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Posted on: November 21, 2014

Happy clients are the truest measure of a successful massage therapist. They follow a therapist like the faces of flowers seek the sun. There are certain habits that distinguish the most favored therapists. In this article, we share the secrets of success.

HABITS THAT HERALD A GREAT PRACTICE

1. Using Good Body Mechanics Standing for prolonged periods and performing repetitive motions are occupational hazards that can lead to injury. The result can be damaged joints, aching muscles, and foot problems. Here are tips for using good body mechanics:

• Work in neutral when standing - rather than bending forward, keep your back straight. Force should come from the arms and legs versus the back. Face the client head-on instead of from the side, to avoid trunk twisting.


• Back up to get low - this helps to avoid a rounded back position. Extend one leg back to widen your stance.


• Sit down occasionally - sitting on a stool gives your feet and back a break and reduces fatigue. Keep your back straight and both feet flat on the floor.

TIP - Here's a test for determining the right table height. Stand very close to the table and place one fist on the tabletop, with your elbow and shoulder straight. Bring your thigh in contact with the table. The top of the table should be no higher than the proximal knee. Spread your feet apart slightly, with one foot behind the other. With your fist slightly touching the tabletop, your body forms a tripod. This is the best body posture. 2. Investing in the Best Equipment massage table - a low height minimizes effort, enabling you to simply lean into a client to exert force. A narrow width allows for an easier stance over a client. If affordable, an electric-lift table is ideal. Using a foot pedal to adjust table height will spare you back strain. TIP - For a wide selection of electric-lift tables at a reasonable cost, go to: http://www.bestmassage.com/electric-massage-tables.html. The Comparison Chart provided can help you choose features. Yelp reviewers give bestmassage.com five stars for affordable prices and great quality. The Better Business Bureau has given the company an "A" rating. massage chair - there are four features to consider in choosing a massage chair:

• foam density - a three-ply density provides the best comfort and durability.


• frame - an aircraft aluminum frame is lightweight, and typically supports up to 300 lbs.


• adjustability - the greater the adjustment capability, the better you can tailor the chair position to a client's height, weight, and build.


• ease of use - too many knobs and levers can complicate set-up and fold-up.

face rest - have an adjustable face rest, and let your client choose the most comfortable angle. arm rest - important in prone for protecting arms from "falling asleep." bolsters - for a client treated supine, a bolster under the knees supports the natural curve of the spine, relieves pressure, and relaxes tight muscles. In prone, a bolster or towel roll under the ankles will prevent leg and foot cramps. 3. Creating a Comfortable Environment Design the treatment area to optimize client comfort and relaxation. Baskets - these are handy for preventing a client's keys, phone, and other important items from being left behind. Music - music will promote a relaxing indoor environment and block external noise, such as traffic and voices. The choice of music is critical to comfort. The right music can decrease anxiety, pain, and blood pressure. Ask your client for their preference. Instrumental music with beautiful melodies, slow tempos, and subtle rhythms create a calming ambiance. Examples of ideal massage music are slow jazz, classical, chamber, and Celtic. Classical guitar, piano, and flute deliver a soothing sound. Skip music with lyrics. It can have a negative impact on a client's mind and emotions. Below are sample CDs you might consider:

• Classical Garden, Classical Bliss, and the Solitudes collection, by Dan Gibson.


• Healing Touch, by Nadama.


• The Lightness of Being, by Anugama.


• Lifescapes Yoga, by Wayne Jones.


• The Winding Path, by Kevin Kern.

Conversation - at the onset of a massage, suggest that a client feel free to close their eyes and relax. Ask for feedback regarding room temperature, music, pressure, and pain, and make adjustments accordingly. Cleanliness - Cleanliness is part of comfort. It also protects against infection. You want to properly clean your massage table and chair, and change sheets between clients. Your Breath - Bad breath makes for a bad massage. Mouth odor can be affected by a prior meal. Brush teeth after eating, and pop a breath mint between sessions. Your Appearance - Maintain a neat, polished appearance. This will promote self-confidence and invite client trust. Consider wearing scrubs. They are comfortable, stylish, and professional. 4. Choosing the Best Patient Position Client positioning is one of the most important considerations. Ambiance, technique, and rapport may be ideal, but if your client leaves in pain from the wrong position, chances are they won't return. When choosing client position, consider their condition. For a pregnant woman, side-lying may be ideal. If she is in the later stage of pregnancy, sitting may be most comfortable. An older adult might be easier to situate in a massage chair. A client with physical limitations could need a lower table height or additional bolstering. Oncology massage requires special care in positioning. Avoid pressure against sites of a known tumor or mass. If a client with a history of lymphedema is prone, be sure to use an arm rest, so the arms don't hang off to the side. Pressure on axillary lymphatic structures can trigger swelling. 5. Managing Time Effectively

• Strive to always be on time. Allow extra time for travel to accommodate unforeseen problems. In your treatment room, keep a clock in a strategic place where you can glance at it periodically.

 

• Factor in time at the first massage session for obtaining a brief medical history. This will assist you in choosing the ideal client position and massage techniques. It will also alert you to contraindications. For a repeat client, ask how they felt after the previous massage. This will aid in making improvements for the current session.

TIP - "Margin" is a concept that will protect you from stress, which can negatively impact your client and massage. Allow a margin of time between sessions to adequately prepare without rushing. 6. Preventing Burnout Burnout is common to medical professionals. In addition to demanding work responsibilities, there are home and family tasks to take care of. Self-care habits are a means to preventing burnout. Following are some suggestions.

• First, recognize the signs of professional burnout:

- change in eating habits - disinterest in work and productivity - depression - ongoing exhaustion - difficulty sleeping

• Get a massage yourself - obtain a massage from a co-worker or another massage therapist in a separate practice. It will refresh your enthusiasm, remind you of the benefits of massage, energize you, and give you ideas for your own practice. Just one or two monthly sessions will protect you from burnout.

 

• Schedule daily down time - book an appointment with yourself to do something you enjoy. An activity that involves creativity, exercise, or socializing will defer daily stress. A hobby is a great habit for preventing burnout.

 

• Schedule a continuing education course - when your mind and body show signs of impending burnout, schedule a continuing ed course. It will restore your passion for the profession.

 

• Be organized.

- schedule regular de-cluttering sessions - delegate responsibility - ask for help - nip problems in the bud - use smartphone apps to keep you on track - a Rolodex can catalog ideas, goals, and reminders - cabinet files keep important information at your fingertips Make a habit of being organized. It will save you from stress and burnout. Conclusion Here's one last habit for maintaining success: smile as often as possible! Every time you look in the mirror, smile. With each person you see, smile. Massage therapy is one of the most rewarding medical professions. Make a habit of smiling, and your success is guaranteed!

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