In my opinion, the “A” in SOAP charting is the most difficult section to address. As massage practitioners, we generally use this section for client goals, particularly when an insurance claim is involved. Goals are supposed to be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); they should be based on ADLs (activities of daily living); … Continue reading The “A” in SOAP: Charting Goals for Client Progress
As I was leaving a massage room the other day, I almost literally ran into one of my favorite coworkers who had stopped short in the middle of the hallway. She looked both startled and confused. “What’s the matter?” I asked, concerned. She blinked at me, then burst out: “I farted! Should I say something?” … Continue reading The Other F-Word
Although my grandmother loved me very much, it didn’t stop her from terrorizing me about my posture. Perhaps concern for me drove her to use fear as a means of encouragement. “Stand up straight!” she’d screech, appearing out of nowhere and smacking me between the shoulder blades. “Be proud you’re tall.” And then she’d suck … Continue reading Stand Up Straight!
The store, which had been a gathering place for massage therapists, was going out and under. The shelves were half-bare and the phone had been cut off for a week. No more job board, no more bumping into friends, trying out CD’s or talking shop. The Orange County Bodywork Emporium in Costa Mesa would soon … Continue reading The Massage Store
Sometimes we find that our brains just won’t stop working, particularly during times of stress. Images of things we wished we had or hadn’t done and images of all the things we have to get done keep playing and re-playing in our heads: many times accompanied by distracting and disturbing emotions. Sometimes this even happens … Continue reading Beautifully Useless
The dandelion is undoubtedly one of childhood’s favorite flowers; probably because it both incredibly magical and terribly messy. I still fondly remember warm weather spent crumbling mimosa pods and blowing dandelion fluff with my mother shrieking “STOP SEEDING THE LAWN!” in the background. As an adult, the dandelion has continued to fascinate me with it’s … Continue reading The Dandelion: Magical, Messy Weed and Novel Nutritious Green
My client seemed particularly stressed. Her back and neck was a never-ending patch of bad trigger points and spasms. This client was all wound up. “How are things going?” I asked. My standard way to get folks to open up when their tissues are slammed shut. “Work is driving me nuts. Actually, the work is … Continue reading Psychology and Massage: Some Things in Common
Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup, sings the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Drink it up. Love her, and she’ll bring you luck. I don’t know about the truth of that, but I adore the image—and goodness knows I’ve served hundreds of Dixie cups full of water to happy, foggy massage … Continue reading Hotter? Colder? How Do You Like Your Water?
A few weeks ago I was asked to do a special blog on SOAP charts, which was rather serendipitous, since the subject of SOAPing has been much on my mind of late. You see, at Brenneke School of Massage, I received an excellent education concerning SOAPs. We drilled and re-drilled, wrote and re-wrote, using an … Continue reading What Happens When a SOAP Bubble Goes POP!?
I do have a thing for nice sheets. They must be flannel, or high-thread count, no see-throughs, and stand up to about 1,000 washings. I don’t have a thing for laundry. I never want to do it. Yet virtually every night, here I am, slipping into a rhythmic trance as I fold, fold, fold. Most … Continue reading Laundry as Therapy… Ommmmmmmmmmm