that I thought it was taught way too early because we didn't have the entire routine down yet.  I felt very awkward because I was just trying to learn my hands on and make sure I didn't leave anything out.  So I really wish it was given again later down the line for even just a few hours to have the instructor view us to make sure we were all ok.  And my instructor was just like a drill sgt. making us do it over and over and over again so that she could watch the entire class while walking around.But yes, it has made a huge difference in my work, I am very glad that we did have the class to make sure that we were on the right track.  I honestly would love to have someone watch me even now to make sure I am in allignment while working, because once you start bad habbits, they are really tough to lose!!!Don't worry, you will be fine... just listen to your instructor... oh and the student falling asleep, that is mainly the parasympathetic nervous system kicking in... normal reaction to massage, especially after they have to just lay there and be your guinea pig!!!Good Luck!!!

 

[Dave K]

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i have been in school for 18 mnths and have 1 more class then I am DONE!! yippie!!!I STILL have trouble setting the table height..I am 5'7" I put my table on 6 from the bottom// so when i get down into my stance  my "personal area" meets the corner of the table.. seems to work but I have been suffering arm, shoulder, back pain. Tried lower (3 for deep tissue) anyone recommend a table setting that can work, I've tried all cant seem to get it right.. I have an oakworks.thanks..

 

[guyster]

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Hey, klowe.I, too, have an Oakworks, and am around the same height (depending upon the shoes ;D) I set my table on the 4th hole from the bottom (so there are 3 holes showing counting up from the floor) This is one lower than I had been working, and I am considering going down a notch to set the table on 3 (2 holes showing at the bottom). I have found that lowering the table has helped me with my alignment and reducing shoulder, nk, and UB pain. You need (me too) to make sure you are keeping your back, neck, and head straight, and to make sure you are not "watching" your work. Really concentrate on working from your legs and staying low in your stance. Also, check to see if your shoulders are "glued to your ears" If your "personal area" is contacting the table, perhaps you could swing your footward leg out a little away from the table. Also, if someone at your school specializes in alignment, see if you can set up a private tutoring session with them to really focus on correcting problematic movements, or find a local practitioner of Aston Patterning or Feldenkrais who might be willing to work with you.Maybe you can find a willing subject who will let practice the same moves over and over (as opposed to a "massage session" ) so you can occasionally stop working and examine your stance/posture. (Isn't it nice of our friends to help us study Alignment and movement is definitely an ongoing point of practice, I think, for all of us. I know it is for me, anyway. hope some of this helps.Congrats on being nearly done with school!!!!!  

 

[jenna - TBraaays fan!xo]

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Yes, it's a bit awkward now, but you'll soon find that those aches and pains you experienced doing massage at home without mechanics will visit you less and less. Which will, of course, make a huge difference. Additionally, your body will instinctively find its way into a proper stance once you train it recognize what a proper stance is.

 

[Shamaje]

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Klowe -DROP YOUR TABLE!!!!!!!  6 is way too high!!!  I am 5'10 and I use the 4th whole up from the bottom on my oakworks!!!  You are definitely having trouble because you have to raise your shoulders to apply pressure, and not applying pressure from your entire body.  I definitely had the same issues that you are experiencing now with my table height.  Yes it might feel awkward, but make sure to open up your stance and you will be a more comfortable.  I have not had any neck, back or shoulder issues since I dropped my table... it was the best thing I could have done!!!

 

[UltraRobbie]

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How are they teaching you the bodymechanics? My school taught us through doing tai chi (we would do it everyday and even had a practical on it at the end of the class). With table hight- it really depends on the thickness of your client. If you dont have an electric table (and you dont know the size of your client beforehand), i would suggest setting it for a medium size person. Just remember- if your shoulders start hurting, your table is too high- and if your low back starts hurting, your table is too low.

 

[Lindsay Killer Cherry]

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Is it true that your fingertips should graze the top edge of the table? Granted I have only had the 2 day workshop so far but thats what they told us. I felt so awkward but that probaly is just because it was all new. I like the thai chi comparison. I took a couple classes in that and you're right on that is what it was kinda like.

 

[Tyuio]

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ah...ha!!! well crud! I could have saved my shoulders (which are now clicking) and my sanity!! UGG.. i think I had my table on the right setting in Deep tissue term and the rest of the time it was wrong..well, thank the Goddess for all of you.. I am so excited, cant wait to get to school to try #3? or #4..they said that the table should be touching closed knuckles.. hanging by my side.. well.. I have been playing with several settings. this just might workthanks again!!!tmorrw is my last day!!! yippie.. we are doing BREAST MASSAGE... not to sure about that one... we will see or hopefully NOT.. hee heek ;D

 

[Brickfists (Again)]

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I judge it by standing along side the table and with a relaxed hand, graze the top of the table... now that is for my medium to light pressure, I drop it another notch if the client is thicker or if deeper pressure is needed.  I also keep notes on my clients including what the table is set at when I work on them...  so just keep practicing on the lower levels and see what is comfortable for you... I honestly realized I was comfortable on the lower setting when I was at a job interview and my boss is about 5'8 and I had to use the setting where she was so I had no choice and it was a lot better for me than I thought it would be.  Just think, if I had stayed at that higher height, I probably wouldn't be doing bodywork anymore!!!Oh I really like the Tai chi idea... great concept!!!  I never thought of it that way, but it is a perfect example of how we should be working...

 

[whay????]

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Thanks for the responses! I passed my big test, made another high B! YAY!  As for the body mechanics, I am getting alot better and definately telling the difference with no back, neck , shoulder or knee pains anymore! Yesterday we practiced some draping after watching a video and some visuals from the instructor and a volunteer from our class. I have to say, felt a lil funny getting undressed, altho not completely, in school..lol .Is it just me that thought that felt weird at first?? We start our clinicals mid-August, so we are beginning to really get into working on one another. Today we did a little petrissage and effleurage.But I have learned I enjoy giving more than recieving! I get so very relaxed giving a massage that I could definately go to sleep afterwards! Ok well I just wanted to say thanks for those wonderful responses and just add a little update on how things are going for me at school.Have a wonderful evening!

 

[Donna]

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Hey this is Chris from Olathe, Kansas Don't be nervous!  It will get easier.  Ive been doing this for over a year.  If you ever need anything, just ask.  My emails Chiefs129@yahoo.com