We can go to doctor after doctor, but we have the ability to know our bodies best. That’s why I have these anatomy posters hanging on the walls, because although it’s a relaxing space, there’s a scientific and medical aspect to what I’m doing. I like to spend a minute explaining to them what I find. How do you integrate education into sessions? It goes back to the education of what massage can do. But if we look at how much money and time is lost because we’re in pain or our body isn’t functioning, it’s definitely worth the money. Affordability is huge, and I get that, especially being a single mom. When I get a client in here, it’s no problem, but it is when you’re trying to reach people who haven’t tried it before.
You see pictures and spa-like advertising - and nothing against spas, but flowers in hair and stones along the back, it can change the perception of what massage is about. Trying to get past the idea that massage is just a luxury. Being the person who comes to mind the next time something happens, that’s really how I know I’ve connected with someone and made the impact I want to have. Seeing the positive change in someone’s body and helping them get to that place is what really strikes me. When they come back, or when they don’t come back - some people just get better. What do you find is most rewarding about the job?įor one thing, it’s seeing the difference between when a client walks in versus when they walk out. If I’m really trying to help someone work through something very specific, I’ll have them coming more often in the beginning, and then moving through more of a maintenance. They’ll come once a week for six weeks, and then we’ll re-evaluate. But if I get someone with severe pain in one area, I lay out a plan. At that rate, I can build on what we’ve done the last time. It depends on the person, but at least once a month. Here, more like once a week or once every other week. In New Hampshire, clients generally came once a month. I do notice people are more willing to come to sessions more often. It’s not to say there’s not stress everywhere, it’s just more palpable here. In the summer, you can just feel the stress level is crazy high. I’ve only been back since June, but I’ve had a majority of Island customers, and only a handful of visitors. What I can tell you is the stress level feels higher here. If something happened to you many years ago, it gets stuck and prevents you from being able to release and get to the next level of healing.Īny noticable differences between clients in New Hampshire versus Martha’s Vineyard? I want to get more training on how emotions are stored in our bodies. We all have different stress in our lives, and we all handle it differently. Somewhere along the line we’re taught, or assume, it’s sectioned.Īnother common issue is stress. Something in someone’s foot could be causing shoulder pain. Something in someone’s hip could be causing neck pain. Something I’ve always found fascinating is that it’s not necessarily where you feel the pain where the problem’s coming from. I’ll see what’s going on during a session, and then try to help them become more aware of their posture or how they’re sitting. I see a variation of issues in hips and shoulders.
What are some common issues you see among clients? Hot stones are especially popular in the winter. A little discomfort is common, but too much tensing up is counterproductive. The key is to stay in touch with the client, because it’s truly about them. I go deeper, but I’m not going to hurt you. You’ll find some clients come away from a massage and say they were in pain. I draw in a lot of deep-tissue clients because my pressure is deeper. I do a blend of relaxation and deeper muscle work.