"I like it when..." (what TO do in MY massage)

[vogonsrock]

OK, we all know that there are a whole host of things that many well-meaning (and perhaps some not-so-great) MTs are doing wrong. These things are DEFINITELY good to know (in fact, I was about to start a similar thread myself and almost laughed out loud when I saw this one! Talk about cosmic connections lol. ) And that discussion may have left some of us wondering if there's anything we CAN do lol. With all the anxiety slowly diffusing, I thought it might be healthy to focus on what we can do RIGHT .

So I'll start off and see where this goes....
(Note: these aren't REQUIREMENTS of any kind, and I'm not particularly demanding! They're just neat little ideas/suggestions from my own opinion/point of view.)

When in doubt, communicate! Ask what pressure I'm in the mood for today. Sometimes clients' preferences and needs change from day to day, even if they come quite frequently. Ask if I'd like stretching that day or not, or whatever. You get the idea.

When going deep, if you're trained in hot stones, go ahead and use them! My muscles release JUST LIKE THAT with a little mobile heat and you can get the deep tissue results with no discomfort during the session and no stiffness in the following few days.

A nice touch is to call or send me an email to follow up on how I'm doing. I just had a healthcare professional do this with me, and it was surprising how nice such a small gesture was, and how warm and valued it made me feel inside. The person came off as very caring, and it made a lasting impression.

If you know some neat self-care exercises, or even a good herb to take or food to eat to help a particular condition, please tell me! Yes, I know we can't diagnose, but I do frequently regurgitate recent literature I've read regarding new studies on natural therapies and encourage clients to ask their doctor about it or research things themselves, as we have successfully done. Show me little stretches or little exercises I can do to minimize my pain--or speed my healing/progress--between sessions.

Keep me breathing. Many times I forget to breathe deeply and regularly. A little coaching thruout the session is particularly helpful. When an MT does it with me, it's reinforcing and promotes a connection between the MT & myself, like having a spotter in a weightroom.

Do my feet....(yes, I promise to come in with clean feet) mmmm....need I say more? Scalp is good, too, especially BEFORE you get oil on your hands

If I release emotionally, be present with me and nurture it. It happens a lot. It doesn't mean anything in particular; many times there's absolutely no emotion there. Just be there.

At the very beginning, do a little work about the blanket first. I don't know why. It's just a security/grounding thing.

Little hint: nostalgic cartoon sheets are always a winner!

A nice detailed intake form is actually a GREAT thing. I'd like to know as much as I can about my clients, who they are as people, so that I can better help them. It only makes sense. I love it when someone cares enough to want the same for me.

I like it when an MT combines things like Swedish, deep tissue, neuro-muscular, acupressure, etc into one integrative massage and then charges one price. I don't mind paying more. It's nice not to have to worry about getting nickled-and-dimed for upgrades or worrying about how much extra that little extra pressure is going to cost, especially if I only need it in 1-2 areas.

A room with candlelight and nightlights only and a balanced soundsystem is heaven! (Perhaps that's why I set up my own studio that way lol.)

You don't have to skimp on the oil; I'm not going to scream My skin tends toward the dry side.

I guess that's enough for now lol...like I said, just ideas I'm curious as to what y'all have to say. (This is different from the pinned tips for MTs subject, too...it's not so business/marketing/grow-your-practice related...like I said, it's just an "I like it when...." thread )
Hugs,
~Jyoti[/b]

 

[idodgesubs]

definately a good thread!

my main like is to pay attention to what i request. it's simple: no feet, and please let me drift off into my own world. i don't get massage to socialize.

also, i LOVE it when the LMT uses very SLOW and steady pressure. nothing is better than slow, steady pressure, some stones, and silence. my favorite is a session with no music, but it's nice when the music covers up sniffles or loud shoes or pants!

amanda

 

[Wott Wott]

along with jyoti, i really like it when a therapist starts over the blankets. it really prepares the client for your touch. it's very soothing and a really comfortable way to begin the massage. the other thing i'd say to do is make sure you time the session correctly so that almost, if not all areas are cared for. also, make sure i'm warm enough. (hint: if i'm shivering you should notice and that means that nope, i'm not warm enough)

 

[Rusty]

I like it when I am warm! Actually, I love it when I am warm, lol. If the MT is good at draping so that I never have to wonder just HOW much was just seen or is *that* exposed??, it's wonderful. If I am warm and covered, I feel safe and can really relax. I don't want to think about any of it, just relax.

I am a superficial to deep person. Please warm my tissues before attacking that trigger point with all your weight on one thumb! But once you have an area warmed up, go for it! (the firm but gentle variety, please.)

My neck & upper traps need a lot of work. I LOVE a good 5 minutes concentrated on my neck!!

I don't really care what order you do the massage in, or which techniques you prefer to use. I'm zoning and just enjoying part of the time, and if I can't zone, I am "listening" - feeling, taking note and learning a lot. Do whatever you do that you think I need, and I will love it. Remember firm & gentle, and I am going to feel good getting up!

 

[KeithOtron]

I'm with Sharon about the warmth! I'm so spoiled with my table warmer that I feel like it's just not "right" if it's not warm when I first lay on it. I guess that's why I like flannel sheets, too...I want to feel cozy.

I love forearm work! (I wish I could visit the UK and get a "hands free" massage from Mat/fozzyo) I am trying to do more on my clients because I love it myself.

I like music that is soft and, well, I guess "new agey," especially if it does not have any sudden, jolting sounds. (Like birds chirping or squawking! :x )

I like soft, minimal lighting, and aromatherapy with real essential oils. Mmmm! It's been too long since I had a massage! t022