Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/557366
No. 5 Obstacle: I HAD A POOR MASSAGE EXPERIENCE Some people have tried massage, but had a poor experience and are reluctant to try it again. They don't want to waste their time and money on something for which they don't see the benefits. They don't want to pay to feel worse or to be in pain from a bone-crushing, deep- tissue massage. They also don't want a feather-light massage when they have an area that needs some firm work. Make it clear how you operate so the client knows what to expect. Make sure they understand the massage is all about them—that you will use the pressure they want and you will address their main problem area, if there is one. You will treat them professionally, be prepared and on time, and give them your full attention. Communication is critical. Get a clear understanding of what the client wants before the massage begins. Let them know you will listen and be observant during the session and adjust when necessary, and that they can speak up anytime. What if the very first movie you saw was awful? If you never watched another, you would miss some outstanding, memorable performances that might have changed the way you feel about movies. You would also miss other awful movies—but seeing more movies would give you the experience to know which ones do or do not appeal to you. Encourage the people you meet who have had a negative massage experience to do the same thing with massage. Friends and family who receive massage can tell others what things to look for and what to avoid, and will likely be happy to recommend their favorite massage therapist (you). Have plenty of good material on your website to allow new clients to do a little research, and be willing to answer any questions your potential clients may have. No. 6 Obstacle: BODY ISSUES Almost everyone has body issues; for many people, this is the biggest objection to getting massage. We all want to appear in our best light and hide any perceived flaws. Massage makes you vulnerable and takes away most of the things we use to hide and cover up. Massage is for everybody and every body—if we worked exclusively on athletes, actors, cheerleaders, and models, most of us would go out of business quickly. Let your clients know you don't care how they look, and that the massage room is a safe, nonjudgmental place. This objection can be removed or reduced by showing clients we understand body issues. Most of us had to deal with our own body issues when we began our massage careers. We have learned that bodies are wondrous and amazing creations. Your clients need to know you honestly and sincerely do not care what they look like. Remind them they will be draped the entire time except for what is being worked on at the moment. We want people to feel better so they can enjoy life. Allow them to imagine how much better they would feel with a good night's sleep, less stress, and relief from headaches and other pains. Massage can help boost self-esteem. It makes your body feel good, which presents a better self-image. Feeling good about your body can motivate you to take better care of it with your diet and activities. Having positive body experiences helps people overcome their body issues. Everyone is under pressure from the media to look a certain way. Young people are especially vulnerable, since they lack the experience and tools to deal with this pressure. Giving a young person confidence in their still-changing body through massage is a great gift for them. 90 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5