Massageman · 70-79, M
When some people give massages, they tend to "washboard" their strokes. They massage by pumping their arms at the shoulders and elbows. Always try to "step into" the stroke, by using your whole body and keeping your arms straight and almost locked at the elbow. In this way, your arms are just transferring the movement of your step into and backward from the client. When someone washboards, they stand in one position, and pump their upper body into a mess. The further along I got in massage - 33+ years now- the more I used "reciprocal inhibition" and similar techniques where the client's movements are used to provide a significant part of the "energy in the treatment. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the therapist. Good luck with your business.
Massageman · 70-79, M
Congratulations. When I was teaching, I found that many beginning therapists "washboard" their strokes- they massage as though they were washing clothes on a washboard, pumping their arms and shoulders until exhausted. Make body posture and body mechanics a priority if you expect to have a long, healthy career in MT. Keeping your arms straight, and stepping into - and back from- each stroke will help in the long run. You will need to train your body to use the hips and leg muscles to do a bigger share of the workload. Next, learn about leveraging strokes and body areas. I've been a CMT for 32+ years. I do a lot more resistive bodywork techniques, wherein the client actually does a lot of the harder work. The theory- When you tighten one muscle (let's say a bicep), it's opposite relaxes (the tricep, in this case). When a client has a tight muscle, I devise a posture for bracing a tightening of the opposite muscles, thereby relaxing the one with the tightness issue. Ref "reciprocal inhibition". I also do much of my neck work seated on a rolling stool, or by using crossed arms. I wish you luck. Remember that you won't be taking care of others for very long if you don't prioritize your OWN body mechanics and health. I wish you well.
SinlessOnslaught · M
Boeing · 36-40
@SW-User new stream of income, it is... but it is energy demanding, but also, since I am a little bit *away* from people in a way, it is another way to come close.
And I believe in my growing healing abilities - nothing supernatural, a blend of experience, training practice and cultivating energy through Qigong and mindful moving in life..
Thank you for your support and comments :)
And I believe in my growing healing abilities - nothing supernatural, a blend of experience, training practice and cultivating energy through Qigong and mindful moving in life..
Thank you for your support and comments :)
View 1 more replies »
Sojournersoul · M