wanna be wants advice

Nemhain · Nov 30, 2004

Hi, hopefully will be entering massage therapy school in the near future. I would like to know from some experienced practicitioners their preferences on the best massage tables, oils/creams, & most helpful books and music. Also what piece of equipment other than your table helps your massage session the most?..What is the biggest mistake in your opinion, a massage therapist can make(other than hurting the client,or unprofessional conduct) during a session? Is it too stupid or can a single female (old bag type) safely do therapy out of home? Sorry so many questions, just pick and choose if you would like to respond. All responses are appreciated. Skili

Hi there! I've been a massage therapist quite a while now in addition to being a nursing student.

Tables: Hmm...about massage tables...some are definitely better than others. I have an Oakworks and I love it...these tables are really well made. In my opinion they are the best. They are a little more expensive, but they are worth it.

Oils and creams: I do make my own massage oils. I usually use 8 parts almond oil to 2 parts avacado oil to 1 part olive oil. This is my preferred ratio of oils, but everybody is different. As far as creams go... Santa Barbara Massage Cream is really good; they've got a few different scents. I like the Clary sage & Lavender. But my absolute favorite massage cream is BIOTONE's Dual Purpose Massage Cream. Actually, it's not just my favorite cream, it's my favorite thing to massage with. I love the smell...it's so light!

Music: My clients aren't too pickey, but a lot of them (and me included) don't like anything that's too spirited or upbeat or dancy....that kinda ruins the mood. I don't like the new-age synthesizer crap from the early 90's...yuk.

Fav piece of equipment: My clients love the faux sheepskin table cover I have under the fitted sheet. It makes a world of difference. I also have the sheepskin (faux, of course) face cover.

The biggest mistake a therapist can make (besides hurting the client, or misconduct)? It would probably be working on your own agenda and not keeping the client's needs and wants in focus. Also...not being in focus is a biggie...believe me, anyone who have recieved many massages can tell when the Massage Therapist is mentally 'somewhere else'.

Safely doing Massage out of the home: It really depends where you live and who your clients are. I know one woman who does it out of her private home in Atlanta. She is perfectly safe because she ONLY takes clients by referral. She does absolutely no advertising. She's been doing this for 15 years and has NEVER had an incedent. So if you know your clients and they're not perfect strangers off the street, you should be okay, but just be aware that you're always taking a chance.

Good luck.

Skili · Nov 30, 2004

Nemhain-Thanks for the thoughtful and comprehensive response. I really appreciate the time you put into it and printed it out for my "massage file" for future reference.Are you about done with nursing school? What area are you interested in? Can you bear a couple more massage questions? Stone massage-what do you think of it? Also, is it normal for the therapist to talk the whole session? I have only been to 2, and they both talk your leg off.(I am equally at fault-I liked them)The 1st time I went to them I felt great after the session. Though I really liked them,I probably won't go back because I really didn't feel relaxed because of the talking. I realize I could have said something, but didn't know how to tactfully "stop" the chatter. Do you discourage this,or leave it up to the client?

Nemhain · Nov 30, 2004

Nemhain-Thanks for the thoughtful and comprehensive response. I really appreciate the time you put into it and printed it out for my "massage file" for future reference.Are you about done with nursing school? What area are you interested in? Can you bear a couple more massage questions? Stone massage-what do you think of it? Also, is it normal for the therapist to talk the whole session? I have only been to 2, and they both talk your leg off.(I am equally at fault-I liked them)The 1st time I went to them I felt great after the session. Though I really liked them,I probably won't go back because I really didn't feel relaxed because of the talking. I realize I could have said something, but didn't know how to tactfully "stop" the chatter. Do you discourage this,or leave it up to the client?

No Problem!!! I love answering massage questions!!!

Are you about done with nursing school?: Yes, I'll be done in May!

What area are you interested in?: Funny enough...everyone is always surprised when I tell them I'd like to work in the Operating Room. I guess it throws people off because I'm so touchy-feely and I'm deeply entrenched into alternative therapies that usually require a high degree of practitioner/client bonding. You see, I've also studied Zen Shiatsu, Reiki, Homeopathy, Western Herbalism and Aromatherapy. People ask, "Why in the world would you want to work in the Operating Room? It's such a technical job!" Well, there is a side of me that's completely fascinated with surgery. I love mechanics! I love to work with tools and do small engine repair. Massage Therapy and all of the other modalities I practice allow me to bond and get to know the client and it satisfies that part of me that needs it! But there is another part of me that wants to disassemble the engine in my car just to see what is in there and put it back together just for the fun of it! There is a side of me that wants a more technical job. Whenever I've observed in the OR I'm always amazed at the teamwork...at its best it is a beautifully choreographed ballet! I certainly want the two very different sides of me to be well fed. So my ultimate goal is to work in the OR and still do my massage on the side.

Just a side note: Massage therapy is a recognized nursing specialty and there is a national association of nurse massage therapists.

Stone massage, what do you think of it: Well, if it is soothing to the client then I'm all for it! The only thing I hate about Stone Massage is how some therapist tack on an extra $30.00 for the session. I think that's bulls#$@. I personally have done massage with stones and I'm not doing any more work. But some in the massage field LOVE to capatalize on the latest bodywork fad and charge double. In my opinion, that's just crappy.

Is it normal for a therapist to talk the whole time?: The WHOLE time? No. I would say not. Personally, I usually only speak when spoken to by the client unless I'm inquiring about pressure or something specifically related to the massage. If I feel that the client wants to talk then I talk (some people are a little uncomfortable with massage and their way of coping with nervousness is to chitchat and others are just natural born chatter boxes!). My advice to you: if you like the therapist, but that person is a little chatty, then I'd suggest that before the session starts you could say (and you stated that you would like to do this tactfully...) "please don't be offended if I don't talk today, 'cause I'm a little tired" or "I just can't seem to relax as much if I talk". Believe me, most therapist would rather cut out the talking then loose your business! If you truly feel uncomfortable about saying anything beforehand you can always use one word answers (yes or no)when the therapist tries to converse during the session. But, if they don't comply then just go somewhere else!

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure others will benefit too!

:)

Skili · Dec 1, 2004

Dear Nemhaim, thank you again for your fascinating response. You sound enviously well rounded. The nursing profession is going to be lucky to get you. I've been a nurse 28yrs. and don't see it often when a nurse can use both the right and the left side of her brain well. It's usually one or the other. I for one stuck a tinker toy in my eye at age 4 had a bloody eye and had to wear an eye patch for a week. My mechanical inclination never evolved past that point.Thanks for the input on the stone therapy. I have been a dog groomer also for 8 yrs. and see some fads that are mostly for the cha-ching. I appreciate your honesty and try very hard to keep my business(s) ethical. Thanks for the thoughts on talking-I can see now too, where many people I know are uncomfortable with the massage idea,it might help them through that. What type of nursing school are you in?(adn.,bsn,hosp,etc.) and have you been satisfied with your choice? Thanks again for your time Skili

Nemhain · Dec 1, 2004

Dear Nemhaim, thank you again for your fascinating response. You sound enviously well rounded. The nursing profession is going to be lucky to get you. I've been a nurse 28yrs. and don't see it often when a nurse can use both the right and the left side of her brain well. It's usually one or the other. I for one stuck a tinker toy in my eye at age 4 had a bloody eye and had to wear an eye patch for a week. My mechanical inclination never evolved past that point.Thanks for the input on the stone therapy. I have been a dog groomer also for 8 yrs. and see some fads that are mostly for the cha-ching. I appreciate your honesty and try very hard to keep my business(s) ethical. Thanks for the thoughts on talking-I can see now too, where many people I know are uncomfortable with the massage idea,it might help them through that. What type of nursing school are you in?(adn.,bsn,hosp,etc.) and have you been satisfied with your choice? Thanks again for your time Skili

More questions...no problem! I'm loving this! It's a little self-indulgent and I like it! LOL

What type of nursing school are you in?: I am in a state university ASN program. I applied to both BSN and ASN programs. By some stroke of luck I got into the ASN program early so I took the spot that was offered to me. By doing the ASN program I'll be graduating two years before I would have with the BSN. I definitely want my BSN. I already have 135 credits from my previous course work so finishing up the Bachelors degree will take just a little over a year for me (I even have all of the non-nursing bachelors classes already done). My ASN is only taking me 2 years to do (lots of people take more because of all of the other classes). I would like to be certified in Holistic Health Nursing and that organization that would certify me requires a Bachelors degree.

Have you been satisfied with your choice?: Yes, I am satisfied. I'm lucky that all of the nurses on staff are progressive and alternatively minded. Over half of the nursing faculty is certified in some alternative therapy. Alternative therapies and cross cultural perspectives are always presented in lecture. Now, as with any school there are a couple of professors that are just "bad apples". I just pretend that they don't exist. Lol

Just a few more suggestions and pointers on massage: My clients are always much colder than me. Most of my colleagues notice the same thing. People's temperatures naturally drop when they are lying down because they aren't exerting too much energy. The massage therapist, however, is very active and heats up rather quickly. I wear as little clothing as possible (but I still keep it tasteful) and I make sure the room temp. is at least 70 - 72 degrees, but I usually have the room at about 74 degrees. When applying cream or lotion to the client that exposed body part can feel cold to them. Think about how cold you are with wet skin. I almost always use flannel sheets except on hot days in the summer or if the client has a preference for regular sheets. Also a table-length heating pad can be used, but be sure that it is one that your clients can lay on top of! Massage supply stores and websites sell these; I think they're $70.00.

A word about massage products: Cheap can turn out to be very expensive. Don't hesitate to spend money on a well made product. It can make all of the difference. I can't tell you how much money I've wasted on shoddy stuff. This doesn't apply just to massage products!

Massage School: Do your research! Decide what you want and find a school that offers it. Massage schools range in quality from Harvard to fly-by-night. Length of programs range from 100hrs to 1200hrs. I say the more education you can get the better, but that's just my opinion. However there are some schools that offer outstanding 500hr programs and ones that offer substandard 1000hr programs.

:)

Skili · Dec 2, 2004

Thanks again for all your suggestions. It is so nice to communicate with someone who has "been there" and is generous with sharing their expertise. I too, with the pet grooming have basically thrown money away with "trappings". I really appreciate the input because I do believe and think too, you get what you pay for in many cases, and if I spend all the money on school, etc., I want to do it right with the equipment and supplies. I don't believe in shortcutting the customer over a few bucks/I want to make it worth their while and money, and one's reputation can lie heavily on the details, I believe.I appreciate the tips on the room temp.,esp. the range.Do you have your nursing job secured at this point?I am so glad that they are introducing natural and holistic care as well in some areas. It was so tabboo for so long.I personally, had taken the traditional route with medication for so many years/and first hand suffered the reprocussions,at least in my opinion.(Took hrt @ high doses and got breast ca, antidepressants - got restless leg syndrome-now linked with antidepressants.) I still think traditional medicine is good,but I question EVERYTHING now before I take it,and if I can fix it without it, I don't take it. Unfortunately, many Drs. still downplay side effects-and other disease related illinesses in my area. Good luck in your nursing-their is such a need for quality nurses. Skili P.S. I print all your responses for future reference (in case I forget down the road with my old brain)They mean a lot to me from an experienced expert. Any other advice on massage that you wish someone would have told you? Thanks

Nemhain · Dec 5, 2004

Any other advise you wish someone would have told you?: Let's see...the biggest one is that you won't make as much money as the school recruiters and or magazine articles suggest that you will. No, it's not all about money, but you do want to make more that minimum wage, right? When people hear that a massage costs $50 or more they might think, wow...I can make $50 an hour!!! No...you won't. First, if you are working in a spa that charges $50 an hour you will keep about half plus tip (which will be about 5 - 10 dollars). So, thats about $35. Pretty good so far...but wait...at most places the therapist doesn't launch into another massage right after. You've got to get the client out (let them get dressed first which is about five to ten minutes), change the sheets. Greet the next client, talk to them, then leave them to undress and get on the table. So appts. (usually, but not always) are made every hour and a half. So you have an appt. at 10:00 one at 11:30 and one at 1:00 and your done by 2:00. that was 4 hours, but you're only getting paid for 3 hours. Get it?

Now, I have never met any therapist that does 40 massages a week (I'm sure one exists somewhere) Actually, most therapists I know only do about 10 - 20 a week. You're also assuming that the spa/salon/gym/healthcenter is gonna have you booked solid for the whole day. Wrong! Lots of people cancel and then you're left out of work. This happens all of the time.

Working for myself (part-time only) has worked for me. I've always kept a steady job and then done massage on the side for extra money. I haven't had much trouble finding business because I keep my prices low. I charge $40 for an hour and fifteen minutes (75 min) and I don't accept tips (I'll explain in a minute...) I do 75 min. massages 'cause I feel too rushed if I have to do it all in 60. Of course, no one complains! They always feel they are getting a good deal...well, I guess they are! But again, this is what works for me.

Tipping: Ah...tipping. I do not accept tips and I don't look down upon any therapist who does. But I feel that I am providing a healthcare treatment and not a luxury service. I don't tip my GYN for a pap smear, so I don't expect any tipping for my treatment. If they found the tx beneficial they will come back. Having repeat clients is much easier on me then recruiting new ones. Also, I feel that people who generally tip the most (this can be anywhere i.e. restaurant) are the ones who can't afford it. I feel that massage is important to my health and the health of my clients. I feel that $40 is more than a fare price to pay.

Skili, I hope this has helped! I'd be glad to answer more questions. Also, I may just post some more stuff as I think of it!

Nemhain · Apr 3, 2006

There have been many questions about getting into massage by a few other posters so I thought I'd bump this thread up in hopes that it will answer a few questions for them.

Skili · Jun 1, 2006

:chuckle Hello, just an update. Been very busy in massage school, and got a small break. I LOVE it! Lots to learn and got till Dec before I graduate, but this is such a nice compliment to nursing. I am also surprised at the depth of anatomy and physiology!! Holy cow...This nurse never had to learn attachments, origins, and actions of them there muscles in nurses training...I am so excited and want to try everything (hospice, chronic fatique, lymphatic drainage, stress relief,maybe work chiropractor a bit to pick his brain for awhile.....so many choices!) I do recommend it for anyone who is contemplating it....if anything, it will get you on the cutting edge in my opinion...especially since so many states are lisencing. It gives a whole new perspective on health care(that we already know, but mainstream medicine still kinda ignores...but is starting to acknowledge.Would like comments and advice. And I did get that biotone dual-cream! I like it a lot too! Does anyone use aromatherapy? I loves the smells, did a paper on it...what is some of your takes/experiences with it? Also, how small is too small of a room to practise? I have an 8 x 10 room, room for the table, me and me to move around it, but that's about it. Is that claustraphobic size? I could use a different room that is about 12 x 10 if absolutely necessary for comfort of the client? Opinions please? Thanks again for all input! I put it to use. Sue

Nemhain · Jun 1, 2006

:chuckle Hello, just an update. Been very busy in massage school, and got a small break. I LOVE it! Lots to learn and got till Dec before I graduate, but this is such a nice compliment to nursing. I am also surprised at the depth of anatomy and physiology!! Holy cow...This nurse never had to learn attachments, origins, and actions of them there muscles in nurses training...I am so excited and want to try everything (hospice, chronic fatique, lymphatic drainage, stress relief,maybe work chiropractor a bit to pick his brain for awhile.....so many choices!) I do recommend it for anyone who is contemplating it....if anything, it will get you on the cutting edge in my opinion...especially since so many states are lisencing. It gives a whole new perspective on health care(that we already know, but mainstream medicine still kinda ignores...but is starting to acknowledge.Would like comments and advice. And I did get that biotone dual-cream! I like it a lot too! Does anyone use aromatherapy? I loves the smells, did a paper on it...what is some of your takes/experiences with it? Also, how small is too small of a room to practise? I have an 8 x 10 room, room for the table, me and me to move around it, but that's about it. Is that claustraphobic size? I could use a different room that is about 12 x 10 if absolutely necessary for comfort of the client? Opinions please? Thanks again for all input! I put it to use. Sue

Hey! Good to hear from ya!!! I'm glad you love massage school.

An 8X10 room should be plenty of room (I'm assuming you're not over 6ft. tall). Don't worry about if it's enough room for the client... as long as they fit on the table it shouldn't be an issue, besides, I like a smaller room when I'm getting a massage 'cause it feels much more cozy to me.

I do use essential oils (aromatherapy) in my massages. I like to use single notes (chamomile or lavender) or combinations (my favorite is Sandalwood, Frankincense and Lemon). Be careful to not over do it on the oil; it may be too much for your client. Sometimes I'll just use the essential oils on one part of the client's body so they're not overwhelmed by the scent. Just make sure that the essential oil you're using is safe to apply to the skin. ... I do like the smell of cinnamon, but it can be a serious skin irritant!!! yikes!

I wish you the best of luck in your practice as a massage therapist. Give another update when you're done!!!

donerebecca3 · Jul 13, 2006

Hi. I've been an LMT since 1999. I have found that I will let the client lead, so to speak. If they want to talk then I view it as a "release" for them because many people need to talk their stress out. However, you can sense whether or not that client wants to talk or not. If you're not talkative then the sign of a good practitioner is one that follows your lead. That's my opinion though.

Any thoughts on going from an LMT to RN? This is what I am considering....