Podcast Episode 034: How To Give A Client-Centered Massage

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In this post: These are the show notes for podcast Episode 034: How To Give A Client-Centered Massage of “Align with The Massage Business Mama.”

“ALIGN WITH THE MASSAGE BUSINESS MAMA” A PODCAST BRINGS YOU

EPISODE 034: HOW TO GIVE A CLIENT-CENTERED MASSAGE

This episode was prompted by a “Massage In The Real World” student.

Do you struggle with communication? Do loved ones often tell you, “I don’t feel like you are listening to me? Like you’re hearing me?” If so, this could be creeping into your professional life as well!  

It is hard to hear criticism from a client. Hard to feel like your work didn’t resonate with someone. But the truth is, unless we check our own agendas at the door, we may be failing to meet our clients where they want and expect!

Listen to this episode with a humble heart and think about if there are ways you can be giving a more client-centered massage.  

7 Ways to Give a Client-Centered Massage

1. Get Your Sh%t Together. 
2. Ask Good Questions. 
3. Shut Up and Listen.
4. Repeat What You Think You Heard.
5. Listen for Unspoken Cues. 
6. Slow Down. 
7. Stay Present. 

Have you ever scheduled a massage for a specific issue you are experiencing, and the therapist never addresses your issue? Perhaps they decided that your issue stemmed from somewhere else, which is why they omitted working the area you requested. Regardless of why they choose to work in this manner, do you feel heard? 

What about the therapist who talks through the entire session? Never giving you a second to air a pressure adjustment or technique refinement – again, how does this make you feel? 

If you want to avoid being this type of therapist and ensure you have a full and steady schedule, it is crucial your communication skills are on point and that you are giving a client-centered massage. Serious self-reflection and a humble heart are paramount to embrace this way of being. But, it’s worth it! 

Remember, it is our client’s time to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate, not our own. If we have needs that aren’t being met, we should schedule a massage, psychotherapy session, or date with a friend. Not use our client’s time for our own purposes.

Scrutinize your intentions, evaluate your thoughts, and be honest with yourself. Do what you need to make sure that you are coming from the most grounded, centered, authentic, and caring place. This is your job! And it might be the most important part of your work as a massage therapist. So therapist, get your hands dirty. Cry. Laugh. Heal.

Resources Mentioned

“Non Violent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg

Listen here: 034: How to Give A Client-Centered Massage

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