JPinRogersPark's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
My very first massage client was at the school clinic. I was so nervous I spilled the oil all over the floor. I remember the client being so supportive and laid back about the mess, he ended up seeing me every week for the entire semester. Truly I was honored.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I don't know that I will ever really be done with my massage practice. Even as an acupuncturist, sometimes the best modality is massage. Plus what a great gift massage is, there is nothing else like it in the world!
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I am a proud cat dad, and a huge comic book, kaiju, and anime nerd. More a DC guy overall, but I enjoy Image, Vertigo, Dark Horse, and some Marvel titles as well.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I want people to feel at home and comfortable in their bodies. I hope that my touch brings that comfort whether it be a deep sense of relaxation or relief from chronic or acute pain. I like being of service and making lives better. I love when someone gets off my table, starts to move around, and recognizes a real change in their state from my work.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I want people to leave feeling as though their requested problem areas were appropriately addressed or that the goals we established when they arrived have been achieved. I want you to leave feeling like you can't wait to come back for more!
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Training levels vary depending on the goals of the individual. I personally have experienced extensive hands on training, but have received massages from untrained individuals which rival my own work. In the end I believe the best body workers are intuitive and able to listen to non-verbal cues from the client. The real advantage to training in nailing the body mechanics that will keep you working for many years injury free.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
More a homebody if I am being honest. When I do travel I prefer to go camping or out into the parks in search of waterfalls and mountains and nature and silence away from the hum and roar of traffic and the big city.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I have been a massage therapist for 6 years, and will continue to renew my license and work as long as I can. I enjoy helping people, and though my practice will grow to include other modalities such as acupuncture, I recognize the power and comfort that comes from laying hands on another person. I would like to continue as a professional bodyworker for as long as I am able.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I received my training at a school specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine which informs my massage and makes my technique unique. Thanks to my training I am able to accomplish deep tissue work without a lot of the pain and discomfort I associate with trigger point work. For me it is less about digging into one agonizing spot, and more about activating channels, releasing antagonist muscles, and restoring the body's natural flow and posture.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Do it! It is incredibly rewarding work.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I was working as a programming project manager for a monolithic market research entity and putting in 100 hour weeks, when I was downsized out of a job. As I started looking for work, I realized that I wanted a career that let me go home at night feeling as though I helped someone, or at least reduced suffering in the world. That was something missing from the realm of project management. Massage therapy allows me to do just that while being my own boss. I feel as though I really get to help people feel better, and that makes the work worthwhile and fulfilling.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read comic books (anything DC), watch anime or Godzilla movies, and play video or tabletop games. I can be a bit shy and an introvert, so I spend a good amount of time at home enjoying the company of my cat and books.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
I have certainly had a number of successes, but to me this is a journey that I am on and success to me is measured in my ability to live the life that I choose to live in the style that I wish to live it. By that measurement, yes I am successful. I may not be bringing in the most money of any massage therapist, but I live a meaningful life and am happy, which matters most to me.