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Going slow in massage therapy treatment is more difficult than going fast, and it requires you to spend more time with each patient. Many therapists have no idea that they need to go slow because massage school does not teach this. Usually, the first thing you learn in massage...

There are benefits for you as a therapist to go slow. There is less force on you when you engage the tissue and sink in as the body allows you instead of forcing your way in. The amount of energy you are using is just a fraction of what most people would use in deep tissue...

Last week I talked about how your treatments can be less effective if you go too fast. This week I will explain the benefits of slowing down. You can sneak past mental and physical guarding when you slow down. The body feels safe and will accept the changes when you coax them...

The first thing that I work with my apprentice therapists on is slowing down. Mostly this means slowing down in their actual techniques. As with anything, this is not absolute. However, it has been something that has been a massive component in the successes I have had treating...

We want to motivate our clients to do their part in progressing towards their therapeutic goals. A common problem I see is that patients who don’t understand won’t be motivated to do their part in the way they need to in order to make progress. Our patients have the...

Last week we discussed the importance of following up with your clients to make them feel like they are more than just a time slot on your table. Many therapists fear doing this because it opens you up to immediate, honest feedback from your clients. I can’t stress this enough,...

Tip #5 of my top 10 tips to become a successful orthopedic massage therapist is Follow up! This is basically touching bases with your patients post session to find out how they are feeling. Following up helps cement the idea in your patient’s mind that you are invested in them as...

Last week I discussed the importance of understanding physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and pathology on a level that allows you to contribute to a medical conversation. Another thing that is important to understand is what other practitioners can provide to your patient. I am...

Last week we discussed the importance of collaborating with multiple practitioners to maximize the effectiveness of your treatments. So, what exactly does this look like? Whenever I refer a patient to another practitioner, I make sure I explain to them why. Then, whenever...

Number 4 on my list of 10 tips and trick to being a successful orthopedic massage therapist is “Collaborate.” I have been an orthopedic massage therapist for over 20 years and have been fortunate enough from the very beginning to be able to work hand in hand with other physicians...