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Posted on: November 18, 2013

Massage therapy for the therapist is not just about making money - though the money that can be made from this profession can be a very lucrative living indeed, for the therapist it must be more of a love for human beings, their wellness, an understanding of how the body works on all levels and a knowledge of natural and alternative remedies. You will not get much repeat business if you concentrate on the money rather than on the person in front of you.

It is also a fantastic way to make a living, imagine offering that secure, peaceful, relaxing place to those that crave it but can never seem to find it. Imagine being able to give the relief of the tension and stress to those that really need it, have always lived with it and don't know what it is like to live with out it - imagine being able to show them the way, help to make them feel really good and be a major part of the changing of their lives for the better. Imagine doing all that good and being paid for it...

With so many different types of massage therapy to choose from it would be a good idea, if you're thinking of going into this profession, not to limit yourself to just one type and area of massage. Offer as many different types or areas of massage as you feel you can to your client base and bring the best to them. In this way you can hone your skills to meet your client's needs and recommend different treatments that may be beneficial to them without your customers leaving your client base.

Also it is a good idea to be insured as this gives clients more confidence in you, your business, shows that you are professional and taking your role as a massage therapist seriously. Most if not all insurance companies like you, the therapist, to continue in your studies whilst you are actively working, so your learning is continuous. You will need to provide proof that you've attended extra courses or gained new information to help your business grow and maintain that you are up to date with new therapies or treatments to offer your clients.

Dress code and appearance is very important to a massage therapists business - as first impressions last and I can't imagine anyone wanting a massage from a therapist who has a cigarette hanging from the corner of the mouth, looking unwashed, with crusty food down the front of his/her top! No - the dress code we are taught is college is very different:

• Hair should be clean and neat, if long (shoulder length or longer) should be tied back.

• Clean and ironed uniform should be worn (usually white top and long black trousers).

• Enclosed flat shoes, in a dark color (though shoes and uniform may differ depending on where you work and what their dress code is).

• Hands and nails should be clean and free from nail varnish (as some people are allergic to nail varnish - it also hides dirty nails).

• Finger nails should be short - so there isn't a chance of injury to your client.

• Make up should be kept to a minimum.

• Be aware of personal hygiene, garlic or cigarette breath is not nice for anyone, cigarettes along with some other things make your hands smell and isn't pleasant for your client being massaged.

The consultation should be offered with every appointment (even to a recurring customer), is as important as the massage itself. This is the time when you build trust with your client and the relationship between you and your client grows, it is important that your client trusts you and he/she will not do this unless you spend time talking to one another.

Make sure that you take enough time for this before and after the massage treatment, ask the client how they are feeling, which area they feel they would like to have more attention. Check past information they have given you on other appointments to make sure that nothing has changed or needs to be added. Find out how the client felt after the last massage and the time in between. Make the client aware that all information given to you is confidential and make sure that you keep it that way.

Let your client know and feel that they are important, make sure they feel it - it will help to keep them coming back, they will also recommend you to their friends and family which will help to grow your business. When you get new customers ask how they heard about you - it is always interesting to know where your business is coming from, thank relevant clients for recommending your services - you don't have to say names as it's very probable that your client will know who he/she has recommended to you and when their appointment was! (On this point - never be drawn into a conversation with a client concerning another client this is a breach of confidence, and should be avoided, try to steer any conversations away from the subject).

Give your client every opportunity you can and actively encourage them to impart information about themselves, their health and lifestyle. The most important information tends to be given in conversation rather than in a questions and answers scenario (however this does not mean don't ask questions, just let your client talk).

Your client will enjoy feeling like that they are the center of the universe for an hour or so, in today's busy life style it could be the only time your client feels this way, so when booking appointments keep this in mind and give yourself enough time.

Make sure that you answer all your client's questions as fully as you can and leave no hesitancy in your clients minds to your knowledge and/or expertise - if you don't know the answer to the question let your client know that it is a very interesting question and that you will look into the answer for when the client returns on her next appointment - and make sure that you do it as the client will want to know what you've found out and more importantly that you've taken time for her.

Enjoy the massage, keep your mind as clear as possible, concentrate on your client's well being and send good caring thoughts her way.

 

 

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