Jack of all trades, master of none - or so they say.
While there is a lot of merit in specialization and becoming a master of your chosen niche, it is important not to become overly limited and specialized as well. And in that respect, I'll use another old cliche - moderation is key.
Why Diversify?
In investments, you diversify to minimize risk. In the workplace to capitalize on different cultures and viewpoints. In massage, it's both.
Risks?
What risks, you might ask? In massage school, we all should have learned (and hopefully learned well) the risks associated with improper body mechanics and repetitive strain injuries. We learn how to help our clients deal with and prevent these things in their lives. But what about ours? Massage is physical work, and even using the best body mechanics isn't going to eliminate all potential problems. We all come into this work with a different history, a different accumulation of life's wear and tear on our bodies, and different genetic predispositions. Some can certainly last longer than others, and proper body mechanics employed consistently and habitually should allow any therapist to (as I always say in class) "let you work for as long as you choose to, not for as long as your body will let you." So, performing the same movements over and over again in your work can create the potential for RSIs.
Let's not forget that we are holistic beings here, so we can't neglect emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of specialization as well. Personally, I thrive on novelty. I love new projects, getting things kicked off, establishing procedures and efficiencies, building businesses, and starting careers (that's why I love teaching). Doing the same darn thing day in and day out is torture for me. For me, psychological burnout is a bigger concern than physical problems. There is a real danger to the client-centeredness of your practice when things become so habitual you stop asking questions and start running on autopilot. Work becomes less fulfilling, monotonous, and a chore. I'd venture to suggest that just as many, if not more, MTs leave the profession because of this as for physical reasons. It can also lead down the slippery slope of focusing on what you're getting out of it (aka $). Not a good road to go down.
Specialization has its rewards too, but I don't hear too often any discussion about the downside. A healthy MT/practice/career strikes a balance.
Diversify
OK, so over-concentration in a single area can be risky. What do I do about it? How do I diversify?
Well for starters, it may mean using some different techniques. I'm sure there are a lot of things you learned in massage school that you haven't used in a while. Or you could watch a massage DVD, even search on YouTube so you could see some different techniques. Trade massage with an MT that uses a different style than you do or purchase one. Read a book. Even learn something from a discipline that is similar but different like PT, emotional healing, yoga, breath-work... You could also just make the effort to change up the emphasis in your sessions - do a lot more stretching, try some techniques that require client participation, mix zen shiatsu into your Swedish.
Another way is to provide some complementary services. Body wraps, exfoliations, hot stone, aromatherapy, and others are all great ways to mix things up. They can use your body in a different way or potentially use your body in the same way but with an entirely different thought process. It helps to keep you (and your client) engaged in the process.
It might also mean diversifying your work environment. Getting out of a rut means breaking routine. Try working in different environments - a spa, chiropractice office, a pain clinic, a law firm, a house call, outdoors at the charity 10K... Try working with some different clients that have different challenges for you to work with.
Got some ideas on how to diversify? Let me know!
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2 comments:
Hi Michael. I've been reading through your blog and I commend you on the diversity of information you present to readers. I think that any MT that would like to stay on top of trends and be introduced to new ideas and practical advice would be well served by following your blog.
I administer a massage school directory at www.massageschoolsguide.com. In fact, Western Career College at San Jose is one of the schools we promote. If you are interested I would be really pleased if you would be interested in being a guest author with an opportunity to promote your blog or your school. We have a standard interview form that we can make available but if there is a topic you would like to write about that would be fine also.
I would also be interested in an interview or feedback from one or more of your students. Again, a nice chance to promote the school.
All I'm interested in is good info from experienced massage experts. happy to promote you or Western in exchange.
If interested, you can email me at terry AT massageschoolsguide.com.
Thanks.
Hi Michael, I totally agree that having diversity in your massage practice is a great idea. As an instructor at a Seattle based Massage School I always stress to my students the importance of having a diverse massage practice. First of all it will reduce burnout. By having multiple tools in your tool belt, you will likely prevent yourself from getting stuck in a rut and doing the same techniques over and over. Secondly, you will also have more to offer your clients or be able to market yourself to different types of clientele.
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