I am just back from our massage therapist state convention Classes, networking, stuff to buy and a bit of fun. I had the joy of being a test body, demonstrating treatment by one of the best bodyworkers in the world today. But the big annual meeting/convention paradigm is changing Conventions are losing attendance, and may […]
Snappy massage therapists used to make fun of “skin massage”, using it as a stand-in for a massage of no connection, a mere application of oil, an unmemorable massage of no consequence. But hey, snappy aside, there is a really awesome aspect to skin massage worth thinking about – and doing. Here we are dealing […]
My massage client had gone to a fancy resort spa with an extraordinary view of the ocean. The spa was world-class. The services were expensive, the atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of a place where Roman emperors might have gone for a holiday. How was your massage? I asked him when the holiday was over. I had […]
Massage therapists have a few tricks for using specific pressure techniques without straining their thumbs. Whether light, firm or deep, these handy tips provide support for precious thumb during massage strokes. These body mechanics require split legs, from 4 inches to shoulder width apart, one behind the other and slightly flexed at the knees and […]
Massage therapists are like musicians, athletes and dancers. We train, we practice, and yes, we ache. Those of us who are in it for real are often playing despite pain. Therapists should be doing all kinds of things to stay in the game, from stretching icing and exercising. But like our musician and dancer friends […]
Massage therapists often enjoy showing clients something they can do on their own to relieve a chronic trigger point. I do it too: “Here, try an old tennis ball and lean up against the wall. Just a little pressure, not your whole weight. Keep gentle pressure on the point for 10 to 15 seconds and […]
Body mechanics are important to massage therapists because they can make or break our careers We only have two forearms, two hands and ten fingers So why do many of us take such enormous risks with our thumbs? When you go to classes for massage, you will hear some jaded tales. “I did this one […]
Massage at the Top of the Spine People who have suffered whiplash are a good number of the clients in massage therapists’ practices. They seek relief from neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, migraines and fatigue. Massage does wonders for sore muscles of the neck and shoulder even years after a whiplash. It opens fused […]
Hey, it’s the time of year most massage therapists try to take a few days off, before the deluge of Christmas gift certificates and post-holiday injuries start piling up on the books. I like to practice something with therapist employees and therapist friends. It’s something that shouldn’t be so rare but we often forget to […]
Sometimes the best relief on a massage table is nice, firm Swedish efleurage. And with some clients, a quip is the best way to break the tension. This is my homage to Mad Magazine’s Snappy Answers to – Massage — Questions… Question: Been doing massage long? Snappy Answers: You’re my first. Ever since the parole […]