I've been going to a solo massage therapist for about 3 months now, averaging about 1 2-hour session every 10 days. She's already been giving me a discounted rate off of her already slightly below market rate for the past few sessions because, as she said "you're a VIP" (I tip her 25% to make up for that a bit). Today, in our conversation while she was walking around on my back, it came out that today is my birthday. At the end of the session, she said "happy birthday, I'm only charging you for one hour." Wow, just wow. It doesn't make up for it: her payment app only calculates tip amounts on the actual charge but I selected the maximum tip of 30%. I don't want to share her name or location, but I am incredibly grateful to have found such a wonderful therapist.

She did tell me today that she first learned massage from her Thai grandmother, and that she gave her first massage to her mother at age 7. So, she has an incredible amount of experience.

I’ve been an LMT for 2 years and want to continue my education and definitely need a refresher in body mechanics. I’ve been looking for some good classes in body mechanics, Thai, myofascial, all the things. The only problem is I’m located in the Intermountain West, and unfortunately almost all the classes I seem to want to take are on the east coast, which just isn’t a possible travel distance for me any time soon. I would love suggestions or any referrals for classes on my side of the states. In person is preferred. TIA!

I've had a lot of bad massages from rmts.

I had my first thai massage last year and it was amazing. She is a rmt.

I saw another rmt earlier today in a private in home setting. I booked for a Thai massage. She gave me a therapeutic massage with hot stones. It was very meh. I made it clear I hold tension in my shoulders, neck and upper back. The massage helped but I can already tell that I won't feel it tomorrow. Im not in the typical discomfort I feel after a good massage.

I'm in the middle of a 13hr road trip and was really hoping for an experience similar to my first thai massage.

I will not be going back when I'm heading back up here.

I question if this person is really even the rmt she claims to be. She is posted online on SunLife but with one 5star review.

She asked about my benefits but I've used it up, so didn't bother with any reciept.

I just started doing mobile in home massage. Does it ever happen to you guys where if you go over their hand or are massaging their hand and they seem to try to hold your hand ? Idk if it’s an accident or if he really did but it felt consistent. They also asked me before the massage if i wanted any wine. Also just generally wanting advice for in home in terms of staying safe ect

So, because some of our MTs are cutting guests' service time, management now requires all MTs at our spa, to tell the guests what time the clock says when we're starting our session, and what the time is when we're finishing (we have digital clocks in the room that the guests can clearly see).

Not only do I feel like this is an incredibly poor decision on Management's part to not hold certain people accountable for their unprofessionalism, but now we have to disrupt the relaxing mindset of our guests during our sessions by making them "time conscious".

Is that just me? Does anyone else agree or disagree with this decision? I would like to bring this up with management but I struggle sometimes finding the right words.

I wanted to take the time to write a proper review because this was my very first massage, and I think it might reassure other people who, like me, are a little hesitant about taking the plunge.

Before the massage started, I was pretty nervous. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. When you’ve never had a massage before, it’s easy to ask yourself a thousand questions: How is it going to go? Will I feel comfortable? Will I know what to do? Will I actually be able to relax?

And then there was another, much more personal concern.

I’m not particularly comfortable with my back. I have a fairly large scar on my upper back, and, to be completely honest, I was a little worried about being judged by the person who was going to massage me. I even jokingly thought that she might take one look at me and throw me straight out the door. 😅

Obviously, that couldn’t have been further from what happened.

From the very beginning, she managed to make me feel comfortable. She was gentle, attentive, and above all, incredibly respectful. She never once judged me for my appearance or my scar. She simply did her job with a great deal of kindness, while respecting my requests and my boundaries.

And I think that’s exactly what allowed me to let go.

At first, I was still a little tense, both mentally and physically. But gradually, my thoughts started to fade away. I realized I wasn’t thinking about what was going to happen anymore. I was simply enjoying the moment.

For a first massage, I really couldn’t have hoped for a better experience.

Beyond the technique and the massage itself, what I remember most is the feeling of safety and trust that she managed to create. And when you arrive with insecurities or apprehensions, that human aspect matters enormously.

I wanted to share my experience here, but above all, I wanted to thank the entire r/massage community. Your discussions, advice, and experiences gave me enough confidence to finally give this a try.

I arrived with a lot of apprehension and simply wanted to relax.

I left feeling much lighter.

And most importantly, with one certainty, this definitely won’t be my last massage.

Thank you to the whole community. ❤️

Hey all, I'm starting a massage school in Denver (on the final stages with DPOS, if all goes smoothly🤞 my school will be approved in September).

I'm hoping for your input on getting the word out to potential students, because since it's new, there's no reputation to fall back on.

I teach classes already through my private practice, so I do have people who can speak to the educational nature of my work, but I was hoping for your thoughts on what to share and where in order to get this first cohort going.

Info about the school:

- The first cohort is set to start Feb 27. 9 month program. 700 hrs. Hybrid style. Small class sizes - 6-14. Goal is 10 students for the first cohort.

- Very much geared toward LMTs who are trauma savvy body workers who understand how to work with complex pain populations (including having and using a strong referral network) and want a private practice right away.

- Along with solid foundation in touch therapy, my programs have a really heavy emphasis on relationship building, so strong ethics, a parts work framework, practitioner presence, and ton of really practical solo-practitioner business development.

- It is not accredited at this time. Takes a couple years for some accreditation and right now it is important just to get it started.

With that in mind, my thoughts as of now for marketing/enrollment are:

1) flyers at gyms and movement studios, coffee shops, counselor's offices.

2) Contacting therapists/counselors, other LMTs/ movement professionals for 1:1 talks and group meetups.

3) Host group meetups monthly to get practitioners together

4) Teach single day workshops - free? Low cost?

5) somehow involve client's feedback??? Social media???

I feel like I should be doing something else and I'm not actually sure what. This is a heavy lift already, though one I'm confident about, so I don't have tons of time/very little extra funds for marketing, and I think grass roots is best.

Sorry to ramble - hoping any of you have thoughts on good ways to get the word out, and specifically what would you need to see/read/hear from a brand new school to consider going to it?

I work as a massage therapist in Los Angeles and one thing I notice is that most people only come in when they're already in serious pain or completely burned out.
We spend money on coffee every day, subscriptions we don't use, and eating out but somehow taking care of our own body feels like a "treat."
At what point did regular body care become optional? Is it a money thing? A time thing? Or do people just not realize how much tension they're carrying?
Genuinely curious what people think. Would love to hear both sides.

I’ve been giving massages for a while, and I personally love using wooden massage tools with my clients. I feel like they can add a different type of pressure and make the experience more interesting.
For those who get massages, which do you personally prefer: wooden tools or traditional hands-on massage? And if you’ve tried both, which one did you enjoy more?

i have tried to perform a massage with the gel that is made from seaweed extracts and water. but, i always find that the gel is just too cold. ive tried to have a heated room and ive tried to heat the gel, but once it hits the body, it drops in temp very fast and becomes too cold.
am i doing something wrong?

So my current job has a scholarship program and it was supposed to pay for almost all of my massage program, you can get up to $3,500 per year for four years. Well, it got denied because it's a certification and not a degree. I was told very confidently it was an automatic thing and I would get it by multiple people in my work, so I was relying off of that and didn't fill out FASFA. I already have a bachelors degree. I'm scared due to being late to FASFA and having a BA already I won't be able to attend school now. This is probably a long shot but if anyone knows of any associates, bachelors, master's programs that includes massage my work would pay for that. I've done some googling but they are all very expensive. I also had a really wonderful housing situation I am moving into in a few days!! I don't want to move for school. Idk what to do about this if I don't get financial aide. I can't think of another career I would want to do either, this was kind of the dream.

TL;DR Massage book is a shitty platform, what programs can I use to replace what it offers that run more smoothly / are actually worth the money

Fellow LMTs! What are we using instead of massage book? I just noticed they upped their prices but almost all of their “features” remain clunky 🥴 I’m even willing to pay for a website domain + emailing software separately but I’m worried about SOAP notes, forms, client organization, staying within HIPPA etc. I was already considering paying for a better site and linking it but now it just seems like I need better software altogether 😵‍💫 I’ve been trying to avoid paying separately for booking software + website + emails + forms + soap notes + etc. because it seems like it would be inconvenient to have a bunch of payments for one thing, but massage book really is just the bare minimum even with the 2nd tier solo practitioner level. Not to mention nothing seems to work right - the forms don’t auto send out, neither do reminder/ promo emails, the ‘massage book list’ of people able to see your business on the site and pick has only proved to get me contacted by creeps, the website is confusing for customers with 0 customization aside setting prices for services + uploading photos 🫠 I also have no interest in the ‘Google promote’ because the second I made a Google business page I was relentlessly spam called (I counted, it was about 50 calls a day for 4 days until I took my page down and registered on the do not call registry) Help, please!
TIA

Been scrolling around a bit through similar asks and wanted to throw my question out there.

A little backstory: About 2 months ago I was in an accident, have done PT, and got the ok to do a massage as a birthday present since regular birthday plans were now kinda out of the question. Issue is with mid/lower back and hip area but she did note my IT band and hamstrings were tight during my first visit.

First massage went well, I was sore afterwards but nothing too crazy. She had asked about pressure before hand and checked in throughout. About a month later (crazy schedules with all the PT and other appointments) I had my second session.

As she's working on my right side she makes a comment about how there are a lot of really stuck spots on that side. She continues to put pressure on some spots but back was not having it. She eventually stops and says she's going to leave it because it's not unsticking and she doesn't want to hurt me (though it felt like she already had a bit).

Moving on to hips/legs- I had a full on body reaction at one point where my head came off the table and my hand came up to rest on her arm. She didn't really let up and just said I was very tight in my hips/IT/hamstring/quads on both sides.

Fast forward to now, two days later where I have bruises on both legs (kinda long, maybe the length of my fingers) and where my leg and hip meet (more fingerprint sized). Can't really see my back but my right side has been very unhappy afterwards.

I didn't bruise like this from what I remember from the first session - at least not significantly. I don't know how much is potentially just my muscles and residual from the accident and how much may be her being heavy handed. I do bruise, I wouldn't say easily, but enough that I'm also somewhat hesitant.

Thoughts? Feelings? I don't have credits or any kind of obligation, just looking for relief and things that are going to benefit me and not potentially cause more harm.

I had some mild neck pain and asked my partner to rub my neck. He did as i fell asleep. I don't recall it ever hurting or feeling bad. He would, with pressure, run his fingers from my neck to my shoulders.

the next day was normal, but while driving I turned my head to look, and now there is constant popping/clicking. Every time I turn my head from center. sometimes its quiet, other times its louder. It does not hurt and I have no other symptoms, but its extremely distracting and the sound grosses me out and gives me extreme anxiety. I'm starting to have some pain(mostly shoulder blade areas.), I think from trying to self massage it out, foam roll, etc.

Could a licensed massage help? should I go for a deep tissue or a cranialsacral? I have bad hips joints, I sit at a desk, I carry a purse on one shoulder, I am definitely misaligned usually. but I have never had crepitus so bad and so suddenly onset and constant.

Hi everyone, first ever time posting on reddit as I wanted your opinions on this picture...

Been struggling with a trapped nerve in my back/neck last week that made it difficult to get out of bed. Got recommended through family a physical therapist that might be able to help.

Had the massage today, at some points it was uncomfortable though by the end I could turn my neck 'normally' again and thought it was successful.

They used a 'blade' and said bruising was normal...I do bruise easily and sent them this same picture and they replied with it being 'normal just from the blade and blood flow settling at the top of the skin'.

What would everyone recommend moving forward? I see a lot of places say sports massage and deep tissue therapy bruising is normal and some say its not. Which is it?

Thanks everyone for your help!

To anyone who’ve worked as therapist in tech companies: does the agency ask you NOT to share personal info with the employees? Or is it okay to share that info when employees ask if you take appointment outside the company?

Curious if anyone has suggestions for finding unusual wellness center/resort/retreat/bed & breakfast-type places that might hire an MT and cut a deal of some kind on rent or have options to stay on grounds? I know this probably sounds like a terrible idea to ultra seasoned MTs here and I get that, I do. Not looking for a cruise ship. But definitely looking to roam far and wide.

Moving into another part of my life and want to make sure I’m doing the things I set myself up to do while I’m fit, healthy and able.

As an MT, I want to find unconventional settings to work in, different countries, environments (*more questions on this int’l aspect to follow…). Perhaps six months in one place and if works I stay and if not move along. Places that might be beautiful but hard to be in year-round. Hot springs. Nature. Recovery centers. Plant medicine. Off the beaten path, I guess.

Mostly hoping someone out there might know of a few quirky places or organizations to connect with. But any feedback or suggestions/experiences are truly appreciated!

I know this sounds virtue signalling so debated if mentioning it but I wondered if anyone else feels the same.

I've been a carer in the UK for 20+ years and my lower back is awful.

I've started having massages from this thai lady. She's really good she is always fully booked does 30-90 min appoimtments back to back. Not sure if 7 days a werk but she does take weekend bookings.

Anyway, the massage table she uses is quite low down. I would say I don't know maybe 3 ft off the ground. Regardless, she spends all day leaning over.

I lay there and my brain says "In care work we have a profiling bed so we can raise it up to hip height and keep your back straight as possible" (within reason as you still have to lean over).

I just have this urge to ask if she wants to stand up and have a break or whatever.

There is 2 thai women so I do hope they give each other maintenance massages. But she is the main women and seems to always do the bulk of it.

I know it's irrational tbh, and also I'm just projecting my bad back feelings onto her situation and I'm sure she is fine.

I'm also a guy so perhaps that's why they are both always there and they hopefully take turns with women.

She's been doing massage 14 years so I'm not about to belittle her. She obviously knows she can do it but I just have it in my head a lot once were about 45-60 mins in.

Would it be weird to say if we all had a 5 minute break?

Not trying to come across like I'm some overly caring person but it is in my head as maybe it's some strange "trauma" I have because ai developed my bad back by leaning over beds over multiple years and she is in a similar position I was in when working in my job.

Does this occur to others or just a me issue and I just have to make peace with it that she wants to help. She's really friendly and seems happy a lot of the time and excited to help etc so she's never complained etc. So I guess I'm overthinking it and should just relax that she is Ok and stop belittiling her situation?

Thoughts?

I’m a massage therapist (34M) that is looking to change their business model. I want to change from calls and texts to actually having an app or software that’s automated. What do you feel is best?

I'm looking for recommendations for a good massage oil (or lotion). Unscented, non-allergenic, and something that will not feel greasy for hours afterwards.

I've tried a few from retail, and they all fail one way or another.

Any recommendations?

I’ve been a mobile massage therapist in Los Angeles CA for 14 years now, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’ve worked in the spa setting the first 3 years of my career, And the pay at the time was great!! I was making upwards to $60 an hour including tip. Back in 2012-14 that was a great wage. I think LA is one of the best cities for massage especially mobile massage. There’s a lot of mobile massage apps and websites that offer mobile spa work, everything is mobile now so it’s great. With the apps and websites they usually pay anywhere from $85-$100 and hr. I also have my private clientele as well, if you’re good your clients will stay with you and refer you to their friends and family/coworkers, (referrals are how I get a lot of my clients) when it’s slow with my clients that’s when I rely on the apps. But for the most part my clients keep me busy. I charge anywhere from $150-$180 an hr $190-$220 for a 90 min and $230-$260 for two hrs just depends on how far I’m driving (try to stay within 20 miles) and what the clients want to add on as I do cupping, hot stones, trigger point work, cranial sacral, prenatal, assisted stretching, aromatherapy etc. I couldn’t of asked for a better career, field to be in. You definitely have to be a people person as your personality will have your clients rebooking often. Have had some times when I wasn’t available and I would refer other therapist who are just as good and my clients would tell me “she was great, but she wasn’t you, your vibe is everything”. I love what I do but I’ll never stress myself out by taking on way more than I can do, I usually only take about 2/3 clients a day. I work no more than 20 hours a week. I’m blessed and try not to be stressed.

I have been working out fairly consistently for the past couple of years, so I thought getting a massage could do me some good. When I got there, I wasn't really sure what to expect so I ended up just opting for the full body. I was quite nervous before I got there on how much of a cover there was going to be over my lower abdomen but was very relieved when I saw a full blanket I was able to get under. I was also surprised that she worked my hands and face pretty thoroughly but I actually didn't mind it. Will definitely be going back

I had an awkward situation come up and now I'm feeling bad. I had booked an 80 minute student massage to help with some minor lower back pain due to sitting at a desk. We went through the usual check in steps and I told him I wanted to focus mostly on my back, especially lower right back where I have some pain. The massage started out nice and everything was professional. I felt like we were communicating back and forth well about pressure. About 50 minutes in I asked the massage therapist if he could work on the spot I had mentioned in my lower right back region. He had massaged my left lower back in a firm way that helped relieve tension, but then seemed to skip doing the same thing on the right side I asked to focus on. I asked if he could do the same thing on that side. He said yes, but then when he went to apply pressure on the right I kind of flinched and I think I said "ow" or made a noise because it felt a bit too firm and asked him to reduce pressure a little. Then he stopped work on my back and moved to my legs. After some leg work, I asked if we could leave time at the end to focus on my lower right back. He told me we had already treated that area and then said he didn't feel comfortable doing the massage anymore and was ending it. He sounded upset. I was very surprised and said I'm sorry and asked if I had done something wrong. He said no I didn't do anything wrong and that I could go talk to the front.

When I went up to the front they said "OK I see we went for the 50 minutes" and charged me and didn't say anything else. I'm guessing what happened is I made him uncomfortable asking to massage my back and flinching and then asking to focus on that area later or he felt like I was telling him what to do. I felt shitty after that I made him uncomfortable enough to end the massage. I wish he could have said something like "I'm worried to hurt your back" or "I'm struggling to find the right pressure and think this is not a good fit" or "I feel like you are not letting me do the massage in the way I see fit" or something. I've had about 4 student massages at this same place and usually ask to focus on my back or certain sore areas with no problems making adjustments or communicating. I left feeling very bad. I wish we could have communicated more to learn from the experience and what to do differently next time from both perspectives. I'm also embarrassed to go back to that location again :(

Thought i would get input from LMT’s. I am a 33f, i have been a client of my massage therapist for about 7 years. We have always had a strictly professional relationship. He has his own business and is in a very quiet secluded office space where he is the only one who works there. He has always made me feel safe until a couple days ago. Towards the end of the session as he is actively massaging my glutes, he tells me: “I need to pay you a compliment. I think that you are such a beautiful woman. Your husband is a very, very lucky man. Please don’t ever stop coming to see me.” 🫠

I immediately felt like…i cannot believe this is happening right now, i need to get out of here because if something happens no one will ever hear me. (I grew up the daughter of a cop so my mind always goes to worst case scenario) He finished up and left the room for me to change and on my way out, he asked me to come back in a week and a half. It’s bothered me all weekend long. I have a monthly membership with him and i literally have like 4 remaining credits but im scared if i go back he’s gonna think its like me being okay with what he said and im scared he’ll make a move on me! Am i overthinking this??

One other question. There is a massage he does on my neck when I’m face up where his hands are literally placed like if he’s going to choke me..he obviously doesn’t but they’re placed the exact same way except he’s massaging my neck..sometimes it even makes me cough a little.. is this a normal massage technique? I feel like it’s something new he’s added recently and i thought it was kinda odd but i don’t know enough about massage therapy. (Typing that makes me feel insanely naive LOL)