Hard pressure vs. Medium pressure

[stephenn1998]

Generally my clients are happy with the pressure used in swedish massage, however I've only had 2 clients who stated afterwards that they would have preferred harder pressure even though during treatment I've asked if the pressure is ok. Just recently, last week I had a new client who stated that she prefers the lymphatic massage where she comes out black and blue. It made me feel slightly inadequate as the pressure I used was firm. Having experienced massages in salons, I've never had deep massage but feel that my massage is much firmer than them.

I don't feel that I could go any firmer, unless this comes with experience. This lady stated that she wanted a relaxing massage, and did not have any skeletal/muscular problems. However I did sense that she would require more pressure.

Am not trained in Advanced massage techniques or deep lymphatic massage and hope to be one day. I feel that the body benefits just as much from light and medium pressure.

When she was filling out my feedback form and informed me of the pressure I was not sure how to reply - any suggestions.

Many thanks for reading.

 

[Canbehamus]

There is no hard rule on this one, it largely depends on what you find under your hands when you are working as to how deep you go, you can't please everyone but you can adjust the treatment up to a point to cater for individuals pain threshold etc.

 

[doktor smudge]

What sort of lymphatic massage did this woman have???? It sounds dangerous - the last thing one should do is cause any form of bruising or pain. I have a huge issue with deep lymphatic work, and have, in the past, had to 'undo' the damage done by this therapy. I use Vodder MLD.
Go with what you know and what you enjoy doing - there is nothing to be gained from inflicting pain.

 

[vimaxlongtl]

I agree with paul.



This will definately come with experience. Indeed you cant please everyone. It sounds like you tried your best for her, so dont feel you are inadequate.

I have found since I first started out as a massage therapist, that practice and experience is the key, my techniques and pressure has improved ever such alot since. I do recommend taking the advanced massage and perhaps a deep tissue course as well.

If you want to add more pressure, try lowering the couch, then lean in with your hands using your whole body weight.

Good luck!

 

[Varcan]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Jabba - I new instantly that this lady was a bit odd and thought that what she was saying was a bit over the top -she was from an European country and this is where she encountered the deep massage. Has not yet found anyone to do something similar. I understand that lymphatic drainage uses light movements but don't know much about deep tissue but refuse to do deep tissue work without the qualification.

Paul I use my intuition for each client anyway and Jill thanks for the tip on lowering the massage couch. At the moment I have a bad back which is not good when treating others, but will get there.

 

[JetBlackNinja]

Hi Heaven~spirit.

For me the key is communication while the client is on the table. Especially if someone is specific about what they want. I always start light to warm the muscles (as I am sure every one does) and then go gradually deeper always asking for feedback:

how is this pressure for you? is it deep enough? do you feel you would like deeper today?

Also, each side can be different so check for different pressure requirements on each side.

Jd's advice about loweinrg the table is a good one (this will also vary from client to client). Or maybe you already too low hense your back pain.

You need to watch your posture very carefully and as jd says, lean with your body...dont push with your arms/hands. I also stronly reccomend you watch how you are using your body/hands/fingers to prevent injury. The best tool for deep work is your forarm and elbow...this take alot of practice (on friends and family first with lots of feedback) before you get to use it on clients. The combination of body use and forearm is very strong and will save your hands.

I can reccomend Darrien Pritchards hands free couses
http://www.dynamicmassage.co.uk/events/events.asp and if you can get to those...get his book
http://www.acumedic.com/books/dynamic-bodyuse-for-effective-strainfree-massage/BK4119.html

To reitterate though: communication DURING the session is key. There is no point the client just lying there and you guessing. Practice keeping the communication to a mininum though so they can still enjoy the rub.

good luck and good practice.

 

[Misfit_101]

Aloha!

I do agree with all the wonderful advice given above.
Practice, intuition and communication with the client are very important indicators while massaging.

I have a friend who is a massage therapist, a big tall and a very strong guy. He once told me the story of how he has started up his massage therapy by following the theory that was in fashion at that time, that the strongest massage is the best. It was around 15 years ago. He was proud of himself when patients cried and when the emotional release during the treatment was strong.

Nowadays his massages are so light and gentle that some people at the beginning do complain that they are being stroked and tickled not massaged.

Nevertheless...all the patients shut their mouths up after 20 mins and their minds are blown away and bodies swing and release tensions and stiffness...

Heaven Spirit...yes..thats the level everyone reaches during those treatments...

So... i would vote for intuitive light massage with feeling the Being on the table, rather than pressing and pushing the flesh...

I perform and teach Temple Hawaiian Massage.

Much love

Bea

 

[Whip Your Cream x)]

Hi Lollo
I did ask about the pressure and she said yes and at one point she changed positions and I asked if she was ok but thanks for the advice about either side, which is something I'd not thought about.

I suppose having done this on a professional level for a year I am still learning and also from mistakes too.

Also what ever pressure you're getting you're still going to experience the wonderful healing benefits. I'd rather have this than feel achey the next day. Getsy = very interesting, sounds absolutely lovely and relaxing. If a client asks for a relaxing massage which she did, I wouldn't expect to be bashing her about, or maybe I'm making assumptions.

I suppose we are all different and this has been a lesson for me.

 

[xaquagrlx]

i get the feeling you gave a brilliant massage and you are worrying too much about trying to please too many people.............. everyone will have their favourite massage therapist just as they have their favourite colour............

i have not been a therapist for long but i have been asked on a few occasions if i could do a deeper massage .......... what i do tell them is i could use powder instead of oil but i cannot do any deep massage as i'm not trained to do so but i will in the future do a deep massage course..... i have had someone who as previously had sports massage and just to make things clear i do like to point out the differences...... swedish massage is a more relaxing form of massage than some they may have experienced............. i'd rather they enjoyed the massage i can do rather than risk causing injury by using techniques i'm uncertain of.........

 

[Nikki H]

oneflower

I totally agree with this point, I'm possibly feeling a bit sensitive at the moment. I cannot believe just one client has got me a bit upset and am thinking too much into it. I think to be honest, I started questioning my technique.

Swedish massage in effect works on the surface muscles which causes relaxation and in college we only learned these muscles and went slightly in depth into the deeper ones - qualified in 2006.

 

[XeeIlb]

Don't beat yourself up over this one customer. I had a customer once who asked me for a sports massage. I told him beforehand that I could do a deep-tissue massage - NOT a sports massage. He agreed and said he was happy for me to massage him. Anyway, all the way through the massage he complained about my techniques and how it wasn't "hurting" him in any way. Constantly making jokes about how weak women were and was a general macho pig. I left feeling really upset and started to question my abilities as a therapist. Customers (and people in general) who are like this knock your confidence and I'm sure some of them get off on making people feel inadequate.

You sound like an excellent therapist so don't let this one person get to you. Don't doubt yourself and your abilities......keep your head high! Take care.

Kerrie-Joanna

 

[Erik L]

Thanks kerriejoanna makes me feel much better. I've never doubted myself however at some point it was bound to happen. Some clients (maybe 1%) just think they know better. I doubt this lady will return, if she does at least I have some back up this time.

Thanks everyone who has commented so far.