Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70551
THE SELF-CARE SHUFFLE Massage therapists inevitably face some sort of self-care shuffle, and a second career—with its added demands and 14-hour days—increases the challenge and pace of the dance. Practitioners learn, though, that good self- care is both a practical necessity and a professional responsibility. Just as patients wouldn't want a dentist who neglects his own dental hygiene, clients count on their massage therapists to model good wellness habits. Austin, whose personal routine includes running, woodworking, and gardening, learned about the importance of self-care from his years in dentistry. "People who go into a helping profession want to help. If I was a plumber and my neighbor had a leak in the middle of the night, I'd be happy to go help fix the problem," he says. As a fairly new massage therapist, Austin usually has the time and energy to see clients on short notice or at odd hours, though he can foresee a time when he might need to be more protective of his sleep and self- care time. "It's a fine line between doing everything we can and also taking care of ourselves. I would expect most conscientious providers feel that." Bloom continues the yoga practice he started three decades ago as a 16-year-old exchange student to India, and the rest of his wellness routine is as action-packed as his work life. "I also do qigong. I try to get to the gym three or four times a week. I run about one 5K a month—usually a charity event—and when I go on vacation, I get a massage every day. I've actually planned vacations around where I know there's a good massage therapist." Laverriere says she heeds the calling by working with a nutritionist, lifting weights, and receiving regular massage and Rolfing treatments. The self-care not only maintains her stamina for running her businesses, but, "it's unbelievable how a person can just feel so whole with that, and it's what I want to share with my clients. It's well-being." REWARDS The money is an advantage, but the biggest advantage of having dual careers is being able to make people happy, Laverriere says. "I'm grateful for it all. I'm not someone who just goes to work because I have to do it to make money. When I get up and go to work, I don't feel like it's work." This is a common sentiment among these dual-career practitioners. Long hours aside, each will say massage offers almost as many rewards for the therapist as for the client, which is what helps them maintain their stamina through 12- and 14-hour days. "One day I had a really challenging day of kids' dentistry," Austin says. "And I was driving home in the pouring rain thinking, this is a really good day to appreciate having two very good jobs." Michelle Blake, MAIS, LMT, has a private practice in Salem, Oregon, and teaches at the Oregon School of Massage. She is passionate about the interchange of social change and personal action. She can be reached at mblake@ massagetherapy.com. Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 63 Massage therapists inevitably face some sort of self-care shuffle, and a second career— with its added demands and 14-hour days— increases the challenge and pace of the dance.