Age, Weight, and Career Path

[kELLz !]

Ouch,

I am just curious about a few things ...

What fueled your desire to become a massage therapist?

How is your self care? (How often do you receive bodywork sessions?)

Do you do any bodywork other than massage?

What types of peer supervision / support do you take part in?

 

[pippy:D]

What fueled your desire to become a massage therapist?

How is your self care? (How often do you receive bodywork sessions?)

Do you do any bodywork other than massage?

What types of peer supervision / support do you take part in?

My first career choice was physician. I went through a semester of medical school but became quickly disillusioned with the western medical system. So I went into computers instead, since it was "the career for the 21st century". Even though I was very successful, I felt an overwhelming urge to participate in a healing profession - through natural modalities - without extensive education. The opportunity was ripe during the dot com/telecomm crash of 2000 when the tech companies were sliding us out on grease!

I am also a certified hypnotherapist specializing in Ron Eslinger's pain management. I have a lovely pain management plan incorporating hypnotherapy, lighter body work and Active Isolated Stretches. Nobody but fibromyalgia clients wants it. Everyone wants deep tissue. I've been searching for my replacement for months, but I can't find a therapist who wants to learn deep work.

I get weekly chiropractic, acupuncture, and myoskeletal alignment. I work in a clinic with all three practitioners, and we support each other. They support me the best they can, but I'm still overwhelmed!

 

[littleash]

I've been searching for my replacement for months, but I can't find a therapist who wants to learn deep work.

Why not put out a request in the Opportunities Section of these forums? You may find one who already has the experience. Then again, maybe you'll get a newer person who just wants to learn ... you never know unless you try!

 

[AffessyAdjurf]

Why not put out a request in the Opportunities section of these forums? You may find one who already has the experience. Then again, maybe you'll get a newer person who just wants to learn ... you never know unless you try!

Excellent idea. Didn't even know this existed until you brought it to my attention. Much thanks!

 

[Henry Le]

I think Ouch's voice should be heard, although it saddens me.
Thought about acupuncture Ouch? I think you also need to raise your rates until you make enough money that you can cut down on the # of hours you work.
If there is as much demand for your work as you say this should be no problem. Find your point of diminishing return etc.

My $.02. This is more common than many want to admit.
There is however a bright side.
I do not think weight or age should preclude one from massage, and while not for everyone it can be amazing for others.
My experience has been the latter sort.
I think massage is a multidimensional career choice, where all of your past skills need to be put to use.
Think 5 sources of income, not one.
Computer experience? Great, how do you tie it in profitably?
I teach kung-fu, so i found a way to teach at the massage school.
I work with athletes in another capacity, so obviously there is a market for massage there as well.
While i am working at the Ironman in Kona, you can be sure that i will have a name eforum.xxx with my status as a therapist,
as well as cards on hand at all times.
I live in an area that not only has consistently one of the highest costs of living in the country,
but also an area with TONS of therapists. Gotta be creative folks.
A friend makes candles especially for MTs, real essential oils, very mild, long lasting and sustainably produced.
As you can guess he is very busy with that, more so now than with massage i think.
Another imports and packages really nice shea butter.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but just wanted to share a little.
Good luck to you both Ouch and Joe.
Aloha.