"That Was Awesome!"

"That was awesome!" This was the comment most frequently heard during the two hours I was doing minimassages on a constant stream of girls ranging in age from 5 years to around 12 years old. A couple of adults and teens snuck unto the line, too.

The event was called Girls In The Know and, in its first year, had 500 little girls and their moms sign up in advance.

I've worked many events over the years: the Working Women's Survival Show, Earth Day, the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, and numerous health fairs, to name a few. When I walked into this event, though, and saw a sea of little girls, I thought, "Oh my goodness, this is going to be different!" To be honest, I was a little intimidated at first. I'm accustomed to working with adults at these events; what was it going to be like having scores of very young girls line up at my table? Well, I'm always up for an adventure.

What was it like? It was a blast! The first little girl, a young gymnast, was so ticklish I could hardly touch her. However, I have some techniques to overcome ticklishness and she responded well to them. She said her neck was always tight and no one could touch it, but I was able to massage her neck. She really liked it a lot and when she got up off the table, she exclaimed, "That was awesome!" Her best friend, also a gymnast, was next in line. I told them both how I worked with the gymnasts of Cirque du Soleil. They liked that. The second girl told me her mom massages her. I invited her mom to come to the office and I could teach her some specific techniques that would help her work effectively with her daughter.

The rest of the day became an endless series of little girls hopping onto and off of my table. Each one of them was adorable. They all dressed so colorfully and many had had their hair fixed with fancy braids. I loved their glittery little shoes and their smiling, bouncy energy. They were all so darn cute!

One mom took a photo of her daughter getting a massage. I hope she'll send it to me. If she does, I'll post it on my FaceBook page: Massage St. Louis.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted but very happy. The girls all looked like they were having a good time and they all loved the massage. From the first to the last, they all agreed, "That was awesome!"

Musicians: Small Muscle Athletes

I once read an article about musculoskeletal pain among professional musicians. A survey of several thousand symphony musicians revealed that approximately 80% of them suffered from either chronic or intermittent pain directly related to their profession. The highest incidence was reported among the violinists. This was not surprising since they not only hold their instrument in a position that is challenging to the muscles, but they spend more time playing than any other instrument in an orchestra. Other instruments often get breaks or play only intermittently but in most orchestral pieces, the violins play most of the time.

Musicians are small muscle athletes. Their profession requires endurance, strength, and precision. The right kind of massage can help them play with less pain and more agility.

When muscles are tight, movement is inhibited. When muscles are in pain, they become tense, there is less control, and they fatigue more quickly. Maintaining maximum range of motion and eliminating pain allows a musician to play in comfort and can improve performance.

I've worked with a number of musicians over the years and they fascinate me. Those of us sitting in the audience marvel at their skill, but we seldom think of the endurance required to play for hours without a break. I once worked with a couple of conductors and, until that experience, never thought about what it must be like to stand with your arms raised in the air for a couple of hours. Try it, especially while making short, quick, precise movements. It's not easy.

Each instrument has their own challenges. Horn players can get spasms in the muscles of their cheeks and lips. Violinists suffer from neck and shoulder ache. Guitarists, banjoists, and mandolin players will get pain in their forearms or elbows.

A good massage therapist who understands these problems can go quickly to the source of the pain and begin to dissipate the tension and discomfort. They not only can help to relieve the acute pain, they can help a musician continue to play pain free in the future.

Regular massage therapy should be a part of every professional musician's life. It will improve their performance, help them to play with comfort and ease, and extend the length of their career.

Cirque du Soleil

No doubt about it, the best job I've ever had has been working with Cirque du Soleil. Four times.

People are often impressed that I have worked with Cirque du Soleil. I tell them don't be impressed that they hired me the first time. After all, the first time they didn't know what they were getting. Be impressed that they hired me the second. And the third. And the fourth time.

What is it like working with Cirque du Soleil? It's definitely different. First of all, the sessions are usually for 20 minutes, not the usual hour in the office. This means that you need to get right to the point quickly. Secondly, these are world class performers who put incredible demands on their bodies and need to stay in top shape to perform. They need massage that is effective and efficient.

The combination of Russian Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy, my primary modalities, coupled with years of experience, works well for them. I love the challenge of trying to meet their needs in such a short time and they really appreciate my expertise.

I'd had considerable experience with elite athletes and performing artists before Cirque du Soleil, but my first day with them was an adjustment. Most of the performers are gymnasts of one sort or another. They are muscular but small and lean, very different from the generally larger athletes I was accustomed to. In addition, many did not speak English! My first client spoke only a few words of English. Fortunately, I've traveled in a number of foreign countries and have had experience in communicating with people whose language I do not speak. I learned about eight words of Chinese and relied on hand gestures, pantomime, drawings, etc., to determine exactly what each person wanted and needed.

I loved being able to work the way I've been trained to work. Working quickly and working in a very results-oriented manner is something I excel at. It was very satisfying to be able to meet their needs.

Performers for Cirque come from all over the world. They are a fun and interesting population to work with. It's a joy to be able to work so creatively and to be part of such a creative endeavor.

If you've ever seen them, you know that they perform amazing feats and do it with a grace and artistry that's like nothing else you've ever seen. After working so closely with their bodies, I had even more of an appreciation for their strength and skills when I would watch them perform.

I had the privilege of working twice with one show so I was familiar with about half the performers when they returned a year after their first visit to St. Louis. It made me feel good when two African brothers walked in and greeted me in their beautiful West African French accents, "Ah, Alice, we are so glad to see you again! You are the best of them all!" I feel the same way about them, too.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during Pregnancy

I got a phone call from a client whose wife developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome six months into her pregnancy as a result of swelling from water retention. The condition became so painful she would wake up at night in tears. Her doctor was not helpful. "It will go away after you deliver," was the only suggestion he had to offer. Not wanting his wife to have to endure this for another three months, my client asked if I could help. I'd never dealt with such a situation but I do know how to reduce swelling so I thought it was worth a try. I worked on her arms and asked her to call me the next day to see if it helped. I told her that we might have to try it a few times before we saw any results and that I couldn't guarantee results, that we were engaging in an experiment. Her husband called the next day to say she had her first painless night in several weeks. This was good news. Now the question was how long would this effect last? The next night it started to return but was not as bad as it had been before we started. By the third evening the symptoms were almost back to where they had been originally. I told the husband she probably should be treated every evening before she went to bed. He was willing to do this for his wife so I taught him how to do the treatment, which only took ten minutes, and he treated her every night. She was able to get through the rest of her pregnancy without pain.

Recently I heard about another woman who had CTS during her pregnancy, induced by water retention. I'm wondering how common is this condition? A quick google of the subject turns up a number of references. Suggested treatment was a cortisone shot. I'm wondering how many women could be helped by a simple, natural treatment that can be done at home? I don't know for certain that other women's pain could be relieved. Just because it worked for one does not mean it will work for others. However, it is reasonable to think it might and certainly worth a try. Have you had CTS during your pregnancy or do you know someone who has? Are you a doctor who sees pregnant women with CTS? How can I get the word out? I hate to see these women suffer what may be unnecessary pain when such a simple solution may be available.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

Massage For Couples Class 9/26 & 10/10

Have you ever wanted to do massage at home with your partner but didn't know where to start? Do you try doing massage but get tired quickly? Are you wondering how to please your partner, who keeps asking for "harder," without hurting yourself? If so, you need to take one of the Massage for Couples classes I'll be teaching at Forest Park Community College on Sept. 26 and Oct. 10.

This one day, 5 1/2 hour class is meant to give nonprofessionals the basic skills to do massage for relaxation on each other at home. While we can't teach you to be a massage therapist in one day, you should leave the class feeling confident that you and your partner can begin to enjoy sharing massage with each other at home. "Couples" can be any two individuals, not just spouses, but you must register for the class in pairs. Friends, roommates, teammates, and family members are welcome to participate.

The class begins with some introductory information on massage theory so that participants can understand the "why" behind what they are doing. Precautions are covered so that it is clearly understood how to work in a manner that does no harm to either the giver or the recipient. Most of the class is "hands-on." Particular attention is paid to making sure the "giver" works in a way that will not hurt them. A variety of strokes are taught that allow for maximum flexibility. Participants learn strokes that are light but still effective and also more vigorous strokes that can affect deeper tissues.

Class size is limited so that participants get plenty of individual attention and many personal concerns and interests can be addressed. The class is relaxed and friendly. Participants have ranged in age from their early 20s to their 70s and come from many walks of life. It's a lot of fun.

Cost of the class is very modest - only $29 per person for a 5 1/2 hour class! For more information or to register, call the Continuing Education department at 314-984-7777 or go to the St. Louis Community College website: http://www.stlcc.edu. Find the class schedule for Continuing Education, Fall 2009, and look for the Massage for Couples class at Forest Park.

Participants should bring a bag lunch since we only have a half hour lunch break and there is no fast food easily available. Participants also need to bring a set of sheets and a pillow or bolster. Oil will be provided. Sometimes the room is cool so a blanket is recommended. Also highly recommended is a yoga mat or heavy bath towel. Since we have to use regular classroom tables, something to make the surface a little more comfortable is desirable. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You should wear a bathing suit or other clothing that allows maximum access to your skin under your street clothes.

This semester, the class will be offered on Sept. 26 and Oct 10. If you're interested but can't make it this time, don't despair. The class is offered twice each semester, including the summer semester. The next classes will be Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, 2010.

If you've got any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Hope to see you there! And tell your friends!