How To Make Sure You Graduate From Massage School As Prepared As Possible For Your New Career
If you want to work as a massage therapist, then attending massage therapy school is an important step along the way. However, many people graduate from massage school. If you want to be as prepared as possible for your new career and really excel in this field, there are a few things you'll need to do during your schooling.
1. Ask questions.
The instructors in massage therapy schools typically have plenty of real-life experience practicing as massage therapists. So if you ask them questions or for advice, they will have plenty of input to offer. When you're in a class, try to keep a list of questions in your head as they come up. At the end of the class, ask your instructor these questions. Or you can visit them during office hours and ask your questions — this might get you more personalized, in-depth responses.
2. Be mindful when you're practicing.
You will be required to do a certain amount of practice in order to earn your certification. When you do practice, make sure you are paying close attention to the strokes you are using and how they affect the patient. Do not just go through the motions. If you find your mind wandering as you practice, make a habit of checking in and reminding yourself to be mindful every five minutes or so.
3. Practice on different types of clients.
If you get used to massaging one body type, you may struggle when you get patients with a different body type. So while you're in school, make sure you are selecting a variety of "clients" to work on. If you keep getting the same body type to massage, see if one of the other students would be willing to switch "clients" with you. They will benefit from doing so, too.
4. Focus on your bedside manner.
You can give a great massage, but if your personality is not friendly and inviting, you may struggle to keep clients. Massage schools do not always spend a lot of time focusing on bedside manner, but that does not mean you can't practice it as you're giving those practice massages. Ask your "patients" what they thought about your persona, and let them know you want honest feedback.
With the tips above, you won't just attend massage school — you'll be preparing for a successful career.
For more information, contact a therapeutic massage college.