Talk to me about flow

[D T]

Hello my Touchstones!

Please talk to me about what you consider good massage flow.

When you receive massage, what do you consider to be good flow or bad flow?

How does it vary between deep tissue and relaxation?

What gets in the way of good flow?

After interviewing at two other spas, I was offered a position at a resport spa and have been working there for 5 months now. I have received positive feedback and repeat clients, but interviewed at the first spa again and was told my flow just wasn't good (aargh). I was told it was a relaxation demo (brochure states swedish w/ mod pressure) but the tester wanted deeper work. I checked in once about the pressure and she wanted it deeper. I didn't check in again after adjusting the pressure (no-no). I did focus on her upper back and did use some deep tissue techniques, but she thought I used my hands too much and not enough forearms.

Bottom line, her feedback focused more on not getting deep enough and not checking back to see if I was giving adequate pressure. I got that part but didn't get any flow feedback. I suspect (after searching and reading other posts) that I was not staying present because of nervousness and that has affected it. My first two spa interviews did not go very well either, but I digress....

It is hard getting this type of feedback after feeling successful for 12years in my own practice. My husband keeps telling me that my regulars from my old practice didn't come to see me because they thought I did a mediocre job, but I have felt pretty insecure ever since I moved to CA. I do feel confident that I will figure this out with your help and an egoless effort (that is the hard part : )

 

[Amy W]

When interviewing MT applicants, the "flow" of their work is a consideration. While I don't expect perfection, I would like them to maintain a connection at all times, and to check in with me when moving to a new area or when changing the level of pressure being applied when they've found "a spot." Draping well and their ability to move from one area to the next are important, as is the way they change my position on the table. The smoother they are in the interview, the more confident I am that they will be smooth with our clients. If they do things that provide an inconsistent, jarring experience, we have a problem.

In some cases, it's obviously a case of nerves. One good MT had a rough interview massage, and it was given under less-than-ideal circumstances. We asked if she would do another under better circumstances, and it was very nice - we hired her! Now she is starting to build a clientele.

I think it's easier to find your flow when practicing in your own business. You're in charge, it's your own space, you have everything set up and scheduled your own way... the whole rhythm of the situation is designed to accommodate you. But when you go into a new place to do a massage for the first time, it's totally different, and that can really throw you off your game. Add the pressure of feeling like you really need to perform, and giving a good massage may become a serious challenge.

My best advice is to assume ownership of the space you will be using during an interview massage. Let the space become your own private place and feel it support and enhance your work. The body on the table is just another person in need, so just do your thing and take care of them.

It'll be just fine!

 

[adiavoy]

Flow... I'm good at flow! think connections. Stay connected to your clients body as much as possible by keeping hands on as you move from one body part to another, even when you're working with the drapes. Move through the massage in a way that makes sense to you. for instance, connect the neck work with the shoulders and down the arm to the hand.

I think another thing that can help with flow is making sure the strokes are complete and don't end mid muscle unless you are pausing there for a reason to work specifically.

when working, you may work in areas or sections of the body, but think about the body as a whole and connected. Think of the massage as a dance.

and find some videos of others giving massage and watch how they flow.

hope this helps

 

[livie]

Thanks Jason and Ellie.

It is so helpful to get your perspective as an interviewer, Jason. Thinking back on it, I had a mix of both feeling out of place with the equipment and space, but also with draping. I have recently taken some table thai and lomi lomi that incorporates leg ROM, requiring the sheet be tucked under the leg. When you pick the leg up, you have to take the sheet too. I find it distracting to untuck the sheet, but have been encouraged by the instructors to do it and not to be too tentative. I ended up doing the ROM in the interview but I think the flow was damaged by my draping .

I am going to continue to practice the drape with friends to get feedback on draping and flow.

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I so appreciate it!

 

[Monkey]

Flow - Continual Fluid Movement. An experience I have found invaluable to my massage technique is my previous exposure to Tai Chi, a meditation technique that incorporates methodical, intentional movement. If flow is a concern, you may want to consider studying it or another form Ki Gong (sp?)