Archive for February, 2008
Should Massage Therapist Be Blogging? Free Guides
Posted by: | CommentsI am in favor of massage therapist blogging, the more I learn about marketing on the internet, it becomes even more clear to me that the longer you wait only hurts you.
Recently, I posted on a few massage forums the question, “Are you using a blog for you massage business?” I was quite surprise but then, I am not that surprise of the replies that I received and I will share with you why. Here are a few of the comments…
- I don’t like the idea of a blog, as I personally think it adds to a more personal feel than a business feel
- I wish I could give you some profound reason as to why I don’t, but I don’t have any off the top of my head. I have found that referrals (from existing clients) are the single most effective way to gather new clients. If I feel the need to update or educate my existing list I send out a typewritten newsletter.
- I also agree with pueppi (if I think I understand what she was saying) that writing an authenic blog might be too personal for me to want to use for marketing purposes. I think having a blog can be fun…but I’d rather not use mine for my marketing.
- I don’t blog because it’s too far removed from the core face-to-face aspects of my work
What I am finding here in the massage industry is that most massage therapist are not internet/tech savvy if anything they are more anti-technology than pro-technology. And it is for these reasons why they do not see the benefits of blogging or implementing tech into their massage business models. Tradition is a factor here as well, traditionally the massage industry is and was built on a one-to-one personal interaction, lets face it massage is a hands on business model we make new clients and money by the art of touching.
We are in a service industry and in a service industry building relationships should be the corner stone of your massage business in order to be successful here. People in general refer and talk about other people, that they know and like. What I am suggesting here is that a blog is a great tool for building that relationship, staying connected to your clients well after their massage session. What can be wrong with sharing your personal experiences within your massage business to your clients and potential clients?
Also another key note here before I sign off, a blog for your massage business gives you a platform for sharing, teaching and educating your clients and potential clients about the type of bodywork that you do, a well informed client can now more accurately talk about your services and give them a greater awareness of the benefits that your massage business/work provides them.
I would suggest for the majority of massage therapist to consider a blog, while I do know it is not for everyone but if you are passionate about the work that you do and love how your work affects change for your clients, share this with all your clients and potential clients. Think about it, that is why we got into this business, to help others right?
I wrote this blog post mostly because of a great resource that came across my laptop recently, it is from a highly successful blogging consultant name Chris Garrett, he has put together 12 FREE resources that will help you in your blogging endeavors, many of these free resources I am seeing for the first time, check em out!
Thanks Chris G.
Related posts
Treating Bicyclist who have back and neck pain
Posted by: | CommentsLately our massage business has had an increase of bicyclist who are experiencing back and neck pain from cycling. So I thought I would share with you what I have been finding and treatment plans for these individuals.
Much like computer users who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and other ergonomic related issues, cyclist are suffering from being in a “static position” for prolonged periods of time. And unlike their computer counterparts who may not be getting much enjoyment from their invested time, bicyclists love the time spent going on 100 plus mile rides and never miss an opportunity to get out, when the weather is nice.
I will address only the two most common pain symptoms associated with cycling which are neck and back pain and poor posture. I would suggest to do further research if you are suffering from wrist, shoulder or knee pain, or if I receive enough comments on these issues I will write another blog post.
Neck
Poor cycling posture is the main factor for both neck and back pain among most cyclists, but equipment fittings and bike ergonomics also have a big role. A helmet that is too far forward on your head will cause you to extend or tilt your neck more upward putting the neck in extension in order to keep your visibility from being block. Riders with a more aggressive riding position need to wear their helmets farther back, than those who sit more upright.
Sunglasses that are also poorly fitted will impact your visibility and cause you to tilt your head upward as well to keep your sunglasses from falling forward down on the bridge of your nose. So be sure to get sunglasses that fit properly not only when you purchase your glasses but also consider how they will fit when you begin to sweat.
Back
Jolts that result from road irregularities and rough terrain associated with mountain biking cause most of the back pain.
When riding a bicycle, the back should be arched, like a bridge, not drooping forward between the hips and the shoulders. If the back is properly arched, bumps will cause it to flex slightly in the direction of the arch; acting as a “shock absorber” this is harmless. If you ride swaybacked (your back rounded off), bumps will cause the back to bow even farther in the forward direction, which can lead to severe lumbar pain.
Some back-pain sufferers modify their bicycles with extra-high handlebars so that they can sit more upright, with their spines straight. This is actually counterproductive in most cases, because a straight spine has no way to “give” when the bike hits bumps. Road irregularities will jam the vertebrae together, often aggravating existing back problems.
Posture
Many inexperienced cyclists adopt a posture which allows their upper bodies to be supported entirely by their bones. This has the advantage that it requires no muscular effort, but can lead to discomfort or injury when road conditions are transmitted through the rigid bones. The elbows should be slightly bent, not straight and locked. This allows the arm muscles to act as shock absorbers. The shoulders should be pushed forward so that the muscles in the front of the chest help carry the weight of the upper body. Many cyclists make the error of letting their upper spine dangle forward, held up by the collar bones.
Your ability to adopt a good posture on a given bicycle will depend on correct fitting and adjustment of the bicycle. See this resource on frame sizing for more on this.
So how does massage therapy help?
- Massage therapists will quickly analysis the condition of your muscle tone and make a determination on what muscles are tight and weak.
- Break up any muscle adhesions and scar tissue that may be influencing your muscle pain.
- Help flush your body of metabolic waste and lactic acid from tired and fatigued muscles.
What else can I do?
Or course as with any form of exercise proper warm up prior to riding is important, but also after your ride properly cooling down is also critical. Stretching is essential for both the warm up and cooling down phases.
Strengthening is also very important here most likely you will want to strengthen the muscle of the upper-back and neck area. And stretch the Pectoralis muscle (chest), when this muscle is tight from being in a riding position it will pull on its opposite muscles and make them weak.
- Rotator cuff (shoulder-blade muscles) strengthening with either a dumbbells or thera-bands will increase muscle tone and help to “balance out” the pull to the front.
- Reverse Flies (intra scapula muscles) either lying on a ball or standing, basically the important thing here with this exercise is you want to squeeze your shoulder blades together for maximum benefit. If possible to increase intensity hold each contraction for a count of 2- 4 seconds.
- Seated Rows-again the important thing here is to use proper form keep your elbows close to your body and squeeze your back muscles with each repetition.
- Shoulder shrugs-this exercise can do done also with a thera-band or dumbbells, with your arms by your sides and elbows straight throughout the movement slowly lift your shoulders towards your ears and squeeze the muscles at the top before returning to the starting position.
- Doorway stretch or corner stretch- this is so important as it will not make any difference how much strengthening that you do without releasing your pectoralis (chest) muscles these muscle will always continue to pull your upper-back and neck muscles.
- Adjust your frame to fit your riding style
*On each exercise listed above I would use a weight that allows for you to do at least 3 sets of 12 -18 repetitions.
Get a massage from an experienced massage therapist, have them evaluate your body, what I have outlined for you today is only a basic assessment and everyone will be different. And remember you should never stop what you love doing even if your doctors advises you to, get a second opinion.
Related posts
A Tribute To A Local Massage Therapist
Posted by: | CommentsSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Kevin Shanahan worked for 11 seasons as the Giants’ massage therapist, so players knew he had strong hands.
Not only did this massage therapist have strong hands but he also had a strong heart and passion for his work, the massage industry lost a very special individual.
Now they know all about his strength of character. Aside from a couple of veterans and members of the training staff, nobody in the clubhouse was aware that Shanahan battled cancer over the past four years. Even as his condition worsened to a terminal stage, Shanahan kept his condition private and worked until the final day of the season.
Related posts
Wine, Roses and a Massage, Happy Valentine’s Day
Posted by: | CommentsI just wanted to wish everyone of our clients a Happy Valentine’s Day!
As well as to all of all who visit my blog, Happy Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to show those special people in your life how much you care about them. RPM-Therapy has put together a very special massage, lavender scented epsom salt and free candle special together for you so if you have not picked you gift yet stop by our office today and get all this for $99. We do accept credit cards and as always our massage services are guaranteed.
Happy Valentine’s Day Doreen!
I met Doreen Jattan aka SpicyD 6 years ago on the 16th of February so we kind of celebrate our VD Day then. Doreen aka spicyd has made such an impact on my life, I many times thank you for that. I know that we have been through allot together and that means so much to me that through it all you believe in me still. Anything you want today just ask I am here for you.
You know how they have those airplanes Doreen that write messages in the sky, well this is the internet way of doing it, instead of an airplane I am using my blog, I love you have a nice day baby.
Related posts
Accelerate Your Active Lifestyle With Deep Muscle Therapy
Posted by: | CommentsDeep tissue massage is a very therapeutic method of pain relief and staying active. It can help clients feel wonderful and relaxed, but it has great health benefits as well. It is often used to treat injuries that are sports related. The depth of the massage can be used to relieve muscle strain and muscle adhesions that lie deep in the muscle tissue.
When circulation is blocked, not only does the muscle suffer, the entire body suffers. Your well being and overall health are reduced. When these circulation blocks are eliminated through the use of deep tissue massage, the body experiences enhanced circulation of blood, lymph, interstitial fluids and cerebro spinal fluids. This can, in turn, result in enhanced functioning of the body and organs as well as improved health. It also helps with the connective tissues to repair and be healed.
Deep tissue massage therapy is beneficial for all levels of massage seekers, offering an experience that is both healing and corrective. It can heal nearly every area of the body, making it function more optimally and efficiently.
What is Deep Muscle Therapy?
Deep muscle therapy is a type of massage therapy technique where the deeper layers of muscle are the primary focus. The goal is to release tension in the body with the use of deep finger pressure and slow strokes on affected areas that are contracted. It either follows the fibers of the muscles tendons and fascia, or the strokes go across the fibers. These advanced massage techniques are generally used to alleviate chronic muscle tension and fatigue.
This technique uses slower strokes and deep pressure or friction that is more direct and moves across the muscle grain as opposed to moving with the grain. It can help to break down scar tissue and eliminate it. Clients may experience soreness either immediately after or during the massage, and adequate water intake after each massage session is essential for proper recovery. If the massage is done correctly, though, the client should feel significantly better within just a couple of days.
Why is Deep Muscle Therapy Effective?
When a person is stressed neurotransmitters are overly worked and active this causes a lack of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles tissues. This blockage can lead to a build-up of toxins in the muscle tissue as well as inflammation of the muscles and tendons. Muscles can be left feeling very painful, tired and stiff. Deep tissue therapy helps to loosen those tight, inflamed muscle tissues and release the toxins. Additionally, it works to improve your overall circulation.
While all of this is happening on the inside of the body, your body will become more relaxed as the stress melts away. Deep muscle therapy works on the mind, body and spirit of a person, going far beyond the physical. It is important, though, to advise clients to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue massage. This is due to the fact that toxin are released from the muscles into the body. The water helps to flush the toxins from the body. Salt baths using Epsom salt is another very nice touch, and Epsom salt can be bought any retail store.
How is Deep Muscle Therapy Applied?
Deep muscle massage is usually focused bodywork and somewhat intense, but it is fairly easy to learn. The best way to begin is to warm up the muscles first, not going too deep, and then working your way into the deeper muscles, slowly. Gradually ease into the muscles, going deeper and deeper a little at a time, this should be done to what is tolerable for you. This is particularly important because each client will feel the pressure differently. Some people may feel that the massage is soft and gentle while other clients may perceive the handling of the muscles to be very rough. It is your job to feel out your client and work into the massage, taking your cues from them.
Another reason to ease into your deep muscle massage is because if you start too aggressive and apply pressure too rough and too frequent, the muscles may contract in an effort to protect the area. This will cause your client a great deal of discomfort as well as injure them. In fact, serious injury can come from over aggressive deep tissue therapy.
How do Massage Therapists use Deep Muscle Therapy to Help Clients?
Massage therapists use deep muscle therapy to help their clients by eliminating scar tissue, releasing nerve entrapment, relieving conditions such as muscle adhesion and carpal tunnel, and reducing stress. It releases the muscle fibers while working to help the body get rid of deeply held patterns of tension. It helps remove toxins from the muscle tissues and both soothe and relax the muscle. t can also help to alleviate headaches and overall body aches. Deep tissue muscle therapy is both therapeutic and corrective.
Related posts
The Benefits of a Massage Table Heater
Posted by: | CommentsI wrote a blog posting on the “Top 7 Must Have Massage Equipment for Massage Therapist” recently, one of the items that I included in the list was a table heater for your massage table. This is a follow up to that blog post.
If you are a massage therapist and you are not using a heating pad for your massage table, you are missing out on making a huge impact with your massage clients. I cannot tell you how often our clients expressed how wonderfully delighted they were once they were lying on the massage table. The price of this massage heating pad is more than pays for itself after a few sessions. Utilizing a heating pad on your massage table is not only is a great perking for you clients, but it does offer many functional massage benefits as well. I am going to share with some of them here with you now, but please tell me if I missed one, thank you.
Stretching:
Let’s say for instance that you have a massage client that you have seen before and know that they have very tight hamstrings, glutes or low back muscles, what I like to do for these clients is to turn up the temperature on the heating pad prior to them coming in. Once they come in and if you do any stretching for your clients, let the table heater warm up their muscles either by working the neck and arms first or allow them to lay on the heat for about 5 minutes before you walk into the room and then go into stretching the hamstrings, glutes and low back muscles. By doing this my goal is to allow the heat to warm up their muscles to get a better stretch and to minimize the risk of causing injury, due to the increased blood flow in the area.
Chronically tight back muscles:
You can also use the massage heating pad to warm up the back muscles, starting face up first. Work the front side, once you have finished, request your clients to turn over and you find that their back muscles are more relaxed. This makes massaging tight or chronically tight back muscles much easier to work on and less physical effort on your part..
Getting clients relaxed prior to their massage
If you have a client that just came in early or just got out of traffic or had a very hard day at work and is stressed out, put them on heat for a few minutes prior to working on them, let them relax a bit with some heat on their back first. This will give your clients a chance to relax and ease them into their massage before getting started.
I’m sorry
If you are running late because you are going over on your time with another client and if you have multiple rooms, instead of having your client wait in the lobby, stick them in a room with some heat on the table. I am sure, once they feel the warmth of the table; they will forgive you, for being late.
You may find that some of your female clients suffer from hot flashes, if this is the case you definitely do not want to use the table heater then. If there is one downside to having a table heater this would be it, you could let your clients know that you have a table heater and that it is on, this way if they suffer from hot flashes, they will let you know. But if you would like to keep the table heater as a surprise, just put the heat on a low setting, it can always be turned up later during the massage.
Related posts
Muscle Adhesions and Scar Tissue Your Body’s Enemy
Posted by: | CommentsActive Release Technique (also known as ART) is an advanced massage technique specifically designed massage for muscle and muscle attachments, tendons, and the fascia surrounding the muscles, to release and relieve tension in these areas. It can relieve such “overuse” problems as carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, shin splints, sciatica, plantar fascitis, knee problems and tennis elbow. These problems all occur because of overuse, and can be cured with his specific massage therapy technique, called Active Release Technique.
When overuse occurs, nerve entrapments, muscle adhesion, inflammation and scar tissue, carpal tunnel and impingement syndrome, among many other problems, can manifest. This is because overuse causes injury or other situations where the tissue actually changes detrimentally in three important ways.
- First of all, the tissue itself does not get enough oxygen, a condition also called “hypoxia.”
- Second of all, there can be an accumulation of small tears, also called a micro-trauma.
- And third of all, this can cause acute conditions, such as pulls, tears, and collisions.
No matter the cause, what happens is that these three types of changes cause the body to heal by producing tough, dense scar tissue in the area that has been injured, which replaces the healthy tissue. The scar tissue itself then binds up the surrounding tissues, so that they can no longer move freely. As more scar tissue builds up, muscles themselves can become shorter and weaker. Scar tissue in not as strong and stable as healthy tissue, there for an advanced massage therapist is needed to help break down muscle adhesions and scar tissue.
Without treatment this results in tension on tendons, which in turn causes tendonitis, and nerves can become “trapped.” This in turn can cause pain, loss of strength, and reduced range of motion. In some cases, when a nerve becomes trapped, you can also feel numbness, tingling or weakness.
A massage therapist who uses these ART techniques can help clients with these muscles adhesions and scar tissue build up, that restrict proper muscle function. When one receives ART treatment, a therapist first evaluates the tenderness, tightness and texture of underlying tissues, such as the fascia, muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments. Then, the therapist provides specific advanced massage therapy techniques along with ART techniques.
This type of treatment is effective because a trained therapist can break up the scar tissue causing the nerve entrapment, reduced carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, nerve impingement or muscle adhesions. The therapist directs very specific tension at the affected area usually focusing on or around muscle attachments and the patient works in tandem with the therapist by moving in specific ways to help break up the scar tissue.
There are over 500 different movements specifically in ART that is meant to break down the scar tissue, muscle tension and entrapped nerves. For example, with carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is trapped in scar tissue (also known as “nerve entrapment), which has been caused by repetitive movement, a poor diet or a host of many other inflammation causing factors. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also known as “cumulative injury,” because the injury itself (in this case, entrapment to the median nerve) occurs over a period of time. In many cases, ART can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery to correct these problems and restore function.
Impingement syndrome can also be helped with ART.
Another type of injury, impingement syndrome, occurs when those who do a lot of lifting have pain in the shoulder area. Most often, care for this problem involves having surgery to shave off a small part of the rotator cuff and make it flat, ensuring that there’s nothing to “catch” the muscle or muscle adhesion on. However, most often, the problem is in the muscle itself and not in the rotator cuff, so ART can cure this problem if the problem is indeed occurring in the muscle and not in the rotator cuff itself. This determination needs to be carefully indentified before any massage therapy or ART treatments are implemented. Be sure to seek a professional massage therapist who is certified in ART techniques and has a very firm knowledge of the human anatomy.
Related posts
7 Must Have Massage Equipment for Massage Therapist
Posted by: | CommentsEvery massage therapist that is thinking about getting into this business needs to have the right massage equipment in order to perform their best and be successful in this business. While many massage therapists will prefer not to acquire the extra cost of acquiring all what that is needed, especially when starting out. But I can tell you from experience it dose pay off in the long run, I would not suggest to cut too many corners if you want to successful and look professional.
Many people benefit from massage therapy. It is not just used to relax people anymore. When we think of massage, we often imagine luxury spas where people are pampered and spoiled. This is no longer the case massage therapy is now used to improve performance in athletes and help people with chronic pain, injuries and even for anxiety and other emotional disorders
Massage Table & Massage Chair
A massage therapist just beginning in practice may benefit from being available at moment’s notice often visiting homes of those who are in need of a massage. So the first essential item, a portable lightweight massage table. And I would also considering purchasing a portable massage chair for marketing purposes and corporate accounts. This is huge we at RPM-Therapy bring in aprox. 50% of my clientele just by using the chair alone, the chair offers many advantages that a massage table will not.
Business cards and a website
You must have a way for your potential clients to contact you, get more information and learn about your massage techniques that you specialize in. A website allows for this potential client to gain valuable information about your services without you having to stay by a phone great when you are with another client. Today websites can now book clients with an online scheduler, and send a text message with that confirmed appointment to your cell-phone without you ever taking a call.
Your massage therapy business cards should have all the general information on it name, phone number, services offered and a call to action. Your call to action can be something very simple like, come in this month and save $20 off your next massage. Or get 30 minutes free when you buy 30 minutes, but be sure to have an expiration date ending in a week or two, you can always extend it.
Your website need not to be anything real expensive or fancy due to the reason that you will probably be making a lot of changes on it as you grow your business. You do need to make sure that it has an email optin box, this is for building your network of clients. If you have their email address, then at anytime you move or have a special offer or special event that you would like your clients to know about, letting them know is just a few keystrokes away. Your website once your busy, have an online scheduling system, this way your clients can book right from their computer plus you can set it up to capture a physical address, phone number, birthdays and get informed of any special considerations that the client may have prior to them coming in. This alone can make a huge impact on your business, our clients love it. Consider offering gift certificates that can purchased online through a merchant account or paypal, it is not too difficult to set up.
A Blog
I just recently added this one to the list, my reasons for having a blog is this, it is very easy to set up and it’s built on a platform that builds relationships with your clients, patients and customers. Plus it is SEO friendly right out of the box, add a few bells and whistles (usually called a plugin) and your blog can generate a ton of website traffic to your business and services.
Another huge aspect to the blog is this, if you are good at what you do, write several articles pertaining to your expertise and post it to your blog and article directories and you will soon be perceived as an expert in your industry. It will also allow you to educate your clients and potential customers about what to expect from your bodywork, give out tips and advice that will help your clients and they will keep coming back to your blog to get more information.
Massage Equipment (physical location)
For those who wish to set up an office practice, it is necessary to have all the necessary equipment such as proper stationary, tables, mats, chairs and other misc. items. But if want to make a winning impression, get a good lotion, I prefer Biotone Dual Purpose. Do not buy some cheap oils they will only make oil stains on your clothes, carpets and sheets that are not easy to wash out or get cleaned. And if you do not have a shower available; chances are pretty good that your client will get oil stains on their clothing as well and leave your facility feeling oily.
Table heater/pad
Last key equipment would be a table heater or a heating pad for your massage table, have it on a medium to low heat prior to your client coming in and adjust it accordingly for your clients. Your clients will love you for it
Related posts
The Power Of Wordpress Blog as a Website?
Posted by: | CommentsThe Power of Wordpress blog CMS!
WP Remix a WordPress powered master theme, is completely customizable, quality coded & comes bundled with many layout options that helps everyone create custom websites in minutes, saves weeks of time, maintaining top notch standards-compliant quality.
- Ideal for EVERYONE!
Multi Purpose, hassle-free theme that covers almost every possible layout. Saves you weeks of time. - Multiple Options - Easily Customizable.
A Blog + 5 Homepage options + 10 Single page with different layout + 2 events page + 2 Product/Gallery page + a Contact Form, Drop menu, Tabs, Table… - Light-weight, Professional code and design
W3C Valid, Table less & Cross browser compatible, widget-ready, highly customizable…
Click here to view more details
Loaded with features
- Multiple Page Templates
- 5 Homepage Options
- 10 Sub Page Options
- 2 Product/Portfolio Pages
- 2 Event Listing page
- Frequently Asked Questions template
- Testimonials
- Easily customizable, Plugin Free Contact form
- Multi Level Drop-Down Menu
- Ready-made News Letter form
- 2 Column Lists
- One, Two and Three Column Pages
- Image Gallery
- Easy Editable Code
- SEO Optimized
- W3C Valid
- Optimized XHTML code
- Built for Everyone!
WP Remix is designed and developed in a way to help everyone save time, cost and efforts maintaining top-notch standards compliant quality and integrity.
As a Web Site Owner, do you wish to spend more time on leveraging your website, instead of making all those updates in every page and hassling with FTP issues? Ever got annoyed using that advanced CMS software bundled with hundreds of features that you never wish to use for your simple, small website? Now, with help of WP Remix theme, you could use reliable & simple WordPress blog as CMS!
Click here to view more details
