Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70065
BUSINESS SIDE BE RESPECTFUL If you work for someone else, as an employee or an independent contractor, it's necessary to respect his or her wishes as far as how much personalizing you may do in your workspace. This rule is even more important if the space is shared with someone else. Be sure to clarify the parameters before bringing your belongings into the office. For example, if you're a part-timer who shares space with another part-timer, both of you should have enough respect for the other to leave room for the other person's things. along, too. Nice linens always make a good impression. A rolling suitcase can hold the small folding table for your accoutrements like your table scarf, and if you don't want to carry fresh flowers, pack a tiny vase with one realistic-looking silk flower. If state regulations require those as they are to the ammonia- smelling color and permanent solutions emanating from the hairdressing stations. Diffusing a pure organic essential oil, or even a drop or two of oil sprinkled right on the sheets, is a good cover-up for that salon smell. People who are chemically sensitive are usually not irritated by essential oils, as it's the propellants and other laboratory- manufactured ingredients that affect them, but check with the client first. If you have a variety of oils, you might offer to let the client choose one. Peppermint oil is stimulating, wintergreen smells medicinal, rose oil can be very uplifting, and citrus oils are nice and usually the least inexpensive. IN A MEDICAL OFFICE If you work in collaboration with a physician or chiropractor, or rent space from one, chances are the atmosphere is clinical instead of cozy. Ask if you can have a little leeway in your massage room. Point out that stress is probably causing, contributing to, or resulting from whatever condition the person is being treated for, and you'd like to create a stress- free zone in your massage room. Don't go overboard. You're not trying to create a spa-like atmosphere. You just want to make the room look a little more inviting than a hospital room. Medical offices almost always have overhead fluorescent lighting that doesn't create the effect you want. There may be prohibitions against having candles in the office for safety reasons or because some patients use oxygen. Instead, use a small table lamp, electric candles, or an unobtrusive floor lamp. Again, something as simple as a beautiful blanket or comforter on the massage table can make the room appear less harsh. Even though clients are there for medical reasons, you want them to feel relaxed and nurtured during their time with you. OUTCALLS Therapists performing outcalls may go to the client's home or office, a hotel or bed and breakfast, or may be providing chair massage in a corporate setting. You never know until you arrive what the atmosphere is going to be like—so bring some with you. The table warmer will fit in your massage table carry case. Memory foam pads can be rolled up and carried displaying your license wherever you go, you could have a smaller copy made and put it in a nice frame. Take along your music. If you're doing chair massage, put a single drop of lavender on the face cradle cover. Even if you're providing massage in the middle of a noisy factory, you can enhance the experience. Although it's your effectiveness as a massage therapist, your professionalism, and your personality that bring clients back, it's clean, uncluttered, pleasing surroundings that can enhance their total massage experience. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Creating an atmosphere of peaceful serenity for your clients will help them shed their stress at the door and soothe your workday as well. Simple Guide to Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examinations (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009) and One Year to a Successful Massage Therapy Practice (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008). A third book, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Business, will also be published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Allen is the owner of THERA-SSAGE, a continuing education facility and alternative wellness clinic of more than a dozen practitioners of different disciplines in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Visit her website at www.thera-ssage.com. Laura Allen is the author of Plain & connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 25