An Introduction To: Mobile Massage

A bit about me:

I created At-Home Therapeutics, a mobile therapeutic massage service in Campbell River, BC. Massage table/mat, linens, music and needed materials are brought to clients’ locations so they can experience massage in an environment?that is comfortable and convenient for them.

In 2018 I graduated from a 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Halifax, Nova Scotia. On the east coast I provided Massage Therapy?in both a clinical and spa setting before moving to Vancouver Island?to be closer to family, meanwhile continuing my career in the field of massage.

Mobile Massage in a Nutshell:

I typically see mobile massage as providing massage treatments in the preferred location of the client, often being in their home, maybe a work-place or even where they are staying locally during a vacation. Providing treatments in other environments such as sporting events, fundraisers, community centres and other clinics -where equipment/materials are brought in- could also be seen as mobile massage.

Benefits of, and reasons to choose, mobile massage:

?There are many reasons someone may want to choose mobile massage, such as:

• ?Comfort: People may feel most relaxed in their own home environment or may also be more anxious in outside environments.
• Convenience: Schedules may be busy or a client may want to have a shower or nap right after.
• Customization: There is a greater potential to create and control the environment in which they receive a massage such as using their own candles, lights or essential oil diffuser if they like.
• Lack of transportation: Could be helpful to those who are not able to commute, or find it difficult.
• Mobility-related or health reasons: For some, leaving the house could increase the chances of tripping and falling, or perhaps they want to limit exposure to the outside world if their health is compromised in a particular way.
• Caretakers:?Leaving the home may not be easy as they have dependents to care for, or they may want to be present –and comfortable- while their loved one is receiving a massage.
• Simply because they want to : )

What I like about mobile massage:

Mobile massage allows me to be aware of the bigger picture of who a client is as a person. I find it’s a clearer window into their lifestyle and how they live their life. It is more apparent, some of the different elements that could be affecting their health and what I can do through a massage treatment that could help to work towards their health and wellness goals. They may point out their desk set-up where they work or the heavy logs they’ve been carrying lately in the garden, or their dog or cat that keeps waking them up at night. It provides great insight. With the greater information I find it brings, I honour that I am in their space and to respect their privacy.

?

In my experience since being in the field of massage therapy, I found that there was a certain amount of time and certain conditions being met that a client’s nervous system needed to get to a baseline, calm level in order to do greater therapeutic work. I see having mobile massage as an additional option to do this therapeutic work, and support people in their health and wellness goals. People will prefer home-based treatments for a variety of reasons such as those mentioned above. A big plus of being able to provide a home-based massage service is that if this is more comfortable and convenient for people, then they are more likely to be more relaxed and the nervous system more receptive to the manual work of massage, and have a general positive experience.

A deeper look into the workings of a mobile massage business:

Philosophy

The nature of the field of massage, no matter what environment the treatment is taking place, involves working in close proximity to, and with, the client. It is an honour to be part of someone’s health journey through providing massage treatments and it is very important to consider all the different facets of what goes into making a treatment safe, effective and a positive experience for the client.

Working in clients’ homes

Specifically in mobile massage it is a twofold recognition that when I am coming into a client’s home/location/space that it belongs to them, and at the same time is unfamiliar to me (especially if going there for the first time). It is very important that everyone feels comfortable and safe. To feel safe is to have trust, and building trust includes a mutual understanding between everyone of how all aspects of the treatment will go about and answers to any other unknowns they may have.

Client experience

I see the experience that a client has with a massage service as beginning from the moment they hear about the business or service provider. There are many ways a client can find out about a business (word of mouth, internet search, business cards/flyers, business website, etc.). I look towards what is in my control to make the experience positive from start to finish. Something new or less known can cause uncertainties in anyone and that is where clear communication, transparency, being open to questions and letting people know in advance what to expect in mobile massage, can help decrease uncertainties for everyone; the goal is that everyone will be on the same page.

Communication

An online presence is one of the major ways businesses are found. This is a great place to start in presenting the details of what a business is about and attracting clients that are a good fit for the business/service provider and vise versa. Posting the provider’s education level, time in the field, past work experience, approach to treatment (such as mentioning a health history form and consent form will be collected), affiliation with any professional associations, and what to expect can help answer clients’ questions in-advance. Professional pictures or videos of yourself as well as a social media presence can give people an idea of who you are. People receive information in different ways (auditory, reading, watching etc.) so having a variety of media can give a fuller picture. Reminding a client of their right to stop the treatment at any time, and that their feedback before, during, and after the treatment is paramount to being able to best support their health and wellness goals. Being clear with a client or potential client that they can reach out at any time with questions or concerns is part of that continued two-way open communication that provides a quality service or treatment, and fosters trust.

Qualities & Qualifications

The first massage I had was from a provider who was really conscientious, kind and respectful; they were receptive to my health concerns and had both effective massage techniques and a great ability to communicate health-related knowledge and home care suggestions. They had multiple years of experience though were not part of a professional association or had any registered titles; I booked with them because I was told from a trusted person that they also really enjoyed their treatment with them. Being a part of a professional association (such as the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, like myself) has many benefits for both the provider and the client. When it comes to the client, knowing that a provider follows a code of ethics and have met a certain standard of education that most associations will require, can be reassuring to them. Saying that though, the general public may not know the specifics of different existing associations. Some may rely on reviews, what they’ve heard others say about your business or be looking for other particular characteristics that are important to them.

On the fence about offering mobile massage as a practitioner?

When it comes to the concerns of massage providers going to clients’ homes, some will choose to only offer service through pre-existing client referrals or referrals from those they know in some capacity already - this may be more comfortable for them. Some providers (like was the case for myself) may be starting their practice from scratch in a community that is relatively new and in which they may not initially know a lot of people. One may also not want to restrict providing treatments to those who may really need it. It is up to each provider to decide what is best for them, their business and how they want to go about serving their community.

What I can offer is some questions to help brainstorm:

• Is your website and marketing of your business professional and oriented as a health and wellness-centered service? Is there any way the business’s online presence could attract people that you would feel uncomfortable working with (i.e. are there gaps in information where people need to guess answers? Are there unprofessional photos?)? Does your website state that a health history/consent form is filled out prior to the treatment? Is there a Covid-19 policy mentioned?
• Have you had any previous experiences with clients where you felt unsafe? If so, where there subtle signs they initially exhibited? How much do you trust your own ability to read non-verbal cues, communicate clearly and maintain professional boundaries?
• What do you know about the level of safety in your community? How do you feel in your community? Would it help to let a trusted person know when you will be done your treatment?
• Have you talked with the client prior to going to their location about the following?:

-Have they received health and wellness-centered treatments before?

-What are their main health concerns/reason for contacting you?

-Are they familiar with or fine with filling out a health history and consent form?

-Where will the treatment area be?

• In addition to your website, do you have phone/email appointment reminders that include what to expect and to contact you with any questions or concerns? If you could put yourself in the place of a client who is wanting to use a mobile massage service would you have answered all your own questions?

If you are considering offering mobile massage, I invite you to explore these questions. In the case that you want to try mobile massage or have wanted to learn more about it, I hope they can provide some insight.

Please feel free to check out www.athometherapeutics.ca if you would like to learn more about my mobile therapeutic massage service based in Campbell River, BC: At-Home Therapeutics.

How to prepare for a mobile massage treatment:

Speaking for my own business, I state on my website what is needed to provide a treatment, such as: being within city limits, surface area for the massage table/mat, access to a sink, an electrical outlet, nearby parking and restrictions around steps to the treatment area – due to the size/weight of the equipment. I also put the same information on email appointment confirmations/reminders and/or communicated over the phone. Some people may prefer to be treated in a chair, or have a massage table there already that they have offered to let me use and in that case some of the requirements above are not necessary.

I mention as well that there is a health history/consent form to fill out prior, a Covid-19 self-assessment, what the accepted payment methods are, the cancellation policy, anticipated time to set up and take down the equipment, my treatment approach,?as well as letting them know they can reach out with any other questions or concerns they may have.

Mobile massage in today’s society:

At this time I find it difficult to say if mobile massage is becoming more popular, especially coming out of a pandemic. I do think though that at least more people are open to giving it a try and at least inquire into it. Before starting my mobile massage business, At-Home Therapeutics, I found it difficult to find answers to my questions online - there was not much information there. I brainstormed ideas through many conversations with others, explored different ways to do things and continue to learn by trial and error. The joy is in the journey!

There are many ways to go about providing mobile massage, just like any other service or business. I am excited to see how the fields of mobile massage and natural health evolve over time, and what positive impacts that can bring for people.

To contact Michèle Somer or learn more about At-Home Therapeutics:

[email protected]

www.athometherapeutics.ca