Massage Fitz You

Today I cancelled all my scheduled appointments for the next two weeks. I am currently out of work due to COVID-19, and that may stretch beyond two weeks. It’s not an easy decision to make, but one that gives me peace of mind. I have been filled with stress and worry about the fact that this virus does not show up for days, but can also be asymptomatic. I, in good conscious as a health care practitioner, feel that I cannot safely provide treatments to my clients at this time..., as I feel that nobody can say with 100% confidence that they have not been exposed. And as someone who has attended, worked and volunteers at a paediatric oncology camp, I know how detrimental something like the common cold is to individuals with compromised immune system. And let me be clear, COVID-19 is not just a common cold. I refuse to be a potential risk to you and your family. My association, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA) released a statement yesterday with where they stand in regards to the situation. Part of it states: As a practicing therapist, you are at a higher risk of coming into contact or spreading this virus, therefore, it is our recommendation that all members of CMMOTA consider postponing your scheduled client appointments and immediately closing your practice until further notice. We understand that this is not a decision to be taken lightly and appreciate your attention to this matter. I know times are hard and will continue to be for a while. Remember to be patient, kind, considerate and wash your hands. Not just in these hard times. Look out for each other, and yourself. Stay safe. We’re all in this together and I can’t wait to see you on my table when we’re in the clear.

Today marks ONE YEAR of being a part of the Got Knots Massage Therapy team! For those of you who don’t know, I graduated from my massage program in April 2016. A few months prior, I was frustrated with being a student and not quite ready to grow up completely and become a real adult. So I applied to the kids camp that I had worked at prior. I LOVE camp and they easily talked me into taking different positions and ended up keeping me around for a few years. I moved back t...o Edmonton in August 2018, relocated downtown, took time to relax and get myself together before jumping back into the massage field. January 2019, I started working at a massage spot that made me completely miserable. The manager was absolutely clueless about the industry, the owner was never around, other therapists were not friendly and there were just SO many red flags. After an interaction with a client that made me feel less than stellar, and informing the manager, who relayed it to the owner, it was clear that this was not a team that cared, nor that I wanted to be apart of. I peaced out immediately. Shortly after, I had an interview at Got Knots. After my first few days, the owner, knowing how terrible my experience at the last place was, asked how I was finding the change. I told her that from day one, I knew everything was 100% better. I love being a part of a team that I can talk to, is always there to answer questions, that I trust, that is full of experience and so much more. While I’m still growing my clientele, I am so grateful to be able to do so at Got Knots. I’m so thankful to have AMAZING clients, AMAZING coworkers, an AMAZING place to continue to grow, and YOU. Thank you for liking my page, supporting my journey and coming in to see me!

I’ll knock on the door and ask if you’re ready before I come back in, and make sure you’re comfortable, and then I’ll start doing my thing. I’ll remind you that at anytime, if you would like more or less pressure, or if something is unbearably painful, to not hesitate to let me know. We are always working within your comfort - this includes positioning, too! We encourage breathing, so if you find yourself holding your breath, that is a good indication that I need to ease up o...n pressure. No pain, no gain is not always the best motto. I’ll instruct you how to flip over. Do not worry; this is never a graceful sequence and although the sheet may be lifted, you will not be exposed. I’ll continue doing my thing, and when I’m done, I will tell you to get up nice and slow so you don’t get a head rush. I will let you know that I’m going to wash up and meet you in the front with a cup of water, whenever you are ready. I’ll give you some stretches, exercises or other home care and look at booking your next appointment. It’s important to realize that one massage isn’t going to be a cure-all. If you’ve been dealing with issues for x amount of years, it’s not going to be gone after an hour. However, I have had many clients who notice a SIGNIFICANT difference and have kept up with regular massage appointments. Coming for massages on a regular basis helps them live everyday life with less pain. This also helps make the massage more comfortable and relaxing as sessions go on. Another thing to keep in mind is the imporantance of communicating your chief complaint. Sometimes an hour just isn’t enough time to put the same amount of work into each area of the body. I personally like to work on all of the body to give each extremity a sense of relief from the session, especially because the whole body is connected. By prioritizing your complaints, it allows me to provide the best service to you so you can walk away and start dimishing your day to day pains.

A few months ago, one of my friends booked an appointment at the clinic I work at and shortly after, she asked me what to expect and to walk her through what it would be like. Which I totally get! It can be extremely nerve wracking when you’re not really sure what to expect, but you just know you get undressed, lay on a table and are in a room with a stranger. Your first visit When you go for your first treatment, it’s a good idea to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to give you...rself time to fill out a health history form. The health history form includes things like contact information, medications and any health conditions or traumatic events such as a motor vehicle accident or surgery. If you have health benefits, I like to run those through as you’re filling out your health history form, as many people aren’t aware how much, if any, is covered for massage, or if they require a doctor’s note before insurance will cover any massage for them, etc. It’s a good idea to know what your plan covers and requires before you come in Once you are ready, I will take you to the room and look at your health history form. I will ask you questions regarding what is currently bothering you, and questions regarding what boxes you checked off from the health portion of the health history form, as well as activities in your day to day life. I will instruct you in positioning (ex: face down, in the face cradle/side/face up) under the sheets, and undressing (down to your underwear, if you are comfortable with that - bras can come off as it makes it much easier to massage the back, shoulders, etc and not have to worry about trying to avoid getting lotion on them - plus not having to wear a bra for an hour or two is a huge bonus!) I’ll ask you if you have any questions and I’ll leave the room to give you time to change and get settled on the table.

Earlier this month, I mentioned my 26 things for 26 years list. One of my resolutions is to BE A BOSS BABE I have a Facebook page (Massage Fitz You) and an instagram account (@massagefitzyou) so I may as well use them! Posts will include openings, education and perhaps some contests and promos! This year, I’m sticking to my guns regarding cancellations and no shows. We have a policy for a reason, and I was way too lenient last year. ... I’m going to do more research so I can provide better treatments and education for my clients. See more