I completed a 2 day CPD course in Ayurvedic Facial Massage at the weekend. I passed, and was generally pleased with the course, apart from one incident that happened as I was preparing to massage my client for the practical exam.
I had already done a 'practice run' on my client at home, and she told me as I was settling her onto the couch that she felt she would be more comfortable if I could support her neck and raise her head up a little more this time. I did this, and went on to discuss with the client if she felt it would be beneficial to have supports under her ankles or knees. She told me no, she wouldn't be comfortable like that, she just needed the extra padding under her head.
No sooner had I got her settled in than my tutor (also the examiner) came like a whirlwind across to my couch and started removing the extra support from under my client's head and moving it down to under her ankles. I tried to explain that my client felt she wouldn't be comfortable that way but all she said was that was the way it had to be done. I felt totally undermined in front of my client.
My client fidgeted and was uncomfortable throughout the whole treatment, and I felt really sorry for her. So what as therapists should we do? Stick to the 'rules' or listen to our clients and put their comfort first? I was just left feeling horribly confused after that. I am well aware of the importance of offering support under the legs to avoid strains etc, but surely we shouldn't force our clients into a position they aren't happy with?
Hi Sue
Ayurvedic Facial Massage sounds lovely and I'd love one right now!
Sometimes exams are like the Driving Test you have to do things a certain way to get the certificate but you don't do it like that in the real world. Once out of the exam room I'd want to make sure my client was comfortable during a treatment and support them accordingly.
I'm sure some of the Ayurvedic specialists on here will confirm if the client positioning is a big deal or maybe you can follow up with the tutor/training school to ask why it was such an issue otherwise carry on making your clients comfortable!
Thanks Jinx!
I know she was probably only trying to help me pass my exam, it was just mortifying that having taken so much care to make my client comfortable it was all dragged away from underneath the poor girl! My client is a therapist too and I've not known her for that long, so I felt a bit silly afterwards 🙁
Many people find it difficult to think outside the box. Which is what makes those who can special. Which is also why I get aggravated by rules and regulations. As they say, 'you can't fight City Hall'. Just pass the exam, get out of there, and then do it the *right* way...
Sue, I think you should name and shame your training provider! That's disgusting. I can assure you that major exam boards would consider the appropriate use of props as client care and would be seen as good practice.
Best Wishes
RP
If I had been your client I would of complained to the tutor because she was basically treated like a prop and not a human being that needed treating with respect. To just pull the extra padding away like that without asking the client if she would be more comfortable with it under her ankles, your client could of had back or neck problem's and by moving it caused her unnecessary pain.
Well done at passing your exam now you can go out into the wide world and treat your client's the way you want and with respect for them :newangel:
Cis
Thanks everyone for your reassuring and kind comments. My client did have an old shoulder injury which was one of the reasons for requiring more support at her head. It was an embarrassing situation for me, but above all I felt sorry for my client who, although full of praise for my treatment, clearly wasn't as comfortable as she should have been.
Wasn't the best course I have ever been on - also had to re-write the sequence notes we were given as they were contradictory and just didn't make any sense! Oh well, at least I passed .... 😀
Well done for passing!
Ayurvedic Facial Massage sounds lovely and I'd love one right now!
It absolutely does. I had never heard of it before but looked it up and it sounds wonderful. Now...... to find a practitioner nearby. You don't live in Essex do you?
Thanks Celtia!
It is a really lovely masage - very deeply relaxing and gives the skin a beautiful glow. Unfortunately I'm in Dorset! 😀
I can really relate to your situation. Not that I had any difficulties like that in my exam.
But I took a ITEC holistic massage course, and feel the whole course was designed to pass the exam.
Often answers to questions where "because it's ITEC standards".
I got quite upset about it, and eventually asked questions like "I know the ITEC standards, but in real life, as a therapist, what should I do/is this ok etc".
We had to perform a full body routine, and I had clients that didn't like abdomen massage, hacking or lymphatic drainage, and I was adviced not to skip parts of the routine or techniques.
Funny thing, they always talked about adapting the treatment for the client. But I guess it is within a very limited frame work.
And is not suitable during the exam.
Case studies and the person for the exam was always referred to as "the model", and they where suppose to act like that too.
Very little space for human issues, and bad preparation for real life therapy 🙁
Congratulations on passing your exam. I have just passed my ITEC Holistic Massage. I feel some of these examiners rules are a bit over the top. If anything I feel the examiner should have awarded you extra marks for showing compassion for your client, rather than removing the surports. If that is real life you did that to a client and they were uncomfortable you would be unlikly to see them again. Keep doing what your doing put your clients first and show compassion and empathy and you do great. Hope your freind hasn't been put off by the experience and I'm sure she knows thta her discomfort was down to that examiner not you. Best of luck.