Massage & Bodywork

September/October 2010

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68185

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 30 of 131

I think it would be beneficial to emphasize health benefits/sports massage/ postural correction, etc. to men (who don't respond to "touchy-feely" language like most women do). Many men won't go to a spa for a day of pampering, but they have no problem with going to a bodywork clinic for somatic therapy. And if we can emphasize its benefits in sports and on-the-job performance, so much the better. Chris Lewis Littleton, Colorado Men respond better to clearly defined goals, purposeful processes, and results that can be measured. When massage, reflexology, and physical therapy are positioned as the right tools for the job, men will be attracted to bodywork. ERIC SAYLOR SEATTLE, WASHINGTON For me, attracting more male clients is not a problem. Here in Texas (cowboy country), I do mini-massages (fully clothed) at local equine events. We have a lot of team roping. This sport is usually dominated by men. They hurt just like everyone else and want to feel better. When I set up, the men are generally curious. After having them on my table for 7–10 minutes, I can show them how they can perform better. Once the first person gets started, the rest just line up. PAULA A. CABLE LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS I think this is an interesting question. I happen to be very lucky and have a 50-50 split of men and women in my practice. I have gone out of my way to have this kind of diversity. I have found that men generally are not interested in spa-type massage or atmosphere. I work for myself and put a lot of thought into the decor of the office so it's appealing for anyone who comes in. I have talked to several of my clients about this topic and they felt that massage you get at a spa seems to be too froufrou for them. They like deep tissue, sports massage, Active Isolated Stretching, etc. They want to feel that their muscle tension has been worked out, not been pampered. TJ SEBRING, FLORIDA My male clientele is at 40 percent and growing. I've found that more women are willing to try massage, but the men who get on the table tend to be the ones that re-book regularly. A lot of it is approach and learning how to read your client. I have firemen, marines, golfers, laborers, and a growing number of weekend warriors who are finding out that massage lets them climb that ladder a little faster, not tire as easily, and just generally be able to cope better with the daily grind in their job/ home lives. Example: have your golf enthusiasts show you their swings. Tell them what their body is telling you. Treat them as needed, not factory line massage. And then after the session, have them do the same swing and let them tell you what they notice. Men are big into seeing-is-believing. MARISSA MACIAS VIA MASSAGEPROFESSIONALS.COM My practice and I reside in a very industrial area, named the "Energy Capital of the World." Personally, my clientele is about 80 percent male. Although, I do firmly believe this has everything to do with the area and the industries here, I do realize it is highly unexpected and rare. On the other hand, with my boyfriend being employed in the realm of the mining/ methane community, and our social life centered around it, I often get drilled on questions pertaining to males receiving massages. The basis of this seems to be that the majority of the "typical" male population is uneducated on what a massage is all about. Continuing to answer their questions and concerns briefly, yet in detail, has significantly turned the skeptics into my weekly repeats. BRIANNA DYE GILLETTE, WYOMING connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 29

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - September/October 2010