How is it that 2017 is coming to a close already?? Wasn’t it just January and I was heading out to Arizona for my Level 1 Fascial Stretch Therapy training? And here I am, about to leave for my last trip of the year, Level 3 Lokte Method at the end of the week. So much of what I’ve learned this year doesn’t really have much to do with massage, but it all incorporates wonderfully into Michigan Massage and Wellness.
It’s so fitting. I started on my massive continuing education/learn all the things journey September 2016 with Level 1 Lokte Method, and I’m ending it 14 months later with Level 3. In those 14 months I have taken Levels 1 and 2 of Fascial Stretch Therapy, gotten certified as a LifeStretch instructor, took my Roll Model® Method training, my Yoga Tune Up® teacher training as well as a few mobility/wellness retreats (aka-work-cations).
So what am I going to take in 2018 to continue this streak? NOTHING!
Okay, I’m sure I’ll take SOMETHING, but as of right now, I don’t have any plans. I am mapping out my 2018 plans for how I want my business to go and there are going to be some changes. You see, with all of these new things I’m learning, avenues I’m going down and things I’m adding on to my schedule and my life, I haven’t been letting anything go. And it’s starting to take its toll. I haven’t even added on everything that I want to, but it’s time to scale back a little bit so I can. This whole running a business thing is a lot of work!
Beginning in January, I will be taking the first Tuesday off each month. I will gradually be scaling back until I am no longer in the office on Tuesdays. I want to get out and start pursuing corporate wellness. You can have anyone come in and do chair massage, but I want to come into your place of work and lead you and your colleagues through a 25-30 minute mobility session and give you the tools so you can better handle your daily aches and pains with just a few minutes sitting or standing at your desk. No need to get down on the floor and spend an hour stretching, but I’ll teach you how to use a doorway to stretch out your upper back. Show you how to stretch your neck while you’re in that weekly meeting with your team. Show a group of dental hygienists how to combat the carpal tunnel symptoms that are creeping up.
When I moved into my new space in May (I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already!) it was really scary. Expenses tripling, more space than I know what to do with, and a space in house to teach. I was terrified of teaching but I finally bit the bullet and did it and turns out I love it! Hearing from people who don’t do yoga or are intimidated by group classes say that they love my classes, that they are moving better, injuries are going away, and they feel comfortable brings me so much joy! I’m not at the point of selling out my classes (yet) but coming in February there will be a 4 week series: Stretch Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself. This small group series will focus on a different area of the body each week and while it’s not required to take all of the classes, it is encouraged because we will be building on the previous ones. Meanwhile, the weekly Thursday night mobility class remains, and for the winter there will be a Saturday morning class once a month (for now).
In 2016/2017 I spent a ridiculous amount of money on all of my continuing education ventures, but I don’t regret any of it. I have been getting amazing results with clients incorporating Lokte Method and Fascial Stretch Therapy, as well as giving them homework using the YTU therapy balls and some simple mobility exercises. I want to continue on that road, fine tuning things as I go, and educating myself more about how the body works. I had a client come in last week for an emergency appointment and at the end of this 30 minute session, he felt so much better-he could put his socks on again-and he said “I really appreciate how educated you are”. Comments like that are what make me realize that this is exactly what I am meant to be doing. Now this doesn’t mean that I will only be doing Lok
te Method/Fascial Stretch Therapy (because stretching someone for a solid hour? It gets tiring!). For the time being I am going to be stepping back from seeing new clients that aren’t coming in for a Lokte or FST session. My schedule is currently booking out 3-4 weeks in advance (or longer for evening appointments) but if you haven’t tried a session with Natalie yet, it’s time to check her out! She takes customer service to the next level with her compassionate demeanor, knowledge about everything health related, and is always taking time to educate her clients with homework they can do in between their sessions. She specializes in sciatica relief, TMJ pain, plantar fasciitis and more.
I can’t believe that my little business is already 13 years old, and I’ve got at least another 5 years in me (well, that’s how long the lease is on my office, haha) but my focus has definitely changed. Think about it-are you still doing the exact same thing you were doing 13 years ago? And if you are, are you still passionate about it? I’m not saying that I’ve lost my passion for bodywork, I haven’t. I absolutely love what I do, and that I get to help people move better in their bodies every day, but the days of doing the standard deep tissue/therapeutic massages are moving behind me. I love being able to reach into my little toolbox of knowledge and see what modality might work best for that nagging low back pain, or those chronic migraines you’ve been getting. I love having people come into a class not knowing what to expect and getting a message later that they loved it. We play, we explore, and we have fun!
So at the risk of losing you at this lengthy post, I will leave you with this: you only get one body, treat it right.
In good hands,
Rebecca Tamm, LMT
