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March 2, 2006

When Deep Work Isn't Deep Enough

It's lunchtime and I'm looking over my afternoon roster of clients. My eyes pass over a particular name and my enthusiasm wanes slightly. It's not that I don't like this client. They are kind and appreciate the work that I do. However, before I start working on them they always emphasize that they want deep work.

I inwardly groan and immediately feel weaker. This is not my client's problem, it's mine. I have this reaction no matter who asks for deep work. You see, I'm not built like Greta the brute. However, I am known in my community as someone who uses "firm pressure." I know that with good body mechanics and by using tools other than my hands, such as the blades of my arms (and elbows if necessary), I can deliver a deep massage.

If you're looking for pain, I'm not your therapist. However, it is inevitable that some conditions are painful or that some clients will be sore the next day following a massage. Also, some people's capacity for deep pressure is bottomless. With a new client, I can counter that sinking feeling by asking the right questions about their expectations for the massage and their definition of deep tissue massage. My philosophy about deep tissue is that it does not need to hurt. With mindfulness, I can apply pressure and get deep in the muscle at a rate that the body is comfortable and get relief for my clients. Most are satisfied with the results.

The challenge for me is clients who have worked with me before. By emphasizing the desire for deep work are they saying to me that they are not satisfied with my massage? Should I refer them to a therapist known for deep techniques that charges more than one and a half times my rate for "deep massage?" So what do I do? I take a deep breath and center my intention for the good of the client. I check in occasionally during the massage to ask if the pressure is adequate and do my job as best I can.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage+therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at March 2, 2006 11:31 AM