5 confidence-building exercises for massage therapists

[@MassageSloth]

Hey! If you make a video of yourself trying these techniques (maybe you're starting your own massage demo channel on KZbin or Instagram?!) link to it in the comments! I wanna see, and like, maybe promote you somehow? I dunno, I'm still thinking it through. But the world needs more massage demo channels, especially ones where you explain what you do and why. This could be a place to start 🙂

[@joewallace9030]

Woah woah woah, Mr Sloth. Let's take this confidence building exercise one step at a time! 😂

[@benjaminlemasso4250]

Hi Ian, I started my journey into massage after seeing your self massage for the tennis elbow on your Mind-Body conspiracy channel. I just started my channel but maybe have a look? It's all in french because i'm in Montréal. Loved your book (have said many time to myself, massage is pizza), many thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3LOdKKdgJiUprs&ab_channel=BenjaminLeMasso

[@MassageSloth]

That's some beautiful work, Benjamin! I'll definitely keep an eye on your channel, and so cool to hear that I played a part in your story!

[@veda6116]

FYI, I used them this afternoon at work & 💗 it! Again, thanks Ian. Also, Ms.Marie mentioned your book on her channel & I did purchase it- just haven't had time to read & do a review 🤗

[@MassageSloth]

@@veda6116 Awesome! And I hope you love it 🤗

[@brittanyfehlings6838]

I would love if you did a video on clients who are small and do not have a lot of muscle tussue. I have lots of elderly clients, and sometimes it feels like just skin and bones, and i start to second guess my normal techniques. And on top of that a lot of them are so tiny i can't use a forearm or knuckle, but they usually want the most pressure, and it kills me

[@thelearicist]

Exactly what I was wondering

[@konstantinagkazou2527]

😮omg finally someone who is talking about this problem!

[@sherijohnson3868]

Ian I love this video! Some of My clients say I never give the same massage twice (which I consider a huge compliment). This definitely looks amazing to add And looks like it’s physically nicer to me as a therapist! Thanks bunches! (And 👋 to all your other sloths out there 😊)

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

Universe, I ask that you fill the world with more humans like this man.....amazeballs.. ty ty ty.

[@Kimiyainreallife]

I adore your educational videos so damn much! I’ve read your book twice (which is a masterpiece by the way and every massage therapist must own and read it). I always learn something new with your videos. Please keep them coming

[@MassageSloth]

Ah, this is so kind. Don't make me cry in my own comments section 😭

[@denisvolk6981]

Fantastic! I noticed I have naturally included a lot of these techniques over the years I have done massage therapy now, and this video has opened my view of how I can spice them up a bit. Thank you for your love of this work and your sharing.

[@flyingfire908]

Often had issues with massages not feeling „enough“. I dont like extreme and very deep pressure, but thats the only thing i got when i told my massage therapists that i need more. This video showed exactly what i need lol

[@kaciehankins3025]

I love this! I used some of these techniques with one of my long-time clients and they said it was the best massage ever! Your videos have definitely helped me to be more thoughtful about my techniques, routine, etc. Thank you!

[@Albatorwow]

Bro, these videos are gold. I'm not even in massage school, I just wanted to find informations on giving my girlfriend better massages, stumbled upon this channel, and this one made me realise many things. Your vocabulary is perfect, I enjoy the way you present the massages and yourself even, probably because I feel a mental similarity ( Introverts and other stuff you mention in other videos. ) Being a "bigger guy" I always kinda feared giving a crushing feeling, or smothering, but the bit about asking, and telling your partner or client to tell you when it's too much gave me a boost to my confidence already. She's in for a very nice surprise tonight I think :D I AM THE BEAR! *knocks over a basket of clothes* Edit because I had no gotten to the end yet: Oh my Lord the DBZ references. Alright I'm totally convinced now. Teach me, Master.

[@thelearicist]

😂

[@sarahlebrunbookmancer]

Thank you for the video! I was happy to har that you throw fireballs mostly in sport massage cause I work quite slowly usually and I was like "There is no way my clients would relax with that" ahah But I know that the way it looks vs the way it feels is sooooo diffferent! Good job! :)

[@marionparish347]

I’ve had a rocking massage myself, great way of relaxing the body and the stillness after is great. I use these in my massages all the time❤❤

[@curtistim]

Ive been inspired by your work and this video to start my own practice, and call it Slow Bear Massage!

[@chrisacosta1031]

This is super helpful especially with clients who like lighter pressure. Swedish combined with jostling always feels good.

[@beareroflife]

Your videos are so helpful, funny and calming. Thank you for the educational tips.

[@pamcee6813]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wonderful techniques with us. I’m excited to try those techniques on my clients 😊

[@andreasissons7766]

Your videos always help motivate me to try new techniques. Really like these 5.

[@lynncollard9113]

You are fantastic to watch and I love how much you teach!

[@katyjewett9523]

I love your set up in the room - bright, cheery, and joyful. What a pleasant space to work and recieve a massage in ❤

[@gray2629]

Just found your videos and I’m obsessed! Just bought your book on Amazon as well, can’t wait to watch more of your videos and learn from you! ❤ -Grace LMT. P.s. love the anime references, definitely made me feel comfortable as a nerdy massage therapist!!! 😂

[@veda6116]

Cool! I love watching different MT's like Dr. Lucy, Maria with Massage Therapeutics, Allison from Rebel Massage & yourself. A lot of Therapist continue to use their school routine which is fine esp for Swedish, yet when working with a client on a weekly or monthly basis using a pat routine doesn't facilitate therapeutic results. Being willing and open helps the client & Therapist alike & promotes the confidence your speaking of!

[@gabrielleanne2101]

I love that im learning more and more. Thank you for this. Ian 😊 im gonna use these techniques tomorrow 😊

[@HAZELEYES2883]

Thanks for sharing…I will definitely incorporate this into my therapy sessions

[@melissajr1]

Thanks for sharing ! I love helping others feel better these techniques look great ! Can’t wait to practice them ❤

[@JoyFlorana]

Hi there..I really love your massage demos...learning from you and my regular clients are impressed and it's satisfying to them everytime I will apppy new techniques to them..more videos please😊

[@taochi100]

Even though I only do Sports Medicine not really massage therapist. More Acupressure with cupping and scrapping. More on the stretching techniques as well. Your vidoes have always given me a more profound idea of the body. Things ive added to my clients, and made their experiences with me that much better. Your fantastic at what you do. Never change.

[@TJ_in_GA]

So very helpful, thank you!

[@larissascott8465]

Thank you for making massage fun again ❤

[@MassageSloth]

😭❤

[@edwardmiddlebrook3944]

Your massage techniques have definitely improved my understanding of using body weight techniques. These techniques have relieved elbow and shoulder pain I would feel for days after giving my wife (regularly) massages. Also, could you please send me a link to where I can purchase a royal blue velvet looking T Shirt that you are wearing in this video. Thanks!

[@catwilliams8766]

Awesome awesome awesome techniques!!!

[@mooselessness]

Wow. Just found your channel - I'm probably going to buy your book. Honestly, this feels like it might change my life. Many thanks!

[@Xemxia]

Thank you, I love your videos. And the Street Fighter reference was much appreciated too.

[@veronicagonzaleslmt924]

Thank you for sharing with us!

[@sandpipermassage]

Wow, great! Thanks for making this fun video. I can't wait to try what you were doing around 15:25.

[@carolinemann7683]

Just watching this is making me rock around in my seat!

[@paulabrown1972]

Thanks so much, Ian!

[@energydrinks8502]

Brilliant thank you kindly.

[@fatimaespinosa1994]

THANK YOU IAN! Very helpful ❤

[@ceciliacorson1804]

Hadouken/ Kamehameha mention. ❤️ (Vegeta is my favorite.) I’m glad I found your video. I’ve typed these 5 tips onto a sticky note and added to my home screen. (I’m a beginner; I’m still in massage school.)

[@alisaknv6895]

Wonderful!

[@brendasmith7345]

Excellent! Love this one!

[@missMagbeth]

Excellent tips. I'll definitely try it on my friends first.

[@tarenmauga9582]

I love your approach. This is awesome

[@randomrenea3970]

That DBZ fireball reference got me, good! LOL. Thanks for your content! I just stumbled upon these today, and I’ve come to determine that you’re a lil’ bit of “all-right” in my book. 😊

[@MassageSloth]

You, too, are all-right 🤠

[@BTS-nw9es]

Love the DBZ refference haha! good one!

[@lalaboha]

Thanks!

[@gianthuman3315]

Hey, good to see you back!!

[@Mainstreamimages]

This was great man! Very good tips

[@amandaharnden4097]

Thank you, excited to try some of these.

[@andys6128]

Came for the exercises, stayed for the DBZ references lol

[@Meliitak]

Wow that is just the wright clip for me. I'm so not sure of myself,but now I got some ideas how to be better.

[@nickschager9668]

@MassageSloth Thank you for all of your videos you post! All information very helpful!!

[@barbhardy2160]

awsome ! always looks like your model melts

[@ElishaMedcalf-i6f]

Haha I loved this so much! And, yes that was a haduken! You could also throw a Kamehameha 😂😂

[@ParisianPrince02]

So many cool points for incorporating SF & DB! 😂 thanks for the info!

[@IronMongoose1]

Effleurage = "throwing a fireball" Wringing = "tearing a phonebook in half" Hookay, I think I misread this guy's whole "mellow" vibe.

[@MassageSloth]

I'm mellow in an intense way

[@bekizeki]

Good video 😊

[@LesleyJaneArnott]

I will definitely try!

[@MrMinimoxom]

Massage Sloth becoming Massage Saiyan 😆

[@seanlong4768]

Appreciate your stuff so much, for awhile I intentionally stayed away from watching all kinds of massage demos and instruction to build my own mindset or lose it if you will, and to also feel more open to myself and the mechanics/techniques that body would naturally adopt and embellish based off the Swedish leads from school, but now I’m really appreciating your points as ways to refine the practice and grow it without trying to mimic you or anyone else completely. So excited about all I’ll be able to learn from you and others now that I feel ready. Thank you for being committed to teaching so many this beautiful trade and ways to continue exploring and excelling. & love your logo haha

[@shellypike9830]

What a great video, thank you!

[@lotsoflove557]

Be the Bear! I love it! :D

[@MrBurgerdiddy]

this is great. i’m assuming your doing these techniques dry?

[@katweir2655]

Thank you!!

[@leahwesley7680]

Sometimes I think you are a brother from another mother and father. I do all of these moves. Maybe it's just that we think alike when it comes to the dance that we do around the client and the table. it's always interesting to see you do what I love doing for a client. It gives me a better visual of what I am doing and affirms that what I do probably feels really good altho all the repeat biz I get tells me that too. I love skin stretching because it feels like pressure for the client but it isn't really so it saves my hands and body. I don't have to use as much force when I use minimal cream and skin stretch. Good work Ian!

[@MassageSloth]

Hey, good work to you too! You ever think of starting a massage demo channel? "Massage Capybara" isn't being used for some reason!

[@ahlilybarnachea5757]

Thank you for sharing ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ahlilybarnachea5757]

Dragon ballz technique kamehamewave.....😅

[@MihaliWheeler]

great tips :)

[@yourtrunature6490]

great stuff man...Im just curious when you think it would be best to apply these techniques. I love them...Im just curious...these movements seem like they excite the body a bit (again depending on how quick you move and how consistently you are doing it for). So yea, just curious, from your experience, when have you found yourself using these broad techniques? i could see this great to just get the body awake...perhaps at the start if as transitions from working specific areas....or at the end if the client needs to go about there day in a more awake state....would love your opinion :) cheers man! Thanks so much

[@roch6640]

Loved it :)

[@marefazioli1213]

Ian’s the best

[@yubizen4924]

great video ! thk ˆˆ

[@sararohm7121]

It's the DBZ reference for me ❤ I liked you before but even more so now lol

[@bodymindmetamorphosis4712]

Hello! Tahnk you for another great video! When studying massage i didnt have anyone teach me postural assesments - could you advise an online course / workshop or in dept video where i could learn about it please ?

[@MassageSloth]

I actually recommend against it. I talk about my reasoning here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIDZmZ16bdlngJo Basically, there are a lot of ways to stand in gravity, and even people with substantial asymmetry can be pain-free. Pathologizing painless posture can cause needless distress and self-stigma, all while offering no benefit. But what if they have pain? Then let that guide you. If someone has hip pain, I don't worry about balancing things out (I don't think we have that much directed influence - if we did, then surely we could use our powers to create a hip imbalance, which seems unlikely to me), but rather I work with the hips from lots of directions and trust the nervous system to use that input to find its own balance. This is something about which reasonable people disagree, but that's my clinical orientation. So, I don't have a good recommendation there, and I apologize for the rant!

[@himynameisjumbo]

😂😂😂 I am loving the DBZ references. This is definitely burnt into my memory.

[@Cupcak3Zombi3]

Hey! Ian's back!

[@TensaiHimeSama]

Hello Ian! I am a current massage therapy student, and I greatly appreciate the insight you give in your videos. Thank you so much for the work that you do. I do have a concern though, I notice that you do not tuck in your drapes, and that makes it a bit difficult for me to finish your demonstrations as we are taught in school to make sure the draping is secure and we never expose clients etc. Obviously you have been doing this a lot longer than I have, but is there a reason for this draping technique?

[@MassageSloth]

Good question! Here's my approach to draping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iV7Fe4CMmpylr6M It looks a little lazy, and involves folding and wadding without much cloth going under the client's body. I like this for a few reasons: First, as a client, I find that extensive tucks under my body can feel invasive and restrictive. For instance, if my therapist tucks at my inner thigh and outer hip to create a strict line while working on my posterior leg, it artificially restricts the techniques from traveling up toward my hip, and the tucking and untucking process both feel intrusive to me. I'd much prefer a quick little wad of fabric along my inner thigh, and folded fabric forming a thermal barrier along my hip. Secondly, tucks and strict lines can form a "tenting" effect with any and all movement of the body. As a technique travels along the side of the torso, for instance, a tucked line across the hip region can lift from the body and then resettle, creating a bellows effect that feels like a draft. Cloth that's allowed to settle under its own weight won't lift as the body moves. Finally, I find that strict draping that offers enough real estate to work extensively can leave me feeling exposed. For example, if a massage therapist wants to work along my SI joint (which I greatly appreciate!), they might undrape me in a way that leaves an entire buttock exposed to the air, with tucking in areas that can feel a little vulnerable, just to get those crisp lines. My solution here is admittedly a compromise: I don't do a lot of tucking under the body so that the weight of the fabric can create a consistent thermal barrier (as in this video where I don't tuck under the ASIS on either side). I travel under the drape to continue techniques onto related areas, but I do so with intention: If I continue a back technique onto the upper hips, I don't go far under the drape, I keep my fingers low so as to not create a draft, and I make sure my fingers are pointed away from vulnerable areas. This lets me increase my contact area without leaving the client exposed, and hopefully without feeling intrusive. As for what YOU should do? While you're in school, listen to your teachers 😁 I think it's better to get the full school experience and then start experimenting with different approaches once you've really immersed yourself in what they do and why. When you're considering how you'll drape as you enter your practice, consider your experience as a client: Have any draping approaches felt needlessly invasive to you? Have any left you wondering whether you were exposed? What felt professional, what felt sloppy, and what felt over-done? And in the end, remember that most any approach can work in the context of communication. There will be times where it can be useful to work extensively with a client's anterior and lateral ribcage, and there will be no perfect draping solution. The best strategy here is to consult with your client to find what makes them feel comfortable (it might involve them helping to maintain their own breast drape as you work, or them bringing a garment that will give you more access, etc) and to let informed consent by your guiding light. If you'd like a bunch more opinions on this, feel free to ask on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook), and I'd be happy to answer any further questions!

[@TensaiHimeSama]

@@MassageSloth wow!! Thanks so much for taking the time to give a thorough explanation. I hope my initial comment didn't come off as rude, as I do truly enjoy the content you post. It'll most certainly be easier to learn from your videos now as I won't be distracted by the draping. Thanks again 😊

[@MassageSloth]

@@TensaiHimeSama not at all! Very useful to talk through, so I'm grateful for the question.

[@joewallace9030]

HADOUKEN!! (⬇️,↘️,➡️,🤜)

[@MassageSloth]

I would pin this if I didn't already have my own comment pinned 😩

[@joewallace9030]

@@MassageSloth don't worry, the people who need to see this comment, or video, will. Didn't take you for a comment reader, but in case you are, I offer my deepest thanks and appreciation for your channel. Truly. Sharing your techniques in timestamped high quality videos is universally helpful, but the osmosis of your kind, humorous, and trustworthy persona has been a huge boon in my new career. Not that I was totally lacking in those things, but impostor syndrome, anxiety, and the high energy mindset of a self-proclaimed major gamer was preventing me from being present and attentive to my client's needs at first. Still only 5 months in, but being process-oriented vs outcome-dependent has been a major shift in my world for the better, and I have you to thank for that. Thanks Ian Harvey, Massloth Therapist. 🙇‍♂️

[@MassageSloth]

@@joewallace9030 So glad to hear it, Joe! I truly appreciate it, and I wish you immense success and happiness.

[@raphaelgangl7778]

gonna enjoy doing the kamehameha to my girlfriend this evening. thanks for your amazing videos :*

[@janettaylor1486]

Lol, I love the DBZ references!!

[@Isao-k9g]

❤

[@kellygoodwin4650]

But if you have already used oil for the neck massage when you start how do you then do the back and “pull skin”?

[@MassageSloth]

Good question! It's something to be strategic about: This stuff where I'm dragging skin is easiest to do when there's not much oil on my hands, so it'll be the first thing I do when I move to a new body part. Or! I can work for a while on the back, the glide on the skin goes down as time goes by, so hey, might as well grab some big swathes of fascia while I've got some traction. I can add a bit more oil once I'm done with that. If your massage involves lots of lots of oil, skin drags might only be possible through the drape (and will still feel great!)

[@annieguenette2205]

Hi ! I come from Québec, Canada. I would like know what is your Jojoba oil, where do you buy it. I'm not able to found a good oil. Sometime it too slippery sometime other things. Sorry for my english. I learn a lot of things with your video. Thanks

[@MassageSloth]

I get mine from Hobacare. Very consistent product, it's been my favorite for years!

[@randomuser1105]

So basically, use your whole body and work from the hips.

[@ashleyvalentin3210]

I’m a new LMT and I want to be able to treat specific conditions confidently (frozen shoulder, sciatica, etc) but I don’t know where to start 🤷‍♀️ Do you have a tips or resources you’d recommend?

[@MassageSloth]

Huh! You know, this kind of broke my brain for a second, because I can't think of a good book for this. Books like this do exist, but they tend to focus heavily on a single approach. For instance, you could look for material by Art Riggs for a Rolfing-style perspective, or one of the Trigger Point Therapy Workbooks. There are also people who style themselves as orthopedic or medical massage therapists who have comprehensive systems (and even recipe-style routines). Then there are the nerve flossers, and fascia unwinders, and cup suctioners. But what I've found over my time as a massage therapist is that there a ton of ways to work with frozen shoulder, sciatica, low back pain, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, etc. I've had success with trigger point work, structural integration, myofascial release, and variations on good ol Swedish. So! My recommendation as you look for a place to start is to graze. Grab the OG Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies and dive into referral patterns (but don't worry about exactly how you work with trigger points, they're not that picky). Take a course from James Waslaski for an orthopedic approach that will deal specifically with different pain conditions. Check out Allison at Rebel Massage here on KZbin for a more eclectic style with a lot of influences, and my stuff for a slow myofascial-ish approach. As you do so, realize that you don't need to pick a winner, you don't need to do things in the exact order or the exact way that any of us recommends, and that you can experiment and play as you address chronic pain. Feel free to join us on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook) if you'd ever like to get 20 different responses on how people deal with any given condition :) It might seem like we're all picking things at random, but there are a lot of right ways to do massage.

[@ashleyvalentin3210]

@@MassageSloth This has been the most real, honest, helpful comment! I love your content so much and I learn new things from you every day! thank you for being a part of my journey, Massage Sloth 💜 🙏

[@insertmyidentityhere]

Hi Ian, I am 45 yrs old, was planning to go to massage school but I recently had x-rays bc of pain and I have degenerative disc disease & swan neck pretty bad. Its already in Stage 2 or 3. I also discovered there is degeneration in my L5 S1. Don’t you think it would be unwise for me to do massage school at this point?? I wanted to focus on myofascial release after I got licensed. Also, the SMRT technique I would learn from the owner of this school is supposedly easier on the provider’s body, but I still just don’t know if this is worth it, given my age & physical issues. 😢

[@MassageSloth]

I think that there are a lot of ways that massage could integrate into a healthy and happy life for you. Massage is done by people with all manner of arthritis and joint dysfunction, and the trick seems to be to find what works for your body, and then adapt as your body continues to change (as they all do). My initial thoughts: Avoid Massage Envy life (i.e. 30 massages per week with too little rest) and instead focus on fewer sessions of high value, especially as you see how your body responds. Focus on quality of touch rather than depth of pressure. Find ways to interface with clients that are kind to your body while still being profound. I've heard good things about SMRT, and myofascial can feel very "deep" without you having to use lots of pressure. Hey, feel free to join us on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook) and ask the cool people there. I think you'll find that a lot of people are thriving, even with some structural differences to take into account.

[@insertmyidentityhere]

@@MassageSlothAwesome, will do! Thanks for the feedback, Ian :)

[@yasiban9006]

Is there job vacancy sir

[@georgemichas8773]

how can a professional reduce the stress on his rhomboids ? i ve done around 120 sessions in the last 2 months and my rhomboids and scapula muscles are starting to bother me. any ideas? i am very careful with posture and wonder if also my night matress has sth to do with it.

[@MassageSloth]

This makes me wonder how much of your massage is coming from muscular effort, versus how much is being driven by your body weight. I talk more about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enisnHyLlJZ1pNU Think of it as a tug of war between front and back. If you're constantly sending the signal to your pecs that they need to be strong and short (so that you can do hard work in front of yourself), that can leave the upper back constantly long and tight to act as a stabilizer. Try letting your body weight power your techniques more, and consider adding some resistance exercise if you don't have any in your regimen. Full body weight training that includes pulling exercises like rows and pull-downs will strengthen those pulling muscles, and send the signal that you don't need to be constantly protracted. Oh, and even though I mentioned pulling exercises, still think holistically (pushing, pulling, forward and back, up and down, upper and lower body). Let your nervous system know that you need to move in lots of ways. Best of luck, and if you run into any trouble, or if your pain persists or worsens, consider talking to a physical therapist or well-qualified personal trainer.

[@georgemichas8773]

@@MassageSloth i did a stretch for the rhomboids and i feel much better. at work i am using my hands pushing a lot so my back acts a stabilizer and thus was contracted. my concern is how i can use my weight when for example pushing lateraly across the it band or the quadriceps of a customer without bending my arms. i cannot seem to get it. i tried also pushing my body away against the customer but the pressure is not satisfying.

[@jerigabbard6825]

Bear claws would work great for a tall person like you but a 5' therapist would be laying on the client!

[@MassageSloth]

Bear claws are for everybody! Some possible tweaks would be a lower table (and I know that most portable tables have an obnoxiously high lowest setting), or just throwing those paws around without being so far over your client. You might come to one side for some contacts, or be in a lunge rather than a plank. This will leave your contact more angled than what I was doing in the video, but as long as they're powered by your body weight rather than your strength, it'll feel deep and profound. Play with it, let me know what you think!

[@nicoledansby1805]

Great video!! you should change the name of your channel to Massage lion! no sloths here! thanks Ian!

[@rulerclip7678]

love the dragon ball z and street fighterreference

[@darrylldavis3592]

Loving the Dragon Ball references...

[@4144758]

Liver the anime references

[@Reign_Of_Is_REAL]

Well certainly you’re a busy man, but I miss you! 🥹 And I got to use your advice today and my clients love me now! 🙏🏾🤩

[@MassageSloth]

I am not a busy man, I just need to get back to it 😁 And no worries, I'll be back! Also great job! 🙌

[@shelberz1]

Thank you!!