CarterMichaels's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
My first client was a triathlete, who on average trained 10-20 miles per day. He was suffering from a multitude of problems ranging from tendon to muscular issues. We first did some measurements to determine the length of his legs and proceed to order sole inserts based on his on he stands comfortable. This adjusted any minor length issues, as well as fixing the arch in his feet to better suite an individual who spends a good majority of time running. Then we tackled his main issues in his lower back, which was his adductors, hamstrings, pectineus, quadriceps and sartorius. After some hot stone therapy, and deep tissue work, we moved onto his neck region. Primarily focusing on the Thomboid major, Teres major, Spine of Scapula, Deltoid, Trapezius, Acromion, Splenius Capitus and Sternocleidomastois. After about a month of treatment, he felt he had achieved his wellness goal and became a regular for 9 years now!
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I do find it addicting in the manor that I truly enjoy relieving those who are in pain. I’m sure when I retire I will miss the good old days. But, being a masseur does take its toll on the body and I’ll be glad to finally be able to rest and worry about my own wellbeing.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
Very much so, I steadily stay about 2 weeks booked out, with a day or two open for new clients and emergency situations. So I can move my schedule around to take care of any prominent problems that may come up.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
Honestly, to not take life so seriously. Many of my clients problems come from stressors that are work, family or friend related. Don’t worry about what others think of you, and please don’t allow toxic relationships destroy your soul, peace of mind and body.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I would like for them to feel rejuvenated at the very least. But, it can’t happen fully in just one session. Everything takes time, and you must put in your own work as well, for this to have the impact on your life that you want or desire.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I spend a good amount of time meditating, reading outside and enjoying the 5 acres of land I live on in the country. I enjoy the peace and quiet that comes along with not having any neighbors or busy roads. I spend a good portion of time, just absorbing my surroundings and trying to practice mindfulness.
Why did you become a Masseur?
Simply because I spent well over 12 years playing football, basketball and master a few martial arts. And I was an arborist for some time and it destroyed my body. So, I spent years vigorously studying the human anatomy. And then applied that to my own body to fix a lot of the problems I was personally going through.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Please just make sure you take the practice seriously. One wrong movement or pressure in a certain spot can cause immense amounts of pain toward your client. Spend at least an hour each day studying and searching for new and better ways of mastering your art. And find what field would suit you best.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I just continue to grow my knowledge in the field on a daily basis. I’m sure many experts do the same, but I do truly care about each and everyone of my patients.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I’ve been a Masseur for about 9-10 years now, but didn’t start really taking it seriously till about a year and a half in. And then I got lost in my studies, and continued to expand my knowledge by learning new techniques and practicing them for hundreds of hours. I’d say I’ll continue to do this for another 20 years or so.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I travel frequently, and love visiting places I’ve never seen. Especially experiencing different cultures throughout the world. But, I can also be a homebody. It’s very important to rest and spend time working on yourself. And that requires the ability to be alone and ask yourself some very uncomfortable questions.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Yes, and that can be said about any field of study. But, it is especially important when patients are coming to you with serious problems and you need to know exactly how to deal with them!
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I want them to feel like they got more than what they payed for. I want them to leave with the knowledge necessary to continue the healing process on their own time and understand that one session doesn’t fix anything. It requires a plan of action, and dedication towards fixing what ever issues they may be going through. And I hope they leave with enough knowledge to continue down their own path of wellness and to help foster a strong mentality.