I have spent the last year now I think doing some form of teaching massage. It is rewarding and interesting and challenging. There are good days and bad, good classes and bad. Though I don't have much contact with the students that have hands on classes. I can and do fill in when needed.

With that in mind an interesting thing happened last week. I was in a class with students teaching them options of how to drape and or work specific areas and not expose the client. I came across a group of students that really are not interested in getting work on themselves. I began to think about this topic and I have said a number of times that it really is a good idea to get massage as a way to feel other forms of work and to take care of yourself.

I am now wondering how many therapists actually get massage or think "I don't really need massage". Then answer this question. Why did you get into the massage therapy field? Was it to assist others in feeling better. Then what do you do to feel better? After a long week of work to the tune of sometimes 20 clients. I need time to decompress, recharge and get rid of the tension that builds up in me from my clients. No matter how good my boundaries are sometimes it still gets through. If I am over tired, my boundaries are not that clear or strong and things get past me. Plus I stand on my feet all day.

If you get massage work please tell me why you do and how it helps you get through your work? If you don't get massage, tell me why and why it is not important to you? Also if you would be so kind as to tell me how you can convince your clients that it is a good idea to get a massage when you don't.

I am pretty lucky to get to work in great locations like this one. Yes, I was that close to the water and yes that is Walker's Point in the distance.

All of this from a referral. How do you reward your clients when they refer clients to you?

Enjoy the view I sure did.

Heather

Mother's Day Gift Options

River Bend Therapeutic Massage is offering a 20% discount off the purchase price of a gift certificate

Massage Therapy will...
• improve skin elasticity and promote tissue regeneration, in turn reducing the appearance of
stretch marks
• reduce the stress hormone Cortisol, which typically kills cells that are important for immunity.
• releases endorphins - amino acids that work as the
body’s natural painkiller.

Offer valid only for purchases this week May 3-9, 2010.
Must mention code: hhblog52010.

How to clean your makeup tools

This is not really a massage post. I thought it would be a good place to remind everyone that it is a good idea to clean the items that we use everyday.

Your makeup tools can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (and leftover dirt, oils and dust) – something you probably want far from your face!

Bacteria may lead to acne and skin infection. To clean your brushes, we suggest you rinse them with water first and then apply a drop of SENSE REVITALIZING SHAMPOO, creating a lather. Next, wash them well and use a towel to ring out the water. Let the brushes air dry.

According to leading makeup artists, tools used with liquid products – like eye shadow and foundation – should be washed daily. Brushes that are used with powder products can be cleaned weekly.

For an in-depth monthly brush cleansing, mix the SENSE REVITALIZING SHAMPOO with a few drops of ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL, for bacteria-fighting properties. Lather for 30 seconds. Avoid sharing your makeup brushes because this can lead to spreading of skin infection.

Healthy, clean makeup brushes are an integral part of healthy skin!

Sincerely,

Marie Bertrand
SkinScience Clinic | www.skinscience.md

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Have not written in a while. Wondering where all the time has gone. I can't tell you exactly. What I can tell you is that I have been working a lot and I have changed somethings for the winter.

First things first. I have taken a leave of absence from the spa for the winter. I have now had about one month of Saturdays to myself. Last Saturday, I actually worked in my office all day. That was amazing and wonderful and tiring all at the same time. This week I was able to cook and go food shopping for the week. All of this without having to wait for a phone call. Don't get me wrong I love doing massage and all the services at the spa. However I really needed some time off to pursue a few other ideas that I normally would not have time for.

I am teaching at a local massage school in Sanford Maine. I was referred there by a friend and things have worked out actually and I am finding that I really like it. Something I can see myself doing as long as they will have me.

You may know that I love to read and can't seem to get enough books to read. I usually have about three books at a time. One in the car, one on the iPod, and one beside the bed for nighttime reading. I have found a fun Twitter poster called Flashlight Worthy. Book lists, all kinds, chick lit, book club lists. You name the list and well it is on this website. Go take a look and see if you find something that you like.

What else am I up to. Usually no good. Take care till the next post.

Banned substances and Professional Athletes.

I seriously think that David Ortiz and anyone else that is interested in taking supplements should read this. I understand the entire banned substance issue has come up recently. However if we don't ask they won't tell. You and only you are responsible for your health. You can't expect someone to take care of you. You have to do it for yourself. Nuff said.

The USANA Athlete Guarantee program currently guarantees that if the athlete should test positive for a banned substance as a result of taking USANA® nutritional products, USANA will compensate the athlete with up to two times his or her current annual earnings from the sport up to $1 million. The athletes shall order nutritional products that have been tested by a third party (NSF or HFL) to ensure the absence of banned substances.

Acceptance into the USANA Athlete Guarantee program is based upon the review and acceptance of an application at USANA’s discretion with certain agreement terms. The Athlete Guarantee is primarily for Olympic and professional athletes and is a separate agreement from our Athlete Sponsorship program.

Last reviewed/updated: 04/17/09

Hands Off My Health

Hands Off My Health

Shared via AddThis

A Maine Golfer Competes on the National Stage!

Dear Loyal Readers:

Pardon me while I take some time away from my typical posts about massage. I am posting this letter from a golfer here in Maine that is headed to St. Louis to compete next week. I think that it is important to post this request here. If you wish to read more about Alexa you can read the letter below and here

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day.
Heather


Hello,

My name is Alexa Rancourt. I am an 18-year-old golfer living in South Portland. I have played golf seriously for the past 3 years, attending a golf school in Florida on scholarship, and have competed at the local, state and national levels. I am the 2008 Maine Women's Amateur Champion, the 2007 and 2008 Maine Girls' Junior Champion and the 2008 Southern Maine Women's Amateur Champion. I have numerous top 10 and top 5 finishes in national junior tournaments (including the FCWT and AJGA) and in March 2008, I won my first national tournament in Bradenton, Florida. I have been honored with a full combined academic and athletic scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and will be joining their women's golf team in August.

Recently, I achieved one of my longtime goals of qualifying for the U.S. Women's Amateur, which is being held in St. Louis, Missouri August 3-9. Expenses for the trip are extremely prohibitive however, which is why I am writing to you. Due to my family's current financial situation, I am asking for donations to help fund this trip. No amount is too small and any assistance that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. If you are willing to help, please contact me through this email: tee2green09@hotmail.com or on my cell (207-838-7608). I play to win, and the U.S. Women's Amateur is no exception for me. A small donation from you could help me achieve one of my biggest goals; to bring aUSGA Championship win back to Maine!

Thank you for your consideration,
Alexa Rancourt
66 Walnut Street
South Portland, Maine 04106
cell: 207-838-7608

A very nice client letter

I had to take the time for a little self promotion. If I don't do it no one else will.

1pm Friday

Hi Heather

I got home safely despite feeling I hadbeen given a relaxation drug. The massage was outstanding. I'm sitting here and almost feel as though I don't have any body mass. Only reality is the tactile feel of the keyboard.

When you finished today, all I could do was put on a hat to cover the Bozo hair and my shoes and head to the car slowly.

I feel wonderful. My feet feel wonderful. I don't know how you can control/conserve your energy to do more massages after mine.

Thank you soooo much.You have amazing talent and skill. Truly the healing arts !

JM

I love getting messages like that one. It reminds my of why I do what I do. I am truly here for the clients not even for myself. I am here for them.

Massage Therapist using Twitter

Are you following anyone on Twitter? Want more information about Twitter go here.

I have been using twitter for a few years now seems like I am now behind the eight ball because I have not used it that much. However I am now using it more than ever. I will use it to give information about massage openings in my schedule. Or other news in my office.

Want to follow me? twitter.com/hgheather

Hope to see you soon.

What great press!

I continue to be impressed with this company. I have not been able to use other skin care lines after I started using this line.

Earth Hour 2009

25 Random things about me that you don't know.

I...
1. have been a swimmer my whole life.
2. swam competitively till I was 25.
3. there are currently 4 generations in my family.
5. led trips through Maine.
6. am not from Maine,
7. have a pile of books that I am reading all at the same time.
8. love animation artwork.
9. I worked as a physical education teacher.
10. gave Joan Baez a massage.
11. know that there is a professional golfer that wants to pay me to massage them everyday.
12. my favorite drink of late is Fresca, vodka and cranberry juice.
13. have never eaten at the White Barn Inn, even though I work there.
14. am in a book group...
15. took a post-graduate year at Hebron Academy.
16.love the City of Boston
17. have a crush on Daniel Craig.
18. I don't run.
19.I have a love/hate relationship with the Concept II rowing machine.
20. rowed for one summer with Community Boating in Boston
21. saw Steven Tyler at a craft show at the World Trade Center in Boston
22. watched Andre Agassi play tennis before he won.
23. met Andrew Wyeth and his sons Jamie and Nicky.
24. my favorite movie is Love Actually.
25. want to meet Alan Rickman

In all my years as a Massage Therapist I have met so many wonderful people. Performers, athletes, regular folks. I love my job. I get to be in a private space with people that they don't share with very many people. Everyone wants the same thing, to be treated kindly and cared for in the time that we have together. I take that responsibility very seriously.

Can you fix this?

What a week this has been. Nearly everyone that came to my office this week was in some kind of pain. Monday client bent over and tweaked the back, Tuesday client on vacation and the need to relax and unwind the neck, then another client with LB pain that was preventing the pre-season soccer play. Wednesday was another client with neck issues. Thursday repeat client with LB pain. Friday I had really no idea what what the day would hold. Repeat of the client on Monday, by the end of the day I had also worked with four more clients one of whom needed the work. Saturday morning I had no idea what was to be in the docket. First client arrived in pain, second client arrived in pain. Both different situations, still in pain.

That is what I love about my job. Sometimes I know what is coming and I can plan strategies to help, other times things just arrive and I have to fall back on experience to let me know what to do. I don't have an assistant to talk to a client before I see them. They just arrive.

Massaging athletes

I have had this picture hanging around for over a year now and have done nothing with it. Time to add it here. I got to meet Bonnie Blair at the George Bush Cape Arundel Classic to benefit Gary's House golf event last year and it was really nice to talk with her and to have a short conversation. I even got a chance to give her a short massage.

Words and phrases that drive me crazy!!!

Words and phrases that drive me crazy.

"What ever"
"What not"
"Just"
"Honestly speaking" Have you been lying to me the whole time.

I am sure that today I will find some others and I will add to the post.

The State of the Industry of Massage Therapy

Hi there-

I have been watching a group on yahoo discuss the state of the massage industry. Here is my reaction to what is going on.

Just because someone graduates from a massage program does not mean that they are going to be awesome. Nor does taking lots and lots of classes make one a good massage therapist.

We have to remember that massage schools are in business for one thing. Profit! Now there are good teachers that are trying to help people become good therapists. It still doesn't matter because at the end of the day the schools have to evaluate the bottom line. If they need more money they go out and market the program to bring in more students. Some students that they bring in are good and others are not. It is that way in every industry.

In my area massage schools are cropping up all over the place because they see a need to fill up the spas. Do they do anything to make sure that the former students get trained so they don't get injured? Not here. They get them through the program in 500 hours. Only have to do about 100 hours of hands on work and then they are off to work in spas all up and down the coast. Some first year therapists even end up in high end spas. How would you like to be paying around $150 for a deep tissue massage when the person has only just done about four massages before they touched you. Or if they did those four massages, right before you walked in the door and are now so exhausted that they can't even see straight to give another massage.

Such is the state of our industry.

Very Interesting website

I ran across this nicely written article about things to help you feel better in your life. Aha! One of the listings was to get massage. More and more articles are being written about massage lately. It is nearly every day I get a Google alert about a new press release or website about massage. That feels pretty good. We as Massage Therapists are finally getting some good press. Of course there is still a lot of bad press about massage. I prefer to read about the good stuff.

Have a good weekend! Come on Spring, please hurry up and get here.