Client criticism

[KimbeeJ]

Hi,

I'm new to HP and was wondering if anyone could help me.
I'm studying Itec Holistic Therapies full time at the moment and we are treating clients now. I've completed 2 lots of 4 treatments on 2 ladies who were completely delighted. I started a new client this week and as soon as I found out he was a past student I just panicked. I know I was all flustered, but all the way through my treatment, he kept telling me that I should do this and do that. I just felt totally rubbish afterwards. I did pick up some handy tips, but a lot of it felt like criticism. We have never ever gone into how to treat specific problems in class and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good book that will help me to learn about health problems and how to tailor my treatment to them. I was also wondering about pressure, I have always thought that my pressure was quite deep, but could always apply more if necessary. I know some clients are scared to say whether its too much or too little. How do you go about gauging this without scaring them away for either being rubbish or painful?
Sorry for all the questions, but this has been on my mind all week.

Thanks
Princess

 

[Dr.Pepper Chick]

When on a course, always massage as you are taught, not as the client tells you. You will be graded for following your tutors instructions, not the clients.

As for pressure, it's what is right for the client, something you check regularly. They will tell you either to increase pressure, or ease off.

Myarka.

 

[Tucker]

Don't worry to much about it. As for your client who was an ex student - he really should have kept his mouth closed. He was there as a client, not as someone who was giving advice.

Next time, I would politely ask him to enjoy the treatment and leave the comments out!

 

[annorax64]

I know it's difficult, but sometimes a little bit of criticism - especially from someone qualified - can be a good thing (in terms of helping to develop your skills).

You won't always get accurate feedback from the clients you practice on whilst a student. Most people will say 'that was great' when maybe they only mean it was average or worse. Or maybe, in fact, to them it felt great (because in truth, any kind of massage feels really nice) but the technique had room for improvement? By the way Princess, I don't mean you specifically here - I just mean students in general.

When I was training there were quite a few girls in the class who I thought were terrible masseuses (we used to practice on each other in class) - and yet the clients who came into the clinic always had lovely things to say about their massages.

I know I'm rambling a bit here, but I think what I'm trying to say is grab all criticism where you can get it - and then use it to improve your skills. At the time it'll sting a little. But in the long run it'll make you a better therapist.

I won't bore you with any other advice. But I will recommend 2 books that have really helped me:

Basic Clinical Massage Therapy by Clay & Pounds (comes with an instructional DVD)

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies

I hope you enjoy the rest of your course!

Kitten
x

 

[angel_gyal4ever]

Hiya

I think it would help to discuss it with your tutor, as she may have experience with this ex-student and she should be able to reassure you anyway.

 

[natasha s]

I go back to the college where I did Swedish massage for sports massage treatments. I didn't do my sports massage there because they do the VTCT level 3 course and I wanted to do a level 4 course.

I don't tell them about my qualifications but I do give them totally honest feedback afterwards. Thankfully so far all the feedback I've given has been mainly positive.

I think I'd have been terrified if I knew that the people I was treating were qualified therapists!! Don't let it get to you too much, or at all really. I'm sure you're doing absolutely fine.

 

[rasbrnodv]

Imagine how my brother felt on his first massage course the first day they brought in clients to practise on in college... when his client stood up, he saw she was heavily pregnant. Then she told him she was a practising massage therapist!

 

[Heakesaurry]

Hi

I am glad that you have had two relatively good experiences with your case histories. If you are a therapist you will meet all kinds of situations and one of them is a client who talks throughout the treatment, whether its giving advice if they are a therapist or just chit chat.

The useful communication will be about pressure and areas of tension, your sensory mechanisms will pick up on non verbal communication.

When I was training constructive feedback from your 'client' was given after the massage, not during it and it is useful to get it. If you feel in future that someone is not allowing themselves to receive you could suggest to them that they will get more from the treatment if they tune into their bodies and get them to focus on their breath and where you are massaging them.

By the way it doesn't happen often - most therapists are really into getting a massage.

Binah
xx

 

[Miss Samantha]

I suppose it really depends how the comments were delivered. If they were constructive, lucky you! As a previous poster said, grab all the hints you can, because most people are simply too indirect to ever say it to your face. If the person was trying to prove he knew more than you, or was trying to change your innate style, just let it wash over you...you will never please everyone, no matter how good you are.

I think most massage therapists are quite sensitive creatures, and yes, if you're trying your best, it does sting if it's not well received! Remember that it takes years to refine this skill, so give yourself a bit of time to settle into what you're doing. As far as pressure, that's a real skill and takes a long time for many people to be able to empathise enough with a client to know exactly what they are feeling. My advice would be to a) get lots of massage yourself from a strong therapist, so you know how it feels and b) to look for subtle signs such as a lack of breath, or tension in the client's body, to indicate you might be using too much pressure. In the meantime, ask if you are unsure.

A great book is Clinical Massage Therapy by Rattray and Ludwig. It's expensive but worth it.

Good luck!

Cat

 

[Dana Laz]

One thing is giving some constructive criticism at the end, quite another to comment all the way through the treatment. I actually think that is rude unless the therapist has asked for comments as the treatment is going on.

If someone were a trainee healer and I was given a treatment, in all my years experience, I would certainly not spend the treatment time making comments.

At the end perhaps if it is asked but certainly not during the treatment. How off putting for the person learning and gaining confidence in their abilities.

 

[Antony]

Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom.

I did take all the information I was given on board and am really quite glad of learning a thing or two. I think I maybe need to be less sensitive, but it just threw me. I have to do 3 more treatments on this client and quite frankly I have been dreading it. However, I think the best way to deal with it is just like you say, take what I want from it. I'm sure I could certainly learn more as I sure aint any expert. I am totally open to learning from the wise and experienced, but I think it was maybe the way it was delivered was my problem.

Thanks again
Princess

 

[Kendra]

Could you not ask him to comment after the treatment?

 

[Keyboard Warrior]

oh P.S - How come my guardian angel doesn't look like the one in your photo?!!!

 

[Kentissewep]

He's just lovely, and all mine, mine, mine. lol. Since I'm a nice person though, I'll share him with you. heehee

 

[Katemperic]

Sharing is good, I promise it will only take a while - I dont' ask for much -

 

[Bigbob Bob]

Has anybody used the book, Evidence Based Therapeutic Massage by Holey and Cook?

Just been reading reviews and seems good too.

 

[iolqnelk]

No, I've not heard of that book - I'll look out for a review of it, have you got a link to a review of it?

Love Binah
xx

 

[jorge_felix_rodriguez]

Hi there

Agree with the above... maybe he was just trying to be helpful (or showing off!). If I were you and next time he starts commenting, I would just politely say 'I really do appreciate your comments on my technique, but could you please save them until after the treatment so I can concentrate on what I am supposed to be doing right now?' He must know you are still learning after all.

 

[unobmrgd]

I've got my client again tomorrow, but am going in with a positive attitude and hopefully it won't be as bad as last week.

There is a review of this book on Amazon. It does seem quite good. Just wondered if there were any other useful ones. I can't seem to find the American one anywhere for sale.

Thanks
Princess

 

[encynicks]

I agree with Kitten's recommendation of 'Basic Clinical Massage Therapy' by Clay & Pounds. It is extremely well illustrated, and includes detailed guidance on how to treat the deeper (and more difficult) muscles that don't usually seem to be covered on a standard 'ITEC-type' course.
Another book that I would recommend (for a discussion of how to earn a living from massage, rather than for massage techniques) is 'Massage: A Career at Your Fingertips' by Martin Ashley. It is aimed at the American market, but is still very useful for British readers.

Regards

Alan