A massage therapist has to know more than basic massage in order to make his business a success. While understanding basic anatomy and physiology, techniques, and hand positions is a basic foundation for such a career, ensuring successful and repeat business takes other aspects such as environment, attitude and atmosphere into consideration. Understanding how to put it all together to create a pleasant, relaxing experience for clients will help guide a massage therapist to ultimate success.
Atmosphere
It's essential that a client be able to relax while you perform massage. Choose an area, whether at a business location or in your home, that is quiet, warm or cool enough to provide comfort throughout the year. Choose soothing colors for wall paint or decor and choose soft, relaxing music to play. However, ask the client whether she wants to listen to music, suggests LearningMassageTherapy.com
Take Care of Personal Hygiene
While it may seem obvious, don't forget to make sure you smell good. Suck on a breath mint or brush your teeth if you've just eaten, suggests LearningMassage.com. Make sure you don't have body odor, especially if it's hot and sticky outside or you're prone to sweating when you get stressed. Make sure your clothes are clean smelling. Keep fingernails clipped short and smooth, and ensure that your hands are clean and free of oil, grime or paint stains.
Sanitize the Workplace
Keep plenty of clean sheets, towels and face pillows on hand for your massage therapy sessions. Change sheeting, cover-ups, pillowcases and face pillow covers, and towels for each client, suggests NaturalHealers.com. Use nonallergic laundry detergent for washing. Lie down on your massage table yourself to see if you pick up on any smells that may be offensive. Ensure that your massage table, room, tables and equipment is clean, dust free and well taken care of to assure clients that sanitation is high on your list of priorities.
Keep It Quiet
Don't engage in conversation with your client unless he wants to talk. You can engage in pleasantries while you're getting ready for the massage. Your clients want to relax and savor the sensations. Encourage clients before you start to speak up if they're hot or cold, if you're using too much pressure or if they want more pressure, suggests Natural Healers, a website dedicated to massage schools, information and resources. Tell them to let you know if they are experiencing any pain or if any of your techniques cause them pain. Other than that, let them relax and escape for a little while.
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