At each seminar I teach, I bring along my chalk ball. A therapist told me about this a few years ago and I think it has been one of the biggest assets to me as a therapist in quite a long time.
Early on in each class, I mention the chalk ball and I see mostly uninterested faces. I invite students to give it a try, but most stay away. But one by one, each one gives it a try, finally the most reluctant giving in. As someone said at my last seminar “It’s great for mediteranean skin like mine”.
I’ve found that the chalk dries my hands and gives me a solid contact with my patient’s skin. Unlike massage, myofascial release must be done on dry skin. For those clients who wear lotion by accident, the chalk lessens the slide. I’ve become a bit of an addict, but I think it is a healthy addiction.
Why a post reverently devoted entirely to a chalk ball? Try it and you’ll understand. You can find it at outdoor stores like Eastern Mountain Sports or on Amazon.
Walt,
I was reluctant when you first mentioned it in the class in Hershey. However, I found it i very helpful because at the end of your seminar I was using the chalk ball frequently. These helpful tips you give are invaluable to helping us all to become better therapists so that we can best serve our patients.
I’ve never tried chalk, but I’ve used a Kleenex or rubber shelf paper for a better grip. Chalk makes more sense.
Janet,
Chalk has its advantages, especially when doing arm pulls, etc. With really sweaty or oily skin types I even pat the chalk ball on them before treating. The dust clouds in my room get a little much at times!
Walt
What a great idea, Walt, thank you! I will be visiting REI today.
In my MFR classes we were shown the option of using the rubber shelf liner material, but that just raises hygiene questions for me (and maybe clients, too) and feels cumbersome. I’m so excited to try the pulls with the chalk.
I have also been able to get a better non-skid grip sometimes by wearing gloves, non-latex and without powder, of course.