An Eye-Opening Re-Opening

I’ve officially been “re-open” for a full month now and all I can say is how grateful I truly am to be able to practice massage once again! I feel for friends of mine in other states who are still waiting for their re-opening phase, especially those who are completely unemployed due to closures.

I’m not going to lie, I was worried about opening back up with all of the new protocols and restrictions put into place. Would it really be enjoyable for my clients? How do I make them feel comfortable without making them feel like they’re diseased? Would I be able to breathe while massaging with a mask? ~ Truthfully, it’s tough!

I knew my clients would be incredibly tense and tight when they came to see me, and I prepared myself for their endless list of subjective complaints. But honestly, they didn’t complain about their backs and necks that they usually mention upon arrival, and shockingly, there were very few people with the old, “computer arm,” or sore knots along their upper traps due to work stress.

What I didn’t expect was the humbling feeling I would receive instead. The true feelings of appreciation and gratitude for what I do. The "face-cradle-faces" (if you're an LMT you'll know what I'm talking about) after a massage, thanking you and telling you how much they missed seeing you. The wives whose husbands don't give them massages (come on guys!) and the only touch they receive is from me. Humans need touch! We need that human connection, and of course time to ourselves.

As things start to open up, make sure you thank those you come in contact with. Gratitude is something we should be spreading, and something easily spread while wearing a mask. :)

Stay safe, stay healthy, and take self-care!

Catherine Toal LMT