| Massage therapy for the therapist is not just | | | | breath is not nice for anyone, cigarettes along |
| about making money - though the money that | | | | with some other things make your hands smell |
| can be made from this profession can be a very | | | | and isn't pleasant for your client being massaged. |
| lucrative living indeed, for the therapist it must be | | | | The consultation should be offered with every |
| more of a love for human beings, their wellness, | | | | appointment (even to a recurring customer), is as |
| an understanding of how the body works on all | | | | important as the massage itself. This is the time |
| levels and a knowledge of natural and alternative | | | | when you build trust with your client and the |
| remedies. You will not get much repeat business if | | | | relationship between you and your client grows, it |
| you concentrate on the money rather than on | | | | is important that your client trusts you and he |
| the person in front of you. | | | | she will not do this unless you spend time talking |
| It is also a fantastic way to make a living, imagine | | | | to one another. |
| offering that secure, peaceful, relaxing place to | | | | Make sure that you take enough time for this |
| those that crave it but can never seem to find it. | | | | before and after the massage treatment, ask the |
| Imagine being able to give the relief of the tension | | | | client how they are feeling, which area they feel |
| and stress to those that really need it, have | | | | they would like to have more attention. Check |
| always lived with it and don't know what it is like | | | | past information they have given you on other |
| to live with out it - imagine being able to show | | | | appointments to make sure that nothing has |
| them the way, help to make them feel really | | | | changed or needs to be added. Find out how the |
| good and be a major part of the changing of their | | | | client felt after the last massage and the time in |
| lives for the better. Imagine doing all that good | | | | between. Make the client aware that all |
| and being paid for it... | | | | information given to you is confidential and make |
| With so many different types of massage | | | | sure that you keep it that way. |
| therapy to choose from it would be a good idea, | | | | Let your client know and feel that they are |
| if you're thinking of going into this profession, not | | | | important, make sure they feel it - it will help to |
| to limit yourself to just one type and area of | | | | keep them coming back, they will also |
| massage. Offer as many different types or areas | | | | recommend you to their friends and family which |
| of massage as you feel you can to your client | | | | will help to grow your business. When you get |
| base and bring the best to them. In this way you | | | | new customers ask how they heard about you - |
| can hone your skills to meet your client's needs | | | | it is always interesting to know where your |
| and recommend different treatments that may | | | | business is coming from, thank relevant clients for |
| be beneficial to them without your customers | | | | recommending your services - you don't have to |
| leaving your client base. | | | | say names as it's very probable that your client |
| Also it is a good idea to be insured as this gives | | | | will know who he/she has recommended to you |
| clients more confidence in you, your business, | | | | and when their appointment was! (On this point - |
| shows that you are professional and taking your | | | | never be drawn into a conversation with a client |
| role as a massage therapist seriously. Most if not | | | | concerning another client this is a breach of |
| all insurance companies like you, the therapist, to | | | | confidence, and should be avoided, try to steer |
| continue in your studies whilst you are actively | | | | any conversations away from the subject). |
| working, so your learning is continuous. You will | | | | Give your client every opportunity you can and |
| need to provide proof that you've attended extra | | | | actively encourage them to impart information |
| courses or gained new information to help your | | | | about themselves, their health and lifestyle. The |
| business grow and maintain that you are up to | | | | most important information tends to be given in |
| date with new therapies or treatments to offer | | | | conversation rather than in a questions and |
| your clients. | | | | answers scenario (however this does not mean |
| Dress code and appearance is very important to | | | | don't ask questions, just let your client talk). |
| a massage therapists business - as first | | | | Your client will enjoy feeling like that they are the |
| impressions last and I can't imagine anyone | | | | center of the universe for an hour or so, in |
| wanting a massage from a therapist who has a | | | | today's busy life style it could be the only time |
| cigarette hanging from the corner of the mouth, | | | | your client feels this way, so when booking |
| looking unwashed, with crusty food down the | | | | appointments keep this in mind and give yourself |
| front of his/her top! No - the dress code we are | | | | enough time. |
| taught is college is very different: | | | | Make sure that you answer all your client's |
| Hair should be clean and neat, if long (shoulder | | | | questions as fully as you can and leave no |
| length or longer) should be tied back. | | | | hesitancy in your clients minds to your knowledge |
| Clean and ironed uniform should be worn (usually | | | | and/or expertise - if you don't know the answer |
| white top and long black trousers). | | | | to the question let your client know that it is a |
| Enclosed flat shoes, in a dark colour (though shoes | | | | very interesting question and that you will look |
| and uniform may differ depending on where you | | | | into the answer for when the client returns on |
| work and what their dress code is). | | | | her next appointment - and make sure that you |
| Hands and nails should be clean and free from nail | | | | do it as the client will want to know what you've |
| varnish (as some people are allergic to nail varnish | | | | found out and more importantly that you've |
| - it also hides dirty nails). | | | | taken time for her. |
| Finger nails should be short - so there isn't a | | | | Enjoy the massage, keep your mind as clear as |
| chance of injury to your client. | | | | possible, concentrate on your client's well being |
| Make up should be kept to a minimum. | | | | and send good caring thoughts her way. |
| Be aware of personal hygiene, garlic or cigarette | | | | |