I Get It.

All my clients think I float thru life without an ache nor pain.  That I simply could not understand what they are going thru.  But I do.  I don't usually like to talk about it as I thought it was bad for business.  Though now I think it is important that you know that I do understand how you feel and do know what it is like.  I tore muscular attachments and sprained some muscles 2 years ago, all in the lower back area.  With raising a bigger child and the work I do, there is simply no time to rest.  I do all of the important core exercises, stretch whenever I can and of course utilize proper body mechanics as much as possible.  There are some days it is just not enough or.... I forget.  Yes, even I sometimes forget these things as well. 

So you buck up, do your acute anti-inflammatory regime and move on.  I just wanted you to know that I do understand where you are coming from and hopefully that comes across in my delivery of advice.

Spa Wages

I recently found out that some spas pay their massage therapist an hourly wage.  Some may think this is a good idea, as there are slow days where a comission based pay would leave the MT empty handed.  An hourly wage is very uncommon in the massage industry.  It is because it is a service based industry.  You get paid for the actual service you provide.  There are 2 things wrong with this.  The most obvious one is total income.  An hourly pay is good if the MT has a slow day and hardly works.  They at least know they are getting something for their time.  What happens when they have a busy day and provide 5 massages at over a $100 each?  Then the MT is working quite hard and making small fraction of what the spa is receiving.  The other problem is quality.  if a MT is not getting paid for the service they provide, they don't need to work as hard, as well nor worry about retention.  If they are not getting paid for what they do, why do it well?  So not only are they not getting paid fairly, but the type of MT's drawn to this structure are interns, those right out of school, or slackers (every profession has them).  There are exceptions to the rule.  There are some MT's that work in spas that are decent and some spas pay alright, just know what you are actually paying for.  An expensive massage at a spa is most likely a swedish massage but with a nice robe, tea, munchies, and a beautiful lounge to wait in.  It's the ambiance you are paying for, not the quality of massage work.

Resolutions?

Why not?  My resolution has been the same for the last 3 years.  Diet? Certainly not.  Exercise? No Stress less?  Kinda....   For the last 3 years I have resolved to watch movies and not question them.  Movies are for entertainment, they are not real.  So none of this:
She would never do that.
That would never happen.
That is impossible with the laws of physics.
He would not get THAT girl
How did that happen?
Wait, I don;t get it.  That detail must have been left in the pages of the book.

You get it......  Just sit back, watch the movie, and enjoy. not only do I get a better cinematic experience, but my husband does as well. :)

Factory Massage Therapists

I am becoming more and more aware of the quality of massage therapists that the local schools are turning out.  Granted, I went to school in Pittsburgh with a completely different focus.  But one should still expect quality.  I hear way too many stories of MT's that do a basic Swedish massage with zero focus on any needs of the client.  No specific work is being done, and no clients are feeling better.  This upsets me b/c A. People pay a lot of money for massages. B. When you pay for a service you should receive it. Most importantly, C. It makes us all look bad.  Too many clients come in with an accusatory laundry list of items to address before I even get to speak.  This is from unsatisfactory past massages.  Whether a massage's pressure is light or deep, it is to be therapeutic.  If the population is not getting this, then something needs to be done about the quality of education these students are receiving. 

t 's a shame for you as the consumer, but I guess it is good for my business.  I love what I do, I am good at it, and I know exactly what I am doing and what I can do for you.  This makes for a good massage.

Do You Know What You Are Doing?

Of course!!! It's my job!  Yes, I know where all of your muscles are.  Yes, I can tell if they are tight or not.  Yes, I can tell if the are relaxing.   These are, in fact, my basic job requirements.  I am amazed by how many people wonder this!  I can only assume it is from previous massages where the therapist was not knowledgeable.  If a massage therapist cannot talk to you about your muscles, stop, get off the table, and leave without paying.  Too many clients are impressed by my education level and understanding of the muscular-skeletal system.  This disturbs me as it is the fundamental information ALL massage therapists should have.  Yes, I am more into troubleshooting massage so this makes me more focused on the specifics.  This does not, however, give another MT who doe snot do this type of work the excuse to not know what they are doing.

Where Do I Go?

I constantly get asked what my address is and where one should go.  My address is 1740 Wisconsin Ave, 2nd Floor.  Under the name 'Georgetown Wellness Center'.  I also receive many inquiries that get my info from my website that lists my contact info right under my address.  I still get this questions.  I am not trying to fool or confuse anyone.  My office address is my location where I see all of my clients and are all appointments are held.

Vaccinations & Massage

With flu season right around the corner, it is important that you do not receive a vaccination the day of your massage appointment. When one gets vaccinated, some form of th eillness is injected into the body for our immune system to build antibodies and further recognize it in the future. When you get a massage, your body has to repair and maintain itself from the work we did. Having both on the same day is quite a burden for your body. This means means there is more of a chance of your muscles getting sore or having vaccination side effects.

Please keep in mind my 24 hour cancellation policy.

Chilly Temps Effecting Your Muscles?

Did you ever notice that when you are chilly for awhile, you tend to get a headache or shoulder/neck pain the next day? This is because our brain regulates our temperature by tensing or shivering. In this process our muscles contract and expand in speedy bursts producing warmth and burning calories. No, this doe snot count as exercise. ;) This does overwork the muscles and can cause muscle pain and discomfort later on. Remedy: dress appropriately, don't sit or slep under vents, drink something warm, and stretch out. If you do wake up in pain or discomfort, come get a massage and I will work it out for you!

Schedule

I am considering hiring a massage therapist to work for me.  Would any of you be interested in receiving sessions on days other than I am scheduled??  As you all know, I have limited availability and cannot work on days other than what I am scheduled for.  Would you be interested in having appts. on Fridays or Sundays???  I will of course make sure the massage therapist is of highest quality. 

Let me know:  melissa@dcdeeptissuemassage.com

The Common Cold & Massage

If you have a cold or are getting sick, please stay home and cancel your appointment. Your body is already working hard to fight off whatever it is you have and receiving a massage will only over-burdeb you. If you think you may be coming down with something, please stay home. Massage has the possibility of exacerbating your illness and make it com eon quicker and stronger. Besides a massage making you fell worse, I would rather not have the illness spread throughout my office, nor my family. SO stay home, drink your fluids. Rechedule when you feel better and we can get rid of those kinks form when you were on the couch all day.

Massage & Sleep

Studies show getting a massage is 3 times more effective at fighting fatigue than actual sleep!! This is because we get a place to relax, not do anything, not think of anything, and the massage itself has numerous healing effects on the body. Massage can prevent insomnia. How many times have you had a massage and that night went to bed early, slept well, and woke up refreshed? The combination of the physical massage, extra water, added meditation time and better breathing will all contribute to a better night's sleep. During a session most people meditate in some way. This action helps the body as well as the mind to relax, rest, and restore. Massage and meditation are both proven ways at reducing stress and the body's effects on stress.