Say Something or Let it Go?

[Andrew Tegeler]

I'm posting in this section because I'm posting from a client's perspective.

A few days ago after taking the NCETMB in a town about 2 hours from me, I had a massage at a yoga studio. This was my first massage there. It was not their regular therapist. Let me say first that, overall it was a pleasant experience. The lady was nice. It's not going to sound that way by the time I'm finished here, but it really was an OK massage.

First thing that happened was this lady in sweats and a rumply shirt walked out into the waiting room, pointed at me, and said, "You're next, right?" I didn't answer her right away because 1. I didn't know who she was, and 2. I didn't want to say "yes" and wind up with a private yoga lesson or something. I said, "Yes, if you are the massage therapist."

We went back into the room which was absolutely beautiful, but she said she really didn't like it. The sheets on the table were old, paper-thin, and had a plastic-y feel to them. There was no fleece underneath, so I stuck to the table through the sheets. Mind you there was no intake at all. I didn't sign anything. She only asked me why I had come in that day, and didn't ask about injuries, illnesses, or medications. Nada. So, just before she started the massage, I remembered to tell her that I have sensitive skin - could she tell me what was in her massage oil?

She read ingredients that included, of all things, peanut oil and lanolin. Good thing I asked, right? Definitely couldn't use that, but she had a bottle of unmarked lotion. "I don't know what this is," she said, then picked up a bottle of powder. "I did some reflexology on the last lady so I have this powder. I just grabbed it out of my bathroom this morning-"

"I can't do talc," I interrupted, horrified that this stuff had come out of someone's BATHROOM. I opted for the lotion. BAD IDEA. I have since broken out in boils all over my back, upper arms, neck, and face.

Having just taken my exam, I was trying really hard to let it all go and relax, you know? Being quiet. THen about 5 minutes into the massage, she asked me, "So what was on the test?" That was the end of the relaxation for me. That wound me up and I talked about my test experience the rest of the time.

When I turned over, the sheets stuck to me and popped off the table. This lady YANKED the sheet out from under me to put it back. "I hate when that happens," she said.

This is my favorite part. I had a little stomach ache, so she asked if I'd like some abdominal massage. The side-to-side stuff was great and my stomach ache was gone within a couple of minutes. But then she started the circular massage COUNTER CLOCKWISE! I thought maybe she was working a modality I wasn't familiar with and didn't say anything for a minute. Then I asked, "What modality are you using?" She told me, and it was one I'd never heard of, where the meridian points radiate out from the navel. I asked, "Do they go counterclockwise?" She said, "Oh, they go clockwise," and proceeded to demonstrate - by continuing the COUNTER CLOCKWISE motion. It only went on for another second, so I just kind of chuckled and hoped I wouldn't be backed up for the next few days.

After we finished, I wandered out into the waiting room. The place was deserted. The Yoga studio was gearing up for a big event that night, so it was understandable. THe massage lady was nowhere to be found. I decided she must have left. Not knowing who I was supposed to pay I left a note for the owner of the studio with my contact info so that I could pay. He came in just as I was leaving, and we took care of everything.

ANYWAY, should I say something to the yoga studio owner? Or, should I just let it go? I wonder if it really matters since she wasn't their regular MT and I'm not a regular client or member of the studio. I worry mostly about the lotion and the powder and the counter-clockwise abdominal massage... and the lack of intake. *shrug* I can't decide what to do.

Believe it or not I would really like to go back to experience a massage from their regular MT, and I don't want her to be all uptight because I complained.

Kemilyna

 

[Jeanmarie]

I'd let it go. You said that in spite of the things you didn't like about the massage, overall you thought it was OK. Some MT's are great; some aren't. I don't think giving detailed feedback is the route to making everyone great. You can't change other people.

However, you can change your own personal client experience, by learning to speak up during your massage sessions. When she broke the silence and asked you questions about the exam, you could have replied, "Thank you for asking, but I'm trying to let that test go. I relax best in silence, so I'm going to be quiet and just soak up your massage." During the abdominal portion, you could have said, "I think you're moving counter-clockwise." I realize it can be hard to speak up; it's hard for me, and I've been receiving massage for a very long time. However, through practice, I have learned to speak up for myself, and it has made my client experiences better.

Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, I recommend you bring your preferred oil/lotion to your massage appointments. Although it's ideal for every MT to have a variety of options for you, most won't.

Kemilyna, I know you're going to be a great massage therapist! Your posts show so much caring and knowledge and passion for this profession. It can be shocking to meet a massage therapist who isn't as dedicated. The good new is, those types of therapists don't tend to last long. Clients simply don't come back. Chalk this up as an experience of what "not to do."

 

[Steve D]

*raises hand* I would like to ditto everything Bliss said. I think you'll do quite well, you pay attention to detail, you're interested in your profession and seem to love learning.

The only thing I don't agree with is this:

The good new is, those types of therapists don't tend to last long. Clients simply don't come back.

: (Say it ain't so!) I know (and know of) a LOT of really cr@ppy massage therapists who have really great marketing skills. They've been in business for years, but you'd swear they only took a weekend class and were stoned for the whole thing, or else they got into the profession because they needed to assault somebody and not get thrown in jail. 8) Granted, they have to market continuously because they don't have a lot of repeats, but they still seem to thrive. Weirdness abounds. :dogrun:

 

[Country Girl]

Thanks for the input! I feel better now about not saying anything to the owner.

Usually I bring my own jojoba to my first visit with a new MT, but... well... I was a little preoccupied when I was packing for the trip and just forgot. I almost forgot to say anything to her at all, euphoric as I was about passing the test! Same with the not speaking up. I've gotten SO much better about that, but again, the euphoria had me in a *very* forgiving and giddy frame of mind LOL. I'd say that's also why *I* couldn't shut up once she got me talking.

This particular MT has been practicing for 10 years! It made me think, if this lady can do this sort of work and still have return clients after 10 years, then I'm going to do JUST FINE!

I got my official results in the mail today, BTW. Gotta get a passport photo and a couple of things witnessed by a Notary Public, and then I'll send my application off to the State of North Carolina! Yipeee!

Kemilyna

 

[Moonlightheaven]

Congratulations on passing the exam, Kemilyna! This calls for te Dancin' 'Nana!
: : : : :

 

[jenius]

I don't have much to add about the massage other than:

Congrats on passing your test!!!!!! Now go get yourself a good massage.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hey Kemilyna!!
CONGRATS on passing the NCE!!!! I knew you could do it!!!! Hopefully the wait for a license won't be too long! Sorry about your yucky massage experience!

Congrats again!
Johnny

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks guys!! I did go and get a Reiki session last weekend, 'cause the boils wouldn't allow for anything else. But the Reiki was EXACTLY was I needed!

Johnny, how've you been *hug*? Long time no see.

kemilyna

 

[michael941260]

Been thru a few things in the past week....my Grandma died 9/1 and I am just wiped out. Her funeral was last Thursday and between visiting with family and trying to get some precious rest,I am still not back to optimal functioning level just yet. I went back to work last Friday,9/7,right after the funeral vause they only gave me a total of 6 days to recuperate some. Then to top things off,one of my my great-cousins on my mom's side died on 9/4,and her funeral was last Saturday. I am very low in energy, been very depressed,have not felt too good and have cried almost everyday since Granny died. I cannot seem to deal with the fact shes gone and I wasn't there to say goodbye,as I was at work when she was lying there on life support just for the hospital's liability! This sucks!!! I have not worked on a single client since last Thurs. I am just not coping well right now :shock: Sorry for the rant,had to release this!

Love and Light,
Johnny

 

[flabbrgastdNY24]

I am so sorry to hear that, Johnny. t056

 

[~abby~]

I'm so sorry, Johnny. : Losing someone is so hard. Wish I could give you a real hug, but I'll have to settle for sending you positive thoughts.

Be gentle with yourself! You deserve some time to re-adjust.

kemilyna