We felt popular today!

"We," that is, myself and two other local CMTs. Today was the first day at a certain large corporate health fair, and we kept ourselves very busy doing chair massages for their employees. As the shift-change happened, and as the workers came to check out the health fair on their break times, we had a steady stream of weary bodies occupying our three massage chairs.

There are various schools of thought about chair massage, and whether or not it is "just fluff&buff" or if it can be classified as a therapeutic treatment. I guess I don't want to get involved in any debates about that, but my mindset is, if there's a body in front of me, there is something that I can do to improve their function and help their pain. :)

photo courtesy abmp

Another Argument for Shopping Small. . .

You may be familiar with Small Business Saturday, which is a theme for the Saturday after Black Friday. . . although it is supported by a huge conglomerate (American Express), it is focused on promoting small, locally-owned businesses. There are other "Shop Local" programs and groups. Around here, we have Buy Fresh Buy Local Hampton Roads, which is a resource for locally-grown produce (yum). 

But, yesterday and today, I ran into some lousy customer service when I was dealing with one of the huge massive monstrous financial institutions in my area. I'm still reeling from the unpleasantness of the experience.

When companies have employees numbered in the thousands, do they totally lose touch with how to treat the individuals that they do business with? If I want to be treated with respect and as a human being, I'm betting on the Mom&Pop shop, instead of the multimillion-dollar company. Guess that observation is nothin' new, but it seems to me that the multimillion-dollar-companies better not forget how to treat their customers. . . no matter how "small" that customer's account is.

Better not take us for granted. We DO have other choices.

How did I get here, anyway? (or, I can feel your pain)

FAQ: Often, people ask me, "How did you decide to become a massage therapist?" Part of the story is that I was in a car accident and got rear-ended pretty hard (Previous post: It all started when I made the traffic report).

But here is the other part of the story.

In a previous life, I was a graphic artist, wedged for hours & hours in many small office cubicles. Between the '80s and the '90s, the tools of my trade transitioned from drawing boards and T-squares, crammed into the corner of a dark office next to a water cooler, to glowing computer monitors and non-ergonomic keyboards. . . crammed into the corner of a dark office next to a vending machine.  CubicleLand. DilbertDom.

After 12 years of spending hours & hours in front of a non-ergonomic Macintosh workstation, I had chronic neck pain and occasional wrist soreness!

One of the most frequent complaints that I hear from a new client, is neck & shoulder tension. So, given my history of sitting at a computer all day long, I can relate to your pain, and I can see different ways that I can help you.

Although no two bodies are exactly alike, and no two massages will be alike :) there are some typical patterns for pain & tension, among people who work with a computer all day long. Tell me where the majority of your stress lies, and we will spend some focused effort there. Massage is the best relief for cubicle-dwellers!

We Wanna Hear from You . . .

• Do you feel like your massage therapist listens to you?
• Do you believe that your massage sessions are focused on meeting your goals?
• In your opinion, does your massage therapist respond to your needs during the session?

Frequently massage clients answer questions like these on national surveys. And personally, I wish every client would feel free to tell me how I'm doing. . . every time!

Maybe I will start elaborating on this for each new client who walks in the door. Maybe put this on the intake form, frame it in a beautiful frame with a spotlight attached, or attach it to the face cradle on a PostItNote:

"You're in charge of your session. Please speak up at any time and let me know if anything whatsoever howsoever needs to be changed. I want the massage to focus on your goals, and I don't want you to think that you will hurt my feelings if you make a comment about how the massage is going. Feel free to tell me about the pressure. Feel free to let me know about the speed. It's OK to say something if you want different music than what is being played. I won't be insulted if you change your mind about an area that we should focus on today. Please tell me if the table warmer is turned up higher than you like, it's all good if you want different aromatherapy, and I completely understand if you don't want to talk at all during your massage. I want to know if you're feeling great about the treatment, it doesn't offend me at all if you need some aspect changed, and it is a high compliment if you believe that I help you feel better today."

I ask clients at the beginning of their massage, to let me know if the pressure or anything else needs to be changed at any time.

Do they feel free to do so . . . 

3 Things You (May) Not Know about Couples Massages

Of course, in honor of February 14th. . . Valentine's Day. . . or, Love Day, as many of my friends have called it this year:

Here are 3 tidbits of information that pertain to Couples Massages. 

(Disclaimer: These statistics are not scientifically collected; they are just random observations from the Couples Massages that I've given in the last 10 years.)

• Roughly 50% of the time, among couples who schedule a Couples Massage, it is the man's first massage appointment. No problem, guys! Whether you've been surprised on your anniversary, dragged into the spa when you'd planned to hit the gym or the golf course, or whether it was your idea to schedule the massage, your therapists are glad to see you both and will do our best to make it a great experience for you.

• Although your sweetheart is receiving a massage in the same room, your session is still focused on your goals. If your spouse just wants to chill out and relax, but you have been dreaming of getting those knots worked out of your lower back with some deep-tissue massage, no problem! To each his/her own. 

• Just to let you know, and to clarify any rumors on the subject of snoring: It's my observation that, 87% of the time, a male client is the most likely one to snore during a Couples Massage. Don't worry, though. Your massage therapist will take a snore as a compliment, and your partner is used to your snoring anyway.

(and Happy Valentine's Day to you!)

It all started when I made the traffic report on the radio.

Sometimes a client will ask me, as they are settling into their massage, "How did you decide to become a massage therapist?" Actually, it's an easy question to answer.

Well, you see. . . it all started on the way home from work. I was in rush-hour traffic when suddenly the vehicle two cars ahead of me stopped abruptly. I tried to stop, but hit the car ahead of me (and he also hit the first car). My Chevy bounced back just as the truck behind me came up and rear-ended me with such force that I hit the car ahead of me again.

Aaaaack! My Chevy was the casualty of that altercation on Emerson Avenue. I didn't know a vehicle could get so crunched-up traveling less than 30 mph.

What a mess! I was told later that our pile-up had made the radio traffic update. Not a good way to gain some personal publicity.

Anyway, after the accident, my chronic neck and shoulder pains began. I went to the doctor to make sure nothing was seriously wrong; he gave me some prescription muscle relaxers, but all I really wanted was for someone to get in there and work out my tense shoulder spasms!

I didn't know any massage therapists at this point, so my solution was to seek out my friends who (a) possessed strong hands and (b) had enough patience to deal with my frequent requests for a serious neck-rub.  

Very quickly, I decided that some kneading out for my upper trapezius trumped a Flexeril tablet every time! :)

Actually, it took several years until I had the opportunity to go to massage school. But, during that time after my car accident, I gained a better appreciation for natural treatments. I knew I wanted to help other people feel better this way!

Touchy Subject: CEUs

Observation: Continuing Education requirements, in the field of Massage Therapy, are like BBQ. 

• The requirements and ingredients depend on where you are located
• Sometimes the requirements/recipes are fancy, and sometimes "less is more"
• Every group has its die-hard fans and its persistent detractors

It's interesting that we have such, uh, well, diversity in the CEUs and licensing requirements from state to state. Our national certification isn't national. . . blah, blah, blah.

 Since I'm "nationally certified" and also certified by the Virginia Board of Nursing, it seems like I am on a million mailing lists for Continuing Ed classes. Almost every day, I get tons of emails describing one modality after the other. And tons of snail mail. . . some of it comes to my home, some comes to the office, sometimes by carrier pigeon. I'm holding out for the singing telegrams.

There's no shortage of choices. Webinars! Study at home! Get your CEUs before the deadline! Is your license up for renewal? Save your career with my technique! Workshops in DC! Workshops in Norfolk! Workshops in Hawaii! (Hey, wait, don't throw that one away)

But I know you've also noticed. . . there is a huge variety when it comes to the quality and value of the classes. And the commitment. Remember in high school, when everyone knew what classes were good for an "Easy A"? Do we have "Easy A" massage courses? Do those classes really serve our profession?

I recall a massage school classmate declaring, "I'm only taking the classes that will make me a better therapist." Great statement; but a few weeks later, this classmate was removed from the school for inappropriate behavior. Guess they didn't think the ethics class was important.

One of those Customer Service Anecdotes

For the most part, I like AutoZone. When you're driving along the road, minding your own business, and all of a sudden one of those lights comes on on the dashboard, AutoZone is a good place to drop in and get some assistance. Most of the time.

Awhile back, I was having some battery trouble with my aging Saturn. It was a Saturday, and I was working at my spa job until 7 or 8 PM. Concerned about my ability to make the 50-mile trek home, I looked up the nearest AutoZone and called to see what time they were closing. "Oh, we're open until 9 tonight," I was told.

Awesome! So, after work, I needed another jump start just to get on the road. My coworker followed in her car, to make sure my old Saturn made it to AutoZone. We arrived safely at the store, and I left the car running while I went inside to obtain a battery.

"May I help you?"
"Yes, I need a battery for a 1997 Saturn. Do you have the right kind?"
"Well, we do. But you're not getting one tonight."
"I'm sorry, what? You're still open, right?"
"Yes, I'm still open. But I can't sell you a battery because my guy just left, and I can't leave the store."
"What? I have to drive back to Virginia Beach, and my battery isn't holding a charge."
"Well, your car's running now, isn't it? Just keep it running." (in an irritable tone)

Unimpressive. This parts store manager had a customer 40 miles from home on a Saturday in a malfunctioning car, and decided to be rude to her into the bargain.

I've told numerous people about that AutoZone store, and I will do my best not to go there again.

On the other hand . . . my turn signal has been acting wacko on my current vehicle. So, today, I stopped in at the AutoZone nearest my office.

"May I help you?"
"My turn signal has been running fast, and someone said my light was out."
"Oh, here, let me see."

Now this AutoZoner* wasted no time checking my signal bulb, walked over to the display, and knew exactly which bulb to replace it with. Within 5 minutes, I was back on the road and was once again able to signal my stops and left turns.

I even smacked the poor guy on the head (by accident), and he was still polite to me.

Now that AutoZone, I will recommend. :) Customer service makes all the difference!!

*yes, AutoZoner is an official company term.

Gift-giving & the Massage Newbie (part 2)

Here's another example of a good question my clients frequently ask me about gift certificates:

"How do I know what kind of massage would be good for my dad? He's always telling me that his back hurts and he gets migraine headaches, but he's never gotten a massage before. I keep telling him that he needs to come in and see you, and his birthday is next week. So what kind of gift certificate do I get for him?"

Of course, everyone's needs are different, but here are some suggestions I would make for a client who hasn't experienced a massage yet:

• Swedish massage: This is intended to be relaxing, to help you deal with stress and (for newbies) to be a good introduction to receiving massage therapy. Although a Swedish massage may not be as goal-oriented as a deep-tissue massage, Swedish is a good way to find out what areas of your body might benefit from some focused attention during your next massage appointment.
• Special Package Offers: How about a massage session and a themed gift basket? Or, a massage session that includes a unique aromatherapy blend, along with flowers, chocolates, or maybe a Tropical Smoothie gift card? I run special offers on Facebook and my website for holidays and other occasions. One-stop shopping for your gift-giving needs!
• Hot stone massage: You see stone massages all the time in banner ads for massage & spa getaways. I still use a lot of the Swedish techniques within my stone massages, but the stones add a lot to the experience. Many people say they enjoy the warmth, and the stones feel especially good on your hands & feet. 

I hope these ideas help you out with your gift-giving. Feel free to email me, call, or text for more advice about what massage would be best.

Of course, you can choose a gift certificate for any of the massages that I offer. Did you know that you can also get gift certificates online, 24-7? Yep, it's true! Check out my instant gift certificates right here.

Gift-Giving & the Massage Newbie (Part 1)

Valentine's Day . . . birthdays . . . anniversaries . . . Mother's Day . . . Arbor Day . . . these are all time-honored occasions that can include gift-giving (and massive anxiety when you go to shop for the gifts, of course). 

Sometimes, clients ask me whether a massage Gift Certificate would be a good idea for someone who has never tried massage therapy. While you may love receiving massages, you occasionally have some concerns about purchasing a gift certificate for someone who is a Massage Newbie:

• What if Aunt Mary is nervous about trying massage therapy? 
• How do I know what kind of massage to buy for her?
• What happens if she doesn't come in, and her gift certificate expires?
• Will she like it? Should I just get her another kitchen gadget instead?

What if they are nervous about trying massage for the first time? I frequently meet clients who are nervous and unsure whether they will like it. Here are a few ways that I do my best to make them feel more comfortable:

• Assure them that many first-time massage clients feel nervous about what to expect
• Sit down with them before the treatment, go over their medical history and health questionnaire, and find out if there is anything they would like me to focus their session on
• Explain the general flow of the massage, what areas will be massaged, and how they will be covered with the draping
• Encourage them to ask questions and let me know about the pressure during the session
• As much as possible, I believe in giving my clients a non-rushed atmosphere :)

Well! I know how it feels to be living in the Valley of Indecision (it's just down the road from the Pitfall of Insecurity). Gift-giving can cause a lot of anxiety, but here is my anti-anxiety Gift-Giving Guarantee: If your giftee doesn't use their gift certificate within one year, they have the option of you using the gift instead. No worries about your gift going to waste!

Next time, we'll look at how you choose what kind of massage gift to buy for a Massage Newbie . . .