Mobile massage on the floor???

[some girl]

Hi, I'm new to healthy pages, just been looking at all the past ITEC exam papers.

I am going to be qualifying in Holistic Massage in July and am really excited to start doing home visits. I am a little worried although, because I don't drive, and carting my table around on the back of my bike is not an option. I am an eco-warrior and don't own a car for environmental reasons. I also dont' want to work at a spa because of financial and family reasons.
Does anyone practice massage on the floor? I would love to be able to carry a cumfy yoga mat to use in place of a table. I don't really know much about Shiatsu massage, but I know that is done on the floor. I would love to focus more on softstretchingso that I wouldn't tire my self out. What about back problems? Does it effect how many hours you can work?

I hope someone can help here. Thanks, Lea

 

[Justice]

Hi Lea

Most people have a bed which will do the job, just need a little rethinking on how you are going to do the treatment, all you need is your oil/lotion, a single flannelet sheet to cover the bed and a towel to throw over them, keep it simple

 

[buqyyxqm]

I used to have Thai massage at home. The therapist bought her own futon - which was a bit more 'forgiving' than a yoga mat. She treated me on the floor (on the futon). I can't say that I was particularly comfortable, but she was very thorough and I did enjoy the treatment.

If you end up having to use a clients own bed, watch your back and make sure that you book yourself in for massage therapy on a regular basis. Beds are generally wider than a massage couch, so you end up having to ask the client to shuggle about a bit when you swap sides. I think you may need to set the warrior free, or buy a rickshaw - simply for self-preservation!

 

[ovvvomlo]

I used to do Thai massage on a futon on the floor - until I got too stiff. I used to find crawling around the mat quite tiring - I have given short 30 minute massages on the floor, but not regularly as it does tend to wreck my back

Fbx

 

[CMF37]

Lea,

The body mechanics of giving a floor massage are totally different from how you will have trained - this applies to both yourself and your clients. As has been mentioned above, it can be physically very demanding on the practitioner. Remember Shiatsu trainees work at this for several years to get the floor technique correct. Also it can be quite chilly in most people's homes at ground level even with any heating on - few people will have a draught-free room. For a shiatsu or tui na massage, the client is generally clothed so the temperature is less of a problem.

derekw

 

[Mrs. Fitz]

First of all welcome to HP.

Massaging on beds and floors is not easy. Some clients may not be able to lie on the floor and then get back up; others may find getting on and off a couch hard. I think the ability to adapt is the key here.

You could get a bike trailer or a 3 wheeler bike (to be honest I think 3 wheeler bikes look like an adult version of a child’s trike). There cars now that are more eco friendly could be better but they are getting there.

 

[Istiaque]

hi there!
I do thai yoga massage as well and im mobile...my mat (far more comfy than a yoga mat) is quite light but too bulky to be carried on a bike I think...I can give you the name of the guy that did for me (he's really nice and has a workshop in devon, he's a therapist himself)...as other people said the dynamics and posture on the floor are quite different from the one on the table...i was firstly trained in thai yoga massage and then holistic...i struggled a bit in the changing...im still a floor person... but i reckon that it is easier to strain yourself by doing bodywork on a mat if not trained properly...also I think that a bed it is a bit too soft and not at the right height...and i am not too convinced that many people would want to receive a massage in their bed for some reason...i would't to be honest unless you are a close friend...but good luck, i like your eco approach!!

 

[faerstil]

Hi ya leasianna

I agree with ju79. As a Thai Massage Therapist myself I perfer mat work, but I can see your dilemma. Ever thought of practising On-Site and/or Indian Head Massage on a ordinary chair when doing a home visit. It's a lot easier if you are not preparedto have your own transport.

I live in a rural area so have to have a car. But before having a car I would visit clients on a bus with a small racksack consisting of:
a folding fishermans tripod chair as a foot stool, a towel, a bottle of oil and a Japanese style sitting stool (for me) which the legs folded in (made from recycled materials).

I offered hand/foot reflexology and Indian head. Not quite holistic massage but may give you ideas.

Best Wishes

Dave

 

[Harold R]

It's a dilemma. I do appreciate your environmental concerns, however, I do worry about you doing yourself an injury early in your career if you don't get the ergonomics right. A bed yields with pressure and can be a nightmare to navigate around, often the client doesn't consider space and the fact that you need to be able to move your body around them. The bed is too low for the sort of treatment you have been trained to give. I would also decline a treatment in a bed because of professional concerns, putting across the right impression, unless, of course, the client was bed bound or had some medical reason to lie in bed.

As has already been suggested, shiats leapt out as being a safe and sound treatment for mobile work. It's a powerful and respected technique that most people love, which can be applied for many different conditions and concerns.

Above all, look after yourself, you want a long and prosperous career, a little planning can and will safeguard this.

 

[KatieLyyn]

Hi guys,

Thank you all for your input. I agree with you all and think that the best thing to do is learn how to drive. In the mean time, I am going to set up an account with a local cab company and get taxi's to my client's home. It won't be any more expensive than renting a room and I still get to be my own boss! YEH! The genius taxi idea was my sisters! I couldn't believe I didn't think of it.
Thanks again! Lea

 

[Mama of Zee]

Hey now there's an idea! Nice one! Glad you've found a solution, plus if you get to know the cabbies you'll be much safer with the added bonus that they can reccomend you!