Rocky_Maximo's Massage Interview
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
I consider myself a well-rounded massage therapist... through my education and sports training and physical therapy along with personal training.
Why did you become a Masseur?
The reason why I became a massage therapist is because I was a personal trainer first and I received a lot of clients with injuries and muscle problems. This piqued my interest until looking into the field of Therapy & Massage.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I myself have been to a massage spas and was very disappointed especially with the amount of money that I paid. I want people to come to me and get the Spa experience and Therapy that they need. I want them to get exactly what they paid for and more.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
After I was done with my first school getting my basic certificate of Massage I knew I wanted to be an elite massage therapist. I then looked into a continuation school and I found that in Orange County. I attended the national Holistic Institute and that's where I further my education in kinesiology and biomechanics of the body. There I studied along with chiropractors. It was an amazing experience and it really benefited me to stand out amongst other massage therapist in the city.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I have been a certified massage therapist for 9 years now. Last year I graduated from a physical therapy program and earned my certificate. My plans for the future are to take some courses in kinesiology. Continue working as an independent contractor in massage and hopefully working part time for an Sports chiropractor to extend my knowledge in the field.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
The first thing I always ask my clients is what they would like me to concentrate on. Obviously I'm going to massage the whole body but there was also that one muscle group that needs certain attention more than the rest. It's always nice to ask how the pressure is because some people like it a little bit more harder than others.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
My advice for someone who would like to be a massage therapist would be to do it with passion not just because of the money. Helping somebody relax or loosen up a muscle has to do with care.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
My hobbies right now are learning more about diet how to build muscle and how to work each muscle in the gym individually. My goal this summer is to compete in a bodybuilding competition on Venice Beach on the 4th of July. My favorite thing to do on a Friday night is always to go to the movie theater and see the latest movie. This year is going to be a great year in film.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I always love my clients to feel not only satisfied but relaxed and relieved. I've had massages before myself where I left more sore than I walked in.. this is where intuition as a massage therapist comes in and it's very key. I learned this when we studied energy and it was very helpful in school.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I'm a huge kid at heart I'm a look like an aggressive beast but when you walk into my place you'll see little hints of Disney around lol I also have a huge picture of Lucille Ball in my kitchen and people are always shocked... they say that when they step into my place they get to see the real me. A gentle giant
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Helping people improve has always been in addiction of mine each massages never the same each person is never the same and it's always exciting because I never know who I'm going to meet next and I can always tell you I'm never disappointed. Most of my clients have been very generous and kind.
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
My first client that I had had range of motion issues when I tried my best to help him as much as I could. This peaked my interest in continuing my education not only as a massage therapist but in the physical therapy and personal training field. I applied heat to his shoulder and it dramatically increased the range of motion. I continue that modality in my massages when people tell me that they're stiff in certain places.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I eventually will travel as the summer gets closer I'm still getting a little situated with the city and my place that I just moved into in November