By Ginger Chase
Collaborative: Produced or conducted by two or more parties working together
I view what I do as a collaboration between myself and my client—and sometimes, indirectly, between my client, other practitioners, and me. I expect my clients to work alongside me to ease their muscles, take further steps in their own healing, and work at shifting their posture.
When I started seeing clients on my own in 2018, I sought to come up with a business name that felt right, and to set an intention for my practice. I had previously worked at a local massage business where I began to practice with my clients in the way I wanted and felt was beneficial. Many clients who came to see me were in pain, or had limited range of motion in their joints, or chronic stress. Largely my intention for clients is to relieve their muscle tension in a lasting way. What I enjoyed was feedback from clients that, after the initial pain was lifted, they were able to take other steps toward bettering their health and maintaining the work we did together. When I started seeing my own clients, my intention was to have this type of work as my focus.
During client intake, I observe how my client is moving and standing. I look at how their feet are planting and make note of imbalances. A first appointment with me will include a conversation about their pain/tension, a physical assessment, and me getting an understanding of emotional stressors. I ask what they've tried, what's worked, what hasn't. Sometimes they are aware of the origins of their physical pain or limitations (accidents, occupation, hobbies).
If clients have a repetitive job, or activity, I may help problem solve how they can shift the way they perform it, so as to not strain their body. Or I may recommend getting up and stretching regularly for a client who has a majority of work on the computer. I offer stretching suggestions and ask people to consider their working conditions and encourage adjustments. I encourage many of my clients to get further testing or talk with their doctor about concerns outside of my scope—as independent verification. With some, I encourage them to find self-care activities, or to find further support. I feel honored that my clients feel safe enough to open up to me and work hard to hold them in the most compassionate light possible.
The foundation of my massage work is Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, and some sports massage. Sometimes clients know this kind of work generically as “deep tissue” massage. (Deep tissue is a kind of unspecified term for massage that isn’t simply relaxing, or Swedish, but is deeper, more therapeutic work). For many of my clients we begin by focusing on specific issues and find our way to what I call “therapeutic relaxation massage.” I’m still releasing tight, sore muscles, melting stuck fascia (connective tissue) when I find areas that need it, but the over-all massage is quieter and more peaceful. Fundamentally, I view that together we are working on creating a change (including relaxation) in their bodies. During a session, I encourage clients to use their breath to sync with their minds and bodies. That said, sessions may be challenging. Clients benefit most when they are pushed outside of their comfort zone onto a path toward longer, lasting relief.
Currently my office is in the Harmony in Motion Studio managed by my friend and Feldenkrais® practitioner, Dale Jensen. I often recommend that clients learn to use their bodies more efficiently from him. Once you are in less pain and strain, why not learn to use whole muscle groups to work rather than repeatedly taxing out small muscles for the same job?
I studied and received my massage schooling certificate in 2014 from the now closed, Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy. The emphasis of the school (or what I gleaned from it the most) was an ethic of providing therapeutic massages and having a code of professionalism. The ethos of having empowered clients (and helping to empower) was some of the wisdom imparted by Jocelyn Granger, the director of the school. She encouraged us to teach our clients stretches and exercises, maintain hydration, and do their homework as a part of our practices. She implored us not to be used as a co-dependent fixer, but as an encouraging professional with wisdom, knowledge, and experience. I am very much a product of my education–both formal and informal. I view my clients as collaborators in their own well-being. I'm there to share my observations, ask questions, and encourage my clients to take or to continue to take positive steps toward well-being.
Ginger Chase is certified in Myofascial Release and Neuromuscular Therapy. Her office is practicing Covid safety measures. To learn more about her and schedule an appointment, visit her online at Gingerchasemassages.com. You can also call or text her to schedule at (734) 660-5748.
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I view what I do as a collaboration between myself and my client—and sometimes, indirectly, between my client, other practitioners, and me. I expect my clients to work alongside me to ease their muscles, take further steps in their own healing, and work at shifting their posture.