What are you doing? My therapist friend said that phrase in a tone of voice that implied I was sculpting a stone wheel from a boulder. I’m writing holiday cards to my clients, I replied. Ohh, no, no, no you will get carpal! she said. Let me show you my toys. Out whipped the tablet. … Continue reading Care and Greeting of Clients
It is an old law school question: Would you be Hitler’s lawyer? It is a tough one. All people regardless of their crimes are due a spirited defense, law students are taught. Yet what about the worst criminal in recent history? Would you be the one? Could you? Here’s how the question could … Continue reading Massage with an Historic Difference
Knots have the element of surprise. Massage clients are often very perturbed that they have a knot, and then the inevitable question…why is that knot there? I try to offer some explanations – to much time using a mouse, too many repeat micro-movements of muscles in a static hold, etc. Working under too much … Continue reading Whys and What Knots
The question comes up. A caller on the phone, looking for a massage. I had no openings. Let this massage therapist say for the record that I really had no openings. We talked for a while, a male voice on the phone, pretty husky voice. A Carolina accent. Sometimes you wonder, the … Continue reading Too Big for Massage or Too Dark?
A friend shared an experience with me. His stiff back had become worse recently. After sitting for a while at his desk, if he turned the wrong way when getting up or reached too far, ZAP! A pain would shoot down his leg from the low back to the knee. “It just takes my … Continue reading What Good Would Massage Do?
Most job hunts for massage therapists starts with the cover letter email and attached resume. It’s the first introduction to a potential employer.Grab this opportunity to make a great impression!I have come up with some tips based on my experience interviewing and hiring therapists. These may seem elemental, but many people will be surprised how … Continue reading Jump Out of the Recycle Bin: Work-Finding Tips for Massage Therapists…
At the risk of hearing some strong opinions, or not, I would like to ask the question: is it proper to massage up or down? I have had many massages, and I am always baffled by the selection. I have had massage up the back, down the back, diagonally and sideways. Does it matter? … Continue reading Massage Up or Down?
Oh yes, it can be so much fun to be in the soft-tissue massage biz. A new client asked for help with numbness at night in the thumb, forefinger and ring-finger. As part of the overall massage, I did a bit of cross-fiber, compression and MFR on the pronater and supinator. We massage therapists … Continue reading Carpal! Foiled again!
A new massage client had a history of vertigo and migraines. After about $20,000 worth of tests, she had been diagnosed with post-viral balance disorder and sent to a balance clinic. Her therapy was consistent: Flashing lights, juggling balls and teeter-totter devices. She kept mentioning how the migraines and vertigo got much worse during … Continue reading Bright Lights, Big Spin
Massage therapists undergoing postural correction or structural integration often take pictures to show themselves their “befores” and “afters.” I have been tempted to try this with clients, but on the occasions it has seemed right, the clients seemed apprehensive. “You want to take my picture?” Sounding pretty doubtful, especially early in the therapeutic relationship, about … Continue reading Picture This