Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/329694
I t p a y s t o b e A B M P C e r t i f i e d : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 75 Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. 5 Monitor the yearly ebb and flow of clients. My practice is busiest in April, May, September, and November. I strive to be in top form during those times so I can make hay while the sun is shining. January and July are typically slow and a great time for me to take those mandatory (and enjoyable) vacations. 6 Live within your means. Financial stress can motivate us to make short-term decisions that may end our careers. Poor financial management leads to crisis scheduling and stressed-out practitioners. 7 Set boundaries and maintain them. Starting and stopping sessions on time, honoring your cancellation policy, and taking regular time off makes a happy, healthy practitioner. 8 Seek out new methods and modalities. If you find yourself feeling bored or unengaged in your work, try something new. Many of us are required to take continuing education as part of licensing or certification. Why not try something entirely different? 9 Receive regular bodywork yourself. I like to support fellow practitioners, receive the benefits of the work, and honestly answer, "Yes, I do" when my clients ask if I get regular massages. It also reminds me how great my job is and I often learn a few things that I can apply to my own work. 10 Remember to be grateful. I tell people that I have the best job in the world. My clients are usually very happy to see me. I feel my work improves the quality of their lives, and I am reimbursed well for that work. When I remember all of that, it is easy to go to the office and take care of business.