Walking The Walk

You might think that the only way to get good at massage is by taking classes and practicing. I have found one important component that I don’t think a lot of other massage therapists take into account: you can learn from other massage therapists by getting massages yourself.

It makes perfect sense to me. Even the bad massages have lessons to take away from.

I have done massage trades and that is not what I prefer to do. For some reason, “trade” sounds like so much of a committment. I have found it easier to just pay someone for their services and not have to think about the trading part.

Yet, I found that when I received bodywork from other professionals, it changes my perspective on how I work. For instance, if someone is working on my neck and is doing some amazing work that I particularly enjoy, others must enjoy it as well! Therefore, I take mental note on the technique and may apply it to a session depending on the person and what they are seeking.

I also think it’s good to know who is out there and what they are doing, particularly the people outside the “spa massage” realm since I am not a spa massage therapist, I’m more of an “integrative health” guy myself. Most, if not all, of these places that offer “spa” services are nice and serve a purpose but they are not within the same realm as what I work in. The ones who are include those trained in myofascial release, rolfing, and active release therapy just to name a few. They are the ones whose expertise I look to as well as opportunities to network with so I can refer people who need advanced trained bodyworkers.

Back to my point… it’s not enough to just be a massage therapist and take classes. You have to experience the work and be mindful of what you’re doing and what you can improve upon.