Tips for self care and small niceties

[Teresa]

At the spa where I work, we are all about pampering our clients. When they come through the door, they are greeted with an offer of something to drink, water, soda or lemonade if we have it. Saturdays we have wine, cheese and fruit. If it is a bridal party or something, we go all out with mimosas, freshly sqeezed juice, gourmet pastries, strawberries with some kind of dip. Even though my boss tries my patience sometimes, she is a wonderful hostess. She encourages us to educate our clients, and do whatever it takes to make them comfortable. I always keep a box of tissues where they can reach it prone, and offer towels to wipe off excess oil, warm towels if it is cold outside. I discuss how they can do simple things to help themselves between massages, such as lowering their chairs to sit on their bottom instead of the backs of their thighs, not locking their knees, and gently moving their joints in bed before they get up to start warming the fluids before putting their body weight on them. They seem to appreciate any information like that. I am not legally allowed to recommend specific exercises or stretches, but suggest to them that they should find them for particular problems.I would really appreciate any suggestions or tips for client self car between massages.

 

[Midnight Q]

Tips for self care and small niceties

One main reason for developing trigger knots is not breathing properly, many people don't know how and proper breathing can really help decrease stress since if they breath shallow, it sends a 'fight or flight' stress response to nervous system. I like to show clients breathing techniques.Clients like to receive handouts about proper stretching and such for specific areas they may be having trouble with, I tell them it is just a recommendation.

 

[Princess Jess]

Tips for self care and small niceties

i'm a strong advocate for drinking plenty of water. so many people are dehydrated.

 

[Iron Rabbi]

pearl,why can't you suggest some stretches for problem areas? things like using a foam roller on a cranky ITB or rolling a tennis ball on your glutes against the wall for that pain in the butt.   they haven't mentioned that we can't in class yet. every MT i've seen has given me homework.  ;D

 

[Jebediah S]

Tips for self care and small niceties

I've heard that different states have different regulations about what mt's can and can't do or say based on scope of practice. One suggestion I have heard is that even if you don't go into specifics about a technique or stretch, you can still have books around to recommend. I don't think there's anything illegal about pulling a book off the shelf and opening it to a specific page so that the client can read about something. Some facilities around here have printed out pages as handouts describing techniques for certain problem areas. I don't know whether that is allowed where you are. If you do handouts, you have to be careful about copyright infringement; don't just copy a page out of a book. Do simple sketches to show the intent, and write the descriptions in your own words.There are tons of books around about stretching, and even about self care. "Back Care Basics" by Mary Pullig Shatz is one that is great for people with back issues."Stretching" by Bob Anderson is a great one for all-purpose stretches."Facilitated Stretching" by Robert E. McAtee and Jeff Charland is one we've used in Sports Massage class. It has some excellent stretches that can be done with assistance or solo.I can't think of any names of self care books, although I know there are good ones available. Maybe someone else knows some names?

 

[Carla R]

Tips for self care and small niceties

client can read about something. I can't think of any names of self care books, although I know there are good ones available. Maybe someone else knows some names?

I just picked up "The trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Claire Davies. I have not had much  of a chance to work with it, but it seems like a Super self-care manual.

 

[LambChops]

*bump*

 

[tbownfarmer]

Meditation; which also might go along with the deep breathing suggestion. It can be hard for people to take even 5 mins for themselves these days, but I think meditation is a great way to take time out for yourself, relax, and calm the stressors. I know it can be hard for people who don't meditate to do it, so I would suggest just taking a few moments sitting at their desks to close their eyes and relax...sitting up of course! I'm sure you don't want to be responsible for anyone being fired for falling asleep at their jobs. Maybe suggest to them some visualization exercises...picturing a relaxing beach or sitting quietly in the mountains.

 

[Syntinen Laulu]

Tips for self care and small niceties

client can read about something. I can't think of any names of self care books, although I know there are good ones available. Maybe someone else knows some names?

I just picked up "The trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Claire Davies. I have not had much  of a chance to work with it, but it seems like a Super self-care manual.

Great book! I actually keep 3 or 4 copies in the office to review with clients and for purchase.

 

[SunGodess]

I give my clients a bottle of water when they leave, and a 1 cup baggie of epsom salts to take home with them. I figure I am always telling them to take a hot bath with epsom salts after the massage, I might as well give them the salts.

I don't have a table warmer yet, but I do have a heating pad, and in the winter I will move it around on the client to keep them warm, feet, abdoment legs.

 

[Nadir]

I like your idea of giving a baggie of epsom salts, do your clients seem to enjoy that? Do they get it every time?

 

[Tmucho]

They seem to love it. And yeah, for the most part, every time they come in, they get a 1 cup baggie of salts. Some people don't want it, but it goes over quite well.