Oasis Massage
  • Home
    • Who We Are
    • Why Choose Us?
    • New Client Information
    • Hours & Reservations
    • Company Policies
  • Services
    • for Pain Management
    • for Relaxation & Maintenance
    • for Oncology Patients & Caregivers
    • Add-ons
  • Pricing
    • Gift Certificates
    • Rewards Program
    • Promotions & Specials
  • Products
  • Additional Resources
    • Classes & Events
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Referral Partners
  • Join Our Team!
  • Home
    • Who We Are
    • Why Choose Us?
    • New Client Information
    • Hours & Reservations
    • Company Policies
  • Services
    • for Pain Management
    • for Relaxation & Maintenance
    • for Oncology Patients & Caregivers
    • Add-ons
  • Pricing
    • Gift Certificates
    • Rewards Program
    • Promotions & Specials
  • Products
  • Additional Resources
    • Classes & Events
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Referral Partners
  • Join Our Team!
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

7/1/2015 0 Comments

Learning Empathy

by Pallas Hutchison

As a massage therapist, I specialize in pain management. I enjoy the challenge of identifying the specific muscle(s) involved and find fulfillment in removing that pain for my clients. No one should have to live in pain. I believe that statement to the very core of my being but sympathy for my client's pain is not empathy. As with many things, I learned empathy the hard way.

In January 2015, I ended up in the emergency room with unexplained and excruciating pain.
I didn't cry or scream during the birth of either child; I did both now. Despite the care of the EMTs, I screamed and passed out when transferred from their gurney to a hospital bed. After multiple tests, three different doctors prescribed different sets of medication but none could explain the source of the pain. Minor issues popped up but none should have left me completely debilitated, even when combined. Through all of this, fear permeated every cell of my body. I couldn't follow logic through the maze of pain. I had not injured myself; I simply woke up unable to move.

Despite the doctors' willingness to prescribe medication, they kept asking if I was a junkie. Their insistence filled me with anger and embarrassment.
The fear had intensified. If I couldn't find a cause, how could I fix it? The pain would never go away or I would become dependent on painkillers to function.

For the weeks following, I needed help to walk. Using a walker at 30 brought feelings of shame and humiliation. I felt pathetic. Thankfully, this occurred during brutal snowstorms so client's were snowed in and school was cancelled. I had an excuse not to leave the house. The few occasions I did venture to a store, I felt the young clerks eyes following me. I don't know if she felt pity or disgust. Inwardly, I cringed, imagining she felt both. I had not realized how much pride I had.

Since the doctors offered only pills and no answers, I turned to what I knew: alternative medicine. A friend and colleague used a combination acupuncture and massage to reduce the pain. A month and eight sessions later, I could move without a walker or a cane but the cause remained unknown. Next came physical therapy to help strengthen weak areas in hopes of preventing a relapse; it is still ongoing.

After receiving a crash course in chronic pain, I am surprised to discover that
pain is not my biggest problem. The feelings of helplessness, anger, fear, and shame are harder to combat. What I feel I should be able to do doesn't align with what I am actually able to do.
Accepting my physical limitations will take time. Eventually, I may be able to return to martial arts but most days I'm happy to be able to carry laundry up the stairs or weed my garden.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All Anecdote Continuing Education Essential Oils Exercise Lifestyle Changes Massage Parenting Reiki/Energy Healing Small Business Decisions

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2016
    November 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

Payment is due upon receipt of services. See Company Policies for information on refunds or fees.
Pricing current as of June 1, 2023 ; subject to change without notice. 

We are located at:

292B Route 28
West Dennis, MA, 02670

Contact Us:
​

508-280-4242