Cell Phone Distractions

[Waverly H]

How do you feel about a client answering or using the cell phone during a massage? Recently, I have had a couple of clients answer their cell phone during the massage.  Do you stop the massage and leave the room so they can have privacy or continue the massage?If the cell is in their hand or on their waist, I will ask them to  turn it off during the massage.  But, most of the time the cell is in their handbags.

 

[CHATZILLA]

Cell Phone Distractions

That could be a tough one. I, personally, would probably be annoyed. I'd put something on my intake form like, "please remember to turn off your cell phone" But hey, it's their hour and they are paying for it. If it happens again you could ask, "would you like me to step out?" If they want to lose their massage time to talk on their phone I guess it is their own choice right?

 

[cultura_10]

Cell Phone Distractions

I've never left the room when a client answers the phone. When the phone rings, (has happened quite a few times) I ask them if they would like me to hand it to them to answer it. I continue the massage while they are on the phone. Many of my clients like to tell the person they're talking to that they're getting a massage, it feels great, they're going to Jeff at such-and-such place, etc. I usually kinda joke with the client, telling them the person on the phone owes them a gift certificate for ruining their massage. I like the client to answer the phone, as it can be used for networking. I've gotten a few clients this way, basically hinting to the client to tell the person on the phone to come get a massage. It seems to make the client feel more important as well. "Yes, I'm pampering myself, but am so important that I just HAVE to answer my phone."

 

[Hamster Tycoon]

Cell Phone Distractions

My business phone is a cell phone. I leave it on whenever I am not in session. Just before the session, I set it on the massage table. When the client enters the room, I pick up my cell phone and the client watches as I turn my ringer off and set the phone on a shelf. That always reminds them to turn off theirs. If for some reason they need to leave theirs on, they put it where I can easily reach it to hand it to them. If it rings, I do not leave the room, I simply wait for them to finish so that I can put it back.When they appologize for their cell phone ringing, I tell them, "It's okay for your cell phone to ring. Not okay for mine to ring." -Melody

 

[hotchick02]

I used to have cell phones ringing quite often.  I never had a client feel a need to answer it though.  They always apologized for forgetting to turn it off.  I decided to post a sign on the inside door of the closet they hang their clothes in that gently asks them to turn their phone off.  I have had only two who have not turned their cell phone off since that time and neither has wanted to answer the phone (I guess they just didn't see the sign).  If a client wanted to answer it, I guess I would give them the phone.I do know therapists who have had overworked, overstressed business people who insist on answering their phone and conducting business during a massage.  If I ever had one of these types of clients I think I would explain to them how beneficial an entire hour of non-interrupted massage can be and what being in a state of constant stress is doing to their body.  

 

[fight.trainer]

Cell Phone Distractions

If they want to lose their massage time to talk on their phone I guess it is their own choice right?

Be wary of the client who thinks that their time will not be cut short.

Robyn

 

[Bonzo The Wonder Pig]

Yeah, I've had a few as well. آ Last one was someone that came in with GC, never had a massage before.....said her hips hurt, as well as neck, shoulders, arms, back, etc. آ So, was I surprised to find her on the table with her pants still on? آ Not really. آ cell phone AND keys was آ a surprise. آ So when the phone rang and she answered it I wasn't surprised, but I almost laughed when the person she was talking to said something like: "isn't that the dumbest thing you've ever seen..." آ Client replyed "yes..." آ I thought: "no, answering your stupid phone while getting a massage is the dumbest thing." آ Oh well. آ Can't save everyone. آ All others that have answered the phone have apologized profusely, but not this one.  Wonder if she'll be back..

 

[harvest]

Cell Phone Distractions

The way I see it, the person on my table is an adult and has responsibilities. If they choose to leave their cell phone on, knowing full well they are on my table for the purpose of relaxation/break time, then if it rings, it's their responsibility to either ignore it, answer it, or turn it off at that point. I've had people do any 3 of the above. The massage may be stopped briefly but can be resumed, unless they indicate to me that they'd like me to continue while they're still on the phone.Be well,Jen

 

[daddyzlilangel.......x]

It appears I'm in the minority on this one.  I consider the proliferation of the cell phone a blight on our society and cannot stand the sound of a ringing phone interrupting a session.  I require my clients to turn off their cell phones prior to the start of every session. Just as with the cancellation policy there is always the odd exception to the rule (husbands with pregnant wives,etc.),but for the most part clients seem more than willing to accept an hour of phone silence.  

 

[Pompal 09.]

Cell Phone Distractions

How do you feel about a client answering or using the cell phone during a massage?

It drives me bonkers when someone answers their cellphone during a session.

I have a sign in the treatment room asking people to turn their phones to silent during the session.  I also remind new clients to do so as well.

If someone tells me they are expecting a phone call that they must take -- I make exceptions and ask them to place it where it is within easy reach.

 

[JessikuhTOXIC]

Cell Phone Distractions

I agree with Jen, it's their time... and one never knows what responsibilities they have which may be a factor at that moment. Family emergencies DO happen.And actually I've been on the massage table and had my cell phone ring. And had the MT hand it to me. The reason was at the time only about 5 people had my cell # and I thought it must be some kind of emergency because they knew I was getting a massage. Turned out it was my insurance agent... calling to see if I was getting treatment for the MVA I'd been in. I said, "yeah, as we speak... mind if I call you back later?" LOLThe MT told the friend that referred me to her that I was the only client she'd ever had who had answered their cell phone while on the table. If it is a client I know well I ask them if they want me to hand them their handbag... or if they want to ignore the call. *shrug* I also ask if they want me to continue... I usually try to work for awhile at the far end of the table at least...Perhaps a notice could be posted in the treatment room or something if you have a lot of clients who answer their cell phones while on the table? "A friendly reminder, this time is reserved just for you, and your health and wellbeing. You may want to turn your cellphone off or set it to vibrate so as not to disturb yourself or others during the session."

 

[??????]

Well, this topic has been pretty well covered in all directions, but here is my take :-*After I've finished the intake and explain to the client what to expect, undress to your comfort level, face down UNDER the sheet AND blanket, bolster behind the ankles, jewlery off , yada yada yada - Then just before I leave the room I remind them to put thier cell phone on silent.I've found that most times when the phone rings it's because they forgot to silence it. I always ask if they would like to answer it. They usually do and then silence it. Most people DO NOT want the interuption.I did have a Dr. once who specificly said that he could not silence it. The phone never wrang... Good luck -  they seem to be a necessary evil these days.  :-*

 

[valerie b]

Cell Phone Distractions

My client's cell phone went off during the session today, she apologized for forgetting to turn it off before the session.I have had a few clients notify me that they were leaving their cell phone on in case the sitter called or something similar. It's rare when people answer their cell phones even in our waiting room. The place is very Feng Shui and you tend to "hush" yourself when you come in.I think a sign with an attractive border and maybe clipart of a cell phone would be a good idea for the session room.