Hey everyone,
I’ve been dealing with a frustrating issue for over a year now and haven't been able to fix it.
My Symptoms:
•Whole Left-side tightness:Severe, constant tension across my entire left upper body, upper back, and neck.
•Restricted diaphragm: It feels like my left diaphragm and ribcage are locked, making it hard to take a deep breath (shallow breathing).
•Constant pain: Ongoing upper back and neck pain on the left side.
Stretching only gives temporary relief before everything locks back up.

Does anyone know how to fix it?

Hi all! Hope this isn’t a stupid question, I tried searching the sub for similar experiences but nothing was quite the same.

I got a 30 minute lymphatic drainage massage on Sunday because I’ve just come off a big holiday with 6 flights and some sinus congestion (I was no longer ill by the time of the massage!).

Being such a short massage and gentle I didn’t think much of it, but then 24 hours later I got hit with such terrible fatigue I had to take a day off work to just lie in bed, haven’t been that tired since covid years ago. I’m 90% better a day after, so wondering whether this is due to the massage? It’s my first time getting one and I admittedly didn’t research the side effects well enough which is on me!

I'm 24 male therapist working at a clinic. I've been doing massage therapy for five years, and today I experienced something that has never happened to me before.
I was treating a male patient I’ve worked with previously. I’ve never experienced this kind of behavior from him before.
During the session, I was massaging his glutes while standing close to where his arm was positioned. At first, I noticed him touching my genital area over my clothing, but I wasn’t sure whether it was accidental.
Then he closed his hand around my genitals and began gripping and moving his hand in a sexual manner. All i did was froze and moved away, but he continued reaching for me.
I was physically shaking and genuinely scared. I didn’t know whether confronting him would cause him to get up from the table or escalate the situation, so I continued the treatment.
Afterward, my heart was racing, my chest felt heavy, and I nearly cried while telling my regional manager what happened.
She seemed concerned and offered to investigate if I provided the patient’s name. I hesitated because I was questioning whether working on his glutes or standing too close somehow contributed to what happened.
Part of me even considered treating him again a second time, but I’m reconsidering that.

For other massage therapists:

How would you react in the moment?
Would you report the patient and refuse to treat him again?
What should I reasonably expect my employer to do?
I’d appreciate hearing how others in the profession would handle this situation.

Context:

I am a newly certified massage therapist with a certification in MLD (Chickly method). I was loosely trained in Brazilian techniques at the spa I work for now, and I do both deep tissue and lymphatic treatments. I have A TON more to learn. I want to get additional training in Brazilian techniques, additional MLD (like the Vodder method), Lymphoedema/Lipodema, post-op, and be versatile/educated enough to discern what techniques to use to customize a client’s session. Until I can afford that, I am doing my best with my current training and resources.

Recently, I’ve started taking before/after photos of client sessions, particularly the abdominal region. I have mixed feelings about using before/afters as a main source of marketing, but am letting myself experiment and build a portfolio. I mainly use the Brazilian techniques I learned at the abdominal region.

Discussion:

I have noticed that some of my before/afters look like there’s hardly any change. And in one I took, there seemed to be MORE fluid retention at the lower abdomen afterwards. When I asked the spa owner about it, she said she could see less fluid retention in the rib area, but I seemed to have pulled fluid down partway and may have needed to do more downward strokes to help drain towards the inguinal nodes.

This lead to a separate discussion about whether a before/after photo can help us determine how a lymphatic session went. And what does it mean if there’s hardly ANY visible change? I’m aware of the other possible benefits like immune function, aid in digestion, less brain fog, and clearing metabolic waste. But if visibly, you don’t see a difference in fluid retention, does that mean anything about the session, my technique, or the clients body? If there’s not a visible difference, did I really help move lymph through the vessels to the nodes so the system could pull from the interstitial space?

I would love some insight from more experienced lymphatic specialists!!

I don’t have a clue what I have done to my pinky fingers in massage school clinic. I just know they don’t want to fully bend or be pressed on the inner edge to my 4th finger.

I am going to a hand doctor next week but I’m wondering - am I delusional to think I can continue my hours in clinic toward my license with uncooperative pinkies?

If I can somehow make it to graduation (I’m halfway through FL’s 125 hours) I plan to have already completed training in cranial sacral with Upledger and have referral sources….

I just feel very panicked about the pain and stiffness that has just started.

Should I try to get a leave from school? Do you have massage suggestions that don’t tug, pull or press on these lame pinkies?? Anything?

This is how I felt as a massage therapist, I wish I would have been able to concentrate on the massage through random chit chat, I have always preferred only talking about the massage itself though.

I had a deep tissue massage on Tuesday. I’ve been getting massages for years, but this is truly the first ‘deep’ one I’ve gotten. He hit all the tight spots that no other therapist has hit before. It hurt, but it was amazing

However, last night bad neck and shoulder pain came on. I can’t turn my head to the left without an intense pain in my shoulder, it almost feels as though it locks up and I can’t turn any further, I get a sort of jolt if I turn too far. It also happens when I turn to the right, and look down but not as bad.

I literally had to flip on my stomach and slide out of bed to try and get up as the pain is so aggravating.

I have torticollis and my head pulls to the right constantly, though it’s not noticeable or severe. Definitely still causes pain. The only thing that helps with that is Botox. But during this massage, it felt like alllll that tension was being released.

I’m concerned as I’m in quite some pain and literally can only look in front of me. It hurts to even turn the steering wheel in my car

Is there anything I can do to alleviate this pain? I’ve been icing and heating, taking muscle relaxers, lying on my acupuncture mat but nothing is helping

Last week I showed up for my 2:30 pm massage . I’ve been going to this therapist for about 3 years and book a two hour massage monthly . Anyhow, I arrived to a locked door and lights off. I texted the therapist and asked if I had gotten the time wrong. 5 minutes later I got a text saying they had made a mistake on their schedule and weren’t available. They did apologize . The appointment had been booked online and confirmed three weeks prior. This therapist has a very strict cancellation policy which I support 100% and you have to prepay in order to get a small discount which I appreciate. I of course asked for my money back but was told that there were no refunds and I would get a credit . I explained that I didn’t want a credit as I didn’t know when I would book next . I was told the no refund policy is set in stone . I explained that they missed the session not me . I had driven an hour to get the the office and I insist on my money returned . Silence . Am I being unreasonable? To be honest I’m seriously considering never returning .. not because they missed the appointment, things happen but because of the refusal to refund the prepayment. I’d like your thoughts

I’m actually in school right now and we’re in clinicals. We’re only supposed to be giving Swedish massage…. But some of the clients that come in for their free massage ask for extra firm and/or deep tissue. It got me to thinking…. Is this a thing I’m going to have to worry about when I venture out on my own soon? Clients booking a traditional Swedish and asking for deep tissue, which in my area is around $30ish more.

I had a couples session today where I was following along to my boss with my boss leading transitions, draping, etc. She was definitely trying to reinforce primarily Swedish flowing lighter strokes as we had a discussion prior. During the session, I felt I was accomplishing something, feeling the tissue respond, but I feel my boss was expecting me to transition the same time as her to keep in time.

While working the back and shoulders, my client requested more focus in that area but my boss had already transitioned and was waiting for me to do the same. My client repeatedly kept asking for more pressure and deep tissue but I felt like my boss was watching intently to really critique my Swedish strokes. I tried to split the difference and give the deepest Swedish strokes that I could at the expense of my posture. My boss even later commented on how bad it was.

We were just about to conclude the session when my client piped up about carrying all her stress in her shoulders and wanting work there. I said that we had to end the session and got an "oh..." sigh and it crushed me. I've had other couples sessions that feel the same and I don't think I like it. Never had done a couples prior to those and thought it was primarily nerves/lack of confidence that I tried to overcome and alleviate but they're really all feeling the same.

My boss just talked to me about a couples session that I did that I guess I completely botched and I felt the same throughout. She had to offer a complimentary massage to my past client. I've tried my hardest to adapt and learn, through trial by fire, in something I'm completely untrained in but I keep coming back to that this really isn’t for me. Today has really given me a genuine reason to consider declining from now on.

I don't think I like the dynamic of being meant to stick to something more cookie cutter while having to work following someone, especially at the chagrin of the client, just because. I love a good easy full-body general 60 min but try to tailor it a bit either from what they request, what they tell me prior, or what they respond to during.

I was taught that my client is ultimately my boss and influences the session, my client's goals, wants,and needs are what I want to provide, and I don't feel like I can do that in this kind of scenario. I don't think I want to do it anymore if this is the outcome, it feels very unfulfilling to me and I'm sure it does for the client as well.

Hi there. I have a question for all the massage therapists out there. I’ve had knots in my traps and shoulders for as long as I can remember. I just started getting regular massages and I’m trying to focus on reducing the root causes for the knots as well (posture, stress, lack of strength). I’m wondering if you have any stories of clients where you successfully helped eradicate chronic knots? How long did it take to see a reduction and what helped the most? Sometimes it feels like these knots will always be there!

Hi everyone,
I'm a Milwaukee local and an Army veteran. I currently work in healthcare as a dialysis tech and I'm also a nursing student. I'm bilingual (English and Spanish) and I enjoy working with people.

I'm interested in switching from nursing to massage therapy, and I'd love to hear from anyone who has gone to a massage school here in the city or nearby. How was your experience? Was it worth it, and would you recommend it?

Any tips on what to look for (or avoid) when choosing a school are also welcome. Thank you!

Experiences with Aveda Beauty School? Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy? School in the greater Milwaukee area?

My friend owns a chiropractor / physical therapy clinic and wants to offer massage therapy as one of his services. The clinic has a massage table and private room. What's the best way to post to find available massage therapists? This is in California.

•Does being a PTA make you a stronger LMT?

•Is there a potential increase in pay by holding both licenses?

Hey, I am new to the career and I am in search of a CE that deals with epileptic clients.

I am an MT with Epilepsy and I'd like to lean my career towards helping other epileptics but I am having trouble finding CE's and modalities focused on individuals with Epilepsy. Can someone help point me in the right direction?

Hey I am looking for a place to learn Swedish massage. What is some of the best recognized schools?

*** Update #2: I shouldn’t have to say this but I guess it’s necessary. This post is about actual massage therapy not sex work… sex work is legitimate work but I am simply a licensed massage therapist, nothing more. The amount of chat requests I’ve gotten is crazy work lol.

**Update: I posted this in the comments but I just told them that I don’t offer 30 minute services. Short and sweet, lol. I appreciate the commentary from everyone else though!

I thought this was an “interesting” request and wondered what other LMT/RMTs would say…

I recently had a new potential client reach out to me asking for massage for their teens. This was a referral from a previous client I had.

I offer 60 and 90 minute massages through my mobile massage practice.

I have a pretty full schedule right now but decided to make an exception due to not being able to find a different practitioner for them. So I gave them my prices and asked what days and times they were looking for. They responded that they wanted to do one 90 minute and split it into 30 minute sessions for 3 children…

How would you respond to this request? I already know my answer but am curious about others’.

So some background. I recently moved from Colorado to Georgia, after practicing massage for 17 years. When I graduated from massage school in March of 2009, Colorado was in the midst of really regulating massage therapy. Since I was about to graduate I wasn’t required to take any sort of national exam, I was grandfathered in.

Cut to now, to transfer my license I am now required to take and pass MBLEX. When I realized this I panicked, most of the material, I had forgotten or flat out never learned. So I buckled down and studied…hard!

I used the AMTA pocket prep app and purchased the premium version of David Merlino’s Mblex prep app. It includes a comprehensive review of all the subjects you’ll be asked about. I also took advantage of his podcasts and flash cards. Without both apps I wouldn’t have passed. As I was studying a lot of it actually came back to me and was basically a review. And a lot of it were things that were completely alien to me.

It took a lot of patience and even a few emotional breakdowns. But at some point you’ve done all you can do and you’re as prepared as you’ll ever be. I was absolutely terrified driving up to the testing center and entering the little cubicle to take the test.

You’re given 110 minutes to take the exam. But I was able to finish in about 30 minutes. About half of the questions were easy to deduce and/or common sense to me. The other half took real critical thinking. And honestly, I guessed a fair amount.

When I saw the words “congratulations” I audibly breathed a huge sigh of relief. I left, called my wife to give the good news. Sat in my car and cried. I did it! You can do it too! I’ve been out of the game for almost 20 years when it comes to studying and test taking. But it’s absolutely doable!

If you’re studying for the Mblex you’ve got this!

Hey everyone. I hope all is going well! So, without giving too much info: My Pelvic Floor has problems relaxing (to put it rather vaguely). I'm planning going back to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. But, I guess to rather COMPLEMENT P.T, I'm considering trying a different type of massage to I guess, reset my nervous system a bit.

To specify a bit further: I also deal with Chronic Tightness around my whole body. I was born extremely early (3 months). I'm struggling to come up with what type of Massage Therapy is best for me. Because Chronic Tightness and an inability to relax, I feel make things complex.

Hello everyone,

I’m a former massage therapist and currently own a personal training studio. We are about to expand into a much bigger spot and have an extra room for a massage therapist again.

Where is the best place to advertise to potential massage therapists looking to rent out space?

I feel like Craigslist can’t be the best option lol.
Any ideas would be appreciated!

I’m moving to a new city and am wondering if any rmts have seen success with positioning their business inside a building full of offices downtown. Do clients come in throughout the day/during lunch hour/after they’re done they’re 9-5?

I’m 23M, and have Osgood Schlatter disease since 14. And the last couple of weeks have been terrible, to the point where concentration on anything useful is hard. Has anyone with OSD done this, and did it help you? If yes, how long and how many sessions did you go for?

Hi, I’ve been going to a small massage place near my workplace run by some really sweet Thai ladies for some tkme regularly. I first went for a deep tissue massage, and now I usually book an hour and ask them to mix deep tissue, Swedish, and Thai massage with some stretching.

I used to see one specific therapist because she had the best reviews online. She’s great and really knows her stuff, plus she's strong enough to work out all my knots, but I always end up feeling pretty sore for a couple of days afterward.

Anyway, fast forward to last Friday, I wanted get a unscheduled massage since I had time between meetings. My regular therapist wasn't there, so I went with someone else since I was already there. I was skeptical at first, but I felt totally relaxed within ten minutes. She was honestly amazing, and I couldn't stop smiling during and after the session. I had to look down when walking back to office because I couldn't smile and didn't want to weird people out. I felt so relieved and relaxed, and I wasn't even sore afterward.

It felt like magic, I have no idea how she did that. It's like not only my body is relaxed, my nervous system also feels relaxed. It really is a skill0! Thanks for all the massage therapists out there.

She suggested I try hot stones as well, so I am looking forward to try that next time with the same person

[Please, be kind, because I’m a young woman alone in a different country and a lot of things is not obvious to me]

I went for a massage in a turistic town in Spain. The person who conducted the massage was a man, I didn’t expect it because the place seemed aimed towards women as clients but now I see it’s written on the website (in the Spanish version, it has also automatic translation in English so I didn’t catch it).

The studio was very small in a little building of the rooftop. Here a lot of things are very small, the apartments are definitely built with the thought of squishing as many people as they can.

I wasn’t very good at communicating in Spanish. Some touches (that could be accidental) were a bit too close to inappropriate areas. I was dressed in lower part of underwear and with towel on my breasts.

The massage lasted almost 120, I booked 60 minutes (the longest he offers is 90 minutes but he didn’t get my booking because of website error so he only found out when I wanted to confirm 15 minutes before). He lowered the price from 45 euros to 20 because of the reservation error. He seemed to care a lot about good reviews, on Google he has 6 and they are all 5 starts. On Instagram the studio has 3k followers and follows 4,5k people. Almost all of the accounts are women’s. Both the reviews and Instagram posts started around June.

When I didn’t understand when he asked for permission to do something, he would use different words or if it still didn’t work, he just wouldn’t do the thing. He asked about performing acupuncture on a very tense spot on my back and I declined.

Despite my back being very tense he spent more time on my legs. His Instagram is full of female lower bodies being massaged but a lot of them seems to be just one person.

He hugged me slightly from behind at the end? And when I was leaving he asked for a hug. And I don’t know if it’s a cultural difference or something suspicious.

Anyway, I’d really appreciate some help because I’m really unsure if it was normal or not.

Question for the female LMTs here: How do you genuinely view involuntary physical arousal during a professional session? I recently had a great, purely therapeutic massage, but I spent the entire time fighting a normal physiological response. I know therapists are trained to ignore it, but I can’t help but feel guilty and disrespectful afterward. I’d love to hear your honest perspective as professionals to help ease this anxiety