Help ! First treatment booked in.....

[Nyle]

Hello, having relocated to the midlands a while ago and having had a bit of a nightmare with house fires etc recently, I've finally plucked up the courage to get myself on the net as an aromatherapist and start trying to build a business. I now have my first client booked in, an elderly gentleman who has osteoarthritis and is diabetic.
I'm looking for a bit of reassurance really cos I haven't treated anyone other than family and friends for a long time ! Has anyone else treated any elderly people with these conditions and if so do you have any words of wisdom ? It's a lot to take on for a first official treatment, I know all I can do is give it my best shot, but I really want to try and help him.... he has had sports massage in an attempt to keep himself mobile but has been left feeling ver ybruised and wants to try a gentler form of treatment, hence his call to me. I'm elated but at the same time s**tting bricks.... (sorry!!!)
Would appreciate any advice anyone can offer... thank you !! [sm=scratchchin.gif]

 

[athomasmueller]

Hi Cath

First of all well done for getting started. Firstly, don't be put off, but look at it as a chance to make a real difference to this man's life.

Obviously make sure you do a thorough consultation, checking that his diabetes is reasonably stable and ensure that he checks his blood sugar after his treatment. Make sure that his feet are sound and that you have some dextrose handy should his levels drop.

Just make sure that you explain everything to him and that he is happy with what you are going to do. Assuming he has no skin problems, I would use a mild blend of chamomile and lavender (1 drop to 10 mls to start).

Then just follow your normal routine, taking account of any problems around joints, etc. I'm sure it will go well.

Lesley

 

[Hey, Hussein II!]

I have just done my first massage for about a year last night. I had a hubby and his wife who are in their early sixties. I could not sleep and felt physically sick for 2 days. I had a practice the night before on my sister and she said I did great.

Anyway the treatments went very well. I took my cd player and played some relaxation music and they were both very happy with their treatment and said they would recommend me to frieds (the man actually said can you come every night). It did boost my confidence and I felt as though I had really helped them. They were a lovely couple and made me feel very relaxed.

I am sure you will be fine and the gentleman will probably enjoy it as it will be more relaxing than his sports massage. Just enjoy what you are doing and don't be nervouse.

Lots of luck - let me know how you get on

 

[Mogsy]

Ooh thank you very much for your wise and supporting words. I have lined up several friends to have a practice on over the weekend and I am really looking forward to doing the treatment, just very nervous in case I do something wrong ! But what the heck, right, he's never had an aromatherapy treatment before so how will he know.

I had thought of using chamomile, aromababe so thank you for affirming this! Also I hear Geranium is supposed to be quite good for both arthritis and diabetes, but I dont' think it will blend with chamomile very nicely and I want to only use very light oils. And I take note about the dextrose and the feet, he did say that his diabetes was stable thankfully, otherwise I wouldn't even contemplate it.

Thank you again ! I feel much more confident now, and after all we have to start somewhere don't we. Keep your fingers crossed and I shall be sure to let you know how I got on.
x