Sonofpan's Massage Interview

Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?

Addictive isn't the right word, but it is very engaging and enjoyable so I like doing it frequently. I spent 24 years in tech doing something I was good at, but didn't enjoy. I would miss almost everything about massage because I feel I've finally found a calling. The ability to connect with clients, understand their needs and then provide work that relieves stress and pain? That is an amazing feeling and I hope I can do body work for decades to come.

Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?

I judge success on the feedback I get from my clients. If they leave feeling that they got exactly what they wanted, or better yet, more than they expected, I consider that a marker of success. When I get referrals and clients booking again and again, I know that the work I'm providing is connecting. While I don't believe I'm only as good as my last massage, success comes by stacking those great sessions as my foundation, and learning more about my craft through the work.

How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?

At a minimum, want them to feel better than when they arrived. It sounds basic, but I hear stories from clients all the time about working with a therapist that left them feeling bruised and sore. I work directly on muscles, but I also spend a lot of energy soothing the nervous system and allowing the tissues to soften and relax. So when people leave, they often say they feel lighter, less or no pain, incredibly relaxed and melty. It's a great feeling to see my work providing positive effects.

What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I am an artist as well. I have a lot of my work in my massage space because, like massage, my art is about connections, energy flow and being present and aware of your experience. I enjoy exploring my imagination through sculpture, painting and drawing.

How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?

I've been massaging for 3 years now and I hope to continue doing this work into my old age. It grounds me and makes me feel alive.

Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?

Extensive? Maybe not, but training is so valuable, it's worth pursuing. I was working very intuitively before my training, but once I started taking anatomy classes, my understanding of what was going on under the skin expanded. Suddenly, I had a road map with markers and a clear understanding of how to address specific muscles causing specific issues for the client. I hope to continue training off and on over my career because there is a great value in stirring up routine and getting new information to incorporate into my sessions.

What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?

I think my primary difference is in my intuition and nurturing energy. I always spend the first part of my sessions getting in sync with the clients body. I want to know how the tissue responds to different pressure and how the client breathes and reacts to the work. Once I get into that space, I feel like my intuition and can draw on my knowledge and skills to craft a session that exceeds my clients expectations.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?

Get training. Even if you are very intuitive and you are already working. Take a class, learn specific techniques, pick up some anatomy. The difference will show up in your work almost immediately and clients will notice.