6 Tips for Giving a Better Massage

[@giovana362]

I find your method of instruction the most comprehensive of any youtube videos. I graduated massage school in 1997 and I will always be a student of massage. Glad i found you!

[@jenniferocious1027]

I graduate from massage school and take MBLEx next month. Because my Swedish instructor was so horrible, I felt so overwhelmed at first (she has since been fired). And then I found your channel. My client feedback sheets for clinic have consistently started to read things like “one of the top 3 massages I have ever had.” So thank you. From “lazy” body mechanics to how to approach a client’s body. Deep tissue to all the other tips and tricks. You have helped me so much over the last several months and I am so thankful for your videos.

[@MassageSloth]

Ah, that's so great to hear! The fact that you went out and filled the holes in your schooling yourself bodes very well for your future success. Massage school is just the beginning, and there's no telling what cool stuff you'll learn and develop in the coming years. Congrats!

[@rawmakers]

How’s the career going?

[@Illia2]

You break mindfulness into useful layers. A great reminder for those moments when we may tend to go into auto drive. One useful addition would be a brief summary of keyword reminders at the end.

[@brbmassage]

Great massage tips, Ian! I’d add: don’t be afraid to touch the entire body. Some of the best moves have continuity into an entirely different region. All my clients love longer strokes as opposed to shorter strokes-strokes that revisit areas already worked on or that are about to be worked on. Blend it all together!

[@BirthSentient]

100% agree, I have the same experience with my clients.

[@CadeCYC]

Love it thx

[@BUDDYCB4]

Yes, yes and yes!!!!

[@susanholman6523]

I am a beginning therapist and I find your tips very helpful. I appreciate how you speak with knowledge without belittling our own. Thank you for sharing!

[@jmoss2543]

These are all great techniques. I’ve been doing massage 23 years and I intuitively do these things and my clients are very grateful for it.

[@josephvanderlinde6494]

I’m about to give my wife a two hour massage on our brand new massage table and I am so stoked for these fantastic ideas. TYVM! Wonderful tips and techniques

[@bhaktideb6841]

One other point that really helps here with mindfulness is to RECEIVE therapy as often as possible. Take note of what feels good and to remember to use that technique when next giving therapy. Continually observing our own responses to others work helps a lot. Thanks for all these wonderful suggestions😊

[@MassageSloth]

Ooh, that's an excellent tip, and so true!

[@maatawry1]

It's so hard to shut off that bodyworker brain sometimes and just enjoy receiving

[@777ttaylor]

Ian, I LOVE your intentional work. Makes me feel good just watching your massage techniques. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jimjamthepizzaman2723]

This editing is so good, and everything that you DO is so easy to follow. The way you take your time to speak makes things easy to soak in, without much rewinding. Thank you so much for making videos :) hoping to start my LMT training next year, and you're such a big help.

[@janecash5199]

Ian, thank you so much for your videos. I’m getting so much out of them! I’ve been doing massage professionally for 30+years before it became the industry it is today. Your videos are beyond excellent...they give me a new enthusiasm for my craft!

[@MassageSloth]

Jane, that means so much, thank you!

[@RebelMassage]

Awesome Ian. ALWAYS awesome!!

[@kimschwartz503]

Rebel Massage - you are another I really appreciate and use many of the techniques you post on you tube. Always well received by my clients! THANKS

[@MichelleBlobaum]

I am a massage therapy student and my mentor who is amazing introduced me to Massage Sloth after 1 video I am hooked thanks soo much for your knowledge, humor and amazing techniques I am learning and honing in on my developing skills more and more everyday keep the videos coming. Many thanks thanks thanks

[@mrp1001]

You have literally the most soothing voice!!!!

[@jenpichette4681]

yes!! and while watching him massage I almost fell asleep

[@tatianabachulak7507]

I fell asleep 😁

[@annette3681]

Very good video! Mindfullness is so important. I also like to start each session with a gentle reminder to the client that they have permission to tell me if they need more or less pressure. I always tell them you won't hurt my feeling, feel free to tell me what you need.

[@MassageSloth]

I do that too! When I think about how being a client tends to make it harder for me to find my voice, it makes me realize how crucial it is to encourage frank communication during the session. Good one!

[@shelberz1]

Great important techniques. Thank you. You look so healthy! Also, nice to see a more realistic client model; rare in massage videos IMHO.

[@jennykirkwood384]

Just started massage training and I love hearing this ‘ wisdom ‘ from experience stuff. It puts things into context and focuses on the holistic experience which is a great thing to keep in mind when you are starting to learn techniques . Thankyou !

[@helenkennedy4661]

Very helpful video. I'm a new therapist and still trying to work on getting a flow where the client feels a seamless beginning and end of movements. Thank you.

[@bouncebackpilatesbodywelln677]

Thanks for this video. I have done massage for years and combine various techniques and now my son has just done a massage course and I showed him your channel and this video has inspired him so much and confirmed for me how I do my massages. Mindfulness and flow are so integral to a great massage. Great Channel!

[@cedarzockoll3563]

@5:35 - lumbar spreading -> two fisted lumbar steamroller -> airplane takeoff Tony Hawk Pro Skater combos up in here

[@MassageSloth]

lol

[@taraestella2620]

Thanks Ian , some great tips ,been a therapist for five years now and it's great to see a different way of approaching massage holistically

[@CadeCYC]

In my last semester of MT school, loved it very helpful :)

[@marthafouseki2352]

I definitely think receiving feedback from the client will help the therapist treat more effectively as you obviously want your client feeling better than when they came in. Seeing improvement is important over time so having regular treatments is definitely the key to seeing results.

[@lgdurocher]

I watch your videos to help me fall asleep, and I mean that in the most flattering way possible lol

[@mmm..nothin9380]

Same..relaxing & educational

[@katehennessey2428]

Yes to the take-off and landing! I really try to be conscious of this. I haven't thought about the movement piece, but I will try this with clients today :) Thanks for another great video!

[@alainaramirez1591]

I am very young and I watched this video understanding the techniques used. I want to give my mother a massage that she will enjoy❤

[@blackbird7665]

Making the body move. Yes! I like to think that it reminds the body of when it was rocked as a baby. Incredibly soothing and helps those clients who are stiff limbed and find it a challenge to relax.

[@Asianfayce]

The creating movement tip is great, I'm going to start incorporating that into my massage!

[@kesharobinson9830]

This is wonderful I am so glad I came across your site. Keep being detailed while explaining types of massages. I am in massage school now and they are not like this. You are amazing!

[@MassageSloth]

Glad it's been helpful! And consider joining us on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook) for support as you go forward. Cheers!

[@stephenjustiss9010]

So much good stuff in this one.Thank you!

[@nicolemarie3510]

This was greatly appreciated! Very helpful! All your videos have been wonderfully laid out for the best instruction.

[@sheepboy96]

Great tips! Reiterating things I forgot from Massage school 3 years ago!

[@seriouslythough1811]

I love your videos thank you! I would be interested in a video that touches on how to massage people with different more unique or “problematic” body types. Such as a very exaggerated curvature of the neck, dowager’s hump, a very large “fleshy” neck or “no neck”, or the opposite when someone has very very narrow shoulders. I mention these neck issues here because I’m finding that these are the body types that have a lot of neck pain due to their physiognomy but they are also a bit of a challenge to work with.

[@freshgoldclips5033]

Welcome back bro!!

[@Ann16a]

Thank you so much. Such useful, meaningful, calming, authentic content.

[@marionparish347]

I love your sloth approach and use it when I massage, loosing myself in the massage is part of the connection I think you get with a client. I probably have 50% of my routine structured, the rest is free flow and this ensures a new experience every time for my clients. I do always ask if there is a particular move they like/dislike after and note to include it/exclude it next visit. Saying that I’ve never had anyone dislike anything so far!!

[@MassageSloth]

I think that's a great way of going about it! I've got a baseline routine as a starting place, but especially as I get to know someone, that can go waaay out the window.

[@sidneymajewski4174]

I have my first student clinic shift tomorrow morning, these tips are awesome! Thanks!

[@MassageSloth]

Congrats on getting that first one under your belt! I am certain you kicked butt 🙂

[@christeenchristensen4471]

Thank you so much for helping me with a little bit of thought processes!

[@blackmound22]

Looked up a random video because my GF asked for a back massage but always complains or seems frustrated when I do it…after this video she was drooling and said she felt so relaxed after! Thank you so much for the video!

[@tango1ninerradiostar125]

Massage is more emotional than anything else...fantastic!!!

[@christopherwilson2965]

Awesome videos, keep up the great work! I am just coming out of massage therapy school and you have definitely been a big help for me. Thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

Great to hear, and congrats on your new journey!

[@shelberz1]

So wonderful to have this tutorial back in my recommendations - so awesome to see i actually picked up some of your tips and apply them. Go Me!!

[@MassageSloth]

Nicely done!

[@ernakovary4745]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today as if you had read my mind. Your tips are on the mark. Btw, I miss your dressy pants and shirt!

[@greatmindsthinkalike1378]

Thanks Ian, this is a mindful video!

[@maxinewilliams5708]

Great job

[@user-ke3vx9ub4b]

I always do your last technique, of being mindful.. projecting and feeling what they're feeling etc. it's actually great meditation for self too!! I wouldn't be able to get through my handful of back to back clients a day, without using that thought process. It definitely makes for a better massage too, I've been told ☺

[@Onlyone-m6f]

Definitely helping me. I'm thinking of going into massage therapy. Thank you for the tips. Some of the moves you're doing seem like it just came to me naturally when I give someone a massage.

[@nakitapayton181]

Here to refresh my memory.. it been 16 years since I've graduated from massage therapy school..

[@soothingtouchmassage9902]

These are excellent tips.... All of which are effective ways to improve touch and massage techniques. I must add, these tips also provide a holistic approach to massage while at the same time they will help therapists who might be having a challenge with giving longer massages. Keep uploading new videos.... waiting for your next.

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks for this! It's been a long break, but I can feel my brain gearing up for a new video...

[@TheSarahSunKissed]

Your videos have been a wonderful affirmation of the Ayurvedic massage training I received in India and the intuitive techniques that I've added to my massage therapy practice. Gratitude abounds:)

[@kimschwartz503]

Hi Ian! I am a later life LMT! There are only a select few I follow on youtube and you are one of them! I appreciate your videos and teaching style so much. I utilize many techniques you teach in your videos! Thanks again!

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Kim, happy to hear it!

[@bettycarmella1127]

Love this!! Thank you Ian🕊💙

[@nicolamorse686]

Excellent, thank you so much for your help

[@elmiraloftin222]

Being playful = a must, I'm going to incorporate more playfulness in my sessions

[@MassageSloth]

These are absolutely my favorite sessions, both as a therapist and as a client!

[@KrisT12890]

I'm rewatching this as I come back into massage therapy after an injury. I miss this so much!

[@MassageSloth]

Best of luck! If you could use some support (ways to support any part of you that still has pain, getting around mental blocks, etc) please join us on the forum. Search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook and hit us up :)

[@lapaemassagetherapy615]

Thank you Massage Sloth! You make a good video. I am working full time in my first year as a RMT. Ive watched this video and the forearm stretch video from a little while ago.( you look way different in the two videos) and they helped me a lot. Keep it up. I am subscribed and notifications are turned on.

[@elmiraloftin222]

Superb intentional work, what we are thinking during the session spills over onto the client. My client's bodies move often. 💜

[@NancyASMR]

Thank God you made the encouraging statement that continuity takes time because I'm the queen of junkie moves lol thank you so much!

[@solarbabie9087]

GREAT video!! keep it up, you seem so skilled I really want to sign up for a session!! Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with us!

[@SahabatHolistik]

Yes ... i like your explain, good job

[@lisakidwell1408]

Thank you. I am going to practice these on my very next client in 30 minutes! I like the airplane analogy. I think I get a little turbulent sometimes! ✈

[@lisakidwell1408]

Update: wow, I really slowed down and was super aware of what my hands were doing. My client gave me huge thumbs up!!🤘

[@julieannthegreedyvegan8420]

Thank you 💜🌎💜 your videos are the best I've found for massage technuques. Thank you very much 😊😊

[@LaurenJRudd-nw1gf]

I love the tip on making your moves blend together. I love the technique you used and I think I’m going to replace my Petrissage of the back with that technique. It seems like it flows better! (And I struggle with Petrissage of the back

[@EdsonSantos-n8h]

Thank you, Your tips is so helpful

[@karynnmackinnon3975]

Excellent video and tips! Thank you!

[@Valentina-tm5wi]

thank you! love these tips of yours.

[@roystoncheah7061]

Awesome video! Great tips for me as new massage therapist

[@risingmoonponyfarm]

Love it! This is exactly how I’m always trying to think as I work!

[@Evan-tt5kk]

"2 FISTED LUMBAR STEAMROLLER!!" YEAH!

[@dansmith6856]

I don’t know any therapist who does massage like this except myself. Is this ”sloth”-style common in Florida? What is the style called? Have you tried revolving or rolfing? That’s what have inspired my personal approach. Thoroughly enjoy your videos, Ian! Thanks for the quality content.🙏

[@lauroraborealis4014]

I do a slower method. Intuitively, it felt that is was my personal best way to approach healing. My first instructor was also a slower gower. 🤗

[@tanyaawasthy1715]

So well explained 😊 Thank you ❤

[@christytadlock-roy6172]

Great demonstration of mindful movement

[@meanderinganxiety6256]

You should do a video explaining body mechanics and table height. I noticed in this video that you have the table quite low and you keep yourself in a wide and low stance which is much different than what I’m being taught in school. I find it very interesting and would love to hear about your preferences and how they differ based on the client and type of massage.

[@antznest]

He has one called Body mechanics for low tables. I was trying to drop the link but it's not happening right now

[@MassageSloth]

Here's how I go about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enisnHyLlJZ1pNU I love this way because it lets me really pour my body weight into my session rather than having to use my muscles. When clients ask me how I do what I do, I say I "lean for a living."

[@jessicaf2270]

Leading edge of massage therapy

[@nijolekunigeniene4132]

Good! I like all of them, thanks a lot .

[@rebootukology1014]

Thank you for another great video.

[@ayucindy6838]

Really so awesome. Like this Channel to much.

[@lizabartlett6803]

This is a great list! I have been focusing lately on making all touch intentional and effective, so I really appreciate your distillation to "no throw-away moves". In 50 to 80 minutes there's no time for filler!

[@amandamayhue9057]

As always, excellent job bud. You help me more than you even know...

[@stonew1927]

Great tips. Thank you....

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

I wish to meet you one day fellow fsm brother! I'm buying your book soon too :) amazeballs.

[@migdaliarosado4137]

To me; your the best teacher👔💼

[@margaretbrunson8522]

Those tips were very helpful; thank you 👍

[@sleepytASMR]

I need a massage from nobody, but this guy.

[@RLL44]

You are the man! Thank you!

[@ggonsg]

SO helpful! Thank you 😊 🙏🏻

[@lindaamaya9340]

Muchas gracias por su video, usted es fantanstico!!

[@hyderarastu1608]

Great tips. More on body mechanics would be nice Ian

[@Jaikanatar]

Excellent descriptions, and you did a really good job navigating the harder to explain aspects of massage, using phrases like "make it feel more profound." And the description of helping them understand the story of their body and how and where all their muscles connect.

[@Tinypistachio]

Hi! Can you make a video on body mechanics please. I love all of your videos!

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Madison! Here's the closest thing I've got so far: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enisnHyLlJZ1pNU

[@angelicraga]

My back aches while watching this..like I wanna have that kind of massage right now.

[@divegirl007hcg]

so aPPRECIATE videos !!! thank you!!1

[@TsitsiKudita]

Thank you very much man ❤️

[@ewelinamudy9588]

Thank you ❤

[@ayuviktor]

Amazing tips Ian, thank you, when I do massage also I always put my self in their situation so it’s really helps to give the best I can n make them feel better 🥰 ❤️

[@Vahryk]

Thank you for your vids Ian. I've been incorporating a lot of your suggestions into my treatments. Question, is there a particular amount of time you would have a client lying prone? I have performed some 60 minute BNSh MFR treatments on prone client as part of a treatment plan. Clients have not complained, however, I am worried it may be too long, with neural/circulation issues in the arms?

[@yolandamartinez9765]

Good tips! Thank you. I

[@caitlinallen7508]

Great content

[@lorensoballocanag9300]

great! thanks! i got an idea.

[@jovelynsoriano3033]

I love the technique sir

[@lancerwick2661]

This feels like the Bob Ross for massages

[@rotgreen8102]

Hi Ian, I watch your videos since 2017. I am a big fan of you, can I buy a Massage Sloth Tshirt in Switzerland? or in europe? Thanks for your super videos.

[@MassageSloth]

Hi Rot... I don't know! I know that the current company I use (click the t-shirt links under the video) ship internationally, but I'm not sure how quickly or cost effectively. Let me know if you click through and have success!