As small business owner for the past 4+ years I often wonder how successful my marketing efforts have been. Even more so, I wonder if I am even a contender when people discuss therapeutic massage; do they know who we are? That question was answered for me yesterday.
A long time client was in for her massage. Afterwards, as we talked, she mentioned that she had recently told a co-worker she was getting a massage that day after work. Her co-worker asked where she was going, "Kneading Hands Massage" she commented. To which the other party responded, "I've heard that is the best massage {facility} in the Lehigh Valley."
That one statement makes the struggles of growing a small business worth the blood, sweat, and tears!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Disrobing for Massage
There are a few reasons, I believe, people are reluctant to try massage therapy. First and foremost is not understanding the benefits of massage and viewing this healing modality as "a luxury". Money/cost definitely ranks near the top of the objections to getting treatment, after all, most insurance does not pay for therapeutic massage.
Somewhere near the top of the list is the fear of disrobing. Let's face it, you are presumably going to a stranger and being asked to lie on the table without clothing. This scenario can have some fearing loss of control and vulnerability.
In the right hands {pun intended} you should feel confident that your dignity will be preserved. You should be draped with either a sheet or towel and, in general, only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time. Your comfort should be a top priority for the therapist.
Ideally, all clients will remove all clothing. It makes the entire process of treatment much easier and allows for smoother, uninterrupted strokes. Some clients prefer to leave their bottom undergarments on- that's fine. We can usually work around/through that minor obstacle.
While it is possible to do some massage strokes through clothing, mainly compression and some kneading, most cannot be performed. Being able to glide over muscles and body parts is an invaluable tool. As massage therapists we are trained to use our hands to find problem muscles, tendons, and ligaments- some buried very deep under the many layers of skin, fascia, and fat. You can see how adding a layer of clothing can inhibit that ability.
Don't let the hesitation of removing your clothing stop you from seeking treatment. Talk to the therapist, be open about your concerns and together you will find a way.
Somewhere near the top of the list is the fear of disrobing. Let's face it, you are presumably going to a stranger and being asked to lie on the table without clothing. This scenario can have some fearing loss of control and vulnerability.
In the right hands {pun intended} you should feel confident that your dignity will be preserved. You should be draped with either a sheet or towel and, in general, only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time. Your comfort should be a top priority for the therapist.
Ideally, all clients will remove all clothing. It makes the entire process of treatment much easier and allows for smoother, uninterrupted strokes. Some clients prefer to leave their bottom undergarments on- that's fine. We can usually work around/through that minor obstacle.
While it is possible to do some massage strokes through clothing, mainly compression and some kneading, most cannot be performed. Being able to glide over muscles and body parts is an invaluable tool. As massage therapists we are trained to use our hands to find problem muscles, tendons, and ligaments- some buried very deep under the many layers of skin, fascia, and fat. You can see how adding a layer of clothing can inhibit that ability.
Don't let the hesitation of removing your clothing stop you from seeking treatment. Talk to the therapist, be open about your concerns and together you will find a way.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Purple Ribbon Council
We had a "kick-off" meeting for the Purple Ribbon Council's 2010 Domestic Violence Awareness Month's May activities. The big event "Power of Purple" (formerly Girls' Night Out) is tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 1st. Through the month of May we are hoping to have many hair salons throughout the Lehigh Valley hosting "Pretty in Purple" events.
This is going to be an exciting year for the event and Kneading Hands Massage is proud to be a part of this wonderful cause. I am honored to have the task of leading the Lehigh Valley effort!
We will be in need of "ambassadors" to help set and meet, if not exceed, our goals. Please call or email to get involved!
Tom Florio
(610) 653-7701
massage@iglide.net
This is going to be an exciting year for the event and Kneading Hands Massage is proud to be a part of this wonderful cause. I am honored to have the task of leading the Lehigh Valley effort!
We will be in need of "ambassadors" to help set and meet, if not exceed, our goals. Please call or email to get involved!
Tom Florio
(610) 653-7701
massage@iglide.net
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Inappropriate Advice
Maybe you are new to visiting a complementary healthcare practitioner or have been seeing a massage therapist, energy worker, or acupuncurist for years. At what point do you take their advice over that of your doctor? Simple answer - NEVER. Not so simple answer - DEPENDS.
While it is a certainty, that with sufficient training, the practitioner may be an expert at what he or she does you should always keep your physician in the loop and openly discuss your treatment. While this concept may seem painfully obvious I recently had a new client that had a VERY serious medical condition. The condition required surgery, in short order! The alternative care practitioner advised this individual to postpone the surgery by weeks to give her methods a chance. We are not talking about an elective surgery or one that could wait whitout dire consequences- this was a life saving operation. Thankfully, the client knew better than to heed such advice and now, many years later, is doing well.
That practitioner was giving advice out of her scope of practice, the advice, no matter how well intentioned, was inappropriate. A good complementary care practitioner will provide you with service/treatment in their own field of practice. They will refer you to others when appropriate, encourage you to speak to your doctor about any concerns, and NOT give you advice out of their level of training.
While it is a certainty, that with sufficient training, the practitioner may be an expert at what he or she does you should always keep your physician in the loop and openly discuss your treatment. While this concept may seem painfully obvious I recently had a new client that had a VERY serious medical condition. The condition required surgery, in short order! The alternative care practitioner advised this individual to postpone the surgery by weeks to give her methods a chance. We are not talking about an elective surgery or one that could wait whitout dire consequences- this was a life saving operation. Thankfully, the client knew better than to heed such advice and now, many years later, is doing well.
That practitioner was giving advice out of her scope of practice, the advice, no matter how well intentioned, was inappropriate. A good complementary care practitioner will provide you with service/treatment in their own field of practice. They will refer you to others when appropriate, encourage you to speak to your doctor about any concerns, and NOT give you advice out of their level of training.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Meet Eva Grayzel
{The following information is provided with consent of our client and otherwise would have remained confidential}
Back a few years ago, when I was still a massage student, I had the opportunity to volunteer some time at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Easton, PA. While doing massages that afternoon I encountered an anamoly that few massage therapists, let alone students, will come upon. I met a very energetic, outgoing, and very appreciate survivor named Eva. Eva approached my table for a massage and completed a very brief intake. While speaking with Eva I learned that she had previously had oral cancer. The cancer was at an advanced stage when diagnosed and she had to undergo radical surgery to remove the cancer and affected tissue. What was most remarkable from a massage student perpective was that the sternocleidomastoid muscle had be removed from the left side of Eva's neck, leaving a void where the muscle should be. Having returned to school and anatomy class after that weekend I shared the experience with my classmates.
Fast forward a few years. Eva, unbeknownst to either of us, calls and makes an appointment in our office for massage. Half-way through the massage I realize who is on my table, after some discussion, Eva remembers me too!
I would encourage everyone to learn more about Eva. She is a motivational speaker, performance artisit, and oral cancer lecturer. I am sure she is an inspiration to all she meets!
Visit Eva Grayzel's website for more information. I am honored to have her as a client at Kneading Hands Massage.
Back a few years ago, when I was still a massage student, I had the opportunity to volunteer some time at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Easton, PA. While doing massages that afternoon I encountered an anamoly that few massage therapists, let alone students, will come upon. I met a very energetic, outgoing, and very appreciate survivor named Eva. Eva approached my table for a massage and completed a very brief intake. While speaking with Eva I learned that she had previously had oral cancer. The cancer was at an advanced stage when diagnosed and she had to undergo radical surgery to remove the cancer and affected tissue. What was most remarkable from a massage student perpective was that the sternocleidomastoid muscle had be removed from the left side of Eva's neck, leaving a void where the muscle should be. Having returned to school and anatomy class after that weekend I shared the experience with my classmates.
Fast forward a few years. Eva, unbeknownst to either of us, calls and makes an appointment in our office for massage. Half-way through the massage I realize who is on my table, after some discussion, Eva remembers me too!
I would encourage everyone to learn more about Eva. She is a motivational speaker, performance artisit, and oral cancer lecturer. I am sure she is an inspiration to all she meets!
Visit Eva Grayzel's website for more information. I am honored to have her as a client at Kneading Hands Massage.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Be prepared for the holiday season!
This is a great article that is being incorporated into our upcoming newsletter. Information provided courtesy of Associated Bodyworks and Massage Professionals.
Easing Holiday Angst
Five Stress Busters for a Joyous Season
You enter the holiday season with the best of intentions -- looking forward to time spent with family and friends, decorating, shopping, baking. But as soon as you pile holiday activities on top of an already busy life, you're likely to find yourself relating more to Ebineezer Scrooge than Martha Stewart.
Consider these five suggestions to keep holiday stress at bay:
1. Determine a Shopping Budget
For many, gift giving is an important part of the holidays, serving as a way to express love and appreciation for friends and family. But when the credit card bills arrive in January, you may discover you've extended your holiday stress well into the New Year. Plan your budget in advance, determine what you can spend, and stick to the plan.
2. Create a Time Budget
Many will make a shopping budget, but what about making a time budget? Before accepting every invitation this year, decide ahead how many parties you can and want to attend while maintaining your sanity. Make choices about your time commitments based on what you'd really like to do this year, rather than what you think you should do or what you've always done. Don't forget to leave time for yourself.
3. Set Food-Intake Boundaries
You'll likely be tempted to eat in excess, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't stick to your pre-holiday eating standards. But do decide ahead of time just how much you'll deviate from your eating routine.
4. Stick to Your Exercise Regimen
Regular exercise is a powerful stress buster. You'll feel better, sleep better, avoid weight gain, boost your immune system, and maintain a positive outlook about yourself. While it may seem like an easy time concession to make, don't give in to the idea. Stick to exercise, and you'll thank yourself for it.
5. Take Time to Rest
Take time from your schedule to honor the cycles of the season. The holidays fall during winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year. Learn from nature, and get plenty of rest.
Easing Holiday Angst
Five Stress Busters for a Joyous Season
You enter the holiday season with the best of intentions -- looking forward to time spent with family and friends, decorating, shopping, baking. But as soon as you pile holiday activities on top of an already busy life, you're likely to find yourself relating more to Ebineezer Scrooge than Martha Stewart.
Consider these five suggestions to keep holiday stress at bay:
1. Determine a Shopping Budget
For many, gift giving is an important part of the holidays, serving as a way to express love and appreciation for friends and family. But when the credit card bills arrive in January, you may discover you've extended your holiday stress well into the New Year. Plan your budget in advance, determine what you can spend, and stick to the plan.
2. Create a Time Budget
Many will make a shopping budget, but what about making a time budget? Before accepting every invitation this year, decide ahead how many parties you can and want to attend while maintaining your sanity. Make choices about your time commitments based on what you'd really like to do this year, rather than what you think you should do or what you've always done. Don't forget to leave time for yourself.
3. Set Food-Intake Boundaries
You'll likely be tempted to eat in excess, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't stick to your pre-holiday eating standards. But do decide ahead of time just how much you'll deviate from your eating routine.
4. Stick to Your Exercise Regimen
Regular exercise is a powerful stress buster. You'll feel better, sleep better, avoid weight gain, boost your immune system, and maintain a positive outlook about yourself. While it may seem like an easy time concession to make, don't give in to the idea. Stick to exercise, and you'll thank yourself for it.
5. Take Time to Rest
Take time from your schedule to honor the cycles of the season. The holidays fall during winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year. Learn from nature, and get plenty of rest.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Why oh why?
Being in the business of stress reduction, among other things, I have a peeve. One that must irritate others as well. I am sure I will feel better after my little diatribe!
Before the Halloween season was even in full swing, Christmas merchandise was finding it way onto store shelves. Why? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and I love the season. The food, the decor, exchanging gifts, and Christmas music make it all perfect. However, seeing decorated trees and giant lawn inflatables in October gets to be a little bit too much.
Retailers, in an effort to beat each other to the punch and gain an extra dollar before the competition, ruin the holiday for us. By the time December 25th rolls around I am SICK AND TIRED of Christmas. I can't wait for it to be over and take my tree and decorations down.
Lest we not forget Thanksgiving Day being overshadowed and squashed between Halloween and Christmas.
Before the Halloween season was even in full swing, Christmas merchandise was finding it way onto store shelves. Why? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and I love the season. The food, the decor, exchanging gifts, and Christmas music make it all perfect. However, seeing decorated trees and giant lawn inflatables in October gets to be a little bit too much.
Retailers, in an effort to beat each other to the punch and gain an extra dollar before the competition, ruin the holiday for us. By the time December 25th rolls around I am SICK AND TIRED of Christmas. I can't wait for it to be over and take my tree and decorations down.
Lest we not forget Thanksgiving Day being overshadowed and squashed between Halloween and Christmas.
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