Top 3

I was working on a whole list of things you should ask your MT, but it really comes down to a handful of things:
1. Are they certified?
2. Are they permitted?
3. Are they insured?
Certification happens from their school and comes after completing both hours in practical learning and academic learning.
Permitting happens at the city, state and national levels. California has just started permitting Massage Therapists and so far they do not require a written exam, but do require a background check and finger printing. The National has a written exam as well as finger printing and background check. City requirements change city-to-city. Clovis, where I work, requires a background check, finger printing and a written test.
Insurance seems obvious, but many practitioners don't carry it. Some think they are covered by the location they are working out of, some may be, but it is always a good thing to clarify before you get started with someone new.
Those are the key points to hit on before you start a working relationship with a MT, other questions you may want to ask:
What type of products do they use? This is important because not everything is hypo-allergenic or Paraben free. This is especially important if you have any allergies or are sensitive to smells.
What modalities do they practice? If you aren't familiar with the modality they practice, google it. You might be disappointed if you were hoping to really dig into some of those tight spots, and your massage therapist practices Raki, like wise, if you just want to relax and you end up with a deep tissue massage, you may be disappointed.
Just remember, it is your massage, keep communicating with your MT to get the massage you want.

Back to School Madness!!!

This is my first time dealing with back to school madness...ok, so maybe sending a preschooler to school for the first time doesn't really compare to getting a teen or tween ready for another hectic school year, but it has made me appreciate all the stuff mom's and dad's do for the school set. I'm not looking forward to battling with my sweet little girl on whatever the latest fashion trend is, or having to help with homework and mission projects (ok, maybe I'm looking forward to building a mission, a little). So I've decided to help you start the year out right with an awesome BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL!! (drum roll please...)

Now through the end of September, ask for the Back to School Special when you book your massage and get an extra 15 min FREE on ANY massage!

Here's to a getting a great start on another school year!
Cheers!
Tracy
www.tidemassage.com

Blanton Wealth Creation, Tell a friend, and Chair massage, Oh My!

So many things buzzing around in my head today, I'm going to try to tie them all in to one post, wish me luck!

First thing:
Blanton Wealth Creation just put out their news letter for this month. Betcha didn't know that. Wanna know why I'm saying that here? Because the wickedly awesome Clay Blanton and his incredibly talented staff have included with their news letter a fantastic deal from yours truly! This deal allows you to purchase 5 one hour massage sessions PLUS a hot stone upgrade for just $200!
"But Tracy, every massage is different, how will I know I'm going to love your massage so much that I want FIVE of them?!?!"
Ahhh! I knew you were going to say that! Money back guarantee! You don't like your first massage, I give you your money back! How's that for a good investment!
So now you are probably feeling kinda sad that you aren't one of Clay's clients, so you can't get in on this deal. Well guess what? It's not too late! Give Clay a call and set up your appointment, FOR FREE, then call me and let me know you did! It's a win-win! You get amazing advice on how to manage your investments and how to plan for your retirement AND you get a great deal on fantastic massages!
All of Clay's info is on his website, over there ------>

Next:
Speaking of telling folks about a good thing, did you know I have a tell a friend reward program? yep, yep, I do! Tell a friend (or ten) about Tide Massage Therapy, and for every friend that schedules a massage, you get 15 minutes FREE! You can use that to turn a 60 min massage into a 75 min massage, or save up 4 of them and get a free massage!

Lastly:
Speaking of free massage, wow...I did it...I tied it all together, YAY me! I gave away 4 free massages today at a great event for the Admin and Business staff at Clovis Unified School District. (For anyone who doesn't know, my mom, who was a Guidance Counselor in Orange County for my whole life, passed away 2 years ago from Pancreatic Cancer. I could not stop thinking about her today.) Even though I didn't have too many takers on chair massage, I got to talk with a number of fantastic women, hopefully some who will become clients. Hearing their stories about helping kids and dealing with the stress of budget cuts, over crowding, and under staffing really inspired me. CUSD is celebrating their 50th year this year and people who have attended CUSD schools or worked in them for the last 50 years were sharing stories from each decade. From the beginning, with just one High School, to today, the stories were funny and thought provoking. While so much has changed, some things stay the same. I had been planning on just raffling off one massage...but there were so many women there who could really use it, I decided to give out four.

Talk to me!

Why is communication so important? Isn't every massage the same?
Nope, not even kinda. Each person is different and what one client prefers, another may only tolerate. That's why I appreciate clients who talk to me. I'm not suggesting you chat your therapists ear off next time you go in for a massage, but if something is uncomfortable, or if there is an area you really like to have worked, speak up. After all this is your massage! No therapist can read your mind, or feel what you are feeling, and even the best therapist will welcome a little help discovering your likes and dislikes!