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New to the massage business

Hi all,

I am new to the massage business and in process of setting up my own business as I recently passed my course in massage therapy. I was wondering if I could have some advice about a few things.

I had a couple of clients the other day but I noticed the next day that my back was really hurting. I dont really know what the height of my table should be? I am seeing clients from my home and a friend said to me that she is worried for my safety. Are there any females out there who have male clients and do they feel concerned them coming into their home?

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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on November 3, 2016 at 9:57pm

Hi Tara! First, welcome to the massage industry! It can be very rewarding, but also exhausting.

Table height: this is a difficult one and may take some experimentation. One good place to start is to stand facing your table and put your palms on your table. You should be able to do this without bending over or bending your elbows very much. If you do deep tissue work (which is hard on you, especially just out of school), it's best to have the table just a bit lower. It also depends on the size of your client. If your client is tiny versus someone 6'7" you may want to adjust your table height.

Also, make sure you are not bending over to work on people. Use lunges, and bring your power and stability from your core/pelvis. I can assure you that many of us don't do this all the time! It takes time to build strength and stamina, and on days that I am tired it's still a challenge. Over time, it does get easier though!

I have my own business and I do bring people into my home, so I feel qualified to answer this question. You should always be concerned for your safety, whether you work from home or not. First and foremost, all of my clients have been word of mouth/referrals. I have been in business for 8+ years and have never advertised. It took time to get things going, but patience has its rewards. I have excellent clients and a full schedule.

Before I see a client for the first time, I get all contact information from them including their home address. That lets me know what kind of neighborhood they live in (not a foolproof marker but it helps). If you are really concerned, you can look up some basic background information on them. Keep your schedule on a calendar (Google Calendar works well for this), using first names only for clients. Make sure that someone you really trust (spouse or significant other) has access to this calendar but can't make changes to it. That way, someone knows who you are seeing at what time. Yes, clients have a right to privacy but your safety is paramount. You may also want to consider martial arts training (no I'm not kidding). It will help you move better while massaging as well as give you a useful skill.

TRUST YOUR INTUITION. I can't emphasize that enough. TRUST YOUR INTUITION. Not the fear voice, but the real higher self part of you that knows everything you need to know. If you even have a hint that someone will be a problem, listen to that voice.

I have many male clients and only ever one I've been worried about. My intuition warned me, especially at the beginning of his treatment series. His sister always brought him. Since I worked on her, several of her horses and friends of hers as well, I built (and still maintain) a good and valuable relationship with her. I flat out told her she always had to come to the sessions as well. We did CranioSacral Therapy so it was different than massage.

Don't forget that you need to be concerned about some women as well. Don't assume that you are safe just based on gender. Do your homework on each client, and get referrals from people who are interested in your safety and well-being.

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Permalink Reply by Tara on November 17, 2016 at 9:10am

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies and the information it has been really helpful. I think I actually have my massage table on the correct height now, I had to make it higher. I think the table was too low which might be why my back was hurting!

When I first started my business which was only a few weeks about I was really nervous about my first client. My sister said to me that she is concerned for me and concerned that most of my clients are male and they are coming into my home. I actually havent had any female clients yet and they have all been male. I think I would probably feel more comfortable with females in the sense that I know a female wouldnt try it on with me or touch me in a sexual way, I think with a guy they may try it on sometimes. I actually had a client last week who has seen me once before and he tried to put his hand on my backside and I thought this was totally unprofessional! I dont think he will be back to be honest as he knew that he did wrong. After he left I asked myself why did he do that for. It did put me off and I thought to myself is this career for me but then on the other hand I shouldnt let one guy ruin it for me.

When I let people into my room I get them to fill out a form with their contact details and address details. I think it does worry me sometimes what if a client tries to take it further or what if they are unprofessional. Its quite new to me and I havent been doing it for very long.

I am enjoying my work so far and I do really love massaging. I want to carry on doing it and I hope I can build up lots of clients.