Oh no you di'int!

This blog entry is dedicated to all the Foot Reflexologists out there. And so the story begins...

I went for a manicure today and while drying, I caved to the brilliant marketing of Susie (not her real name) when asked, "Miss, 30 minute foot reflexology?"

As soon as I stretched out on the table and handed the woman my feet, I knew I had known better. Why didn't they just call it what it was? A FOOT RUB. I'd have been more than happy to tack on 30 minutes of a foot rub, and was happy, by the way. Who doesn't love a good foot massage? Just don't call it reflexology, please.

You see, I studied foot reflexology in NYC with Laura Norman and Associates. SHE is a foot reflexologist. It was with her that I learned such techniques as thumb walking and hooking. It was in her school that I learned how to pinpoint the gallbladder and pituitary reflex points with accuracy. Laura Norman taught me the zones of the feet, the systematic way to give a reflexology session, and a lot more that could make up a separate blog. You get the point, pun intended. Today, I got a foot rub. Was it nice? Yes. Was it even close to reflexology? No.

My reasoning is this--we don't allow drug addicts using needles to call themselves acupuncturists, do we? No.


Reason numero two--calling yourself something you're NOT is a becoming an epidemic. (If the swine flu = pandemic, this = epidemic!) Nothing erks me more than someone selling something they're not giving you.

Exhibit A: Those neon signs in the front windows of deli's all across America reading "Catering For All Occasions." Buyer beware! You are NOT going to find a caterer inside. But what you will get is a big to-go order. And that's fine with me! Big to-go orders have their place in the world. But as a caterer who would never put disposable aluminum serving bins on the table, I beg of all the deli owners, hang a sign that says, "Big To-Go Orders Available."

Exhibit B: I'm a Licensed Physical Therapist. And I would run as fast as I could from a certified personal trainer who says they "do" physical therapy. Physical therapy isn't done. It's "practiced" by licensed physical therapists, period.

Now before all the personal trainers start in, I want to say, I have worked and taught in some of the best gyms in NYC. I have worked with numerous, highly qualified, AMAZING personal trainers who could whoop my behind at training someone. I don't do what trainers do. I couldn't. Furthermore, I wouldn't refer one of my physical therapy patients recovering from disc surgery to a personal trainer because he wanted to train for the NYC marathon. (This is a true story, btw.) I would, however, work in conjunction with the trainer, as a team, to meet the patients fitness goals, safely and pain free. I have enormous respect for personal trainers and believe it is in the best interest of everyone--client, trainer, patient, physical therapist and/or otherwise, to do the job they are licensed or certified to do. (And that patient? He did meet his goals and run his first NYC marathon in 5:35)

I knew I knew better, and now you do, too.