beginnings
how I got started | My mom had back surgery when I was eight
years old. When she was released from the hospital, a visiting nurse
taught me how to help take care of her at home. She gave me instruction
on how to change Mom's dressing, give her a sponge bath and how to rub
lotion on her to help prevent bed sores and muscles spasms while her
back was healing. I was especially good at massaging my mom with the
lotion and I enjoyed knowing that I was helping her. As I grew up,
however, somehow I "missed" the information that I could make massage a
career! I was told I should become a nurse, but after following that
path I discovered that nurses don't actually provide massage. Later I
worked in a pain treatment center for a while and used massage. My gift
was confirmed - I was good at it! I began pursuing massage therapy while
I worked part-time in the clinic and became certified.
inspiration
why this job?| I always felt I should work with my hands, but
when I pursued, for example, sculpting and music, (piano and guitar), I
found these activities didn't "do it" for me. Massage fulfills me.
love
why I love this job!| I know I'm helping others by changing
muscle tissues, offering relief, etc. I get to be a part of someone
feeling better. I also enjoy a flexible schedule.
work
my typical day| I own my own business and rent space inside a
chiropractic center so their staff handles my schedule. I check with
them to make sure that my start time for the day is what I knew it to be
the night before. I usually see clients beginning at 9:00 a.m. Most
appointments run for 60 minutes and I leave 30 minutes between
appointments so I can clean up and fill out paperwork (sometimes I need
to fill out documentation for a client's insurance if I am treating them
after an accident). I also take time to stretch and rest. I want to
have longevity in this career so not overbooking and seeing patients
back to back keeps me healthy so I can do this long term. My schedule
flexes during the day and I also see clients three evenings a week as
well as some weekends.
challenges
what they are | You must keep up your physical and emotional
strength. People open up to you in this profession and you want to
display compassion, but also be professional. There's a balance to be
mindful of. Another challenge is being misunderstood. Massage is a
legitimate form of therapy, but some will misconstrue what you do and
make the assumption that you run a massage parlor. I'm not that kind of
therapist. I don't even see male clients unless there is someone else
present in the office!
upside
all about growth | There are always new techniques to learn and
grow from as you provide them to your clients. You can begin by working
at a spa, a sports facility or even go mobile and then later have your
own place.
More Info
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