When I first started out as a LMT I knew two things. I wanted to work in a spa and eventually when I tired of that, I wanted to work on my own. I was lucky enough to find work in a Spa on South Beach, with almost no experience. It paid better than some of the franchises my fellow classmates found work in and I was able to use my duel licenses as both a massage therapist and an esthetician. I liked the spa the routine and I was blessed with two amazing managers, that guided me through my first months as a working professional.
What I did not know about working in a spa is that it has a peak season from November to May. It might be different in other places but in South Florida a lot of businesses are seasonal. When the heat starts rising our tourist trade thins. I still had work, but there were longer stretches of waiting. Because I and many therapists get paid by the massage and not an hourly wage, parking, lunch and long hours of not working were pinching my wallet. I needed to do something.
I had a few private clients, but not enough to pay the bills.
My friend told me about an on call company that was looking for therapists. I went to the orientation with several other therapists and got hired!
I have been working on call ever since and I have not looked back. I like the flexibility, the pay is much better and there is always work.
I have learned a lot through the years and these are the things that I use daily in my on call practice. I hope that if you are considering making the switch to an on call company these items will make your life easier.
But first...my disclaimer.
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So here are a list of tools I can not live without.
This case is a back saver. The DevLon NorthWest rolling massage case https://amzn.to/2HSufrp has room for your sheets, oils and bolster.
I got lost with another therapist , We spent 15 minutes searching for a condo. Let me rephrase she strolled along with a rolling massage case, her sheets and tools, tucked neatly inside while I hauled mine on my shoulder with a duffel bag on the other. I ordered mine that night.
It is a must have for a traveling therapist.
One thing I did not factor in as being a problem, when I became an on call therapist, is not having a sense of direction. It is. I showed up late to my first appointment . I was embarrassed, the client not impressed. I was lucky that my company was understanding and I still had a job. Now I use apple or google maps on my I phone. I have never had a problem with either app. I like to drive with my phone at eye level. I got the Bondi cell phone holder https://amzn.to/2wevtrL it hangs on my rear view mirror. It is flexible so you can expand the arms and move the legs to adjust to the size of your phone. Its also kind of adorable.
Every therapist has a way to make their client feel special. I like to use
essential oils to kick things up a notch.
I especially love Chill Pill from Aura Cacia. https://amzn.to/2jtMtkz
All of their oils having delicate scents but I find this one very soothing . I put a drop on my sheets or mix a little with my massage oil. I always ask first some of my clients are scent sensitive, but most are delighted to have a bit of aromatherapy added to their massage.
A portable massage chair https://amzn.to/2rlko2e
I was really surprised how
many LMT's do not have their
own chair. I love chair massage
events. You get to connect with other therapists and meet potential clients. I have a basic chair, but its worked out well for me through the years. I have seen some that
are more expensive than the one I own, maybe I will test out a new one in the future, but for now this one really works for me.
I keep a change of clothing with me at all times. Oil spills, sweat, clients shedding pets; things you do not think about when your on the road. The Jerzees
open bottom sweat pants https://amzn.to/2rkYCvG are super comfy
and they have pockets!!! I have a pair in black and a pair in white. I never know where I'm working and some of my work is at spas that have dress code requirements. A change of clothes saves time when I 'm in a hurry and cant get home
Being an on call therapist has changed my life for the better. For the first time in my working existence, I have some control over my time and I can still make a living. I hope some of the things I shared here will help make your traveling therapy practice easier.
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