Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/230373
By Karrie Osborn Senior Editor | karrie@abmp.com We asked some of our best and brightest here at ABMP to share their favorite safety tips for massage therapists and bodyworkers. From personal safety to financial safety, here are their words of wisdom. ❝Periodically look around your massage ❝It's essential to center and ground room with fresh eyes to see if there's anything that might cause a client injury, like a cord or rug they might trip over. Do the same for your parking area, front entrance, and reception room. Regularly check your massage table bolts and hinges to be sure they are tight and not worn down. A little spot check now and then can prevent a big injury later! ❞ oneself before giving a massage. You have to have a stable physical and emotional base before laying your hands on someone else. I taught a friend a few neck and shoulder massage techniques that she used on a relative who had a headache. The relative was relieved of her pain, but the massage-giver developed her own headache by the end of the massage. I believe she wasn't fully centered and took on some of her relative's energy. I always share a short grounding technique now, along with any massage techniques.❞ Kristin Coverly, RMT, ABMP Education Facilitator (and co-author of Massage & Bodywork's Business Side column, page 28) Brian Halterman, RMT, ABMP Education Program Coordinator ❝Put your gift certificate earnings directly into a savings account and don't withdraw until the gift certificate has been redeemed. That way, if you have a week of several gift certificates getting redeemed, you won't find yourself short on income.❞ Cindy Williams, RMT, ABMP School Liaison ❝When locking up the building for the night, check surroundings, have keys ready to get in your car, and make sure it's safe before leaving. It's always good to have ample lighting near your doorway and parking lot. Putting a flashlight on your keychain can be helpful, too.❞ Lauren Snow, Licensed Esthetician, Program Coordinator for Associated Skin Care Professionals (ABMP's sister association) ❝File your taxes honestly and appropriately. Paying quarterly is part of the gig, and you won't get stung at the end of the year. Running your business with financial integrity also helps your clients know you're a smart businessperson, in addition to being a great therapist.❞ Jenny Good, ABMP Director of Member Development ❝Have a network of professionals at the ready to refer to. Schedule time for yourself! And, every year, renew your first aid and CPR training, and review your knowledge of skin cancer warning signs. Remember, you are often the first line of defense.❞ Angie Parris-Raney, RMT, ABMP Advertising Manager ❝Financial planning experts calculate ❝When new clients book online, I always that workers need to save at least 10–12 percent of income to have a good chance of making it through retirement without lowering their standard of living. If you haven't established an IRA, do so immediately so your savings can grow tax-free.❞ contact them by phone and ask how they heard about my office, who referred them, etc., to make sure they are seeking me out for the right reasons. New clients are also asked these questions when they book by phone, and they must provide an email address. Usually my new clients have been referred by word of mouth or knew about my practice from the previous owner, but it's good to do due diligence.❞ Bob Benson, ABMP Chairman Mary Heinz, RMT, ABMP Membership Coordinator It pays to be ABMP Certified: www.abmp.com/go/certifiedcentral 37