"troodle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:Hi everyone
My name is Tony Bamford, I'm 46 years old and I am currently studying
therapeutic massage therapy (and I live in the Scottish Borders). But I am
becoming increasingly concerned about whether being a male therapist is
going to put off potential customers. Since we have to have case studies
for
Quoted message said:the course I've been asking around friends and family, but they are all so
reluctant to have a massage, particularly the women (my sister-in-law said
she HATED going to male chiropractors etc as she felt so uncomfortable
with
Quoted message said:them touching her). I am very keen to go forward with massage therapy, and
my wife is desperate for me not to let it put me off - I do feel that I
have
Quoted message said:a talent for massage and manipulation, and I am very good with people, but
I
Quoted message said:am afraid that I will open my practise and find that I have little or no
customers. What does everyone think? Are there any male therapists here
who
Quoted message said:have found this a problem, or had more positive experiences?
Tony.
Massage therapy has so many different types of work within its scope that
male LMT's are being increasingly utilized & doing well with it. While a
man may have trouble breaking into relaxation massage at a predominately
female patronized day spa, there are other venues where I've seen them do
great. Sports massage at a gym (especially if the LMT is also a certified
personal trainer) is one such niche. I'm familiar with a male massage
therapist who works with race horses as well as people & keeps pretty busy.
I've also chatted with a male LMT who works with a professional football
team as well as with a PT practice -- & has been doing so for a while now.
Teaming up with a DC or PT is one way to reach clients in a professional
atmosphere that often puts the nervous-to-have-a-guy-touch-them folks at
ease.
My therapist is male -- & I think he's fantastic! We exchange, as each of
us likes the other's work & feels comfortable with the set-up. He
specializes in sports massage (with his office in a local gym) & is just the
ticket when working out has taken a toll on me. Being a nurse, I understand
his health concerns (diabetes & Addison's Disease) & accomodate various
considerations those conditions involve in the predominately sports massage
I provide him.
Check out lots of opportunities, not just the first ones that come to mind.
You can make it.
Good luck!
Michele
I ENJOY being a cranky [censored].
