Tips For A Future Massage Therapist

[Jean]

So...at my school we've just begun learning to work on the public rather than our other classmates and yeaterday I had my first client. I was extremely nervous and excited. The client in the end was pleased but noted that i asked about her pressure and comfort too much. So does anyone (even students) have any advice they'd link to share regarding fully pleasing the client?

 

[J J]

any advice they'd **like** to share

 

[Gymnasticsferlife.]

Acknowledge the learning opportunities for what they are. It will take time and many mistakes- that is part of what school is for. Heck, I called a client by the wrong name the other day- fortunately I caught myself right away.

Depending on the work, I usually ask the client at the very beginning about comfort- before any "work" begins, then a few minutes into the session regarding pressure. Then maybe once more at a good point into the session. That is generally it unless they alter positioning (supine to prone or some such). If I am working a particularly tender area, or doing some more intensive work, I will check in with them, too.

But all that takes time and learning and making mistakes and learning more about the style of work you do.

 

[LoScMa]

While you are a student, and even in the first 100 or so sessions as a licensed massage therapist, you will probably be asking about pressure and comfort more than you will later. And that is GOOD. You need to ask those questions and get feedback. That's how you learn, that's how you develop your touch.

After hearing your clients' responses many many times, you will begin to know the answers without asking.

When you give your clients intake now, you may even want to say "Since I am a student, I will be checking in with you regularly about pressure, etc....so I can figure out what works." They're coming for a student massage, so this would be normal.

The other thing you can do is truly listen to their tissue. Listen with your hands. Their tissue will almost always tell you when it's too much if you know how to listen. If you pair listening with your hands with a few well placed "how's the pressure?"s soon your hands will know, without your voice needing to ask.

Trust in the process!

 

[Bawls]

I am also a student and in the beginning I asked about pressure alot too. Now I ask before the work starts if they have a pressure preference (light, medium, deep). I also tell them if at any time if they feel the pressure is too light or too deep before I check in, just let me know. If I feel the person tense up under my hands, feel the muscle bounce back on me, or if the person's body language changes, I check in. Just what I've experienced so far on the student level.

 

[Sammy Girl]

One important lesson I had to learn the hard way dealt with Transference; Don't assume that you know how pleased the client is or isn't. Sometimes when you try to "read" people, you see your own feelings and not theirs.

Instead, when trying to please the client, do the best job you know how to do and trust yourself. When in doubt, as for feedback. Sometimes they will validate your assumptions, and sometimes it'll be the complete opposite. (There have been a few times where I thought I was giving a client a terrible massage, only to have them leave saying it was their best massage ever!)

I know this is from Ethics Class 101, but some of the most basic lessons are the most important!

 

[Pringle #02]

Periodically checking in with your client is vitally important, especially if you've never worked with that client or there is a medical reason (age, etc.). Granted, once you're out in the real world (even though each and every massage - even when in school).

One of things I was taught in school (and still use) is to ask "Anything going on here?" when you feel the tissue 'is not like the others'. If something is going on, work the area a little bit more. If the area is fine and dandy, move on to your next area.

Like KS said, you'll never be able to fully read everyone on your table. Don't even try. You'll only psyche yourself out. Just be confident in your work and you'll be great!

 

[Bret H]

You can't please everyone, and you won't fully please more than a fraction of those you treat. No matter how skilled you are, there will always be clients who won't be happy with your work, for whatever reason.

Once you can accept this, you will find it easier to concentrate on simply doing your best according to your current level of ability. As your skills develop, you will continue to mature as a therapist and find the confidence you wish to have.

 

[hello goodbye]

...and you won't fully please more than a fraction of those you treat.

What I have found is that as a general rule the majority, not minority and not "a fraction" my clients are fully pleased, say so and come back.

Please don't be discouraged by JasonE's comment - I don't see it as the norm in my private practice.


Advice for a new student: Work slow, use complete strokes and use a good pressure (don't be a wuss). As you grow and learn you can take different approaches, but these will provide for much of what your client in student clinic is looking for.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hrm...I don't see Jason's comment as discouraging, but rather spot on.

Some people you will put everything you've got into...and it just isn't enough. But for every one of them that you have contact with, you'll have one that beams over something that you barely worked at. It balances out.

Hand care is vital...especially if you're passionate about this work and want to continue for a long while. Losing your hands is losing the ability to do what you love.