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 … Continue reading Meetups for Massage Therapists
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 … Continue reading All Thumbs Massage
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 … Continue reading Taking Chances with Your Massage Muse
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 … Continue reading Plumb Out of Thumb
Got Magnesium? Turns out that might be a great slogan for massage therapists – if they look both ways and proceed with caution. Magnesium as a topical aid, and along with ingested and intravenous magnesium, has been used for a very long time in the treatment of muscular cramps and spasms. Magnesium is the other … Continue reading Adding Magnesium to Massage
Those who do therapeutic massage are well aware of the statistics in the field. Burnout is a huge problem amongst therapists. What I have often heard from people is that massage is too hard to do enough of it to be secure financially and take care of one’s personal needs as well. I’ve also heard … Continue reading Flames Climb Higher Than Hands
I always like to check in with new clients on their goals for massage. Do they want to improve sleep, performance, reduce aches, release stress, etc. I like to give people a few choices on my intake, plus the opportunity to mark “all of the above.” Lots of “aota’s” later, I have come to see … Continue reading Helping your clients set goals for their massage sessions
Most successful massage therapists come to a time in their careers when they think about going out on their own. They have worked in spas, medical offices or chain clinics and they have an itch to move out and become independent. Then the question comes up. Why risk all in business? Why not seek out … Continue reading Massaging with Partners
Recently I walked into a raging discussion among massage therapists over discount pricing. To discount or not to discount is a huge bugaboo for massage therapists. Prices are subjective, of course, and one can only wonder why people ask for a discount from a single massage therapist when they wouldn’t dream of asking at a … Continue reading The Price of Comfort
At this time in my massage therapy career, I think I have got the whole stress thing down. Then something pops up that tells me: HA! Yes, HA! A very karmic and cosmic and pulse-wave HA! My family and i have been living in a hotel for nearly a month following flooding at my home. A … Continue reading Stress Experts Love Massage