2 hour massage?!

[MoToCroSSS -30]

Yes it CAN be bad for a therapist...

Yes it can be bad for a therapist....

I'm hypoglycemic (I'm getting it checked out because it's interfering with my lifestyle) and I start feeling aggravated, hungry, annoyed and super thirsty, along with carrying a headache/migraine after a 2 hour massage. I don't even add it in my menu anymore. 90 minutes is cool with me. If the client asks for 2 hours, anything after 90 minutes becomes $40 more.

I know they teach against leaving the massage room or table, so I now keep a bottle of Propel water hidden behind my cds that I can quickly grab and chug. I also keep Excedrin at work and some Hershey's kisses (for me, not the clients). :

 

[Maki Maki]

I wonder how long would be too long. After a while I'd think a body just needs to stop being touched so it can process the therapy.

Has anyone learned about this issue in school?

My wife and I often have this discussion how long is long enough? Well in here opinion you can rub/massage/work an area as long as it feels good to the client. And of course the easiest way to find out is to ask the client how they feel about the area. With questions such as Does it still feel good working this area? Or have a discussion with the client ahead of time and explain you will be working a particular area untill they feel its worked out. Another words give control to the client. More then likely you'll have a very happy client at the end of the session since they got what and how much they wanted instead of what we felt they needed.

Jason

 

[mork]

Luxuriously Long Sessions

Greetings!

I really like long sessions. In my practice, I offer sessions from 1 hour to 4 hours long. Granted, I've only had a few clients take me up on the 4-hour offering, but a few have, and they've been very pleased and come back for more. Most of my clientele schedules at least 1.5 hours, usually at least 2 hours.

I specialize in transformative deep-tissue massage, energy work and aromatherapy; in each of my sessions (even the shorter ones), clients typically benefit from all of my skills.

As for becoming thirsty during a long session... I'ver never experienced any complaints from clients noticing that I have a large water bottle at the ready, and take frequent sips during the session. It is extremely important to remain hydrated, and this also helps to reinforce my 'soapbox speach' regarding my clients' water intake levels.

For health reasons, I generally try to refuel my body every two hours (unless I'm asleep), so during those very long sessions, I will sometimes also bring some small (bite-sized) pieces of apple and cheese into the treatment room with me, with a simple explanation to my clients (during the intake interview) that in order for them to receive my best, it is important that I maintain my energy levels as well, and may need a bite or two during the session.

Thus far, not one complaint. I have a thriving practice, and do believe that it really helps clients to grasp ahold of the concept of self-care when they notice their therapsit taking good care of herself (or himself, as the case may be), without exception.

I suppose this arrangement works well for me, since I do own my own business, and some who work as an employee may indeed have some rules or policies that are less supportive of self-care, which is unfortunate in my opinion.

Monica

 

[My pic says SLIPKNOT!]

omg! I think if i received a four hour massage I would never be able to get up off that table!!! I, get light headed and half goony just getting an hour massage! I cannot imagine how i would feel with a "12 to 4 massage" lol..how could you drive? think? function? I guess some people are just more able than me.. :

 

[Marcia]

Monica, I think you win the Marathon Massage Maven Award. :dogrun:

Seriously, that's awesome! I offer 2-hour massages in my practice, but I only do a few of those per month. I have a friend that's similar to you & Jason in that she LOVES giving long massages. It's very challenging for her to end massages on time. 2-hours is pretty much her "zone" although she's been known to do 3 hours as well.

For receiving, I prefer 90 minutes (no more & no less). If I'm on the table too long, I start to tense up again. But I know that's just me. The friend I mentioned above could receive an 8-hour massage & be happy! t015