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What are your professional pet peeves?
We need some input for our Round the Table column in the next issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine. Reply with your answers and you just might see it printed in the next issue!
The question this time is:
As a massage therapist, what are some of your professional pet peeves?
Views: 6010
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by elizabeth mount on
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Very well said Gary! Can anyone find a similar more recent survey? I'm very curious if numbers have changed or worsened?
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Permalink Reply by Pete L Blanco II on
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Ugh! Not only that they ask, but they actually think it's FUNNY to ask that is what chaps my hide. There is nothing funny about accusing someone of being a prostitute...
Nick Balzer said:When someone asks if I give " happy endings" oooh! Does this irritate me!
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Permalink Reply by Boris Prilutsky on
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Hi Gary.
I appreciate your post very much . Important issue to discuss. You said:” A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. “
It does mean period of time from 2001-2006. If I'm wrong, members please correct me , but today 2010-2012 and because of bad economy, many of our colleagues leaving for good our profession, cannot survive financially. I strongly believe that less people can afford “birthdays gift”, and many of us who will compromise on “feels good”will be out of business. Massage therapy is a very powerful, but very simple to learn and perform medical tool. millions of people need us, it absolutely no need to compromise on feels good.
In regards of: In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. “We don't need better defense than world release, about massage therapy being medical procedures. Please look at my article and I would appreciate if members will comment.
Agreed/ disagree http://medicalmassage-edu.com/articles/211-what-type-of-massage-the...
in regards of you saying, that people cannot afford our treatment: please keep in mind that insurance deductibles, and copayment that everyone paying and physical therapy offices, making our procedure not expensive. We just will have to explain it to public and to Drs. who will refer. For example if we will charge for a regional orthopedic massage 35-40 minutes $60, de facto people paying us $30, because minimum copayment is $30.
Best wishes.
Boris
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Hi guys.
Something important crossed my mind to add. Many times from site it looks like, our discussions /arguments, including personal ego involvement, or like a competitors talking. In such a case we cannot hear each other and reality never will change. And if one believing she/he is very good in our occupation must to do something that many of us will be the best we can .Using the opportunity would like to state following:” we are not competitors, millions of people desperately need us, I mean desperately, and we all, as an industry swimming on one big platform. And if this platform will survive on surface, and will get massive recognitions by general public and medical Society , then we will not only survive,but will succeed altogether.
Love to our occupation, as well understanding why it is important that our industry “will talk one language”and will reach better clinical outcomes, encouraging me to share my knowledge, and to contribute as much as I can.
Best wishes.
Boris
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gary.
I appreciate your post very much . Important issue to discuss. You said:” A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. “
It does mean period of time from 2001-2006. If I'm wrong, members please correct me , but today 2010-2012 and because of bad economy, many of our colleagues leaving for good our profession, cannot survive financially. I strongly believe that less people can afford “birthdays gift”, and many of us who will compromise on “feels good”will be out of business. Massage therapy is a very powerful, but very simple to learn and perform medical tool. millions of people need us, it absolutely no need to compromise on feels good.
In regards of: In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. “We don't need better defense than world release, about massage therapy being medical procedures. Please look at my article and I would appreciate if members will comment.
Agreed/ disagree http://medicalmassage-edu.com/articles/211-what-type-of-massage-the...
in regards of you saying, that people cannot afford our treatment: please keep in mind that insurance deductibles, and copayment that everyone paying and physical therapy offices, making our procedure not expensive. We just will have to explain it to public and to Drs. who will refer. For example if we will charge for a regional orthopedic massage 35-40 minutes $60, de facto people paying us $30, because minimum copayment is $30.
Best wishes.
Boris
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Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on
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I think the fuel for the birth of so many modalities is the profit motive-- CEU provider money. Coupled, certainly, with genuine desire of the developers to make a difference in people's lives.
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gordon .
In general I agree with you, and even when you talking on “different mode”and “I switch gears..” can feel what you are talking about. In regards “I work without names” I disagree. You providing therapy by means of massage. I mean for example you described performing Orthopedic massage, but to call it just massage therapy is is okay, .but it is wrong to offer 1000s, alternative names to massage therapy. This is confusing, and I strongly believe damaging to each of us. Another question, why to give alternative names to type of therapy, that one practicing, loving etc.? I think that people seeking for some new names, because they ashamed to be massage therapist, and/or want to feel superior to others.
Please explain why people using alternative names? If you will succeed in explanation you will be first one. 10 years am asking this question no one can explain.
Have a blessed day.
Boris I mean
Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on
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Well I agree with you Boris...All those names never made much sense to me.. I think they are just used for marketing purposes.. Its like I said..If the reason someone is coming in to see me is because they cant abduct their right arm very far without pain..My goal for the massage, whatever name you wanna call it, is to increase their pain free range of motion..
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gordon .
In general I agree with you, and even when you talking on “different mode”and “I switch gears..” can feel what you are talking about. In regards “I work without names” I disagree. You providing therapy by means of massage. I mean for example you described performing Orthopedic massage, but to call it just massage therapy is is okay, .but it is wrong to offer 1000s, alternative names to massage therapy. This is confusing, and I strongly believe damaging to each of us. Another question, why to give alternative names to type of therapy, that one practicing, loving etc.? I think that people seeking for some new names, because they ashamed to be massage therapist, and/or want to feel superior to others.
Please explain why people using alternative names? If you will succeed in explanation you will be first one. 10 years am asking this question no one can explain.
Have a blessed day.
Boris I mean
Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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Permalink Reply by Lee Edelberg on
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Gary,
That statistic, 34%, seems very high to me. My subjective experience and observations about how people regard massage is that the number is much lower. How many people were surveyed, and where?
L.
Gary W Addis said:A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. Three out of ten? I think that's only remotely true if you include 10-minute chair massages. The same massagetoday article remarked that 10 years ago (in 1996) massage therapists were the butt of jokes because the public thought we were all prostitutes. It's gotten better, the article says. But will our reputation take a big punch in the mouth next week when the MT-as-prostitute series begins to air? Certainly not in the minds of those who know us.
But what about the 50-70% of the population who have never experienced any kind of professional massage? A significant proportion just can't afford our services. Others are too self-conscious about what they perceive to be their physical faults, such as a flabby belly; some, both males and females, already fear being in a room partially disrobed with either male or female therapist.
While I understand the reasoning of those who believe we should ignore the happy-endings parlors and the new MT-as-prostitute series, I respectfully disagree. For, as every business person knows, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Names-- reputations-- are important
In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. It would not take much: Lifetime should insert a few lines at the bottom of its credits affirming that, with the exception of a tiny minority who are operating illegally, massage therapists and bodyworkers are honorable, ethical practitioners of the healthcare industry. Can you imagine the outcry from the AMA if home nursing services were being portrayed as call girl rings? Are nurses and doctors any more deserving of respect as professionals than we are?
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Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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You are right Gary... That show will not help our profession..
Gary W Addis said:A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. Three out of ten? I think that's only remotely true if you include 10-minute chair massages. The same massagetoday article remarked that 10 years ago (in 1996) massage therapists were the butt of jokes because the public thought we were all prostitutes. It's gotten better, the article says. But will our reputation take a big punch in the mouth next week when the MT-as-prostitute series begins to air? Certainly not in the minds of those who know us.
But what about the 50-70% of the population who have never experienced any kind of professional massage? A significant proportion just can't afford our services. Others are too self-conscious about what they perceive to be their physical faults, such as a flabby belly; some, both males and females, already fear being in a room partially disrobed with either male or female therapist.
While I understand the reasoning of those who believe we should ignore the happy-endings parlors and the new MT-as-prostitute series, I respectfully disagree. For, as every business person knows, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Names-- reputations-- are important
In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. It would not take much: Lifetime should insert a few lines at the bottom of its credits affirming that, with the exception of a tiny minority who are operating illegally, massage therapists and bodyworkers are honorable, ethical practitioners of the healthcare industry. Can you imagine the outcry from the AMA if home nursing services were being portrayed as call girl rings? Are nurses and doctors any more deserving of respect as professionals than we are?
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Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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Gordon. Nonsense we can afford, but by making up 1000s alternative names to massage" stretching thin",is confusing and therefore damaging. We cannot afford it.to be clear, we have two types of massage therapy: Oriental massage and Western conventional massage.
Do you agree with me,as I stated in previous posts, that all of us "swimming on one platform"?best wishes.Boris
Gordon J. Wallis said:Well I agree with you Boris...All those names never made much sense to me.. I think they are just used for marketing purposes.. Its like I said..If the reason someone is coming in to see me is because they cant abduct their right arm very far without pain..My goal for the massage, whatever name you wanna call it, is to increase their pain free range of motion..
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gordon .
In general I agree with you, and even when you talking on “different mode”and “I switch gears..” can feel what you are talking about. In regards “I work without names” I disagree. You providing therapy by means of massage. I mean for example you described performing Orthopedic massage, but to call it just massage therapy is is okay, .but it is wrong to offer 1000s, alternative names to massage therapy. This is confusing, and I strongly believe damaging to each of us. Another question, why to give alternative names to type of therapy, that one practicing, loving etc.? I think that people seeking for some new names, because they ashamed to be massage therapist, and/or want to feel superior to others.
Please explain why people using alternative names? If you will succeed in explanation you will be first one. 10 years am asking this question no one can explain.
Have a blessed day.
Boris I mean
Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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Too many massage therapists are falling off that platform...I'm on a different one.. Everyone else is on the platform that allows our schools to teach out of text books that say run to a medical doctor if you think you might be getting carpal tunnel... I know that massage therapy is the best therapy for preventing and curing carpal tunnel.. We have to change platforms. Automatic from the beginning we(massage therapists) are conditioned to think that what we do, no matter what, is inferior to what a chiropractor or medical doctor can do for the public s aches and pains...Trying to stay on the same platform.. Well nothing changes then. Not arguing..
Boris Prilutsky said:Gordon. Nonsense we can afford, but by making up 1000s alternative names to massage" stretching thin",is confusing and therefore damaging. We cannot afford it.to be clear, we have two types of massage therapy: Oriental massage and Western conventional massage.
Do you agree with me,as I stated in previous posts, that all of us "swimming on one platform"?best wishes.Boris
Gordon J. Wallis said:Well I agree with you Boris...All those names never made much sense to me.. I think they are just used for marketing purposes.. Its like I said..If the reason someone is coming in to see me is because they cant abduct their right arm very far without pain..My goal for the massage, whatever name you wanna call it, is to increase their pain free range of motion..
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gordon .
In general I agree with you, and even when you talking on “different mode”and “I switch gears..” can feel what you are talking about. In regards “I work without names” I disagree. You providing therapy by means of massage. I mean for example you described performing Orthopedic massage, but to call it just massage therapy is is okay, .but it is wrong to offer 1000s, alternative names to massage therapy. This is confusing, and I strongly believe damaging to each of us. Another question, why to give alternative names to type of therapy, that one practicing, loving etc.? I think that people seeking for some new names, because they ashamed to be massage therapist, and/or want to feel superior to others.
Please explain why people using alternative names? If you will succeed in explanation you will be first one. 10 years am asking this question no one can explain.
Have a blessed day.
Boris I mean
Gordon J. Wallis said:From my perspective names and definitions don't mean very much...If they are coming in to see me because they hurt for example...I'm in a completely different mode then if they were coming in to see me because its their birthday...I change the massage accordingly...If they are coming because of shoulder pain for example or if they are burnt out because they are going through a divorce....I switch gears... Doesn't matter the name. Call it what you may... I work without names......
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Yes, you're right. I've read in several places that there has been a decline 2010 to 2012 in those who regularly receive massage. Regarding birthday gifts, in the last 2-3 weeks I've received three telephone calls wanting to give a massage for a birthday present. I explain that I am a student for a few more weeks and cannot charge a fee. If the massage is for themselves( especially when they're in pain), I can usually convince them to give me a try--that free doesn't always mean no value. But if it is for someone else, they never call back-- not wanting to be cheap, I suppose.
I do give a pretty good "feel good" massage, but I prefer to work on clients who need real relief. IOW, in a few weeks when I get my license, I'd rather go to work in a chiro's office than a spa. Actually, if I have a choice, I'd choose to work in (1) a sports pain management clinic (2) nursing home for the infirm, or (3) a hospice. I could feel really good about myself, working with the terminally ill, but the environment would be very, very depressing--your clients all die.
Back to the speaking-out issue. If MTB practitioners took a united stand, we could attract a lot of free publicity for massage therapy and bodywork. Lifetime Network will make a lot of money off this show. At the end of every episode, in their scrolling screen credits they should affirm the legitimacy --and the value-- of our profession.
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gary.
I appreciate your post very much . Important issue to discuss. You said:” A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. “
It does mean period of time from 2001-2006. If I'm wrong, members please correct me , but today 2010-2012 and because of bad economy, many of our colleagues leaving for good our profession, cannot survive financially. I strongly believe that less people can afford “birthdays gift”, and many of us who will compromise on “feels good”will be out of business. Massage therapy is a very powerful, but very simple to learn and perform medical tool. millions of people need us, it absolutely no need to compromise on feels good.
In regards of: In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. “We don't need better defense than world release, about massage therapy being medical procedures. Please look at my article and I would appreciate if members will comment.
Agreed/ disagree http://medicalmassage-edu.com/articles/211-what-type-of-massage-the...
in regards of you saying, that people cannot afford our treatment: please keep in mind that insurance deductibles, and copayment that everyone paying and physical therapy offices, making our procedure not expensive. We just will have to explain it to public and to Drs. who will refer. For example if we will charge for a regional orthopedic massage 35-40 minutes $60, de facto people paying us $30, because minimum copayment is $30.
Best wishes.
Boris
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well said, Boris.
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi guys.
Something important crossed my mind to add. Many times from site it looks like, our discussions /arguments, including personal ego involvement, or like a competitors talking. In such a case we cannot hear each other and reality never will change. And if one believing she/he is very good in our occupation must to do something that many of us will be the best we can .Using the opportunity would like to state following:” we are not competitors, millions of people desperately need us, I mean desperately, and we all, as an industry swimming on one big platform. And if this platform will survive on surface, and will get massive recognitions by general public and medical Society , then we will not only survive,but will succeed altogether.
Love to our occupation, as well understanding why it is important that our industry “will talk one language”and will reach better clinical outcomes, encouraging me to share my knowledge, and to contribute as much as I can.
Best wishes.
Boris
Boris Prilutsky said:Hi Gary.
I appreciate your post very much . Important issue to discuss. You said:” A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 34% of Americans have had a massage in the last five years. Of those, 28% received the massage as a birthday gift; another 40% specifically to relieve pain. “
It does mean period of time from 2001-2006. If I'm wrong, members please correct me , but today 2010-2012 and because of bad economy, many of our colleagues leaving for good our profession, cannot survive financially. I strongly believe that less people can afford “birthdays gift”, and many of us who will compromise on “feels good”will be out of business. Massage therapy is a very powerful, but very simple to learn and perform medical tool. millions of people need us, it absolutely no need to compromise on feels good.
In regards of: In my humble opinion, our membership organizations should speak out forcefully in defense of our profession. “We don't need better defense than world release, about massage therapy being medical procedures. Please look at my article and I would appreciate if members will comment.
Agreed/ disagree http://medicalmassage-edu.com/articles/211-what-type-of-massage-the...
in regards of you saying, that people cannot afford our treatment: please keep in mind that insurance deductibles, and copayment that everyone paying and physical therapy offices, making our procedure not expensive. We just will have to explain it to public and to Drs. who will refer. For example if we will charge for a regional orthopedic massage 35-40 minutes $60, de facto people paying us $30, because minimum copayment is $30.
Best wishes.
Boris
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