Folding Towels - A Podcast for Massage Therapists with Jackie and David

Explore the intriguing world of gift vouchers in massage therapy! Discover why navigating legal complexities is essential, from the three-year minimum expiry mandated by Australian law to concerns about non-redemption. Learn about trust, transparency, and ethical management, while ensuring client confidentiality. The discussion includes the pros and cons of vouchers and tips for effective record-keeping. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting, this knowledge could transform your approach to gift vouchers and enhance customer relationships!

In today's episode, David talks about a common challenge faced by massage therapists - non-attendance or no-shows and late appointment cancellations. It's a topic that affects us all at some point, and it can be frustrating, both in terms of lost income and disrupted schedules. But fear not, we've got you covered. Over the next 20 minutes, we'll explore the reasons behind non-attendance, the impact it has on your practice, and most importantly, effective strategies to reduce it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. We'll even tell you how to write a policy for yourself. So, let's get started on mastering the art of managing non-attendance in your massage therapy practice.

Jackie and David chat with Paul Averill owner of Rub Massage in Adelaide, and SA director of Massage Myotherapy Australia. You can connect with Paul here: https://rubmassage.com.au/about/paul-averill/ and find his podcast The Man Bits here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YxZ6DN09oybOW7aAHPIj5 Paul started his career in corporate environments but felt drawn towards coaching roles within these settings. However, life had other plans for him when he survived the devastating Christchurch earthquake in 2011. This disaster changed his perspective on life significantly, pushing him towards embracing uncertainty and making drastic changes. Inspired by Cindy Kohler's advice about embracing uncertainty, Paul transitioned into massage therapy—a flexible career allowing him set his own hours and study at will without committing years to university studies like other health sciences required. His experience as an earthquake survivor also taught him valuable lessons about resilience and pragmatism—traits that have been instrumental in managing his business through challenging times including during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Despite initial apprehensions about buying a health business amidst a global health crisis, Paul took over Rub Massage from its founder Cindy with the belief that their work was essential as it positively impacted many people’s lives. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licenced use through Audio Hero Inc

The podcast discusses the importance of feedback in the massage therapy field and how to respond to negative reviews. They share stories of cost-cutting measures taken by United Airlines and the impact of small changes. The hosts talk about giving constructive feedback with love and the significance of responding to Google and Facebook reviews. They also discuss negative feedback from clients and the importance of handling it appropriately.

Do you you talk with your clients? Or do you work in blessed silence? In this episode of the Folding Towels podcast, Jackie and David talk about whether massage therapists should engage in conversation with clients during their massage sessions. If you were to read Facebook there are some pretty strong opinions out there on this topic! But it's not a simple yes / no! From using conversation as a therapeutic distraction, to seeking consent to knowing just when to keep shut up and let your client just be in the moment, to "those clients" that really enjoy a good chat because they find silence to be uncomfortable. Just don't forget your boundaries. Reading cues from clients, allowing conversations to naturally fade as clients relax, setting boundaries at the beginning of each treatment and ensuring clients feel comfortable to communicate their preferences. We also talk about the need to avoid inappropriate or burdensome conversations and the importance of respecting clients' desire for silence. Ultimately, it's about striking a balance between conversation and quietude to create a positive and relaxing experience for clients. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licenced use through Audio Hero Inc

In this conversation, Christine Knox, a practitioner and author from Health Leader Co, shares her inspiring journey from Scotland to Australia. She discusses her diverse background, including stints in visual merchandising and even working in helicopters. Christine emphasizes the challenges she faced while establishing her own clinic and making the bold decision to open a massage school amid the pandemic. Additionally, she highlights the importance of mentorship and resilience in her career, along with the increasing demand for online massage education.

The hosts dive into the tricky waters of friendships with clients, sharing personal tales that highlight the delicate balance of professionalism. David reveals his cycling escapades with clients, while Jackie reflects on how a friendship impacted her work. The conversation shifts to the ethics of romantic relationships in therapy—an unequivocal no. With humor and candor, they explore power dynamics, emotional transference, and the complex nature of navigating boundaries in a therapeutic setting.

Learn about the evolution of massage oils, different types of oils and balms for massages, decanting oils and using infused oils, and the importance of washing towels with a good detergent. Also, discover the process of fractionating coconut oil.

David and Jackie drop an E today! Yes they get all emo - because being human is complicated. We talk about some of the feelings you are probably feeling like fear and stress and loneliness and celebration and imposter syndrome and some strategies to keep on track especially when you are feeling the big feels. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licenced use through Audio Hero Inc

Setting the right price for massage therapy services is not simple but it doesn't need to be hard either. Factors to consider include location, qualifications, niche, market demand, and personal financial obligations. Regularly increasing prices is necessary to signal value to clients.