Other additions/careers to massage?

[Revolution]

Hi All,

I'm an LMT in Vermont who is finishing up her certification in Clinical Aromatherapy, trying to keep a practice afloat. I'm looking to expand my services/offerings in order to be able to afford to keep my space, trying to get people in here for things OTHER than massage - it's a tough market right now. The spa I'm working for part time is trying to get me to go to esthetics and nail tech school, but that's not really the angle I go at - I love helping people, and do primarily clinical massage and aromatherapy (aromacology, really). I feel like esthetics and nails goes into the "beauty" industry, and that's not really my focus. Not to diss those industries - I love a good pedicure! - but they are kinda superficial compared to the work I do on a physical and spiritual level.

Has anyone felt this way, and added other specialties/careers to their practice? If so, what did you do?

Thanks!

Jackie

 

[SMILE!]

Other additions/careers to massage?

Not to diss those industries

And then you proceed to do just that by calling them superficial compared to your noble, spiritual work.

Lots of our MTs have cross trained in skin or nails -- and vice versa. VA has an on-site apprenticeship program so our employees can learn these ignoble skills on the job and don't have to pay tuition to a non-spiritual beauty academy. They have no trouble "staying afloat"

If noble and spiritual aren't selling, then maybe your customers don't see it quite that way.

 

[bubblesthepowerpuffgirly]

Other additions/careers to massage?

My mind set is you need to what you need to do in order to make money. Up until this summer I had many jobs doing massage. I contracted myself out for chair massage co., I worked in a massage clinic and I had mt own private clients that I went to their houses. And I also offer equine massage. I like having many backup plans. I am at the point now that I have my own office I don't need to do that anymore. It was a lot of running around at the time, but I am glad I did it

 

[fishie]

Other additions/careers to massage?

Having other skills makes you much more attractive as an employee.

I obtained my esthetics license about two years ago and do not regret it for a moment.
Many spas have their estheticians perform the body treatments - and while some may view this as "beautification", there are many health benefits to wraps and scrubs.
Skin health and beauty are important to most people.
If there were any nail tech only programs in my area I would sign up in a heartbeat.
If you look at industry job postings there are a bajillion for nail techs. And while nail techs do not earn a LOT, it would be great as a back up skill.

The wonderful thing about these licenses is that the programs are not very long and they are fairly affordable. You could be up and running in 6 months or less.
This kind of income would at least keep you in the industry and keep you from having to do something like deliver pizzas.

So - anyway - since this is not the direction that you are comfortable with, then consider other specialties that would also make you more marketable.
- Reflexology Certification
- Bach Flower Essence Practitioner
- Herbal Nutritionist
- Naturopath
- Cranio-Sacral, Lymph Drainage, Visceral Manipulation - lots of training thru Upledger.
- Acupuncturist
- Ayurvedic Health Practitioner
- EFT or Body Talk practitioner

Some of those require more time and investment, but you should at least look into them

Good Luck

 

[I love my love]

Other additions/careers to massage?

And I also offer equine massage.

This is an awesome back up plan! Anywhere that there is a equestrian center should have such a skilled person nearby. I know someone that does this and they not only really love it they make a lot of money doing it as well.

 

[Ajay]

Other additions/careers to massage?

And I also offer equine massage.

In the state of MA only licensed Vets may perform massage on animals. http://www.iaamb.org/reference/state-laws-2009.html

Might want to find another back up plan.

 

[breespectacular[:]

Other additions/careers to massage?

And I also offer equine massage.

In the state of MA only licensed Vets may perform massage on animals. http://www.iaamb.org/reference/state-laws-2009.html

Might want to find another back up plan.

I know this that is why. I only work on horses in CT.

 

[jakemonster4]

Other additions/careers to massage?

Here is something else to consider. I am a harp player and have done this for years at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles as well as Neo-Natal intensive care wards in other hospitals where I live. In fact I am looking at a new harp to buy today. If anyone is interested I will be glad to offer advice on harp buying so they don't get one that they won't enjoy playing.

Harps are really cool.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120768762

 

[ngv]

Other additions/careers to massage?

And I also offer equine massage.

In the state of MA only licensed Vets may perform massage on animals. http://www.iaamb.org/reference/state-laws-2009.html

Might want to find another back up plan.

I know this that is why. I only work on horses in CT.

This a getting off topic... But one of the biggest Equine Massage Programs in New England is in Worcester, MA. so I really don't know how up to date that list is

 

[liamjlewis]

Other additions/careers to massage?

Rejuvinate, I KNEW someone was going to take what I said the wrong way, a little disappointed it was you since I had such respect for your responses I've seen on this board before. :undecided: I'M NOT putting down esthetics or nails - I love getting both done. I was looking for an adjunct to my practice that was more about inner health than outer beauty. You've really disappointed me, and soured me for this board - I thought this was about encouragement and support, not mocking other people's unfortunate situations. : Not everyone lives near a major metropolis where people are falling over each other to get in the door for massage. I really needed constructive feedback, and your response is what I get. THIS will be the last time I post here. t011

I have been thinking about taking both, since there is a school here that offers both separate esthetics and nail tech. Naturopathic school would be ideal, but I can't just pick up and move to a state that has a school, since Vermont does not but requires licensure. Equine massage isn't big here either, though I keep thinking people might buy massage for their animals instead of themselves, LOL! : I guess I'll keep looking. Ayurvedic might be worth looking into... If I can find a place near-ish by. That's the problem with Vermont, there's not much here.

If anyone has any SUPPORT or suggestions to offer, please feel free to private message me. I would appreciate it, since others would rather ridicule than offer suggestions or ideas.

All the best,

Jackie

 

[Standyourground]

Other additions/careers to massage?

I'M NOT putting down esthetics or nails - I love getting both done.

You are putting them down by calling them superficial compared to your work. The best support and encouragement I can give you is to keep your mind open to all avenues of allied income and not be so judgemental about skin or nails and drop the "delicate genius" vibe.

Not everyone lives near a major metropolis where people are falling over each other to get in the door for massage.

Our spa is in charlottesville, VA - population 40K and change, which is why our spa employees were eager to learn other skills. Currently, only 2 of our 6 employees - both MTs - are not cross licensed. Neither of them work fulltime hours and have had their hours cut over the past 6 months as the cross-licensed pick up the slack.

Ayurvedic might be worth looking into... If I can find a place near-ish by. That's the problem with Vermont, there's not much here.

If anyone has any SUPPORT or suggestions to offer, please feel free to private message me. I would appreciate it, since others would rather ridicule than offer suggestions or ideas.

Stop trying to swim against the stream -- if demand in VT for massage is sluggish, what do you think the demand for ayervedic is? "Less than sluggish" probably sums it up.
This is not to say give up you dream, this is to say get a dose of reality for these tough times and focus on what might be a growth avenue for you.

 

[Dee Cee]

Other additions/careers to massage?

I think sometimes we have to differentiate between what we feel is our 'calling' and the practicality of needing to make money.

I started out as a CMT, only wanted to do massage, had no interest in working in a 'fluffy spa' setting. And I ended up in a small privately owned spa, lol. I've known the owner for 30 years, I am deliriously happy there, will never leave. And I love doing massage, I do feel it is my calling rather than just a job. If I hit the lottery tomorrow, I would continue doing just what I am doing, where I am doing it.

But a couple of years ago, I simply needed to make more money. I decided to get my aesthetician's license as well, because I could practice that in the same shop I do massage. Worked out well too, as the aesthetician we had moved away right about the time I graduated. It isn't just fluff. There is a certain amount of satisfaction in educating clients about the health of their skin, in working with someone with acne and over time, seeing them look better and feel better about themselves, in talking about products they should use, how to keep up the results at home and what they can do between facials. There is a joy in having a woman come in who has never had time or money for herself, clutching the gift card her children gave her, unsure about what I'm 'going to do to her' - giving her an hour of pure pampered relaxation. Pleasure in seeing *her* pleasure in how nice her skin looks and feels, how relaxed she is after the face, arm and hand, neck and shoulder massage I do during the facial, how she glows afterwards, from the facial and from the experience.

Many of these women have never had a massage before either and after having their facial, ask about massage now that they've had one 'spa' experience. They come back for their massages too. They've only heard about scrubs or wraps and now are curious about them as well. They tell friends, bring friends with them, buy gift cards for friends.

There is a certain amount of practicality to it on my end too. Facials, scrubs and wraps are not physically demanding. A typical Saturday at work for me might be two massages, a waxing, two facials, a scrub and a wrap. The day is varied and not as hard on my body so that means I'll be able to keep working in this field as long as I want to. The other side of that is, if the shop should ever close or I needed to go elsewhere, I'd have more skills to offer someone else, even if it was just temporarily. I understand about the love of massage (if I had to give one up, I'd give up the aesthetician work) and the contentment of helping people feel better. But that can be found in aesthetics as well, and being practical, might bring in more money than other lesser known modalities and practices. I am very glad to be dually licensed, for the financial side as well as being able to offer clients more options.

Just some ideas to toss around.

ETA: Helping people to feel better about their appearance can be part of the inner health too.

 

[Roman Legion]

Other additions/careers to massage?

If you are willing to put in the time and effort to become educated in exercise science and thoroughly practiced in the execution of the methods you intend to use, then personal training is a great adjunct to massage therapy. The experience of working with bodies in motion and seeing how they adapt to varying stimuli is a great ongoing education for bodywork. It has certainly improved my assessment skills and treatment efficiency!

Also, some clients that you train may wish to start seeing you for massage, or vice versa. Though my practices are in separate cities, I have several clients that see me for both. One of them saw me for massage over 30 times in the last year while also training 1-2x per week.

If you truly love training clients and wish to specialize in certain training methods or work with specialized needs, there are a ton of specialized and/or advanced certifications out there. But start with the basics and make sure you love the work first. It takes time and effort to build a clientele, just like in massage, but it can pay off if you have what it takes.

As with other options already mentioned, expect to spend a minimum of 6-12 months preparing for this career option. Many people obtain 2 or 4 year degrees and do internships, so don't take your preparation lightly. It is a profession that has as much depth as bodywork.

 

[Tammy Manteca]

Other additions/careers to massage?

Has anyone felt this way, and added other specialties/careers to their practice? If so, what did you do?

Hi Jackie

I sorta felt that way (I kinda need constant change LOL) so I, too, brainstormed about a couple things...

For anyone who does primarily relaxation and/or spa/energy work type services, Neuromuscular Therapy/problem-solving massage (which can include Trigger Point, Active Release, etc) might be a nice change of pace.
One could also become a CCN/CNC (Certified Clinical Nutritionist or Certified Nutritional Constultant(?) ) and thus be able to legally offer nutritional/dietary advice (which may depend on the state you live in). The CCN is a certification completely separate from massage therapy, so you'd be an MT AND a nutritionist.
Athletic/Personal Trainer - especially if you do sports massage or have clientele that would like to get into shape, this could be a great way you could help them - and those clients already know and trust you.
Martial arts, if you've got a belt and a knack for instructing.
I went to chiropractic school. You could also go to osteopathic school. This way, I can practice modalities like Tui Na completely legitimately. (Warning: it's long, very hard, and very expensive--identical in almost every way to medical school--but if you'd like to move bones and use tools to apply HVLA to both muscles and bones, then this could be for you)
Physical therapy - again, a long, tough, expensive school, BUT if you're into the clinical/fix-it massage and rehab, this could be good.
Lymphatic Drainage/Craniosacral therapy or oncology massage - this can help ppl with cancer or autism and if you like this kind of thing it's very rewarding and your client base widens dramatically. You can work on terminal cancer patients, pre- and post-op patients (operations for cancer tumor removal and any other operation because all produce tissue trauma and edema).
Reiki - I've often thought about doing Reiki but never did find the right teacher in this area yet (I'm picky about that).
Demographic specialization - you could focus on kids, birthing, women and womens' issues, men, seniors (I found this group especially rewarding and joyful to work with!), and my husband and I are also going to relocate to a heavily Spanish-speaking area (although most are bilingual which will help until we become more fluent in Spanish) Different demographics, whether age-based, ethnicity-based, etc, can give a whole new exciting spin on one's practice, too. I especially enjoy working with a variety.