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Self Care Between Clients?

Here's part of ABMP's BizFit Live: Successful Practice Workshop group in Minnesota practicing a little self care during a break in the technology portion of the day. How do you take care of yourself between clients?

http://www.abmp.com/bizfit_workshop/

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Permalink Reply by Leslie A. Young on September 27, 2012 at 6:29pm

And don't forget that each issue of Massage & Bodywork has a Savvy Self-Care column, too! You can access the digital editions for free at ABMP.com!

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Permalink Reply by Jimswife on September 28, 2012 at 3:13pm

I TRY to do a little something during the 5 min that I have between clients. I make sure to have a drink of water. And then usually a few shoulder rolls, a quick pec stretch in the door way OR maybe a flexor/extensor stretch. I always stop and take a nice deep breath before knocking on the door and entering.

After work I will do a pec stretch, flexor/extensor stretch and ice my back. Sometimes I need to ice my forearms too. Just depends on the day. And if needed I ask my husband to give me a little massage. :)

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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on September 28, 2012 at 9:44pm

Working in a busy spa I have only ten minutes between clients.. So there is no time for any personal rehab between clients...I always make sure I have an hour break in the middle of my day( very helpful)... I work from 11am to 6pm with an hour break from 2pm to 3pm. All my self rehab is done after work...I stretch and do self massage every night for at least a half hour if not more, while listening to music. If you don't spend time working on yourself... I don't know how you can last in this profession. If you can't help yourself.. How can you help your clients? You have to be stronger then your job. Also, a good nights sleep helps immensely for ease of work the next day. Being a professional massage therapist is very rewarding work, but it has it's challenges.

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Permalink Reply by Abram Herman on October 4, 2012 at 11:37am

I just wrote an article on self-care for Massage & Bodywork magazine, which brought together a lot of great tips from the community here as well as ABMP's Facebook page, LinkedIn group, and Twitter account. Check it out here!