Workplace Massage Therapist

Each independent workplace massage therapist operates a little differently. If you work for a massage therapy company, you must follow your company procedures regarding the types of massage and the types of payment you can receive.

When I paid medical claims for a living, a massage therapist who worked for a massage franchise would come out to our office once every two weeks. Now we had over 125 employees in the office and one workplace massage therapist every two weeks was not enough. She was always overbooked and if you did not sign up as soon as the list came out, you missed your chance for a workplace massage.

Soon, the franchise started sending out two massage therapists and after a few months, three were sent out. Finally, everyone who wanted a massage could get one.

But, these massage therapists did not bring massage chairs. They brought massage tables and used the same sheet and towel on client after client. I went for my first and last massage from them one day after working a 13 hour shift the day before. Overtime was always mandatory there. My shoulders were in agony from a much too high desk and a chair that would not go up high enough.

So I went into the conference room and asked where the massage chair was. The therapist told me she preferred the table and that I had to remove my top. Now, one of the purposes of chair massage in the office is that you get to keep your clothes on. Apparently, none of these three knew how to do chair massage.

Don't get me wrong, the massage felt great and really helped my aching shoulders, but I was lying on a used sheet and I was draped with a used towel. I asked and the therapist said they bring just a few sheets and towels and switch them out a few times a day. Massage lotion was used, which is not supposed to be used in chair massage so I had a lotion-y feeling and smell on my skin for the rest of the day.

If I had not been in so much pain, I would have left without the massage, but I knew it would help. At this time, I was already a massage therapist but did not have many clients so I had to keep my day job. I never used the office massage therapists again because of unsanitary massage practices. I was taught in massage school that each client must have a clean set of sheets to prevent the spread of germs.

One other thing is that the massage therapist did not have me fill out a client intake form. She did not even ask me any basic questions. Nothing. If I had not volunteered that my shoulders were aching, she would not have asked. This is not at all the way I was taught to deal with my clients and it is not how I have dealt with them. So, if you are going to be an independent workplace massage therapist, make sure that you provide sanitary services for your clients.

And, bring your massage chair, not table. People in the office, want to stay dressed and not mess up their hair and makeup by undressing and getting greasy with a massage lubricant.If you do not know how to perform chair massage, take a chair massage CEU class and learn how to do this. Bring your chair and offer both 10 and 15 minute massages. Some employees may feel okay about spending $10 for something they have never before tried, but $15 may seem like too much if they do not realize how great it will make them feel.

Let the office know ahead of time if you will accept cash, checks, and/or credit cards. If you accept credit cards, make sure you have a pen with you for the clients to sign the credit card slip. Some who pay you with a check will also need to borrow your pen.

Don't forget to ask each new client about their medical history and have them fill out a simple client intake form. As a workplace massage therapist, you are responsible for providing quality care for each employee who sits in your chair. Make sure you ask the basic questions and find out if the employees have any contraindications before you massage them.

Also, make sure you have your proof of liability insurance with you and that it is updated. Most companies will not allow you near their employees without it.

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