MASSAGE competence

[Jan Brady]

Hi all

I would appreciate any input on the following dilemma...

I qualified in A/P, massage and aromatherapy ITEC a few years ago, and have lost all confidence in treating or my ability to treat people. I would love to give this a serious go but feel maybe I need to go on a advanced course or have further training. I can perform a lovely massage no problem, but am not confident when it comes to treating muscular aches and pains for instance. i just don't feel that my knowledge is sufficient to deal with a lot of peoples problems. I realise that every client benefits from the relaxation given via massage and circularatory benefits etc, but I do feel lacking in technique and ability to treat a variety of issues. does anyone else feel like this? or did I just have a crappy training?

Any opinions welcome???

 

[LegendZ]

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel. I have been working in a salon 2 days a week performing healing sessions with the odd massage. My dilema is that I have been asked to perform on-site therapy for a large company and I need to gather information regarding this as I don't want to feel as though my treatments aren't working! I know I am a natural healer as I have been healing since childhood but regarding massage for this company I'm dreading it to be quite honest! I do have self belief though and I think this goes a long way!

Jane x

 

[MoO Mo0]

Hi Karen and Jane

This is one of these situations when you have to bite the bullet and go for it, you will find that you can function if you wish to and if you trust your instincts then you wont go far wrong

 

[unnga]

Hi Karen, there are times when we all feel the same as you and knowing where to go and what to do is not always easy.
So how about giving your local remedial masseurs some treatments and getting some honest feedback on your work?.
Some like me may even offer some mentoring, we all need some one to one help from time to time as each day can present new challenges and raise lots of questions.
As Paul already said if your intensions are good then you are most likely to be doing good.
regaurds steve

 

[Shirophera]

Hi all

Thanks for your replies everyone. I knew you would make me feel better. I do know that aromatherapy massage is a therapeutic treatment only, but I guess I would like to be helping people a little bit more?, by giving a more effective treatment. I do love aromatherapy, I suppose the answer is to have advanced training, maybe get some feedback from other therapists? All good ideas. I must say I feel a lot more positive than yesterday now. Think I need to swot up on muscles as well. Just to add, I've never massaged anyone who has not been happy afterwards, so I think it's all to do with my own confidence and belief in oneself.

Bye for now

 

[Merina]

Karen - I think a lot of people will identify with your post, I certainly do. The more I massage, the more I feel I want to know more about what I am doing. My original qualification only really scratched the surface, and I am ready for more training. Over the years I have spent so much time and money on acquiring additional training, but still feel I would like further training.
stephen jeffrey - I really like your idea of mentoring, I would love to find someone in my area who would give me decent feedback about what I am doing. Think I will work on that today!! Many thanks!

 

[inesteOscitly]

Why don't you try a postgraduate course? When I first qualified I, too, didn't feel like I had the knowledge to really get to the crux of my clients' muscular tensions, so I did a couple of postgraduate weekend workshops. Many of the techniques I use today are derived from those workshops, so they proved invaluable - and all my clients commented (very favourably!) on the difference it made to e.g. their shoulders, neck, back stiffness, etc.

Many massage schools run postgraduate courses, so why not give them a try? I don't know where you live, but if you're anywhere near London, you might want to give the Holos Massage School a try - they run excellent weekend workshops on specific topics, like treating back pain, treating neck and shoulder problems, etc. Feel free to PM me if you'd like other suggestions of places to try.