This blog is provided to give insightful information to the client. Some of which are opinions and past experiences with previous clients.
A questions & answers can be found on the Q & A page.
Therapists please feel free to look at the Therapists Blog for latest information from the state and news that affects our profession.
CREDIT CARD CHANGES
By Friday August 26, 2010 this office will begin accepting Visa and Mastercard for payment.
TEXT MESSAGING
There is a huge demand for businesses to use text messaging technology. Many massage therapists have benefited from using this technology to book appointments. In ways I think this is a excellent choice for most therapists but this isn't the right choice for me. Since we as a society have been lost in the hustle and bustle of modern technology I prefer to do it the old way- by phone. I require all clients to book by phone. This ensures that if the client has questions or concerns they can address them with me over the phone instead of waiting for a answer by text. My service is more personal by keeping it to phone calls. I want to make sure that the client is comfortable with me before they book the appointment. In some cases I monitor and screen clients for safety/security issues. I urge other therapists to do the same. When you as therapists do not take precautions dangerous situations can occur. Its best to speak with new clients and ask questions in what they seek in a massage session.
PROSTRATE MASSAGE
If you are a client that is having problems with your prostate, you will need to consult your doctor on the issue. With a medical consultation the doctor will give you medication and discuss other options with you on how to treat your condition.
No independent, licensed massage therapist should perform a prostate massage or milking. If they do I would report them to the state.
UPDATE: I want to make clear there is a difference between prostrate massage and lymphatic drainage for the prostrate. A licensed massage therapist can be trained in the therapy and not be in the presence of a doctor or nurse. The client does not need a doctor's permission for lymphatic drainage. In lymphatic drainage the work is performed above the pelvic bone.
Currently I offer lymphatic drainage to both female and male clients. If you prefer a male therapist, I can refer one to you. Please call the office for more information.
H1N1 VIRUS
To ease the minds of clients I want to clarify that this establishment is taking all precautions to keep H1N1 or any disease of out of my office. I do not and never have accepted a client that has a cold, fever, or any form of infection.
After each massage the room is disinfected, the trash dumped, and clean sheets are placed on the table. As a massage therapist I adhere to the laws implemented by the state on health and hygiene. As always I do wash my hands and arms for 30 seconds or more and then apply hand sanitizer.
Here are some tips what you can do as a client to take precautions for H1N1 or any possible contagious disease you may come in contact with.
1. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
2. Golden rule: Always wash you hands after going to the restroom and coming into contact with bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, etc. You can also use a hand sanitizer to kill germs.
3. If you have a cold lasting more than three days or have flu like symptoms make a appointment to see your doctor.
4. Do not schedule massage appointment if you are ill. Wait until all symptoms have pasted before scheduling your massage appointment.
5. If you are not showing symptoms of a cold, flu, or infection, it is best to strengthen your immune system. You can also go to your doctor to get a flu shot. Also taking preventive vitamin supplements or medicines prescribed by a doctor can help prevent becoming ill this winter season.
Vitamin C, red clover leaf, elderberry, Super Lysine, nettles (sinus and cleaning the blood stream), slippery elm bark (sore throat) are just some that you can get over the counter. Homeopathic medicines like BOIRON, Oscillococcium can help prevent the flu.
6. Try to avoid those that are ill. If you cannot, make sure you follow step five.
7. Get plenty of rest and exercise.
8. Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water and fluids.
"Remember a ounce of prevention is a pound of cure."
HEADACHES AFTER A MASSAGE
8-12-09
When the body is not hydrated a headache can occur. This happens when the client does not drink enough fluids or water before and after the massage.
When scheduling your next appointment make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid a headache. During the massage, the tissues are being squeezed and compressed so toxins are being moved through the blood stream. The body is flushing out the excess fluids and toxins through sweat or urination. It is vital after a massage to replenish those fluids with several ounces of water. If not, it's possible that you may have a mild headache or soreness afterwards.
MASSAGE AND ALCOHOL DOESN'T MIX
If you are under the influence of alcohol I will not massage you. First of all it is a contradiction. Second it renders your decision making process therefore you are unable to make clear informed choices under the influence. Third you are unable to give proper feed back and perhaps be desensitized towards pain. Also alcohol can contribute to high levels of toxins in the system and flood vital organ of those toxins. There have been a few, rare documented cases that heart attacks have occurred in some individuals. Last but not least, I will not be held liable in case something happens to you on or off my table. So you see massage and alcohol doesn't mix.
Please reframe from drinking alcohol 24-hours prior to your next massage appointment.
NO SHOWS
In one point in time in every massage therapist's professional career will experience the inconvenience of a potential client that will not show up for a scheduled appointment. It can be very frustrating and devastating to the therapist's bottom line. Many times they could had booked another paying client willing to take that time slot in question.
It is best before booking an appointment to make sure you are able to keep your appointment. If something does comes up or you decide the massage technique/therapist is not for you, give a quick courtesy call. Let the therapist know that you will not be coming. Basically it is common courtesy and it shows you have good manners.
I have a strict, no tolerance, no show policy. No show clients will not be booked for future appointments and will be placed on a DO NOT MASSAGE LIST.
Please keep this in mind when you decide to no show.
LATENT TRIGGER POINTS:
Ever wondered why after a massage session you have a headache or if a certain area of your body is a little sore than it was previously?
It's pretty good indication that your therapist activated a Latent trigger point. A Latent trigger point is basically a trigger point that remains hidden until it is activated by touch. The symptoms are or not limited to headaches, spasms, tenderness and limited range of motion. After the Latent trigger points is activated it will need to be treated like a normal trigger point. It is always good to find a therapist that is knowledgeable in trigger point therapy before making massage appointment.
The reasons behind the Latent trigger point could be caused by a nerve entrapment, referral pain, stress, tension, trauma or injury to the muscle.
Latent points do happen and it not your therapist fault. Sometimes a client will get a massage therapist that is not knowledgeable with trigger point therapy and that therapist will set off a trigger point. Other times the symptoms do not present themselves till after the massage. I've had too many clients complain that they would never see their former massage therapist because they received a headache after the session. Usually either either to the latent trigger point or because that client failed to drink water.
I pose one question to those clients: Did you inform your therapist and did he/she work it out for you? The answer is usually no.
Before leaving any therapists office, inform them that you have a headache or any unresolved muscle problem. A good therapist will work out the active trigger point to reduce the headache or symptom. Sometimes it takes more than one session to work out a trigger point problems.
Remember: It is your responsibility to speak up if something is hurting.
WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE DO YOU OFFER?
I offer holistic, therapeutic, non-sexual massage sessions. My emphasis is on deep tissue and sports therapy. I work on those that have chronic or acute injuries due to working out, mental or physical stress or trauma, repetitive motion injury, spasms, etc. The clinic caters to those needing instant pain relief or those that need to come in for regular visits to reduce pain, retrain muscles or break up scar tissue or knots. It does not matter if you are an athlete or someone that does not work out, the techniques that I provide can assist anyone in their pain management regiment.
Most clients that make an appointment for a light pressure Swedish massage will find that they cannot relax during their session due to the therapist finding a trigger point, nerve entrapments, etc. It is best to come in for a therapeutic session first to relieve and reduce those type of symptoms. Remember I can always water down the techniques for you. After that, then you can go to a more lighter, Swedish massage.
I work on both female and male clients. I do not discriminate by race, gender, religion, weight, sexual preference, etc.
I provide full body massage therapy. I do not offer rub downs, prostrate, "sensual", light touch, or light feather stroke massage. That is a waste of my time and a waste of your money to attempt to see me for these type of services. I also do not provide just a glut, inner thigh and leg massage for men. From personal experience, I find that most men that require this service enjoy being aroused and start become sexual on the table. There is a zero tolerance policy for those that solicited for sexual services. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and the client will be asked to leave immediately. The client will be placed on a DNM list for future reference and a police report maybe filed for security reasons.
WATER: THE IMPORTANCE OF DRINKING IT AFTER A MASSAGE.
Ever wonder a few days after a massage why you feel a little sore? Did your previous therapist inform you to drink water?
The reason why you are sore is that the toxins, uric acid and mineral deposits have settled back into the muscles because you did not enough drink water. Water flushes these things out of the body. The body needs water to properly do this. Our bodies at comprised of 60% water. Without water the body would shut down completely. Water is needed to carry blood and oxygen to all the cells in the body. Lymph is carried in water and assist with the immune system. Water also helps with the digestion process and removal of metabolic waste. By drinking water you help the body do its job. You cannot live more than a few days without it.
How much water should you drink each day? Everyone is different and many factors affect how much you need. You receive a percentage from food and daily fluid intake. You can increase or decrease the amount that you need in your diet. If you're thirsty, drink up. The body gives us signals when we are dehydrated. Headaches, yellow urine, dry mouth, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness are some of the warning signs. That's your clue to incorporate more water in your diet.
After receiving any type of massage you will need to drink water for the next three days.
Clients are always offered a 16-ounce bottled water after a session. I try to encourage client to drink water over a 3 day period.
"I WANT TO SURPRISE MY SPOUSE WITH A MASSAGE."
On occasion I have a potential client that calls wanting to surprise their spouse or loved one with a massage or gift certificate. Before setting up the appointment I ask the person a series of questions like, does he/she enjoy massage? Have they ever had a massage before? Do they prefer a male or female therapist? What type of technique are they used to etc. I usually don't set surprise appointments because within a 24 hour period the spouse calls to cancel the appointment because their loved one does not want to be massaged. Before setting up an appointment for someone other than yourself make subtle hints to find out if they enjoy massage. Finding out what a loved one wants before making the appointment will save all involved a little time and less embarrassment.
PART ONE: "WHY ARE YOUR PRICES MORE THAN MOST THERAPIST?
Every therapist that you will come in contact with will have different set prices. It greatly depends on their experience, training, overhead fees (office, phone, credit card machine, etc.), tools, supplies, advertising, continuing education classes, insurance and licensure fees. None of which are cheap for the individual therapist. We have to add these costs into the price of the massages. The average going price for a professional, therapeutic massage is between $60 to $100 per hour for a in call session.
Out call runs between $100 to $200 per hour. The reason why out call is higher is because it is a luxury service. Also the time, gas and effort to carry around a whole office in a bag is taken into consideration. Depending on where you live an out call 1 hour massage can take a therapist up three hours instead of one hour at the office. This entails prepping, driving time, meeting with the client for a consultation and having them fill out health assent form; setting up equipment, the hour massage (time can sometimes run over), packing up equipment and heading back to the office.
PART TWO: WE'LL HOW COME I SEE OTHER COMPEITORS ADVERTISE FOR $25 OR EVEN $40 FOR A MASSAGE?
That's great. If you can receive a lower price massage try them out. I always encourage potential clients to try out the competition. If you enjoy your massage, stick with them.
Those fees are usually introductory and are trying to get new clients into the door. The discount might be offered due to the fact that the therapist(s) are inexperienced. If you are required to fill out a contract for cheaper services, I would advise reading the fine print before signing anything.
Some of my competitors are large chains and incur less costs because they have many locations and therapists on site. They pay their therapists around $7.50 to $15.00 plus tips for a 50-minute massage. Most of the therapists that work for these companies are beginning therapist that have recently graduated and are trying to get more training. This in anyway does not mean the beginning therapists is not any good but they are not as seasoned as someone that has been a therapist for six years. Don't get me wrong there are some seasoned therapists that do work for these chains as well.
Part of the reason for the cheap massage. Their therapists are also sales men. They try to get the new clients to sign up for annual contract to draft fees of $40 or more a month for one or multiple sessions.
Depending on how the chain treats their therapists (please take that in mind) sometimes these therapists do not get breaks between sessions and can sometimes work on anywhere from four to six clients in a row. The sessions are rushed and are not catered to the individual needs of the client. Not good for the therapist or the client. It's like a fast food line for massage therapy. Therapists break down like machines and have to be replaced. That's why some clients have complained in the past "why are their always new therapists?"
Why do I know this? I have worked for an unsaid competitor that's business works this way and I know fellow therapists that still work for other fast massage chain competitors.
"I'M A MASSAGE THERAPIST NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND"
Every so often a male caller will ask inappropriate questions inquiring about if erotic services are offered or what I look like. If you don't already know if you ask such questions I will not book you and the call will cease immediately. This is an clinical massage office and I am a massage therapist not your girlfriend. I do not massage in the nude, lingerie or give peek-a-boo sessions. I am not here to baby you and give you hugs and kisses. Your wife or girlfriend can do that for you. I will lend a comforting ear though. Does it say anywhere that I am a erotic service provider? Nope. It shouldn't mater what your therapist looks like or what they are dressed in. It's how they perform the massage and if they are a caring. If you're looking more for just a massage you will not find it here. Might I suggest the erotic section of Craigslist?
"DOES DEEP TISSUE HAVE TO HURT TO BE EFFECTIVE?"
The answer will vary by each massage therapist. My answer is a 50/50. Depends on the sensitivity of the client and what's going on with their muscles. Deep tissue does not have to hurt to be effective but you must feel a degree of "good" pain for it to be effective. Each person is different. What might be too much pressure for someone might be just right for another. If you have severe knotting, trigger points it can be uncomfortable till you release the muscles from those afflictions. How it works: The therapist takes strokes used in Swedish massage and apply's slower, more deeper, concentrated pressure to the muscles. Stripping is involved to loosen up Myofascial adhesions (scar tissue) or knots. When coming across a nerve entrapment, trigger point, etc. the client may feel an uncomfortable pressure, tingles, tenderness, etc. The therapist usually apply's pressure in the area till the symptom is relieved (trigger point therapy). Deep tissue is not a relaxing massage. It is clinical massage therapy to break up adhesions, trigger point formations and negative muscle patterns. Also little or no massage oil is applied to go deeper into the muscle underbelly. Communication is key for a good deep tissue massage. The therapist must ask questions during the massage to make sure the pressure is fine, if the client is having referral pain, etc.
If you are experiencing excruciating pain, inform your therapist! The therapist will adjust the technique. For those that never had a deep tissue massage the technique can be watered down.
DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT A CLIENT INTAKE FORM?
Massage therapy falls under medical regulations of the State of Texas. Client intake forms are necessary for both client and therapist to keep detailed notes on a clients progress. This insures that clients name, address, phone number, birthday and medical history is accurate and up-to-date for the state. Also this ensure that you, the client are physically able to receive a massage with no contraindications. In my practice it is an requirement for a new client to fill out the form. Does not matter if you are in call or a one time out call client. If the form is not filled out correctly or if a potential client refuses to fill out a form, a massage will not take place. If a current or old client wants a copy of the form/notes of their sessions they must give me at least 24 hours to provide the documents. Some fear they will be bugged by email, phone or mail. This is simply to keep track of your progress and what is required by state. Just like any medical professional we must keep notes. You will not be contacted unless you have verbally ask or have written it on your form. If you go to a therapist that does not require you to fill out a form or a release, you might want to ask them for their licensure information.
DO YOU PROVIDE A "HAPPY ENDING"?
As a professional massage therapist, I do adhere to to the laws of the State of Texas. It is illegal to provide such a service whether it be to a male or female. It is prostitution due to the fact you are paying for the service or in combination with a massage technique. A hand job, happy ending, etc is considered a sexual act by the state and is illegal to provide that service to the client. When I inform a potential male clients they are surprised that the service is illegal. No one is exempt from the law and ignorance of the law is no excuse. No, I do not provide that type service and even if it was I still would not do it.
FAKE THERAPISTS
To find out if a license number is valid, you can go to Texas Department of State Health Services web site. I've noticed on several popular Internet listings that there are "fake" massage therapists. One thing to look out for is do they have a license beginning with MT and ending with a six digit number? For example MT 104431. When in doubt ask the therapist for their MT number. If the therapist is legitimate, they will give you the number and a full name (so you can cross reference on the web site). Also at their establishment they will have their licensure displayed on the wall. This is a state law. It is against the law for anyone unlicensed to use the word massage in their advertising.
TO DRAP OR NOT TO DRAP - THAT'S UP TO THE CLIENT
Draping provides warmth and comfort to the client when he or she receives a massage. Not only does this provide warmth but certain barrier of protection between client and therapist. Thus this provides a non threatening environment for the client to relax in.
There are no draping requirements set forth by the State of Texas. The state requires all therapists and massage establishments provide a statement on their client intake forms if draping is required or not. It must be verbally communicated and mutually agreed by both the therapist and the the client before appointment begins.
In my practice, the client has the choice to be draped or not. I ALWAYS WANT THE CLIENT TO BE COMFORTABLE. If you require stretching, I ask that you leave your undergarments on.
Each therapist that you speak to will have different policies and procedures. It also has nothing to do if your therapist is professional or not. Some drape and some don't.
When making your next massage appointment, you can ask the potential therapist if they drape or not. Then you can make an informed choice.
COMMUNICATION
One of the vital elemental keys of receiving and giving a great massage is communication. Communication must be present between both parties and is essential for every massage session. Massage is considered a medical profession in the State of Texas and an in depth client medical history needs to be performed. I ask the client what type of pressure, technique, type of oil or lotion or if they have any contraindications before the session begins. I stress to all my clients that they must communicate before, during or after a massage. It is the clients responsibility to tell their massage therapist if the pressure is too much or too light, if they have tenderness in the area being massaged or referral pain and etc. A good massage therapist watches breathing patterns, erratic movements, tense muscles or if a trigger point is touched (tender area). If I come across a tender area I ask the client if they would like to release the trigger point. If not, I adjust the technique. A good massage therapist will always adjust the technique to the clients liking. Remember, you will not receive an effective massage if you and your therapist do not communicate.
