What's more important?/unsolicited advice

[Just beat it]

I'm planning on taking the deep tissue courses after going through the basic courses at school. Our school teaches swedish, myofascial massage and then other electives of our choice like chair massage, prenatal ect. The deep tissue courses take much longer to complete than these other electives, partially because of how they are broken up and offered part by part.

I feel it is in my best interest to learn the deep tissue series before getting 'out there' in the real world as a professional.

I've talked to some others who say it's way more important to just graduate as soon as possible and I will learn as I go all I need to know and that the deep tissue classes aren't necessary. I have to keep in mind that these others have been in the field for a long time (over 15yrs) and all that they do is just second nature to them. I am thinking that they just don't remember really well just NOT KNOWING HOW to apply deep tissue.

How could I just go out into the world and be ignorant of how to properly apply deep tissue??? Furthermore, I feel that it is not right to try to encourage me to not get as much schooling as I feel is necessary to be safe when working on clients. :::sigh:::

I know I have to do what I feel is right for *ME*.

My point in posting all of this is that other people will always be there to tell us what to do and perhaps what worked for THEM. Just because we are newbies at massage doesn't mean we don't know what we want or what is best for us. It feels like when I was pregnant and everybody wanted to tell me their birth story ect and told me how it was going to be and what I should do lol.

Thanks for reading my little rant.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Do you have to take deep tissue before you graduate and start working?

What is the harm in staring working asap, while taking deep tissue classes simultaneously?
This would ensure you have your hands busy practicing your newly acquired knowledge.

 

[Sneha R]

I'm glad to see a student who will actually take advaneforum.xxxe of learning all you can while still in school. Your staying in school to learn more techniques before working, harms no one and can only help you.

I don't know why an MT would ever try to talk a student out of learning more while in school. If you were trying to get out as soon as possible, I can see them supporting that choice -- but why would an MT ever tell you, unsolicited, 'You should start working first and don't need the classes?' That's just bizarre (and it sounds bizarre in ccMarie's post too -- did you misunderstand the OP?).

 

[Just-Me]

If it were me I would take the deep tissue before I started working on people.

 

[NaTuReS BeAuTy]

I would applaud your choice to stay in school and take as many classes as you can or want to. I would also add that deep tissue, when performed poorly, absolutely is miserable at best. So good for you for listening to yourself and doing what you feel is right for you.

There..more unsolicited comments!

 

[Abbey<3]

Learn everything you can while in school. It will put you months or even years ahead of those who do not.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would applaud your choice to stay in school and take as many classes as you can or want to. I would also add that deep tissue, when performed poorly, absolutely is miserable at best. So good for you for listening to yourself and doing what you feel is right for you.

There..more unsolicited comments!

Is it still unsolicited since she posted here? LOL

I vote for filling your "toolbox" as full as you can before you move on. When you have a variety of tools and techniques, you have so many options available to you that you're much less likely to feel stumped (though it WILL happen some day lol.)

I can't imagine EVER suggesting someone NOT further their education on anything. Yes, you will learn loads after you graduate and start getting your hands busy on different bodies, but if you want to take more classes - TAKE THEM, and enjoy the extra confidence they'll give you.

 

[Rush is Right]

I don't know why an MT would ever try to talk a student out of learning more while in school. If you were trying to get out as soon as possible, I can see them supporting that choice -- but why would an MT ever tell you, unsolicited, 'You should start working first and don't need the classes?' That's just bizarre (and it sounds bizarre in ccMarie's post too -- did you misunderstand the OP?).

I did understand the OP. It sounds like the class is not required, and I never stated that GreenDragonflies should NOT take the extra deep tissue classes. I was just wondering why she may be opposed to start working AND take the classes. I never stated that extra education is unnecessary, but why not do both?

I went to two different massage schools, in two different states. I worked full time as a massage therapist in the first state, first in a day spa and then working out of my own office - after merely 300 hrs. education.
At the second school, I chose to retake (and pay for, of course) classes not required due to previous schooling - for reasons such as 'it's good to brush up on the basics' and 'I would like to be part of my class through the entire course' and 'no matter what you think you know, you may always have an opportunity to learn something new from these particular instructors'.
The second school certified us in NMT as part of the curriculum. We had completed almost 900 hrs. of school at this point, about 3/4 through the program.

Because of my previous experience with actual hands on time with a wide variety of clients, I felt far more confident and prepared to apply the NMT techniques and principles than many of my fellow classmates. By no means am I saying that I was better.... many of my classmates are excellent therapists, excellent right off the bat-with amazing intuition and knowledge and passion for bodywork... they were just expressing that they were not comfortable incorporating the NMT routines into their standard massages, and they were not practicing it, and did not like practicing NMT. Many also loved it, and caught on to it right away.

I personally felt I learned as much in my first 1000 hrs PERFORMING massages as in my 1500+ hrs. of actual school. There was a point for me during the second massage school where I felt so much PROTOCOL was being drilled into me, that I felt I was losing the art of massage I developed when I first started practicing.

I would encourage anyone to always learn something new about things you already know about as well as things you don't. That's what keeps us young. But actual experience counts for a lot too. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Gnuella]

Put me down in the "work first, education second" camp. :shock:

wha? moi?

My rationale is that you will learn SO MUCH MORE from your deep tissue class if you are actually performing massage, rather than just practicing on your fellow students.

Caveat: As long as you go ahead and take the class sometime in the near future.

Experience: When I had less than 100 hours of actual professional experience, I took a very advanced deep tissue class. I'd estimate that 90% of it went right over my head. In retrospect, I wish I had waited 6 months to take that class. If I had, I suspect I would have understood and retained more, and been able to apply it better.

All that being said, I am HUGELY in favor of continuing education far over and above requirements for anyone who intends to do technical work with clients. Well, for all therapists, actually. But regarding technical massage work, I personally check training if I want to have some specific work done. For spa... my requirements are simply that the massage be relaxing, which may or may not be achieved through education.

For deep tissue though, I like the assurance that the person has some understanding of anatomy, pressure considerations, especially regarding bony landmarks and nerve location, instead of just having some vague idea that "deep tissue" means "rubbing really hard." :

 

[ALco.M]

I think many of your clients will want deep tissue and that you will find yourself fairly hampered without it, unless you work in certain kinds of spas that sell a lot of Swedish-only sessions.

On the other hand, there's something to be said for having real world experience before/and or during the class.

We basically seem to be telling you: YES, take it... YES, soon. The rest are details; fit to your personal situation as appropriate.

 

[Lone Marlin - Airborne]

As you all know, you're all so awesome

I don't *have to take the deep tissue class to graduate. I just personally would feel more confident having taken the class. The reason is that so many of the people I practice on ask about specific deep tissue as many are fans and receive or have received therapeutic massage.

This makes me feel that if I don't take the classes I would be 'out there' ill equipped to handle even the most basic requests. I hope I am making sense.

I also agree completely that having lots of actual hands on time will help me grasp what is taught in DT.

I think it will work out OK my taking the DT classes still as a student because I have professional massage therapists offer to let me practice on them and they would give me their thoughts, feedback and tips. Also, by the time I am able to take DT, I will be done with 4 semesters of clinic time at school working on the public.

Right now I am really excited to graduate, and scared all at the same time. Thank goodness at the pace I am going that I won't be done for almost 2 years (if I incorporate the advanced classes) lol :roll: (I'm a working mom and being a full time student isn't an option for me at this time) I love the pace I've got going because it allows me to really sink into the material and not the mad rush to just pass the classes.

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[Willow Born 2.2.10<3 (:]

Put me down in the "work first, education second" camp. :shock:

You feelin' OK over there? :grin:

For deep tissue though, I like the assurance that the person has some understanding of anatomy, pressure considerations, especially regarding bony landmarks and nerve location, instead of just having some vague idea that "deep tissue" means "rubbing really hard." :

Uhhh....deep tissue doesn't just mean "rubbing really hard?"


:

 

[sknmysanity]

Put me down in the "work first, education second" camp. :shock:

You feelin' OK over there? :grin:

I know, huh? I've been drinking too much matcha tea, I fear. :

For deep tissue though, I like the assurance that the person has some understanding of anatomy, pressure considerations, especially regarding bony landmarks and nerve location, instead of just having some vague idea that "deep tissue" means "rubbing really hard." :

Uhhh....deep tissue doesn't just mean "rubbing really hard?"


:

Ha! I've had massages from folks who seem to think so. Despite my "ouch, ouch, OUCH!!!" heh.

To the OP: If you really feel like you aren't equipped, by all means take some extra training before you start working. Keep in mind though, that all additional education will be richer for having had a little experience first.

 

[Doodlestuff]

Thanks again.

I am feeling as if I should change my name to 'Grasshoppa'

lol

 

[ryuzog]

We basically seem to be telling you: YES, take it... YES, soon. The rest are details; fit to your personal situation as appropriate.

Yep!

 

[Questioneer]

I think if you have an opportunity to take some deep tissue work before graduating you certainly should - as it sounds like it can be part of your curriculum if you want to take it.

I do agree that you may not get as much out of it, as you would once you've been inpractice for a while, but on the other hand, if it's being offered and you have the time and the inclination, I can't see how it is going to hurt you one iota.

Now, if you need the money and have to get out and into practice right away, that may be a different story, but I get the feeling that the class you take at the school would be a good foundational course. And, we can always use those!

 

[Naruto Gal#1]

Consider what type of working environment you wish to work in, then approach management of similar businesses to find out what kind of work their clients request most often. Years ago, our massage center was known mainly for basic relaxation. Now at least half of our clients (especially new clients) are requesting "deep tissue" or "therapeutic" bodywork. MT applicants that don't have the skills our clients are requesting take a back seat to those who do.

It's much easier to acquire those skills while still in school, rather than hoping to attend a bunch of continuing ed after graduation. For many MTs, continuing ed is too expensive to go as often as they'd like, and scheduling is also often an issue. Depending on where you are, it may be possible to get some part-time work as an MT while completing the deep tissue coursework... but you also have the opportunity to do all the unpaid practice you can handle. The beauty of unpaid work is that you can experiment and even dictate what work you will do to practice the skills you wish to develop.

 

[robbinhood]

The style of bodywork I am most interested in is sports, triggerpoint and myofascial. Relaxation is really nice too, but it isn't my focus per se.

I'm also not in a severe money crunch to exit school and needing to make X amount of money either right now.

So, I'm planning to keep to my original plan, practicing all along the way on my road to success. I love to hear others ideas and how they would suggest doing things to ensure I'm not missing out on tweaking my plan to any advaneforum.xxxe. However, the advice I got IRL I wasn't asking for, although I still can appreciate the different mindset/thought process.

I LOVE digging into the nitty gritty of the structure, the muscles, how it all fits together and how it affects function and so on and so forth! I probably wouldn't mind taking a few redundant classes after I am done with school and have had time to be out in the world working for a while. I think every instructor has something new to teach and share.

I'm sure that my husband is hoping that I make more than enough money to cover my ever increasing interest in school and classes... :

Thank you all for your input on this!

 

[Beth G]

So, for your deep tissue classes, are you planning on taking that work from your school or outside courses.

If your not in a money crunch, maybe you should list the classes that your school has on their list of "classes you can still take" and others can give you even more insight into a few more you might want to add to your bag of tricks too.....

 

[adie]

I was fortunate in that in my school, we were taught 'deep tissue' and myofascial techniques. When I graduated, I felt really confident. When I started working, I felt like I didn't know anything at all and felt the client wasn't getting his/her money's worth (although they would rebook). Over time, this feeling has decreased but I still feel like there is sooooo much to learn. Lesson: Regardless of how much educational opportunities your school offers, there's always more out there.

Soon after I graduated, the school was offering a series of deep tissue/myofascial/therapeutic workshops taught by Bob King (an awesome teacher). I jumped at the opporunity to take them even though I didn't need the CEU hours. As I completed each course, I applied the techniques to 'my' clients. Lesson: Experience with clients coupled with additional education is definitely a win-win combination.

When I was initially reading the post, my first thought was 'of course, take the course' and 'how dare someone advise you not to take the class'. As I read further and came to Breathe's and Josh's comments (as well as others), I'd say you have to do what feels right with you. More information is always good. Experience is always good. Both will increase your level of participation in the work.

Another thing to consider is if there is a price difference between a current student and a graduated one taking the course(s). Is it more expensive? No difference? If no difference, I'd take a class or two, carry on with your graduation date. Look for a job while taking more classes. Get a job, take more classes.