This is a topic of great interest to many massage therapist’s.  Maintaining good body mechanics for the duration of any modality performed on a client guarantees less fatigue on the part of the therapist. The spine should maintain a straight line never curved, this supports the spine and protects the back from injury.

Proper breathing is a must.  The breathing pattern of the therapist sets the pattern for the client as well.  Proper breathing during any modality offers the client and the therapist an opportunity to balance their energy’s and release tension.  The practice of proper breathing will give you as the therapist a tool that is available to you at any moment giving you the balance and vitality you need.  Setting the tone of the room helps insure that both the therapist and client will have a successful and therapeutic massage.

When setting the tone of your room, choose earth tones or subdued pastels.  Calming music or sounds of nature playing softly in the back ground.  Special incense ( if client is not sensitive).  Table at correct height with sheets and possibly a blanket for clients comfort already secured on the table.  Oils chosen for specific body work with appropriate essential oil blend at clients request.  If hot stone therapy has been chosen then stones should be ready when client is in position on the table.  These are very basic reminders that we all use to guarantee the best possible outcome for the client.

Each extra step a therapist takes to insure the best possible massage is always appreciated by the client.  When the client feels as though they have been given special treatment they become a regular client.  Regular clients love to tell their friends about any new find they have discovered.  Building a reputation as a therapist who will go the extra mile for their client can make any therapist a success.

But to be a success also requires the therapist to give the same level of attention to themselves.

Self-care for the therapist more often than not becomes a low priority.  Ideally the therapist should have set goals for themselves just as they do for their clients.  These goals should include a healthy nutrition plan, regular fitness routine and massage for themselves.

Choosing the modalities that works best for us as Massage Therapist is essential.  If you are a very active practitioner, weekly massage will be best,  with all of the same benefits that apply to your clients.

Other ways to improve and maintain our own health and vitality would be attending a meditation class, joining a Yoga group,experiencing energy sessions or acupuncture.

Joining group activities with other practitioners is also a great way to network with others who have the same self-care goals as you.

We can extend our career, stay healthy, avoid chronic injury and offer our clients the best our field has to offer if we take the time to take care of ourselves.

” Choose each day to be blissful and complete, a whole person well cared for by you”

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