Massage routine - can it become boring?

[Papa Alpha Oscar-lylo]

Hi there

I recently qualified to do Swedish Body Massage, and have had a male client once a week for a back massage on a regular basis. I'm just wondering if any of you get bored with doing the same routine all the time?

I have started worrying now in case he thinks it's the same old thing. I have tried to change the sequence of movements so that it doesn't become predictable, but must admit I sometimes look at the clock and wonder how much longer I have! Some of the movements were recommended to be repeated at least 8 times which I think is too much so I shorten them down, only because I feel the clients may get bored, but perhaps it's just me, maybe they wouldn't?

I just wondered if there were any other movements I could do that would be different, or would I have to go on an advanced massage course to learn new ones?

Cheers
Deb379

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Hi Deb

The routines we are shown are our starting points, it is up to each therapist to take that away and develop it into something that both feels right for them but also to be able to adapt it to the individual requirements of each person that you treat.

If you think of your first treatment with someone as a getting to know you treatment and use the time to explore their live physiology, this will give you a structure for the next treatment, so you take notes of the areas you have found and address them in more depth then next time, etc.

You also have to consider your own posture which will suffer if you stick to a single way of doing things, so sometimes you will work the side nearest to you and other times you will lean over and work the other side, if you can try and follow your instincts and if it feels that you need to do this or that explore that avenue and see what develops.

So yes be flexible and do enjoy what you are doing or there is not a lot of point doing it

 

[Alexandra]

Hi Deb
Can you ask the client which movements/areas of the body he particular enjoys massaged and spend a bit more time on them? If he enjoys it he is unlikely to think it's boring.

Personally, when I am on the receiving end of a massage, I just think the whole thing is wonderful and it ends all too quickly. So I am sure you are worrying unnecessarily and the client enjoys the whole experience - otherwise he wouldnt be rebooking. Certainly ask for some feedback though, I think that is always useful and shows you care about what you do.

Good luck
Jackie

 

[ndozommili]

Hiya

Good question, I do not have a routine for any of my clients, so they never get the same from visit to visit, I basically find out what they need that month in terms of extra attention and then just work around that, the only time i tend to clock watch is on the two hour ones as the first half hour goes quite slowly!!! yes do go and do some of the advanced techniques, you will begin to wonder how you ever just did swedish alone!!!


Tigs
x

 

[Vancity Nuckers]

It strikes me that you view the treatment as a series of moves that he's paying you to do because you're trained to do it (much like a factory worker might place a widget from one conveyor belt to another), rather than focusing on the benefits he's gaining from receiving the treatment! Even if it is boring for you to repeat the moves that are most beneficial for him, he may be really enjoying it!

You could ask him for feedback.

 

[TiredofLiberalBS]

Also go and get some massages yourself from different therapists and get a feel for their moves and what feels good.

Lesley

 

[sismebebr]

I was on a course recently (nothing to do with massage) and there was a section on different personality types: how some peole prefer things to be the same and enjoy routine, wheras others thrive on change. Sounds like this guy is enjoying the routine of his monthly massage, if he's a regular booking.
Sharonx

 

[I<3myHorse!]

Thanks for all your thoughts.

I did ask him if there were any particular movements he enjoyed/didn't enjoy, and he couldn't really answer, mind you that was after the first session. I have also made notes of his problem areas and spent more time on those.

I guess you are right, he books every Tuesday so must enjoy it and always tells me it was good. In fact he would be the type who would say I think, but I will ask him more as I prefer people to be honest.

You are right about posture, I was thinking about this the other day, perhaps change sides every week. I have to be quite firm as he is a man, and must admit my muscles needed a massage afterwards, but I'm sure I will get more used to it the more I do.

Good idea about having some treatments myself, be interesting to see how others do it.

Thanks for your help, I will look into the more advanced techniques as well.

Regards
Deb379

 

[Becky L]

I think also you don't want to be asking too many questions about which moves he likes or dislikes. This may detract from his ability to relax during the massage.

Lesley

 

[Magic But Mediocre]

Hi there
No I wasn't planning on asking during the treatment, perhaps after.
Regards
Deb

 

[DAWK1723]

Hi Deb, some people love massage because it allows them to zone out and forget everything else thats happening and hence fall asleep. So be very carefull when asking, as for noting your every stroke and sequence may be the very last thing on there minds and also the very last thing they want to do during your massage.
As already said above it sounds like you are doing a fab job, keep up the good work and you will enjoy it as much as your clients without the clock watching!
regards steve

 

[Rcharddashy]

Hi Deb379,

I would recommend doing an advanced massage course and any other courses you can possibly do as it does give you alot of scope when dealing with client. None of my treatments are ever the same and variety is the spice of life! I also agree it is good to go and have massages from other people as it is nice to see how other people do it.

Happy Easter all,

 

[Andy J]

I agree. The best way to pep up your routine is to find some interesting massage courses or workshops, expecially the eastern and oriental methods of massage, which you can easily incorporate elements of into your existing massage routine. Good ones are ayurvedic Massage indonesian massage and acupressure massage You dont always have to pay a fortune either. I have noticed there is an ayurvedic Massage workshop in Warwickshire in the events part of this site that is very reasonable and some other good courses around in other areas. Even if a course is not accredited in its own right they are still worth doing as you will always get something that you can use from it.

 

[Jennilala]

Hi,

I tend to agree, sometimes the same old moves can get boring. My teacher told me some good advice, that if I just relax into it, then my hands will know where to go, and what to do, and it has proved to be true.

much love

MemphisX