I was away on a Happy Retreat Girls Weekend this past weekend at my friend's cottage. It was a weekend full of gratitude, story sharing, forest bathing and yoga! It was so lovely. They also arranged for a couple of massage therapists to come in and treat us. I couldn't attend the full four days so only had the Saturday to Sunday with them and volunteered to take the last massage time available on Sunday as I wasn't in a hurry to get home.

My one girlfriend, Monica, tried to warn me that the female therapist was a little aggressive and to speak up, because she didn't.

The massage therapists were a couple and we each went in with another friend as the massage was set up in the bunkie. It was lovely overlooking the water; however, the pressure was WAY too much.

At first, while she was working on my legs, I was thinking, oh this is amazing! It is just what I needed! But when she started with the top half, the pressure increased substantially. I was super uncomfortable and tried to politely tell her 3 or 4 times that the pressure was too much. I didn't want to wreck it for my girlfriend that was beside me so I was kind and tried to blame the sensitivity on myself as to not insult her (Like what are you thinking applying this much pressure on a human body?). When my face was down I could hide the pain and all the faces that went with it; however, once I flipped over there was no hiding the expressions so I wiggled every which way in pain!

So yesterday, I had a day of, oh my goodness, uncomfortable pain. My neck, my temples, my whole upper body actually. Before we got started we were given cards with their info because they want to grow their mobile business and I was saying, oh perfect, we will have you up at our house for my sisters, etc. But after being treated, I will definitely not be putting my sisters' bodies in her hands. I can take a lot more than them! It is a shame and I did try to tell her and I obviously needed deep tissue therapy, which some of my friends were fine with it, so not sure what more I could have done. I just wasn't up for it that day and wished she could have understood my unique needs.

So, as I sit here, like I do every Tuesday and think of something to share, this comes to mind.

Read your client's body action. If they are squirming and eyes opening wide, chances are they are uncomfortable. Stop and assess. What is going on? Is it that your instruments are dull, and you are applying too much lateral pressure? Are your ultrasonic inserts worn? Are you using the correct instrument or insert for that application? Could you use Oraqix or a local?

Is there something going on with your client emotionally and today, feelings are a little heightened? Are there ways we could make things more comfortable today or perhaps we need to reschedule to a more optimal time?

Do you think most clients would quietly leave and not complain because they don't want to create a scene or hurt someone's feelings? Typically, this is the case! People in general would rather not say anything and leave and just won't return.

If we are lucky though, they may say something at the front desk and request another dental hygienist next time!

Most often than not, it isn't the dental hygienist who is inflicting pain. The majority of the time, the tools in his or her hands aren't in optimal condition and are responsible for the discomfort. Or, the ultrasonic tips have been worn out beyond the Active Tip.

This is why I feel so passionate about sharing instrument maintenance tips (and selection) to help you achieve the sharpest cutting edge and longevity of your ultrasonic tips.

I have a couple of courses that I present on instrument maintenance, 'Maintain Your Edge' and 'Sharpen Your Skills', that we offer virtually.

If you feel that perhaps you are hurting your clients with improper sharpening and damaging instruments or using worn out tips, or if you feel that you would just like to learn a quick and easy method to sharpen instruments, I would love for you to join me for my next program:

Sharpen Your Skills: Online Date: Sunday, November 6th (4 hours with a start time at 11am EST).

You will receive an rdhu Sharpening Kit and the Post-it pad Sharpening Guide that I created many years ago and is a 'must have' when sharpening, and also an Ultrasonic Wear Card prior to the course date.

I would love for you to join me. Videos will be on so it can be very interactive and we can work together.

I will also be in person at PDC along with Beth Parkes for this program, if you are planning on being at PDC in Vancouver in March!

Thanks for reading and off to the Epson Bath I go!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen