Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
don't burn out A clear understanding about how the partnership is being built will help you establish rapport. Listening begins with a thorough intake process that must include discussion of the client's symptoms, including details such as how long the problem has been there. This enables you to respond by describing how you will be working in the upcoming session, including your draping procedures, the flow of the session, how you will check in for feedback regarding your pressure and technique, and how you will end the session. It is important for you to discuss and adapt to the client's need to talk or not talk during the session. If the client would prefer not to talk, checking for feedback during the massage should be done briefly, and only in the first session. In subsequent sessions, follow the client's cues on talking. Finally, it is important to communicate your recommendations for treatment. No matter what setting you practice in, clients are looking to you as the expert. While researchers have started to study the most effective frequency of massage sessions, there are Good Communication no definitive answers yet. Based on my anecdotal experience, I There are several critical factors to initially recommend 2–3 sessions close together, usually once a good communication, but the core week. Generally, I have found this is what clients seeking a specific is listening to the client's needs and result are willing to commit to, even with possible limitations on communicating to the client about how time and money. It is also enough for them to see if massage is you work in your making a noticeable improvement on their areas of concern. practice. After these initial sessions are completed, I encourage clients to begin spreading out their sessions until they notice a significant recurrence of their symptoms. This allows clients to self-monitor their condition, and together we can create an optimal "dose" for their particular circumstances. I personally believe people should get a minimum of one massage per month for general health, wellness, and stress relief. a session, I take a few deep breaths. Breathing allows me to slow down, feel what's under my hands, and make adjustments to my technique accordingly. I find coming back to my breath helps me refocus and maintain my presence in a massage session. Some suggestions for places to start are: • Find your own way to center yourself using breath and visualization. • Work with compassion and from your heart. • Focus on your breath. • Slow down your strokes. • Practice nonjudgment toward yourself and your client. Get the Right Tools T hrough trial and error, I finally learned what essential physical tools I need to enhance career longevity. These tools allow me to work with more ease as I perform massage day after day, month after month, year after year. First, for me, is an electric table and a rolling stool. For years, I resisted spending money on an electric table. Now that I have one, I love the ease it provides my hands and body. I have the ability to move each client into a position that is optimal for my body mechanics, and the rolling stool allows me to sit down when I'm working on a client's neck, shoulders, or feet, enabling me to deliver the massage more fluidly. 70 massage & bodywork january/february 2013 The next tool in my toolbox is an electric, percussive massager, which allows me to begin each session by penetrating and releasing the client's muscles and soft tissue with minimal effort. Once the tension is off the superficial layer, I can work more effectively on the client's soft tissue overall, and I can concentrate on an area that is particularly tight for a longer duration, penetrating that tissue at a deeper level.