In this Post: In this episode we discuss a listeners question, “Is it appropriate to recommend yoga as self-care to massage clients between sessions?” Listen as we talk yoga, self-care, & Askholes.
“Align with The Massage Business Mama” a Podcast Brings You
Episode 010: Yoga, Self-Care, & Askholes
In this episode, we talk post-care recommendations, scope of practice, and how clients may or may not heed our suggestions.
When giving post-care recommendations, it is important to be careful that we don’t overstep our bounds. We must be mindful of the actual training we have received.
Sometimes when we first get out of school, we are so eager to prove ourselves or prove to ourselves that we reach to suggest something regardless of whether it is actually indicated or not.
It’s okay and preferable to state, “I’m not sure.” Or, “I don’t know.” Or even, “I understand that you are really looking for some guidance on this, but truly it is out of my scope of practice.”
We are not medical professionals, and we absolutely do not diagnose or prescribe.
We ARE part of our client’s wellness community. What this means is that we should refer out when appropriate.
If we are interested in another area of care, we can always go for additional training!
And there are ways to advocate for self-care between sessions without overstepping our bounds. One great way to do this is by taking on more of a coaching role than an expert. Ben Benjamin has a great article, “Coaching Clients for Improved Self-Care” He suggests therapists “get permission for having the discussion; inquire and reflect more than they advocate; remain curious; and focus on solutions, rather than problems.”
It’s a little bit of a delicate balancing act. Ethically we have certain parameters, but we all know how much self-care between sessions can improve a client’s treatment results. Therefore figuring out HOW to recommend things in an ethical way IS essential!
All that aside, we must be aware of how open our clients are to receiving post-care recommendations. Some seek it out, while others don’t. Remember, we always want to give a client-centered session (and this applies to the treatment as well as any suggestions you might provide for post-care.)
Askholes
We must also be aware that we are going to get “ASKHOLES” in our profession. The type of person who asks for advice on alleviating pain, or strengthening muscles, yet never takes our suggestions.
We might give the most well-thought-out, researched advice, and they are NOT going to implement any of our suggestions. This is the definition of an ASKHOLE. Now depending on how badly this bothers you, you may have to fire some clients.
Many a therapist have terminated relationships with clients because they weren’t making progress on their health care needs. Often because they weren’t doing the necessary self-care, the self-care that therapist had recommended.
Depending on where you are at in your career, you may or may not be in a position to be this selective with clients. But it is something to consider and know. Clients are NOT always going to implement the suggestions we give them.
Our Superpower
As massage therapists, we can really help people connect with their bodies, and that might be our superpower! If a client is interested and really wants to know, we can educate them on muscles, origins, insertions, and actions. This educational piece creates an intelligence in the client’s experience that deepens their relationship to their own body that helps them make informed decisions about their self-care and what is appropriate for their needs.
Please, let us know your thoughts after tuning in! We are always open to comments, suggestions, and idea’s for future episodes! So go, get your listen on.
Our Recommendations for Self-Care
Rad Rollers –
Silicone Cups –
Epsom Salt Baths
Yoga
Deep Breathing
Mudras
Listen here: Yoga, Self-Care, & Askholes
