massage therapy journal

keeping you in touch.

  

Expert No. 1:

Experienced Massage Therapist

Who: Neil E. Ackerman, owner of The Right Touch, practitioner of Swedish, Amma Therapy®, deep tissue, stress release massage, and also reflexology, CranioSacral, Myofascial Release®, among others.

Where: Plainview, New York

What: A massage therapist with 14 years experience

Why: To get the inside scoop on what works in this business

How to Contact: Rttouch2@aol.com

Q What are some of the biggest mistakes massage therapists make when they are starting out? How can they avoid these mistakes?

A One of the biggest mistakes is to rely just on themselves. Instead, ask advice from other massage therapists. If I was setting up a marketing class for massage therapists, it wouldn’t just be on how to market yourself. It would also be what to expect in the business world. Don’t undervalue yourself; have confidence in your abilities. There’s nothing wrong with working with other therapists who have more— or less—experience.You can always learn! Always check in with the community around you. For example, at a gym where I once worked, there were seven or eight therapists who would get together once a week and discuss questions that may not have come up in school. For example: What do you do if one of your clients gets sexually aroused? We also would work on each other. You need to get involved with online groups and other massage therapists in your community. Don’t be afraid to call and talk. Get together for exchanges.Talk with others. Don’t just rely on yourself! Massage therapy can be a tougher job for men; there is a lot of stereotyping out there. For male readers, just accept that you’re going to encounter it, and don’t let it bother you. It’s the client’s loss. Also, massage is still considered a luxury. When money is tight, it may be the first thing to go. It’s good to have another job. I have a computer degree, and I’m also a musician. I work at a chiropractor’s office, as well as have my own business.

Q What’s the most concise advice you can give for the greatest results?

A Network! I have done all types of marketing, in every level, from flyers to ads. But networking gets the most powerful results. For example, when I networked, I found massage therapists who now work for me when I contract out. If you network, you’re more likely to get a call, or get a job.

Q What steps can a massage therapist take to help ensure a secure financial future?

A As I mentioned, the most important step is to stay connected—always continue to network. Constantly keep up with your marketing, be dedicated and work hard. If you do these things and are good at what you do, you will get referrals. If you take care of your clients, you’ll get referrals. Most new clients don’t find massage therapists through the Yellow Pages . I’ve worked with several massage therapists who I wouldn’t work with again. They weren’t dedicated to their art. You also need to have a positive attitude. If you’re not working with a smile on your face, if you’re not trying hard, and if you’re talking about your own problems and not paying attention to the people you’re working on, you won’t get referrals. It’s also important to understand your clients. One thing I’ve always done is to treat each client as an individual. I gear my massage to each individual. There will be clients you like, and clients you don’t like. Still, treat each client well.

Another important step is to be dedicated to yourself, too. Get regular massages. What better way to know it than constantly get them yourself? And stay in shape. At school, we had to take tai chi. They were teaching us to keep ourselves in shape. If you don’t, you’re going to get hurt.

And remember—it’s always a good idea to keep learning.You can always learn more from others out there, which goes back to the concept of networking.

Q What is the purpose of a mentor, and how do you find one?

A The purpose of a mentor is to have someone you trust and look up to, someone you can go to when you have questions or problems. It may be a former teacher, a colleague or a doctor you work with.You don’t have to take their words as gospel, but it can help a lot. I talk to my mentor—a former teacher of mine—about clients I’m working on, or about family issues. Choose someone who accepts you and doesn’t mind answering questions. It doesn’t necessarily have to be someone older, just someone more experienced or knowledgeable in one area or another.

Web Sites for Self-Care, Networking and Nutrition

www.drweil.com is the web site of über healer Andrew Weil, who has made a name—and fortune—by espousing all things holistic. This site is actually quite helpful, with free health tips e-mailed daily (if you sign up), folk remedies, health studies and, of course, products.

www.iyengar-yoga.com allows would-be yogis to find an Iyengar yoga practitioner in their area (BKS Iyengar is the Indian yogi—still working hard at near 90 years old—who highlighted yoga as a therapeutic modality.) Iyengar yoga’s emphasis on alignment and slow, methodical movement may suit massage therapists well. In fact, some incorporate Iyengar techniques into their massage practice. This web site also includes workshop listings, study materials and links to other Iyengar sites.

www.herbs.org provides helpful hints on herb usage, including accurate, science-based information on health benefits and risks.

www.circleofhealers.com offers daily news and resources for the holistic healing community, including discussions, message boards and contact information.

www.amyskitchen.com is the site of Amy’s Kitchen, producer of organic frozen foods. This site contains recipes for those on special diets, or with special needs, including celiac disease, diabetes, lactose intolerance and dairy allergies. You’ll also find a community section for discussions and postings.

Expert No. 2:
Certified Public Accountant

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