Change "routine" on frequent client visits?

[leeroy c]

For those of you who have regulars that come weekly or biweekly, do you often change your massage "routine" to mix it up for them or do you find they like consistent treatments? I'm mostly speaking of relaxation massage, not injury-specific work.

Thanks!

 

[OntarioGreys]

I have a medical doctor that I do a relaxation massage for every week. (Although honestly, she's told me she's had less problems with her back since we've been working together, and that's been just over 5 years.)
It's sort of funny, but every once in awhile I get the "itch" to change it, but she likes it to be pretty much the same. LOL
I do every once in awhile get to add a new stroke or something... but the core of the massage has to be the same. *shrug* That being said though, she's always the one I try out new products (oils etc) on and she's the one who gets to "open" my new CDs. :
She's the only weekly client I have... but I've noticed that in the past, clients do find a certain amount of "comfort" in knowing the "routine." But I'd rather offer them the chance to try something new... than to have them go to someone else, if they're getting bored! LOL
IMHO, the best person to ask is the client!

 

[Dr. Vanessa]

For regulars with relaxation work, I get the comment, "I like coming here because you always seem to do something different each time".

Now, I don't consiously do this, but I do try to listen to thier body and work on what needs more work, or intensify what may need some concentration. I have a general "way" I do relaxation work, but sometimes I start them face up, sometimes face down (I usually ask what they prefer). And, I'll usually get a feel by what they say that day and tell them which part I am going to be spending some extra time on for the session. "I think I am going to spend some extra time on your feet today -- maybe as much as ten minutes more. We'll see."

Does this help?

 

[Pompal 09.]

I don't have a set routine, for me no two clients or treatments are ever the same. The only thing that is generally specific to each treatment is that they start face down, and thats only because of the way I have the table setup.

When treating the client I follow my Hara (instint / intuition) as to the work that is required by the client. I have given treatments where afterwards I realise I complete forgot about some strokes I could have done, other times I will use a stroke I haven't used for a long time that I had completely forgotten about.

I feel each treatment is unique, and the strokes used and work done must also be unique to that session. Essentially, go with the flow and don't worry about missing something out or addinging something new.

Personally, as a client I really don't like having what i call a massage by numbers.

Mat xxx

 

[Pompal 09.]

Ummm... considering I have no routine, it's a pretty mixed bag. I'm with fozzyo, I go with the intuition. There are a couple things that I do fairly consistently with regulars and anyone else who's one the table (occipital releases fascinate me), but I would be in deep kim chi if a client came in asking for the same massage they had last time I get a lot of positive comments that my work isn't the same every time too Texas-gal.

Maire

 

[L.T.M.]

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[the showstopper]

I have a general "way" I do relaxation work, but sometimes I start them face up, sometimes face down (I usually ask what they prefer). And, I'll usually get a feel by what they say that day and tell them which part I am going to be spending some extra time on for the session. "I think I am going to spend some extra time on your feet today -- maybe as much as ten minutes more. We'll see."

Sounds similar to me. I just go with what I feel they need at that given appointment.
I like to ask if they are looking for all over coverage or if they want me to spend extra time on areas that I/they feel need it. I rarely ever do a "relaxation massage".

 

[MisterTattiePie4U]

I like to ask if they are looking for all over coverage or if they want me to spend extra time on areas that I/they feel need it. I rarely ever do a "relaxation massage".

I'm just putting together a new page for my website that you guys may find interesting ... 6 Reasons for Massage. Its a great tool to use when someone just asks for "a relaxation massage" or doesn't really know what they want. I have the six reasons printed on a sheet, with a picture of a massage stroke next to each one. Before each treatment I ask the client to have a look at it and say which one fits with what they wish to feel at the end of the treatment. Each time there is always one definate answer and it really helps to understand what they want from the treatment.

They six reasons are:

Connect - Slow down, breath, feel the touch, become aware
Energise - Feel your body vibrate with new energy
Nourish - Drink in the luxury of exquisite touch
Release - Leg your muscles be soft and loose, stretch out, walk tall and be free
Detox / Renew - Be still, listen and replenish your spirit and energy
Transform - Allow the touch to help you become what you were born to be.

Mat xxx

 

[realityshowjunkie]

When I was in school I did a lot of the same stuff in my relaxation massages. I think I felt insecure & stuck with what I was used to- and my school didn't have a good swedish program, so I wasn't too confident in my swedish massages. My deep tissue massages were a lot more interesting.

Now that I'm out of school I feel more freedom & a lot more confidence to really mix it up & experiment more. I've gotten a really good swedish massage & now know what my clients are expecting. I'm a lot more comfortable doing a relaxation massage.

The steps may be similar (start prone etc) but I mix up the strokes & enjoy it a lot more.

 

[Christine C]

I do CARE charting, so I ask my clients what's going on for them today, even for relaxation clients. Usually *something* calls out for more attention, or they'll comment on something they really liked last time or an area they felt didn't get enough work.

Of course, there can be great value in a routine when used properly... at some point the routine goes away and you don't have to think. At that point, the risk is that you're up in your head or worse not even "in the room"... but the reward, if you can stay present, is getting to connect more deeply with the client each time, to evolve the relationship rather than your moves.

If you're doing a routine, and it seems to be "the same" every time, you're not paying enough attention.


ladybug, I'm with you. What's with schools who skimp on the Swedish?

I've found trading with other bodyworkers to be *invaluable*. When I first started practicing, I was worried because it didn't seem like I was "changing", my sessions weren't "different" than at school, and I wondered how I was ever supposed to improve without finding money for continuing ed.

Trading was my answer


Mat, I love your six reasons! I may use them or something similar.

 

[Leigh]

Yes I do ask about specific complaints etc. I guess my question was more geared towards whether you find clients want similar "routines/experience" or do people seem open to trying new things. I think its more about client expectation of their experience, like Maestra's physician-client example.

:wink:

 

[mother_amethyst]

I'm in a spa & trying to get my own clients on the side. The spa clients wouldn't know the difference if I did the same routine everytime, because they are mostly one time customers. It remains to be seen when I have my own clientele.

And so far everytime I've gotten a massage not only does it feel great & helps me physically but I learn something from it & the massages I give improve. I LOVE THAT!

 

[Fred A]

*heh* I'm thinking the universe has a perverse sense of humor. Shortly after I posted "what routine?" on this thread, a regular client who I've been working with weekly for nearly a year comes in and says.... "The massage you gave me last week was the best ever, can you do that again?"

One day I will learn to be more careful about what I put out there. Sheesh. I rather doubt it was exactly the same, but I did recall that some sacral based rocking seemed to strike a cord with her and she was pleased when she left.

Maire

 

[a7x2121]

ladybug, I'm with you. What's with schools who skimp on the Swedish?

Mat, I love your six reasons! I may use them or something similar.

What's with schools only teaching Swedish...like mine...

I agree, Mat, love your work! mk

 

[JuJu]

I do CARE charting.

May I ask what CARE charting is?

 

[Judas Rabbi]

I recalled that there's been an article in one of the trade magazines on CARE charting and surprisingly have found a link to an article about it online!

http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AprilMay2003/CAREnotes.html

HTH T-G!

I suppose a link to the article could be kept with links regarding SOAP notes. *Shrug*