As luck would have it, I neglected my blog... but I did have one thing that I wanted to talk about and that is cancellation.
If you have an appointment, please give an adequate notice... like 24 hrs. I know life happens but I have a life too and my time is money. If you give a short notice to cancel, I don't have the ability to replace the time slot with someone else and that is rude! It is much more than an inconvenience, it is outright rude folks! I lose money because you cancelled late... and not only that, I have a sitter who does not like to be called off at the last minute either... this affects much more than you when you cancel. Of course, if you don't show and I have your address (after you signed the consent form) you will be billed the amount for the session...
OK ranting done... treat others the way you want to be treated!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Stretching
Yes folks, stretching is important for your muscle health!! I have read articles about how stretching at the beginning of your workout will NOT prevent injuries... but what I want to emphasize is stretch AFTER your workout... why? Because all your muscles are warmed up and can be stretched. You CANNOT stretch a cold muscle--- go ahead and try, it ain't gonna work.
I have only come across one person who doesn't believe in stretching at all... either before or after-- was thought of as "nonsense". Well that person was in really good shape... some of us aren't blessed like that. IF we sit at our desk for too long or our car or don't stretch after our workout, our muscles will let us know by the pain.
I have also come across clients who always, always stretch before their workout but never after. Those are the ones who are in the military and of course, when they are done with their PT (Physical Training) they are done and are ready to shower and get ready for work.
Not stretching gives me of course, job stability but it also brings pain to my hands because I am working that much more harder to relieve those muscles before you get off my table when you appointment ends. Massage is a process... things won't be "all better" in one 1 hour session... it can happen but more than likely it won't. More often is better--- especially if you are one of those people who don't stretch after your workout BUT again I won't recommend that to you.
So please stretch, stretch, stretch after your workout--- evening grocery shopping in our lovely commissary for an hour warrants stretching those calves after you get home!!! Seriously!! :)
I have only come across one person who doesn't believe in stretching at all... either before or after-- was thought of as "nonsense". Well that person was in really good shape... some of us aren't blessed like that. IF we sit at our desk for too long or our car or don't stretch after our workout, our muscles will let us know by the pain.
I have also come across clients who always, always stretch before their workout but never after. Those are the ones who are in the military and of course, when they are done with their PT (Physical Training) they are done and are ready to shower and get ready for work.
Not stretching gives me of course, job stability but it also brings pain to my hands because I am working that much more harder to relieve those muscles before you get off my table when you appointment ends. Massage is a process... things won't be "all better" in one 1 hour session... it can happen but more than likely it won't. More often is better--- especially if you are one of those people who don't stretch after your workout BUT again I won't recommend that to you.
So please stretch, stretch, stretch after your workout--- evening grocery shopping in our lovely commissary for an hour warrants stretching those calves after you get home!!! Seriously!! :)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Massage
When you hear massage... what is the first thing that pops into your head? Is it relaxation? Does your muscles begin to melt at the sound of the word?
I honestly can tell you that when I hear the word massage, I kind of cringe. Why? Because since I moved to Europe, I have had my fair share of crappy massages. I don't think of relaxation, I think of how much my body is in pain and the "therapist" will once again neglect it. Of course when I talk to people about massage, I think of MY work as a massage therapist and I get happy talking about what I have been able to do for my clients. I also become envious of my clients because I don't have anyone to massage me like I do, lol!
I thought about this because I get mixed responses when I tell people I am a massage therapist. I get people who smile and ask for my number... then I have those that are like "oh well, okay."
It's hard to get away from introducing myself as a massage therapist... I would like to say something like:
"Hi, my name is Sandy Black. I work with muscles therapeutically to reduce tension and contractions using various techniques such as hot stones and deep pressure."
Something like that, lol!
I hope that my clients think those happy thoughts when they tell others about me and my work--- and if you haven't seen me, maybe you should!!
I honestly can tell you that when I hear the word massage, I kind of cringe. Why? Because since I moved to Europe, I have had my fair share of crappy massages. I don't think of relaxation, I think of how much my body is in pain and the "therapist" will once again neglect it. Of course when I talk to people about massage, I think of MY work as a massage therapist and I get happy talking about what I have been able to do for my clients. I also become envious of my clients because I don't have anyone to massage me like I do, lol!
I thought about this because I get mixed responses when I tell people I am a massage therapist. I get people who smile and ask for my number... then I have those that are like "oh well, okay."
It's hard to get away from introducing myself as a massage therapist... I would like to say something like:
"Hi, my name is Sandy Black. I work with muscles therapeutically to reduce tension and contractions using various techniques such as hot stones and deep pressure."
Something like that, lol!
I hope that my clients think those happy thoughts when they tell others about me and my work--- and if you haven't seen me, maybe you should!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Oops I did it again...
I went to post the other day and realized that I already posted and now just realized that I went again another couple of days without posting.
OK, I have one. Please, Please PLEASE don't call me a masseuse. I am not a masseuse--- I am a massage therapist. Yes, masseuse is french for massage "woman who practices massage", but I will let Julie explain it:
OK, I have one. Please, Please PLEASE don't call me a masseuse. I am not a masseuse--- I am a massage therapist. Yes, masseuse is french for massage "woman who practices massage", but I will let Julie explain it:
"The words masseuse and masseur were once valid terms for describing a person who does massage on people for a profession. More recently the words are more associated with people doing massage out of a massage parlor which also was once a valid term for a place of massage.
These words are now more associated with people who are engaging in prostitution or other illegal acts.
Massage Therapist more accurately describes a professional massage therapist who does massage for relaxation along with doing massage for injuries, athletes and others. Massage Therapists are usually trained in the art and science of massage."
http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/masseusemasseur-vs-massage-therapist/From Julie Onofrio's website
OK, so there is my post for today... something you may not have known about massage ;)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Massage???
So another couple of days have passed since I posted, I remembered last night as I was drifting off to sleep that I forgot to post AGAIN! Since I don't think anyone reads my post, I guess I don't feel like I am letting anyone down but if I am, please let me know!! So again I am stuck as to what to post. OH, it just came to me!
PLEASE be sure that the therapist you have working on you is licensed and has had schooling. Being in Europe currently, I know that "massage therapists" are generally beauticians who have been trained to do the basic minimum in massage--- in other words, they are only going to rub lotion on you, period! I can't say this about all massage therapist because currently I know of ONE yes ONE massage therapist who is licensed and certified like me... and of course she is American as well and works on post... so her training was extensive... and while I am on the subject of massage, let me just touch on the subject of "DEEP TISSUE"
For everyone who wants a deep tissue massage... a deep tissue massage isn't what you think it is.
What you think deep tissue is and what I think deep tissue is is two different definitions.
What you think deep tissue is: a very firm perhaps painful massage
What I think deep tissue is: very specific work on a muscle group NOT on the whole body
So if you want a deep pressure massage, please specify that when you come... I will let you know that I don't subscribe to any one modality in my massage... I take several modalities and use them so that when you leave my room, you feel different. I haven't had any complaints (at least not to my face) about what I do. I love what I do and I believe I do it well. Well that is my 2 cents for the day... hopefully I can remember to do this tomorrow :]
PLEASE be sure that the therapist you have working on you is licensed and has had schooling. Being in Europe currently, I know that "massage therapists" are generally beauticians who have been trained to do the basic minimum in massage--- in other words, they are only going to rub lotion on you, period! I can't say this about all massage therapist because currently I know of ONE yes ONE massage therapist who is licensed and certified like me... and of course she is American as well and works on post... so her training was extensive... and while I am on the subject of massage, let me just touch on the subject of "DEEP TISSUE"
For everyone who wants a deep tissue massage... a deep tissue massage isn't what you think it is.
What you think deep tissue is and what I think deep tissue is is two different definitions.
What you think deep tissue is: a very firm perhaps painful massage
What I think deep tissue is: very specific work on a muscle group NOT on the whole body
So if you want a deep pressure massage, please specify that when you come... I will let you know that I don't subscribe to any one modality in my massage... I take several modalities and use them so that when you leave my room, you feel different. I haven't had any complaints (at least not to my face) about what I do. I love what I do and I believe I do it well. Well that is my 2 cents for the day... hopefully I can remember to do this tomorrow :]
Monday, August 22, 2011
OK
So I had a brain fart and forgot all about posting on my blog... life happens. I have been so busy sending out reminders for clients and trying to book empty spots in my week AND getting ready for my husband to go TDY for a month that I absolutely forgot to post on my blog! [But I did manage to get my CEU classes in and turn in my re-certification application]
I have been thinking what to post next... I have been racking my brain trying to figure out exactly what I want to educate my clients on... and right now I am coming up blank.
OK...
So let's talk about water intake... It is highly recommended that you drink water and lots of it after a massage... I have gotten comments from several of my clients how they didn't and got sick. So please, please, please drink water.
Water is always provided after one of my services... it's welcomed by most-- others forget that it's there. In any event, take it or leave it--- but please don't ask me if wine or beer is appropriate afterwards--- the answer will be a "no."
I have been thinking what to post next... I have been racking my brain trying to figure out exactly what I want to educate my clients on... and right now I am coming up blank.
OK...
So let's talk about water intake... It is highly recommended that you drink water and lots of it after a massage... I have gotten comments from several of my clients how they didn't and got sick. So please, please, please drink water.
Water is always provided after one of my services... it's welcomed by most-- others forget that it's there. In any event, take it or leave it--- but please don't ask me if wine or beer is appropriate afterwards--- the answer will be a "no."
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Massage Therapy
So quite often I get asked, what is my recommendation for how often should one get a massage.
My answer is quite simple: whenever.
I will probably never make a million dollars doing massages with an answer like that but I cannot also bring myself to "recommend" someone to come to me because ultimately my client may feel that I am money motivated.
Ideally, a person should get massaged at least once a week--- why? Because for 1 hour (or more) you are stress free-- no worries about the children, the work, the spouse--- NOTHING!! While all the stress of the week has taken years off your life {because stress does cause health problems}--- the one hour massage (or more) starts to bring years back to your life. Now that is ideal-- a massage once a week but it may NOT be realistic for some, why? Because finances play a important role in how often one can afford such a service.
As a massage therapist, I cannot afford massages on a weekly basis... and NO I will NOT do a trade-- I am VERY picky about who touches me. I will NOT give a great massage only to receive a poor one in return, blame me? And besides, I would rather give massages than to receive one.
So back to when to get a massage--- although ideally once a week would be good... if you can't than get it as often as you can. I have clients who come once a week, biweekly, once a month or even once every couple of months. {Time is also a factor when scheduling a massage, usually self gets put on the back burner} I will say that I cannot "fix you" in an hour, massage is a process to work out the muscles... you may have to come often at first and then can come on a maintenance basis. Massage therapy is also preventative medicine... having massages often can help prevent injuries even help boost your immune system!
So don't just sit there, go book your massage today!!!
My answer is quite simple: whenever.
I will probably never make a million dollars doing massages with an answer like that but I cannot also bring myself to "recommend" someone to come to me because ultimately my client may feel that I am money motivated.
Ideally, a person should get massaged at least once a week--- why? Because for 1 hour (or more) you are stress free-- no worries about the children, the work, the spouse--- NOTHING!! While all the stress of the week has taken years off your life {because stress does cause health problems}--- the one hour massage (or more) starts to bring years back to your life. Now that is ideal-- a massage once a week but it may NOT be realistic for some, why? Because finances play a important role in how often one can afford such a service.
As a massage therapist, I cannot afford massages on a weekly basis... and NO I will NOT do a trade-- I am VERY picky about who touches me. I will NOT give a great massage only to receive a poor one in return, blame me? And besides, I would rather give massages than to receive one.
So back to when to get a massage--- although ideally once a week would be good... if you can't than get it as often as you can. I have clients who come once a week, biweekly, once a month or even once every couple of months. {Time is also a factor when scheduling a massage, usually self gets put on the back burner} I will say that I cannot "fix you" in an hour, massage is a process to work out the muscles... you may have to come often at first and then can come on a maintenance basis. Massage therapy is also preventative medicine... having massages often can help prevent injuries even help boost your immune system!
So don't just sit there, go book your massage today!!!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Hydrotherapy
If you would like to have sort of a cleansing feeling, similar to what massage does try hydrotherapy!
DO NOT do this to a recent injury... within 24 hrs of an injury use ONLY ice--- real ice from the freezer. Ice keeps the swelling down... heat will bring more blood to the area and that will increase swelling.
So to do hydrotherapy, get into your shower--- of course you will get into a warm shower, wait a minute then turn the shower knob to cold, as cold as YOU can stand it... rotate your body allowing the cold water to run all over your body. Then turn the knob to hot, as hot as YOU can stand it and let the water run all over your body. Do this 6 times-- 3 times cold and 3 times hot and END with the hot. At this point you can continue on with your shower. When you get out of your shower, you can stretch your muscles.
This is good for pains like back discomfort or neck and shoulder discomfort. It also can help when you can't get in with your massage therapist right away ;)
DO NOT do this to a recent injury... within 24 hrs of an injury use ONLY ice--- real ice from the freezer. Ice keeps the swelling down... heat will bring more blood to the area and that will increase swelling.
So to do hydrotherapy, get into your shower--- of course you will get into a warm shower, wait a minute then turn the shower knob to cold, as cold as YOU can stand it... rotate your body allowing the cold water to run all over your body. Then turn the knob to hot, as hot as YOU can stand it and let the water run all over your body. Do this 6 times-- 3 times cold and 3 times hot and END with the hot. At this point you can continue on with your shower. When you get out of your shower, you can stretch your muscles.
This is good for pains like back discomfort or neck and shoulder discomfort. It also can help when you can't get in with your massage therapist right away ;)
New leaf
So I have decided that I would at least post a little something every day from now on. Today I am posting a link to an article I read about losing weight with 2 exercises...
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201108/lose-fat-2-exercises
I will try to gear my posts more towards massage therapy in the future but from time to time you will find a link to something else, just to shake things up a bit ;)
~Sandy
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201108/lose-fat-2-exercises
I will try to gear my posts more towards massage therapy in the future but from time to time you will find a link to something else, just to shake things up a bit ;)
~Sandy
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