Avoiding Overwork Stress Burnout
Staying Physically and Emotionally Healthy as a Massage Therapist
The average career length for a massage therapist is less than 4 years. Here are tips that bodyworkers can use to avoid burning out.
According to career surveys the average length of time a beginning massage therapist stays in business is only 3-4 years before they burn out and quit either because of emotional stress or physical injury. Here are some tips for staying healthy and balanced as a bodyworker.
Get Frequent Massages for Stress Relief and Physical Benefits
It might seem obvious for a massage therapist to get frequent bodywork sessions themselves but unfortunately this just isn't the case sometimes. When a massage therapist is tense, strained or stressed out, that can translate into a massage that isn't as good as it should be. Your clients deserve a therapist who is one hundred percent so remember the many stress relief benefits of massage therapy and get a bodywork session at least once a month.
Learn to Screen Your Clients Carefully or Let Go When Necessary
Sometimes a massage therapist can feel overwhelmed because of a particularly stressful client. While difficult client situations are sometimes unavoidable, they can often be avoided through clear communication and strong intake procedures. There can come a time however when a therapist needs to just let a particularly draining client go and refer him to another therapist or medical professional.
Eat and Drink Healthy Amounts of Food and Water
Another obvious thing that often goes ignored by many bodyworkers is staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods. Massage therapy is an active, physical job so therapists need to be sure they are eating small, frequent meals to keep their blood sugar levels even and energy levels up. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent excess muscle tension and keeps the body hydrated as well.
Schedule Massage Clients Wisely
Overbooking can be a huge cause of physical strain for a massage therapist and increase the emotional stress as well. Many therapists set a maximum of 4 clients per day and might only work 4 or 5 days total for the entire week. Some therapists see as few as 15 customers per week but not many bodyworkers see more than 25 clients each week and still feel healthy doing so. Limiting yourself to what can be handled will ultimately lead to a healthier massage therapy career.
Warm Up Physically, Stretch and Prepare Mentally
Preparing for a massage is an important, and for many neglected step, for staying healthy as a therapist. Gentle stretches and movement exercises will warm the body up and allow the massage therapist to move freely during the bodywork session. Meditation or other grounding techniques will help protect the massage therapist emotionally and mentally from negative energy exchange with the client.
Learn Gentle Massage Techniques or Spa Treatments
Alternating massage techniques can help prevent overuse injuries in a massage therapist because different movements are being used throughout the day. Gentle massage techniques are less strain on the muscles, joints and body of the massage therapist. Spa treatments are also often easier to administer and can be a refreshing break for massage therapists who typically do deep tissue massages.
With a little common sense and preplanning massage therapists can enjoy a long and healthy career.
