MattMasseur's Personal Masseur Interview

Last Updated: Feb 07, 2019

- The most satisfying experience is when clients leave and are truly content with their experience, how varied that may be, I want them to be happy with the time, and looking forward to the next.

- I love to travel when the timing is right. Over the last few years, I have been taking some classes that have prevented me from traveling, however, this year I have much more flexibility and look forward to traveling more. Also, I have lived in several areas, so in a way, that's traveling but staying for months or years at a time.

- I have been providing massage for over 15 years. At some points I have taken a hiatus, but mostly because I was either in the process of moving or starting a new job, etc. Currently, I am not doing massage full time, but I am in the process of getting certified, so I hope to eventually focus on being able to expand my massage services as well as travel locations.

- Training and furthering your skills is always a good thing. It reminds us of things we may have forgotten and keeps us exploring new technique. I try to explore other massage therapists to get tips and techniques and I have also spent some time with tantric specialists as well as group massage settings. I find it useful to explore all aspects. As far as professionally being certified, I am in the process of getting certification... it's about time right?

- I find that there are very different types of masseurs and I would never say that one is better than another, they are simply different and provide different experiences. Through my years, I have often received massages from my colleagues, and I have often borrowed some techniques along the way. My style has developed and is often changing to accommodate each client. I am mindful of body language, sincere and respectful, and very adaptable. Not sure that sets me apart, but that is how I am.

- My advice to anyone who is looking into becoming a masseur is to go out and get a bunch of massages. Experience different techniques, explore different styles and see if you would enjoy providing that service to others. And always keep in mind, that is what it is, providing a service to others. Although, when a client offers to give me a back rub in return, I rarely decline.

- I truly enjoy being able to share physical energy and bring relaxation and content to others. I get so much back from providing a very rewarding service. I found my way into massage somewhat awkwardly, but over the years it has developed into a very positive profession.

- Well, I work in the wine industry, which started as a hobby. I have studied wine for over five years but there is always much to learn. (No I'm not a Somm, but I am highly certified). Also, I love to travel, and explore cultures of other countries. I read, yes, that is true, I read. I love history, art, and music. As far as physical, well, I go to the gym, but I don't love it, I wish I did, for me it's more of a necessity, like doing laundry... oddly something I enjoy... But I grew up in Massachusetts and always enjoyed skiing the north east, but since the mid 2000's I have not made the time. That's my goal this winter, to make it back on the slopes a few times. I miss that cold alpine air.

- The experience begins at first contact. We all have busy lives and text/phone/email can come across very curt, so I try to be professional, courteous, and open. After, the goal is that the client leaves satisfied with the experience, feels comfortable with me and with themself, and in the future would consider another appointment.

- I have a wicked sense of humor and I love to laugh. Sometimes massage can be a little too serious, but I find that laughter can break a lot of tension.

- My success as a masseur is solely determined by the experiences at hand. If my client and I have shared time that is mutually positive than I consider it a success. The key to that is always communication, and it doesn't always have to be verbal, but that helps, body language often guides an experience. Yes, I consider myself a success.

- Well, perhaps that is true. There was about a five year gap in my work in massage. It became too much for me to focus solely on massage, so I took some time away from it. It can be very tedious to do the booking side of it and all of the logistics. It wasn't until a few years had passed that I decided to start up again, but at that time I thought I had aged out, however, a wise man told me that there is never an age limit to what we can do through massage. I truly believe that. And I'm very happy to have returned. As far as additive? Well, I find that the practice of massage is a form of self therapy. When I am in practice, all else falls away from my mind and I focus on the present and solely that. That time, that calm, that experience, becomes a feeling I am happy to have scheduled. So, I wouldn't say addictive, but I would definitely miss that time.

- It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I really started to explore the world of massage. At that time most of my life was dedicated to my career as a chemist, so delving into a more physical, spiritually, and tactile arena was very exciting. I discovered so much about myself through these experiences of connection. A mutual sharing of energy was something very new to me as I have always been in a world of absolutes and analytical data, it really change my perspective on things. Is that too earthy crunchy? I don't mean to be, what I mean is that my previous career was more about isolation where this was more about sharing, it's that simple.