[seeker1950]

I am taking physical therapy right now, for the pain that has increased to the point of being debilitating. I've had 4 sessions. When I am touched by these skilled healers, I feel such gratitude! I haven't been touched in any way, affectionately or therapeuticly, for such a long time...years. My parents never touched me either! The stresses in my life have evolved to such a point that I could barely move my neck from pain. My doctor ordered me to physical therapy. I was skeptical.
The first three sessions were with a PT young woman, who did such a good job. Today, I arrived and she wasn't there. A PT "assistant" was working with me. I dreaded the session without the woman who had worked with me previously. This young man turned out to be so wonderful. I told him at the end of the session that he had a "gift!"
I think, having grown up without the loving touch of parents, and having built up such stress within my own body, trying to cope alone, I'm overwhelmed by this aspect of healing touch, the knowledge of how we build up such stress and anxiety in our own body/muscles. As this young man worked on me, he explained what he was doing with each set of muscles. I'm so grateful.
Patty

[(JD)]

The human needs touch!
While I do not receive any massage therapy (when I did it really helped) and haven't for many years, I do appreciate what touch I do receive via the physical therapist. When that's all you have, it has to do?

I'm glad you are benefiting from PT. It is a good thing. It is often difficult if not impossible for some patients to realize that how we think, especially over a long time, does affect us physically. We are not just a mind person or a body person... we are a combination of both.

[bebop]

awe Patty. I know what you mean hon. everyone needs human touch. I am glad this guy was good at his job! maybe after the therapy is done you could go get a massage say maybe at least once a month?

[seeker1950]

Yes, Sky and Bebop!
I am thinking massage would be beneficial when this round of PT is over. Interestingly, a girl who works as a janitor at our school is a licensed massage therapist. She's a big ol' gal, and I'm thinking she'd give a great massage! She has her own table and brings it to the home where she's working.
patty

[bebop]

Patty my hubby use to work with a guy that came to your house. man he was good! he started normally with your feet. man I wish I lived in kansas lol. I miss that guy! lol

[notz]

Well then, it's settled. You will get a massage at least once a month. It'll do you a world of good.

I've done my share of physical therapy over the years. It's very helpful. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself!

[Beholden]

There is nothing quite like human touch!

I was a certified massage therapist for about ten years and loved it. Afterall, you can not touch someone without being touched back.

Part of my training dealt with people with issues like abuse or unhealthy touch. At first I was afraid to work with these issues because I had not experienced any of it, and didn't understand how someone would not want to be touched.

I know that's not what you are posting about here, but massage is one of the greatest methods of receiving healthy touch, in a restorative setting like physical therapy or having a massage. Hey, I miss the massages I used to have A LOT! Some of my most grateful clients where people who lived alone and had no one to hug them. People with injuries or from car accidents were never as grateful in an emotional way or mental way as those whose only contact with the outside world might be a hug or handshake with the minister or people they worked with.

Healthy, non sexual, skin to skin contact is a very helpful and healthy thing. Not just for the "luxury, spa, phoo phoo aspects, but the healing part of it as well. I worked with several clients with abuse issues that learned to accept and enjoy and de stress tension - we did relaxation techniques together - there was trust learned - I know it sounds silly, but I gained so much through my work maybe more than the client on my massage table!

Try to find a good massage therapist and you just may be "touched" in very unexpected healing ways some of my clients did. I'm grateful for them teaching me about areas in life I never would have known or thought about.

Go get a massage