Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

[daa]

Hi. I recently started working at a new spa. The other therapist insists the "only way" to "maintain flow" is if I follow her lead for Couples Massage. When she is finished with the back, I must finish. When she does right arm, I must do right arm. Etc. She refuses to consider the possibility that my client may have a better experience if he/she has a massage that is specific to his/her needs. And she isn't interested in waiting for me if my client needs more time on an area. When I suggested developing a standard "Couples Massage Sequence" that we both follow, she said I should just follow her.

I have worked with other therapists at another spa, and we have always done side-by-side with the same start/stop times but with different sequences in between.

Could we do a quick vote here? Which do you offer? Side-by-side massage personalized for each client or identical, synchronized Couples Massage. Why?

Thanks'
Meg

 

[jasmin2236]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Hi Megin, sounds like some ego trippin' going on there. I've also done many couples massages and will add that the only people who are affected by that "flow" nonsense are the working therapists. The clients really don't have any idea if you're working the same areas or not, they may notice if their partner turns over before or after them, but that's it. Unfortunately, since you work with those therapists, you will have to figure out how to get along and that may be by going along with the madness.

 

[BiPolarBear]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Hee hee, while my hubby and I will do couples' massages, there is absolutely no way that we could be expected to "follow" one another. Our work and flow are so very different from one another's, it would be disastrous for us to even try!

 

[LaTeRaLuS]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Hee hee, while my hubby and I will do couples' massages, there is absolutely no way that we could be expected to "follow" one another. Our work and flow are so very different from one another's, it would be disastrous for us to even try!

I think EVERY therapist's flow is different from another. If you're feeling like you're doing an unnatural, forced massage, your clients are going to feel like that, too. They're two different people with two different bodies. I'd be frustrated if I got a couple's massage with my husband and my therapist ended up barely touching my constantly tight hips because his therapist wanted to spend extra time on his constantly tight calves.

That whole idea is just silly.

 

[Alelvehes]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

OK, that's crazy to do the exact same massage on both clients. First and foremost, the massage is for the client and not the therapist. So, what happens when Mark needs more work on his back and less on his legs, while Nancy wants more time on her feet? (note: I am using Mark and Nancy for the generic couple but not trying to cause a war by the use of only male and female clients)

I have always worked the couples massage by asking the client what they want and then formulating my game-plan accordingly. The therapists I have worked with have done the same.

We keep watch of each other and may or may not flip the client at the same time. However, we always end at the same time. That seems to be the only crucial thing that is done simultaneously.

I have only done couples massage for the Four Seasons Hotels. They have a couples room on site and sometimes need a second therapist if their on-site therapists aren't able to complete a double (couples massage). I am occasionaly asked to come in as the 'second' therapist.

Hope that helps.

 

[kothandam]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

I talked to the spa owner today. The other therapist convinced her that the "Couple Experience" is enhanced by synchronized, identical massages. I guess I'll have to bite my tongue and play follow the leader. :lipsaresealed:

 

[Your Next Ex Wife]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

I talked to the spa owner today. The other therapist convinced her that the "Couple Experience" is enhanced by synchronized, identical massages. I guess I'll have to bite my tongue and play follow the leader. :lipsaresealed:

Actually, that therapist and owner are probably confused...
Synchronization is imperative ONLY in Four-Handed Massage...two therapists on ONE person. In that instance you need to be aware of flow and tempo.

However for couples massage I will just repeat what has already been said - the only thing that should be done at the same time is FINISHING!

 

[Ade494]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

I talked to the spa owner today. The other therapist convinced her that the "Couple Experience" is enhanced by synchronized, identical massages. I guess I'll have to bite my tongue and play follow the leader. :lipsaresealed:

I'd print this thread and provide it to the "boss". There is a print option button up in the right hand portion of this thread, above the "Logout" button and below the "Advanced Search" option. There is also a button to e-mail the thread in the same area, as well.

 

[Cici <33]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Just wanted to give you all a quick update. I played "dumb" and said I couldn't remember the synchronized routine, so could we please write it out, step-by-step. Well, the other therapist who wrote it out had trouble following her own routine without going over the time limit. The Boss was more concerned about ending on time than she was about synchronicity. Thankfully, the issue is now dead.

Thanks,
Meg

 

[Louise H]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Woohoo! Glad that issue is resolved favorably.

 

[jeanling78]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

LOL! That's so funny! :

The passive-aggressive approach does sometimes seem to work well with some people.
Not that I'm saying YOU are p-a....

I have certainly given people that wide-eyed innocent look myself on occasion.
Whatever works in resolving issues without undue confrontation is often quite acceptable.

 

[prettycoolchick38]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Could we do a quick vote here? Which do you offer? Side-by-side massage personalized for each client or identical, synchronized Couples Massage. Why?

Thanks'
Meg

As massage enthusiasts, my wife and I attend about two couples' massages per month, on average. I can say that it is extremely rare that our experiences match up during the post-massage discussion. That is, each massage therapist just does their thing for their client. Effectively, it is two individual massages occurring at the same time and in the same room.

 

[From Cow-leaf-or-ny]

Side-by-side or identical Couples Massage

Synchronized massage might look nice, IF THERE IS SOMEONE ELSE IN THE ROOM WATCHING! But their won't be. And the individuals are too enthralled with the massage they are receiving to pay any attention to what is happening on the other table. The only thing you need to be synchronized on is what side of the table you are working on, in the case that there isn't much space between the tables, you don't want to be bumping into one another.

Good job on the dumb routine.