A very unusual Thai question

[Doctor Deth]

Hello! I'm a newbie here, and I'm a brand new student for massage as well. I apologize for not posting this in the student section, but I figured this would be for the experts and I needed for all the experts to see this.

I am planning on taking a thai course, but wanted to get a head start with an instructional dvd. I watched it several times and then practiced it on my husband. I really liked it and want to use it in my future career. But, I had a lot of trouble with a few of the techniques - no, not really the actual techniques, but the positions that MY body was to be in for supporting the client while performing the technique. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall, and I'm very leggy. So when I was doing it, my knee (which should've been flushed against the rib cage) was jammed up in the armpit...or when I walked up the hamstrings with my feet, I couldn't come even CLOSE to straightening my leg, and when I should've been standing, I was too tall and it strained my back and when I would try lowering myself to my knees, I was too short. (these are just examples).

My other problem is that I cannot be on my knees for over 30 seconds. I have CFS (common fainting syndrome) as well as mitral valve prolapse and everytime I'd move from bein in my kneeling position, I'd blackout briefly (like a headrush, only longer and I lose all of my senses - can see, can't hear, etc.)

Does this mean I am not going to be able to do Thai? I heard that there's table thai, but am I tool tall for that too?

Any ideas and guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Heather in Texas

 

[Pompal 09.]

It does sound like you might have to work on a table. I don't think you will be to tall, you can set the table at any height. But if you are going to take a class, make sure they will adress table work, preferrably for a long portion of the class.

Thai massage is designed for the floor though and there are many things that can't be done on a table properly, sorry to say.

 

[quakiss]

I wouldn't worry about your height. The best Thai Massage Practitioner in my town is about 6' 2" tall. He modifies his body positions accordingly, and I'm sure his instructors helped him do that. For example, one stretch where other practitioners use a combination of their hands & feet to position the client, this therapist can just use his hands. (His arms are long, so he has a wide range.)

I would be worried about the CFS, though. Traditional Thai massage is a very active bodywork form that's done close to the floor. Lots of transitioning from sitting, kneeling, squatting, lunging, standing, and back again. If there's a risk you'll pass out, that's a pretty big risk.

Maybe you could talk to an instructor of Thai massage to get their input directly?

If you decide you'd rather pursue table massage, take a class that teaches this exclusively. Otherwise, you could pay for a 4 day class and only have a table routine taught at the end of the last day of class -- sort of like an add-on, rather than the focus of training.

 

[justin b]

Hi Heather! I started doing Thai a few months ago. LOVE IT!!! Good luck.
I would definitely suggest taking a class. I am 5'8" and I have to modify my technique for smaller clients. taking the class will enable you to learn how to use alternate positions.
Also, keep in mind that there are different styles of Thai massage. Northern is not as vigorous as Southern and may be easier on your body.
I don't always stay on my knees as I have bad knees and I have a lot of grinding.
I would also check with your Dr. to make sure it's OK for your health.
Anbother option - geriatric Thai massage. I do very gentle Thai on the elderly and shorter sessions so it may be worth a try for you.
All the best!