Before a massage session begins, it’s not uncommon for a massage therapist to palpate their client to get a feel for the quality of their muscle tissue and where to focus their treatment. This allows the therapist to understand what techniques to use and perhaps get an indication of the underlying problem. However, palpating without also engaging the … Continue reading Palpating and Communicating with the Client
All massage therapists know that we prefer our clients to speak up during a massage if anything feels uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the necessity of this message leads us to repeat ourselves so often on this score that, if we’re not careful, the discussion about feedback becomes rote, almost robotic, as in: “by-the-way-if-anythhing-doesn’t-feel-right-please-let-me-know.” The trouble is that when we sound … Continue reading Genuinely Inviting Feedback
One of my pet peeves, as someone who receives massage regularly, is getting what I call “the wrong massage.” That’s when you’re there on the table, being worked on, but you don’t get the work you need. You know what I mean, like when you want full body, but instead get work on just your … Continue reading Delivering the Right Massage for the Clients’ True Goals
Communication is key between massage therapists and their client, both before the session and while the client is on the table. Despite great technique delivered with care, it’s not unheard of for a client to feel like the therapist almost addressed their primary complaint, but they would have liked a little more work on the … Continue reading Simple Question to Add to Your Massage Session
Debates roar among massage therapists about which are the best oils, the best draping, and the most effective techniques. Yet never have so many argued so passionately about this question: whether to start clients in the supine or prone position. O the polarity! So many have crusaded with passionate arguments about breath patterns, face-cradle wrinkles, … Continue reading A Massage Therapist’s Top Ten
Would you show it to your mom? And don’t tell me “yeah, my mom’s totally cool with my nudie pictures…” You know what I mean. I currently hire therapists, and in the past I’ve done hiring in other fields. When I get a resume, I do a couple of things (in addition to reading the … Continue reading What’s on Your Facebook Page?
How many of you use a laptop as your primary computer? How many of your clients do? I confess. I’m a laptop user. I got rid of my desktop computer about two years ago when laptop prices and features got to the point where it seemed to make sense to get rid of the bulky … Continue reading Laptop Ergonomics
On April 25th and 26th, Til Luchau and Larry Koliha, instructors at the Rolfing Institute, will be teaching Advanced Myofascial Techniques (Neck, Jaw and Head) in Portland. You have four days left (until April 2nd) to get the early-bird discount of $295 (normally $315). You can get even more of a discount if you sign … Continue reading Advanced Myofascial Techniques Workshops
Over the years I’ve used various massage oils, creams and lotions. Everyone seems to have his or her favorite, and it’s rarely possible to convince a “lotion person” to switch to oil or vice versa. That’s cool. Different strokes and all that (pun intended). But for me, I never seemed to be able to find … Continue reading Have You Tried Jojoba Oil?
Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it. ~Anonymous Spring has sprung—well, sort of—well, at least we had a couple of sunny days last week—um, until it snowed on Sunday… Anyway, the hint of warmer weather means hands are itching to start digging in the dirt. My … Continue reading Ergonomic Gardening