My expectations were based on receiving massage therapy to relieve a long-standing deep muscular ache. Ben Pianese, however, had other ideas.
I arrived a little flustered, having lost my way en route with a wrong turning. Ben was happy that I’d made it and eager to get in. After introductions, he asked me what I’d like to work on first. Rather than suggesting I lay face down on the massage couch as expected, he threw in a curve ball and wanted to assess me standing as though we were in a physiotherapy session. “Interesting,” I thought.
Once on the couch, rather than applying massage oils and deep tissue massage, he laid his hands on my aching muscle area, rested there for a while, and gently moved his hands using a specific technique each time. I trusted him, and we breathed into the touch. After a while, he explained that he was realigning my body structure and making small but significant muscle changes. The word “interesting” sprang to mind once again.
I kept an open mind and followed his breath to remain receptive to his gentle and healing touch. Upon standing, the ache felt lighter and less apparent; however, working on that muscle only took 10 minutes. We still had about 30 minutes left, so Ben asked me what I wanted to focus on next.
It’s not often that you get the chance to MOT your body, so I took full advantage of this invitation and started mentally scanning my body for all the imbalances and aches that I’d experienced recently. My shoulder, pelvis, stance, spine…the list was endless. However, I knew we didn’t have THAT much time.
So, we mainly worked on my pelvis and its stability to keep me grounded and secure. He instructed me to test its present state and then actioned them by pushing me off balance. Once my defence mechanisms had switched off and I could eventually relax, I stumbled off balance with little control.
Ben then worked on my pelvis as I lay on the couch using the Emmett Technique, a previously used gentle and noninvasive muscle-releasing technique. I returned to standing, and he pushed me again. Guess what? I didn’t move an inch. That’s right. I was sturdy, strong, and steady and could not be moved. Flabbergasted at how my body had responded to his touch, he now had my full attention.
We explored a little more by walking and feeling the lightness of my pelvis through movement, and I asked questions that Ben happily answered. I felt centred and balanced and controlled how my body moved in space.
On my way home, I thought I’d test what I’d just experienced with my pelvis on the crowded train, where seats were a luxury and finding a pole to balance was non-existent. I stood unsupported, being jostled from side to side and back and forth. Ha!! I didn’t need any support! Man, did I feel grounded without effort! It was terrific and empowering.
Before I left, he showed me a before and after picture of a client with kyphosis (excessive curvature of the mid/upper back, aka humped back) and the change was dramatic. Of course, it didn’t happen overnight; however, using his skill…it had happened.
I would strongly recommend Ben if you’re looking for a massage therapist and an innovative way of making change within your body. He is also qualified in deep tissue massage, massage in pregnancy, and lymphatic drainage, and he specialises in NST Bowen Therapy, Emmett Technique, and Sports Massage. I’ll be seeing him again.
