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
When we speak of “core strength” do we all mean the same thing? I recently experienced a very different version with a client. Core strength is a current buzzword, with therapists and trainers giving tips on how to develop core, keep core, activate core, etc. as a panacea for injuries and prevention. I recently read … Continue reading Core Strength and Armor
Hands are the best tools in a massage therapist’s toolbox and the most likely to be injured. It happens to even the most careful therapists: a burn from a hot pan, a scratch that gets oily, a bit of tendonitis that turns into a raging case of nerve inflammation. Plan A for most … Continue reading Save Your Hands
Other than a rare bad check, my massage practice and business has never been ripped off – until last month. Armed with a pizza, the dog, my phone and laundry, I neglected to make sure all the doors were securely closed on my car that Sunday night. Monday, after doing about 10 errands, … Continue reading Reward: Used Maroon Astra-Lite Table with Wheeled Black Carry Case….
Gift certificates for a massage are always welcome, and if the massage therapist who wrote them is lucky, the certificates are used and result in a new client; if the massage therapist is lucky in another way the certificate is never used. Heck, in California, and possibly a few other states, gift certificates … Continue reading Forever Gifts