Jun
29
2008
Sometimes a client will benefit from self-care at home - either with the goal of decreasing their pain level, increasing their flexibility, or maybe just helping to relieve chronic tension in a specific area.
Here are some resources for massage therapists who are looking for “handouts” to give to their clients.
- The book ‘Maintaining Body Balance Flexibility and Stability’
by Leon Chaitow not only helps massage therapists in their practice, but also has several handout sheets that can be photocopied (permission is given!) and sent home with clients. A great resource for massage therapists!
- Massage Therapy Practice Website - This stretch index has several handouts that can be printed off and given to clients who are concerned with tension in the specific area: back of the neck, hip flexors, shoulders, etc.
Jun
16
2008
These essential oils make a wonderful massage oil with a relaxing, meditative effect that was really a pleasant treat for both me, as the massage therapist, and my clients who have used the blend so far.
I always use a more natural oil blend for my carrier oils, Sunflower, Avacoda, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, etc in a specific blend. Then the carrier massage blend is easily customized with whatever essential oils I want to add.
In this case I used:
10 drops Lavender Essential Oils
9 drops Tangering Essential Oil
1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil
And added them in to 4 ounces of my carrier oil base. The result was a lovely scented oil that I really have become fond of. The sandalwood added a depth to the lavender and tangerine essential oils that was really nice.
Jun
14
2008
Deep tissue massage is a sort of buzz word amongst massage therapists today - many of whom often charge more for a “deep tissue massage” vs. a “relaxation massage”. But what exactly IS deep tissue massage? How does a deep-tissue therapist work differently from the general Swedish massage taught in most massage schools?
One of the best set of resources I’ve ever seen for learning to safely and effectively give deep tissue massage that will truly effect a lasting change in a client’s body is the Art Riggs DVD Set and Visual Guide Textbook. Together they serve as a comprehensive and invaluable tool for increasing your effectiveness as a massage therapist.
The portion about body mechanics is one of the most well presented I’ve seen and I use many of the techniques in my daily massage practice. I have found that clients appreciate leaving the table and KNOWING that they had specific needs addressed. If they had a particularly tight calve muscle - I had the tools ready to address that. If their neck was troubling them from too much time on the computer - I would be able to spend a little more time there and the work being done would be effective.
Other Resources:
