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Can petite ladies give firm massages?

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Posts: 28
Topic starter
(@shelleywa)
Eminent Member
Joined: 14 years ago

Hi all,

I am a fully qualified MT and have a job in a Spa giving treatments. I am also setting up my own MT business at home. I'm having a frequent problem where my clients at the Spa say that my massages are not firm enough. A lady actually got up and left last week. If this carries on, I will lose my job.

What can I do?! I am petite and pretty weak, so I guess I need to strengthen my arms and hands first of all. I do lower the table and feel that I have good body mechanics but are there specific body mechanics and/or the use of very low tables for a FIRMER massage? Are there any good books/DVDs on the subject? If I just go slower (and therefore deeper), won't this become a deep tissue massage? The clients say they don't want a DTM, just a FIRM Swedish Relaxation. Am I missing something here?? I feel very confused!

On a similar note, I don't want to open my own business and then not be able to give a good service. I have some clients that love my massages (they like a light pressure) but are there enough of these people to sustain my client base? If there is a way for me to give firmer massages that would be preferable but I'm not prepared to do that if I'll just end up injuring myself.

Any thoughts, please? 🙁

4 Replies
Posts: 1838
(@jnani)
Noble Member
Joined: 15 years ago

Hi
I know what you mean...
From the perspective of someone who loves a firm massage. Maybe that will help with the confusion somewhat..

I tried massage several years ago, the light touch was off putting not enjoyable to me. In fact it was irritating and I couldn't wait it to be over. I didn't bother again. I don't particularly need it and don't enjoy it anymore. Perhaps that clears that it is not you, but the receiver may prefer a certain style. In my case I had been used to brisk, energetic and firm pressure. I massage in the same way. Firm. I am sure some can't stand a firm touch...all kinds

Massage in my understanding is an energetic interaction that puts strength in the receiver as well as the giver. If you feel weak, it is probably not due to your size ( I am a midget too), it is energetic.

You will gain strength, when you do. In the mean time enjoy and concentrate on clients who do prefer light touch and there are plenty of those.
No point losing heart, stay focused and open to increase your own vitality. Which is more than just physical strength. It is mental, emotional and psychological and vibrational.
Have no doubts about your abilities....just aspire to serve fellow beings with a happy heart. Life moves you forward in time
Love

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Posts: 2792
(@darrensurrey)
Famed Member
Joined: 20 years ago

You could offer relaxing massages to sporty people. I hate firm massages because anything other than a light touch is basically a deep tissue massage with a stanley knife as I do a lot of sports and training. 😀

The other thing I would suggest is to get strong. There's no reason why you can't build the strength.

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Tashanie
Posts: 1924
(@tashanie)
Noble Member
Joined: 15 years ago

I am only 5'2" and I haven't had any complaints about the pressure of my massages.

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Posts: 6
(@friendlysteve)
Active Member
Joined: 12 years ago

Hi all,

I am a fully qualified MT and have a job in a Spa giving treatments. I am also setting up my own MT business at home. I'm having a frequent problem where my clients at the Spa say that my massages are not firm enough. A lady actually got up and left last week. If this carries on, I will lose my job.

What can I do?! I am petite and pretty weak, so I guess I need to strengthen my arms and hands first of all. I do lower the table and feel that I have good body mechanics but are there specific body mechanics and/or the use of very low tables for a FIRMER massage? Are there any good books/DVDs on the subject? If I just go slower (and therefore deeper), won't this become a deep tissue massage? The clients say they don't want a DTM, just a FIRM Swedish Relaxation. Am I missing something here?? I feel very confused!

On a similar note, I don't want to open my own business and then not be able to give a good service. I have some clients that love my massages (they like a light pressure) but are there enough of these people to sustain my client base? If there is a way for me to give firmer massages that would be preferable but I'm not prepared to do that if I'll just end up injuring myself.

Any thoughts, please? 🙁

Hi Shelley

I have been practicing massage for several years... if you want some practical tips then please let me know

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