Massage theory and technique are sometimes taught in isolation, especially in the early portions of a massage training program. Students focus on one skill at a time and then put them all together into an organized whole. By previewing the big picture, however, students can better understand where and how different skills are used during […]
Lesson 10-1: Overview of a Wellness Massage Session Read More »
A massage session is comprised of a variety of skills, often happening simultaneously and on many levels. You have already learned how to set up and organize massage equipment for the session. You have also learned how to practice good hygiene and sanitation. Knowledge of ethical issues provides a framework to think about therapeutic touch
Chapter 10-0: Introduction Read More »
In Topic 9-1, you assessed your values and skills and wrote a career plan to carry you through your first year as a massage therapist. This topic provides an overview of issues that concern therapists who start a private practice or work as independent contractors. Because the process of running a business is complex, view
Lesson 9-3: Starting a Private Practice Read More »
There are plenty of opportunities if you want to work as an employee in a variety of environments, such as spas, clinics, medical settings, and fitness clubs. The benefits include a dependable income, a regular schedule, freedom from the responsibilities of running a business, and having taxes automatically withheld from your paycheck. The drawbacks are
Lesson 9-2: Work as an Employee Read More »
Career planning is a lifelong process that takes place as people grow and change through new experiences. A career in massage allows for constant growth because you can work in a variety of different environments, specialize in knowledge related to particular populations of clients, and learn a multitude of massage systems that approach the body
Lesson 9-1: Your Career Plan Read More »
Each person enters the massage profession for a different reason. Some are seeking meaningful work where they can help other people feel better. Others want a flexible schedule, to meet new people, skills that can travel with them wherever they go, or interesting part-time work they can balance with family life or another parallel career.
Lesson 9-0: Introduction Read More »
Even with good communication skills, conflicts sometimes occur. Rarely is either person “right” or “wrong” in a conflict. The tension usually results from personality differences, value clashes, divergent views of a situation, fears over personal objectives and interests, misinformation, or misunderstandings. The different ways that people deal with conflict may lead to even more strain.
Lesson 8-4: Conflict Resolution Read More »
Active communication requires three primary skills: awareness, active listening, and the ability to communicate your message. With these skills, communication becomes more interesting and more informative. Each of these primary skills involves smaller, more specific skills. In a professional massage practice, all of these skills are integrated to communicate effectively and professionally with clients (Fig.
Lesson 8-3: Active Communication Read More »
Several ways of thinking and responding can get in the way of good communication. These communication blockers remind us that “just listening” and “just speaking” are not as easy as they might seem. By becoming more aware of communication blockers, however, people can adjust their communication styles to better facilitate open and honest sharing. Table
Lesson 8-2: Communication Blockers Read More »
Successful human relationships are built on meaningful communication. People must be able to listen to others, formulate an appropriate response, and clearly articulate their ideas. Sharing one’s thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend is an opportunity for self-discovery and development. Problems are “talked through” and the “air is cleared” with a good conversation. Open,
Lesson 8-1: Core Concepts in Communication Read More »
Interactive and engaging digital textbooks and online continuing education for the 21st century massage therapist.