On tenterhooks .....

[The Wormist]

Am waiting for someone to ring me and tell me how they're feeling following a masage I gave them. This was on Tuesday and it was her first ever massage. She said she enjoyed it and hoped she would feel more relaxed and her aches would have been relieved.

I did say to give it a few days before ringing me, but I hate this waiting.

 

[Jeney M]

If you must wait, you better start loving it or its no fun, is it?!?!

 

[Ferretlover]

Twohoots, don't worry too much if she doesn't report back to you (either positively or negatively). I think unless you are delivering a targeted therapeutic/clinical massage, resolving specific areas of tension, your client isn't honestly going to feel much different a couple or a few days afterwards. However, if she is like me she will probably say "yes, I'm still feeling fantastic, thanks!" just to be polite/kind.

I've actually received massages that I thought were mediocre and I've found myself saying "Wow, that was absolutely AMAZING!" - and I go home thinking 'why did I just say that? Why couldn't I be honest and say it was nice, but nothing special?'.

Anyway, I'm not saying that I think your massage technique is bad - definitely not. All I'm saying is try to have confidence in your own abilities as a therapist, and definitely don't rely too heavily on what clients say or don't say.

If you really want an objective opinion then why not do a massage exchange with a colleague - and specifically ask him or her to provide honest feedback? Exchanges are also a good way to pick up different and/or better techniques. We should always be trying out new ways of improving our skills as therapists. (Sorry, that sounded a bit 'preachy', but I hope you know what I'm trying to say).

Kitten
x

 

[courtney!]

Thanks for your comments. I have done several massage exchanges with a very experienced and totally honest friend and have picked up some useful tips.

The lady I massaged has been experiencing discomfort and has tried various other therapies recently before coming to me. We had quite a long chat after her session.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Twohoots, I always ring a new client the day after, I say it's all part of the consultation

 

[SIMON G]

Thank you JoJo - that's a good idea. I did give her an aftercare leaflet which outlined how she might feel for a few days etc.