Body Sense

massagetherapy.com—your resource for all things bodywork 13 Editor's note: Darren Buford is the editor in chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine. He sat down with us to talk about his experience returning to massage. Body Sense: You recently returned to your massage therapist after an extended break during COVID. Tell us about what that experience was like being back on the table and able to receive therapeutic touch. Darren Buford: It was incredible to receive massage again! As the date for my first massage post-COVID approached, my anticipation level increased. My body was "touch-starved" during COVID, and I knew that the only thing that could alleviate my aches and pains garnered over 18 months was bodywork. Body Sense: Was there a motivating factor for your return? Buford: My motivation in returning to the table was twofold: (1) relaxation and (2) injury recovery. During COVID, I sustained a shoulder impingement injury. This injury was on top of a lingering golfer's elbow injury that still hasn't quite completely healed, even after a few years. So, instead of going to my normal therapist who provides relaxation massage, I sought out the skills of an orthopedic massage specialist with specific training in sports injuries and recovery. Here, in this instance, the relaxation part of the massage was a side benefit. Body Sense: Did you have any apprehensions about going back? Buford: I certainly had apprehensions about returning to the table, because this was after so many months of being cooped up inside for our own protection. Even though I was vaccinated and I knew my therapist was vaccinated, my first appointment was relatively soon after receiving my second shot. The apprehension was once again being in a close hands-on environment with a human being not in my immediate circle— this time my practitioner. But soon after booking my appointment, my therapist sent me the office's COVID precautions list, forms to fill out to ensure that I had not been recently exposed, and information about how the office is doing top-level cleaning protocols before each client arrives. This helped ease my mind and let me enjoy my session even more. Body Sense: What was the best part of returning to massage? Buford: Simply put—caring and intentional touch. When you don't receive intentional therapeutic touch for a long time, you can easily forget the mastery massage therapists have. This isn't just a vibrating massage chair or a tool; it's the skilled touch of a person who has hours of training and insight into the human body. Body Sense: Explain some of your experience with massage, and what you missed about it while you were away. Buford: I've been receiving massage for 20 years now. I don't have a specific favorite type of bodywork as much as I enjoy trying different types of bodywork. Over the years, I've enjoyed Swedish massage and deep-tissue massage because they're readily available. But I also really enjoyed seeking out therapies like ashiatsu, Watsu, and Thai massage. Now, I'm really looking forward to trying Rolfing soon. While I was away from the table, I really missed building that connection with practitioners. Like we're two people working together toward the same goal. I don't get that connection with physical therapists or other health- care providers. Massage therapists are there working with you in tandem, training you to care for your body in a special team way. Body Sense: Do you have any advice for others feeling apprehensive about going back to massage? Buford: If you're in any way apprehensive about returning to the table or trying massage for the first time, check in with a practitioner to ask any pertinent questions about a potential session or what their health protocols might be. I'm sure they'll put you at ease to help you understand they've created a safe environment in which to receive bodywork. Body Sense: Please finish this sentence: For me, massage is . . . Buford: Needed, valued, loved.

• Cover