Effective communication helps us to understand our client’s needs.

The goal of any massage professional is to make their clients feel well cared for and even more importantly, that your services take into account their health and wellness in delivering this care. While the needs are clear, and your desire as a massage therapist may be to provide this care, we are sometimes ineffective at communicating this to our clients. As such, a massage is sometimes just a massage, rather than a therapeutic approach to whole-body wellness that includes both the physical and the mental relaxation benefits of massage.

And that’s why we got into this business in the first place, to provide extraordinary care to each of our clients.

Today, we’re going to talk about how we can use effective communication to better establish this intent, and to understand the needs and desires of each of our clients.

Focus on the Intake and Exit Interviews

Communication begins before the client ever receives a massage. During the intake interview you should do more listening than speaking, and take special care to ensure you fully understand the purpose of the visit as well as any problem areas that you should work on or avoid.

Upon completion of the massage, spend this time speaking casually to your client before they leave. Ask about what they enjoyed, what they’d like to try next time (if anything), and if there was anything that was uncomfortable or that they’d prefer to avoid during the next session. Use their feedback to craft a more personal massage experience for them, and continually try to improve upon their previous session.

Mind Your Body Language

It’s often the things we aren’t saying that are telling the entire story. Crossing your arms creates a barrier to listening. Eyes that are dancing around the room rather than making comfortable eye contact with the client give the impression that the client is boring you, or that you have something else on your mind.

Avoid anything that can be perceived as a barrier to good communication. Sit or stand comfortably, and in a relaxed but not slouched posture. Maintain comfortable (not overpowering) eye contact, and even mirror the movements of your customer from time to time, such as a head nod or a smile.

Remain Receptive to Non-Verbal Cues

Some clients are quite anxious and even stressed about the idea of their first massage, or switching to a new therapist. By watching and listening intently, you can often pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues that might not necessarily match the words that they are saying. These cues give you the option to suggest additional services, or to understand points of discomfort both physically and mentally.

Avoid Interruption

Avoiding interruption from others, as well as you interrupting the client is crucial to making a client feel as if you have their full attention. Even if you’re sure of what they’re about to say, let them finish. If the information is wrong, you can correct them upon completion of what they’re saying. Interrupting a client makes it seem as if you are hurrying them, and they may not feel they’re getting the care they deserve.

Repeat What You’ve Heard

This is crucial. After listening to the client when they describe what they’re looking for, be sure to summarize and repeat it back to them. This gives them a chance to further elaborate, or ensure that you correctly understand what they’re looking for. It’s also a great chance for you to mention additional services that may suit their needs.

Respond Appropriately, Respectfully, and Professionally

No matter how rude or disrespectful, you must remain professional around your clients at all times. Whether they are talking down about another therapist, their family members, or their boss, you are not there to take sides, but instead to provide a service and remain professional at all times. It’s your job to listen, but you should never take part in unprofessional conversations, and instead you can focus their energy on the massage while these concerns melt away.

As a massage therapist, it’s our job to understand our client’s needs, wants and desire and learn how we can use this knowledge to provide better service. Keep this in mind when communicating with new and existing clients to provide the best care.

The post 6 Tips to Communicate More Effectively With Your Massage Clients appeared first on Massage Table Outlet Blog.

Prenatal massage has numerous benefits for both baby and mother.

Using massage as a supplement to your existing prenatal care has numerous benefits both to baby, and mother. Overall, it’s a great way to reduce stress and to promote overall wellness by relieving many of the discomforts experienced during the typical pregnancy, such as: neck and back pain, leg cramps, headaches, and edema (swelling).

The benefits of prenatal massage are numerous, and we’re going to talk about a few of them today. Here are 5 benefits that should have every mom-to-be considering prenatal massage.

Improves Circulatory Function

Massage helps to increase blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both baby and mother. In addition, the increased circulatory function stimulates the lymph system, which increases immune response and helps to remove toxins from the body while also helping to regulate blood pressure and easing the amount of stress on the heart.

Benefits Mental Health

Prenatal massage helps to relax the nervous system by releasing the body’s own natural “feel good” chemicals, known as endorphins. As a result, the mother feels calm and relaxed which helps to neutralize the effect of hormonal change during pregnancy.

Mothers that underwent massage during pregnancy report decreased instances of anxiety or depression associated with hormonal change during pregnancy. The emotional support and nurturing touch of a masseuse helps to set the mind at ease, and the increased circulation and release of endorphins is beneficial to reducing the effects of hormonal change.

This release of endorphins has also been proven to be beneficial to overall sleep quality by reducing anxiety levels in expectant mothers.

Eases Pain Naturally and Drug-free

Pregnancy typically involves swelling of the joints, as well as moderate to severe pain in these areas as well as the back and neck. Massage helps to increase the flow of oxygen to these trouble areas as well as alleviating some of the stress on the joints caused by pregnancy. This is especially beneficial as the mother-to-be is often very limited in their choices of pain-relieving medications and over-the-counter options.

Enhances Skin Pliability

For many mothers, the ability of their skin to “bounce back” after pregnancy is a legitimate concern. Massage helps to maintain elasticity and pliability of skin, which could help to reduce the appearance (or existence) of stretch marks, and saggy or excess skin. During the massage, your skin benefits from additional oxygen due to improved circulatory function that promotes overall skin and soft tissue health and ultimately leads to tighter, firmer skin.

Improves Posture

Many mothers – even those with impeccable posture – begin to see their posture decline as the baby’s increased weight begins to offset their natural alignment. This postural decline often leads to stiff or sore neck and back-related symptoms that can be minimized with massage. Massage has been shown to increase muscle tone and flexibility, which gives mothers the ability to carry this extra weight, all while relieving pain cased by poor posture due to pregnancy.

Massage improves both mental and physical health while creating a sense of calm and improving overall sense of well-being. This form of therapy makes a great addition to your prenatal care regimen, and the benefits to both mother and child make it a great reason to get out and pamper yourself during your pregnancy.

The post 5 Benefits of Prenatal Massage Every Soon to Be Mom Needs to Know
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Image courtesy of Pure Zen Therapy

I had a massage in the middle of the workday yesterday. Hortensia, our in-office massage therapist, provided me a 15-minute respite from the chaos that is, occasionally, my life. Of course, I could have been sitting at my desk, slamming through my ever-growing to-do list. But, the truth is that I was getting sluggish. A headache had begun its dull throb against my temples and my eyes, after six hours focused on the computer screen, were going glassy. I needed a break. Thanks to our corporate massage program, I got one. And I’ll tell you what, I came back to my desk reenergized and ready to crank out the rest of my work. So, thank you, Hortensia. You’re the best.

What Massage Actually Does

If you aren’t a regular massage client, let me take a moment to tout the benefits of massage generally. If you are getting massage already, I suspect none of this will be new to you. But, just for fun, read on.

Studies have repeatedly shown that massage, amongst other forms of touch therapy, lowers stress. More specifically, one recent Cedars-Sinai study showed that moderate-pressure Swedish massage decreases stress hormones and increases white blood cells. What does that mean exactly? It means that massage boosts the immune system. Other studies have found that massage lowers blood pressure and increases serotonin. Serotonin, incidentally, acts as a natural antidepressant. Not bad, eh?

The list goes on. Google “benefits of massage” and you’ll find yourself inundated with articles, studies, and blogs, many based purely on science—not the junk kind, but the university kind.

Image courtesy of eHow

Why Employers Should Care

Wondering what this has to do with work? A lot, actually. Work is a pretty major factor in our daily stress levels. Even for those of us who love our jobs, work can – and usually does – involve deadlines, pressure to perform, and frustrating learning curves. And let’s not forget that work environments, by their very nature, require that people work together who might not normally associate with one another. Can you say personality clash? I can. We all know how disastrous those can be.

How, though, do we combat stress? Isn’t it a natural part of life and, thusly, of work environments? Sure. But stress can be alleviated, at least in part. This, friends, is where massage comes in. As you now know, massage helps decrease stress levels and acts as an immune booster. What you might not know is how stress-free, healthy employees benefit their organizations. No worries, I’m going to tell you.

According to research, improved employee health can:

• Increase productivity
• Lessen absenteeism
• Decrease health insurance claims
• Improve workplace morale

It’s hard to imagine any organization that wouldn’t want to do any one of the aforementioned, let alone all four of them. By offering employees ways to decrease their stress levels, employers benefit both their employees individually and their organizations as a whole.

You don’t have to be a mathematician, accountant, or even particularly business savvy to know the potential savings opportunities in decreased absenteeism, for example. Maybe, however, you’re just a mean business owner for whom workplace morale isn’t particularly important. Of course, I hope you aren’t really mean, but for argument’s sake, let’s pretend employee morale isn’t high on your priority list. Well, I’d encourage you to reconsider the importance of morale. Ask any human resources manager how much employee turnover costs and you’ll get an earful. It costs money to hire and train new employees. It costs a lot of money, in fact. Happy employees are worth their weight in gold. Happy and skilled employees are priceless.

Image courtesy of American Massage Therapy Association

Massage and Wellness Programs

Like the idea of bringing massage to the workplace, but not sure how to implement it? Fear not, there are a slew of resources at your disposal. Across the nation, companies (big and small) have implemented massage and wellness programs. Use them as examples. See what they are doing right (and wrong), and pitch a few ideas.

Contrary to popular belief, these programs don’t necessarily require huge upfront costs on the part of businesses. In a recent article on employee perks at Google, for example, Jonathan Strickland explains that Google employees have access to a subsidized (yes, subsidized) massage program. “For a small fee, [employees] can receive a massage from a licensed therapist in a private room.” Even if they have to pay for the massage on their own, as I do in my workplace, its accessibility to employees is monumentally important. By making it convenient, Google and other companies are facilitating wellness-oriented opportunities for their employees. They are making massage attainable.

We all have outside lives and responsibilities. I’m a working mother of two, a wife, and a student. As much as I try to make time for myself, it’s just not always feasible. My life is a perpetual game of catch-up, of play-dates, laundry I left in the dryer, and groceries I need to pick up on my way home from the office. By bringing massage to me, even if I have to pay for it, my company has offered me a gift. They have helped fit wellness into my life. These days, I have a 15-minute massage on my breaks at work two or three times a week. I come back to my desk refreshed, reenergized, and healthier. We are, I assure you, all the better for that.

Massage Room at Google: Courtesy of Brio Daily

The Long and Short

Have I convinced you? I hope so. If I haven’t, take a few minutes to do a little research on your own. And, by research, I recommend you treat yourself to a massage. If you’re lucky, you can expense it as R&D.

Sources:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/googleplex3.htm
http://www.oprah.com/health/The-Health-Benefits-of-Massage
http://www.workplace-wellness-massage.com/stress-in-the-workplace.html
http://briodaily.com.au/2012/05/google-incentives-and-looking-after-your-staff/relaxation-massage-room-in-google-office/
http://pztherapy.com/page_3.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4914605_benefits-being-massage-therapist.html
http://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/1613

The post

In an ideal world, every client who comes to us would be a client for life, would leave us extraordinary tips, and would never, ever cancel at the last minute. But, let’s face it: this is the real world, not the ideal one. And while I’m sure the thought of “breaking up” with a client isn’t a fun one, it’s an important one nonetheless. Issues arise that can make cutting professional ties the right thing to do. No matter the reason, though, it’s crucial that you handle these situations with professionalism and care. Below you’ll find a few tips to help you through the process in the off-chance that “breaking up” becomes necessary.

Be Courteous: Approach every situation with class and grace – even when you know the other party won’t.

Be Honest: Be as honest as possible without inflaming the situation. If the ugly truth is likely to offend someone, tread as lightly as possible while still being honest. The goal is to have this client move on, not to have them hate you for life and leave in tears.

Give Notice: Be as reasonable as possible and attempt, if you can, to give advance notice.

Give Options: If you feel comfortable referring the client to someone else, do so. If not, offer them resources where they might be able to find another massage therapist themselves.

I hope you never have to break up with a client, but the reality is that you will at some point in your career. Handling those situations with professionalism and grace will do wonders to eliminate potential fallout.

Good luck!

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Are you considering purchasing a new massage table? If so, prepare yourself ahead of time with a few simple questions to smooth the process along.

• • How much are you prepared to spend?
• • How will you use your table? In a designated room? Traveling?
• • What table height and width do you need?
• • What weight are you comfortable with? (Especially if you’re traveling.)

• • Do you prefer wood or aluminum?
• • Do you prefer Reiki or standard endplates? (Important if you are doing energy work.)
• • Do you need a package or a table on its own?
• • If a package, what type of facecradle do you prefer?
• • Do you have a color preference?

There are other questions that might come up, but this list covers the basics. Prepare yourself ahead of time and your purchasing experience is much more likely to be a good one.

The post What to Consider Before You Buy appeared first on Massage Table Outlet Blog.

Are you considering the purchase of a new massage table? Not sure whether you’ll need standard or Reiki endplates? You aren’t alone. Massage therapists are faced with the endplate dilemma every day. Luckily, deciding which endplates are for you isn’t particularly complex.

Reiki Endplates – Reiki endplates allow therapists to position their knees under the table. This is required for various forms of energy work.

Standard Endplates – Standard endplates are preferred by those who don’t generally perform energy work or sit with their knees under the table.

Nutshell: If you are performing energy work or find yourself placing your knees underneath the table as you work, choose Reiki. Otherwise, standard endplates should do the trick. Still undecided? Check with your massage table manufacturer: Some companies offer ½ Standard/ ½ Reiki options as well.

Happy Massaging!

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Although I’m not in sales, I have the pleasure of working regularly with sales people who specialize in massage tables and massage equipments. This has afforded me a unique opportunity: To learn what is important to massage therapists in the pursuit of their ideal tables. One of the most common questions from therapists: What width table should I buy? In an effort to help you with this question, I’ve put together a few key talking points. Consider these as you peruse tables:

• • The most popular table width is 30”
• • The width of your table affects your comfort and your ability to easily access the client
• • If you are petite (shorter than 5’2”) you might consider a 28” width
• • If you are taller (taller than 6’2”) you might consider a 32” width or wider
• • There is no magic height formula; the aforementioned are “typical” ranges

What I really recommend is this: Try a few out. Ask a friend to use his or her table for a few short minutes. See what feels best to you. What feels best, in this case, really is best.

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Bodywork Buddy recently posted a blog called “11 Ways Getting a Massage is Better Than Taking a Vacation.” I emphatically agree. Sadly, I haven’t taken a real vacation in a while which, of course, got me thinking: What little things do I treat myself to? The answer: Coffee.

So, here goes:
“5 Ways Massage is Better than Coffee”

#1: I think this goes without saying, but the physical benefits of massage far outweigh any potential physical benefits from coffee.

#2: Massage doesn’t add to my waistline. Coffee (with added milk and/or sugar) certainly does.

#3: Massage gives me a much needed mental break. Coffee, as much as I adore it, does quite the opposite: it stimulates.

#4: Getting a massage does not involve a Starbucks line that wraps out the front door every morning.

#5: If I don’t get a massage every day, I won’t go into caffeine withdrawal.

Clearly, I could keep going. And this is from a woman who LOVES her coffee. Alas, massage is the do-all and end-all for me. I have seen and felt the benefits and, to my mind, there simply isn’t anything comparable out there.

Happy Massaging!

The post Massage vs. Coffee: Is There Really a Comparison? appeared first on Massage Table Outlet Blog.

There has been quite a bit of hype about online scheduling lately. I’m an organizational nut, so the idea of online scheduling really appeals to me. Alas, what is right for me isn’t necessarily always right for the rest of the world. So, I put myself on a mission to filter through the superfluous information out there to come up with a list of reasons one might realistically consider online scheduling to enhance business. Without further ado, here’s what I came up with:

Freedom for Therapists and Clients

The ability to schedule 24/7 is pretty darn convenient and online scheduling allows for it. You aren’t required to call anyone back in the middle of a busy day and your clients can make their appointments at their convenience.

More Appointments

That’s right, more appointments. And who wouldn’t want more clients on their massage table throughout the day? Online scheduling allows for things like auto e-mail reminders which, in turn, decrease the likelihood of no-shows. But, that’s not all: Online scheduling also helps convert clients who aren’t really “phone people” (you know ‘em, those people who NEVER leave voicemails). Do I like that? Yes, you bet I do.

Professional Image

It really doesn’t matter how big, small, orthrivingyour business is, online scheduling is one of the best ways I can think of to improve your professional image. It shows, to my mind, that you take your clients seriously.

Improved Organization

Online scheduling is a great way to keep things organized (LOVE it). Not only can clients schedule appointments further out(giving you a better picture of your long-term business schedule) but you have access to their contact information at all times.

So?????

If I haven’t convinced you, I encourage you to do a little research of your own. I think you’ll find, as I did, that online scheduling offers a wealth of benefits to both you and your clients. The world is changing fast; hop on before it leaves you in the dust.

**A special thanks to Cindy Iwlew of Bodywork Buddy for walking me through the basics of online scheduling.I am ever-appreciative, as always. She rocks!

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We all know how important cleanliness and sanitation are. Germs lurk everywhere. They are sneaky little devils that show up, sometimes, in the most unlikely of places. Last week I read a fabulous blog by the editors of Healing Lifestyles & Spason the most germ infested spots you are likely to encounter. While they might not all be found in spas or massage rooms, I think the list is pretty enlightening.

If anything, hopefully it will spark a little extra caution on your part. So, without further ado, here they are:

• • Bathroom Door Handles
• • Airplane Bathrooms
• • Soap Dispensers
• • Menus
• • Shopping Carts
• • Doctor’s Offices
• • Condiment Dispensers
• • Lemon Wedges in Restaurants

You might not encounter these every day, but you should definitely exercise a little caution when you do. There are a multitude of things you can do to ensure cleanliness in your massage room. Simply cleaning and sanitizing your massage tables properly is an important start. Maybe we can’t entirely avoid germs, but with a little extra effort we can certainly keep them to a more acceptable minimum.

Happy Sanitizing!

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