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January 24, 2008

Most Embarrassing Scenario

AMTA contacted me via my e-mail taking a survey about massage equipment. They asked the question:
As a massage therapist, what is one of the worst case scenarios you can think of?

Of course, they're referring to table collapse, but I decided to share one of my worst case scenarios in my practice. Thankfully, nobody was injured, but I learned an important lesson about informing people about how to turn over. My reply follows:

I purchased a StrongLite massage table through massage school. It was part of a student package and came with a face cradle, ankle bolster and carrying case all for just under $500. My equipment held up well, though it began to creak a bit over the years of use. After 5 or so years of practice, the vinyl split because the cleaning solution I used made the vinyl less supple.

The scariest scenario I had in all the years of my practice came when my table tipped. My client was a large man, a football player in his youth, and just generally of a thick build. When I asked him to turn over, he shifted his body with a bit of a jump. Most of his weight was away from me toward the edge of the table and the legs on my side came off the floor slightly, and off he rolled. I was horrified, to say the least! Not only was worried that he might have gotten hurt, he was completely naked there on my floor. I immediately lifted the sheet over my sight-line of vision and asked him if he was okay. He was, thankfully. We laughed about it once he was settled again on my table. The only thing he reported bruising was his ego.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at January 24, 2008 5:13 PM