By Laura Gordon
So you’re on your way to being a Massage Therapist, or maybe you already are a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist. Great! Whether new or graduated, how are those professional skills of yours?
Here’s a little pop quiz for you. Ok, it’s really not, but it’s an opportunity to score yourself on your professionalism in the field you have chosen. Remember even if you are a student early to the program or nearing the end of your externship, you are being groomed to be a professional massage therapist. What better time to develop good habits than when you are a student? And if you are out there working as a Massage Therapist here’s an opportunity to see how well you are presenting yourself and representing your training.
So read on and be honest as you score yourself.
Scoring:
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Mostly
4 = Always
Give yourself a fair score on each question below. Write the numbers down and we’ll add them at the end.
Prior to the massage:
- If I am going to be late or have to miss class/work, I call and let my instructor/boss know in advance (for those working, I give my boss enough time to find my replacement).
- My clothes are clean and fragrance free before going to class or work.
- I set the table to the appropriate height for me.
- Before I begin and after I end each massage I wash my hands and forearms.
- I greet my clients with a warm smile.
- I ask the client if there are any areas he/she would like me to focus my work.
- I ask the client if there are any areas he/she would not like me to focus my work such as injuries, surgeries etc.
- Prior to the massage I take a moment to set aside the events of my day and center and ground my energy/thoughts/attitude so that the client can feel calm and relaxed during the massage.
During the massage:
9. I consistently remember to ask the client if he/she wants a bolster.
10. I keep talking to a minimum or follow the client’s lead.
11. Using a soft tone of voice I ask several times during the massage how my pressure is.
12. I am confident in my draping and do not draw attention to it by quick, jerky movements or over working the folds and tucking.
13. I remove the bolster before asking the client to turn over.
14. I repeat the same technique I use on the left arm/leg on the right side.
15. My body mechanics is correct, and I keep my shoulders relaxed.
16. Before the client turns from supine to prone I make sure the bolster is removed and the face cradle is in place.
That’s it! Now add up your score and find out where you stand:
0 – 6 I am in need of a mortician’s service
7 – 14 I need to check the level of mercury in my drinking water
15 – 24 I am so new to massage that people smell freshly cut hay when I walk in the room
25 – 34 I have a lot to learn
35 – 44 I know my craft but keep letting the details slip by
45 – 54 I am good but still have a few things to polish
55 – 64 I am a seasoned therapist
If you’re brave enough we’d love to hear your results so please comment with your score!
