Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
TEN FOR TODAY religious about what gem they're wearing that day to help If you're going to be on your feet all day, good athletic shoes are a good choice. Find something with arch support that's wide enough so your toes aren't squeezed. One particularly popular shoe among massage therapists is the Earth brand with "negative heel technology." The sole is shaped to raise the toes slightly higher than the heel. "It gets you up an additional 3 degrees," Funk says. "When you first put it on, you almost feel like you're falling backward. But it's good for your posture, because you stand up straighter." Still popular among massage therapists are Crocs, the comfy, colorful clogs that took the shoe world by storm a few years ago. Still, the company nearly tanked in 2008 and may never again achieve the superstardom of five years ago. "We're searching for the next Crocs," Funk says. One other footwear option: nothing. "I know a lot of massage therapists who don't wear shoes," Brooks says. "Being barefoot keeps their energy where it needs to be." If you wear slip-ons or clogs to greet clients, they never need to know if you discreetly slip them off for the massage. BUT NOT HEARD—OR FELT Hard-liners insist that nearly all jewelry—and certainly all rings or bracelets—should come off before a massage. But for some massage therapists, keeping jewelry on can be important. "A few massage therapists I know wear energy crystals, turquoise, and tourmaline," Brooks says. "They're very 7. JEWELRY SHOULD BE SEEN them perform whatever they need to perform or to help them block energy." Whatever you choose to wear, just make sure it doesn't scratch a client, or clink or clank, or jingle-jangle-jingle. And if you do bend the rules and wear a ring while giving a massage, don't take it off to wash your hands. "They've come out with studies that show that germs that hang out on jewelry are abundant," Brooks says. "So when you wash your hands, wash your ring, too. Anything that touches the human body needs to be washed as thoroughly as you wash your hands after a massage." EXTEND A GARMENT'S LIFE Dryers are harsh on clothes, and they're energy hogs to boot. If you've got a place to hang clothes to line dry, you'll save on energy costs and your garment will last longer. Washing in cold water is also 8. easier on clothes, though cold water isn't as effective as hot in getting some stains out. "If you've got an oil stain, use a stain remover before you wash it," Brooks advises. "And don't let the garment sit in the laundry for days and then expect the oil stain to come out. Oil stains can't sit. So wash in cold water for longevity, but if you have stubborn oil stain, wash in warm, and dry on low, or hang it up to protect the fiber." MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS Angie Patrick, director of business development and corporate sales for Scrip/Massage Warehouse, recently had some baseball caps made up to say "Massage Therapist." The results astounded her. 9. PUT YOUR CLOTHES TO WORK GENTLE LAUNDERING CAN "I would be standing in line at a coffee shop and people would come up to me and say, 'Wow, are you a massage therapist? Where do you practice?'" she says. T-shirts or jackets emblazoned with your company name also work. "It's just a matter of buying something that can get the conversation started," Patrick says. "T-shirts are wonderful for that, or a carrying a briefcase or backpack with your logo. You can be wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and a ball cap, but if you're clean, people will ask you questions. Everybody wants a massage. Logo yourself, especially if you're a private practitioner. Wear something that denotes you as a massage therapist." You can also put your clients to work marketing your practice for you. "If people buy a package of multiple massages, reward them with a T-shirt that's promoting your business," suggests Todd Diskin, owner of EmbroidMe in Lenexa, Kansas. "If they buy three months' worth of massages, give them a T-shirt and a water bottle. Or give away towels with your logo," he says. "Uniforms are often a detail that is overlooked in a business," says Asmar. "Today, the power of a uniform is essential. It instantly identifies a team member, it promotes the company, and any time a staff member leaves the premises, it's free advertising." 10. BE TAX SAVVY What's the difference between dressing for work in a "uniform" or just wearing comfy clothes that you could wear anywhere? Come tax time, you'll find out. "Uniforms" are deductible. "Clothing" is not. based freelance writer. Contact her at killarneyrose@comcast.net. Rebecca Jones is a Denver- 81