“Don’t waste your money”, said the orthopedic surgeon, coming out of my son’s ACL & meniscus repair surgery, answering my question whether there are any contraindications for massaging his knee or leg. Humbled, I asked, “what if he does it himself?” and was dismissed with the statement that no one does it.
Realizing that he might not be aware of any benefits simply because he believes that nobody does it, I smiled and thanked him for everything he did and granted myself the permission to follow my beliefs.
In 2017, I completed 800 hours of massage classes in order to obtain my license to touch. In the advanced medical massage class, we had to present 2 projects, showing progress with the volunteers’ condition following the massage treatment.
A friend, who suffered of numerous medical issues, many of whom are contraindicated for massage, but in deep need of healing, volunteered to one of these projects. We mutually agreed to follow all the rules, as otherwise it would be a life-threatening situation.
With much fear and anxiety, as it was my first time working with someone experiencing a life-threatening condition, I allowed myself to touch, understanding that while there are some conditions that massage is contraindicated, Touch never is!!!!
Human touch is unreplaceable. Human touch cannot be substituted with any medication or procedure or imaging or a vitamin IV. Human touch is a crucial component in our healing. Human touch does not have to come from an external source – it can be applied to your own tissue by your own self.
Regardless to the popular modern codes that it is unacceptable to touch anyone and definitely our own selves.
Needless to say, the progress of my friend was beyond every expectation, as many issues improved without even addressing them!!
Fast forward to my son’s knee story, I applied my understanding of human touch to his knee every day from the moment we arrived home, until he headed back to his own house 2 months later.
At his first post operation follow up visit, two weeks from surgery, he was the only one among the many patients waiting in the large waiting room (young and old), who was able to quickly hop towards the PA calling his name. She was surprised to see how fast and pain free he moved (no narcotic meds involved along the process!) and asked him what he was doing.
Happy to share all our work at home, I offered to tell her if she’s willing to listen. She politely smiled and left the room.
My son’s progress has been phenomenal. Touch was an imperial component, along with nourishment, physical therapy, and allowing himself the time that was needed for healing, even when we discovered post operation that longer healing time is required due to the severe nature of his injury.
The orthopedic surgeon was very pleased with the recovery, but never once asked what is done at home for it. Indeed, many credits are due to his skills for conducting this complicated surgery meticulously. With that, many of us might not be aware that a lot should be done afterwards at home to progress the healing. The written post operation care instructions cover very important care to eliminate complications, but do not extend to a whole healing experience. There is so much more that can be done to help your body heal.
Yes, “don’t waste your money” is a great advice! Yet, it is our responsibility to decide what brings us value and what is just a waste. Even when an opinion comes from a respected source, we still have the right to take it as an opinion only.
Our thoughts, knowledge and understanding of our own body are as important as anyone’s thoughts and knowledge. If you struggle with allowing your thoughts to count, try a castor pack!! You will be astounded to discover how relaxing your nervous system and getting yourself out of the “war zone” into a peaceful mode can shift your perception of yourself and/or your situation.
I am always here to listen and to teach everyone who wishes to learn how to create the right environment for whole healing.
May we all have the courage to use as many resources as we need to allow our body to heal itself regardless to the thoughts and perceptions of others.
Traditionally Empowered Healing LLC 