Who Treats the Therapist?

The ‘Therapeutic' Zone.

When teaching myofascial courses I very often ask the class how many of them are drained of energy by their patients/clients. Without fail at least 90% raise their hand. Clearly therapist identify there is a problem. Indeed, for some merely seeing the ‘nightmare name' in the appointment diary is enough to make the heart sink.

Perhaps surprisingly then, this course is the least popular of all the courses I and Gareth teach. I highlight this, as we actually believe this course is the best course we teach.

It is relevant to every therapist, no matter what discipline they are involved in. It is relevant on two counts, the first that being drained by your patients is by no means inevitable. You can be energised at the end of a days work if you follow the simple principles of this course. Secondly, how you interact with your patient influences the results you get with that person. Notice when you are full of energy as a therapist how well the patient responds, and conversely be aware when your energy levels are low your treatment outcomes are not quite as good. This course will improve your treatment outcomes.

So what is it that attracts therapists so strongly to myofascial release and beyond courses, and makes them indifferent to this course? Many therapists are continually looking for new and exciting tools to address the many and varied problems their patients present with. Myofascial release fits this bill admirably. On the other hand, the ‘Therapeutic Zone' course does not; or rather is not perceived to fit the bill. It does not focus on the ‘doing' but on the ‘being'.

‘It's not what you do, its how you do it!' Said the actress to the bishop.

By recognising we have a dynamic relationship with the person we are working with, we are able to modify or change our interaction within that relationship to benefit not only ourselves but also our patients. It is a win, win situation. Your results are better and you feel better at the same time. This win, win scenario is achieved by developing what I have termed as the Therapeutic Zone.

The therapeutic zone equates very well to the sporting zone. World class sportsmen like Johhny Wilkinson and Tiger Woods undoubtedly have exceptional physical skills and abilities. But how much of their success relies on the moments prior to striking the ball, their period of mental preparation? Therapists, like Woods and Wilkinson perform a physical task. What form of mental preparation do we undertake prior to each assessment and treatment? The therapeutic zone is a state of mind that enhances physical performance in the same way as the ‘sporting zone' does for atheletes. Not only does it enhance our skills but it enables us to perform them without being drained, in fact the complete opposite happens, it enables the therapist to feel energised after a days work.

Goals

This practically orientated one day workshop provides an opportunity to :-

Improve your health as a therapist.

Become energised at the end of a days work

Develop light touch palpatory skills in new and exciting way

Enhance the skills you already have

Understand that you are the difference that makes the difference.

Testimonial

‘So good, worth doing twice - rather like New York !
Having partcipated in "The Therapeutic Zone" led by Stuart I can vouch from
personal experience that it delivers a huge practical benefit. Subsequent
treatments have been more focussed and effective whilst being less draining
of my energy. I recommend that all manual therapists sign up as a priority.'

E-mail us NOW for a more detailed course outline.

Course dates planned:

26th April - Batcombe, Somerset.

27th September - North London School of Sports Massage www.nlssm.com

28th September – Batcombe, Somerset.