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musings

thoughts on massage, self-care, art, and other ideas

Consistency Works!

5/7/2019

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Why regular massage?

While it’s tempting to call for an emergency massage session when you’ve got a tweak in your low back or a clicking shoulder, it’s not the only way!

Awareness is a major component of massage, and it presents major benefits, but developing awareness takes time.

Have you ever had a massage and thought, “well, I didn’t realize that hurt!”? That’s awareness. You might even say "Hark! I didn't even know I had that!"

Has a massage session or something your therapist taught you inspired you to consider changes to your posture, your seating, your footwear, your hydration? That’s awareness.

Like any ‘problem’ we face, acknowledging it is often the first step toward recovery.

Many clients come for massage on a regular basis, usually monthly or bi-weekly. I find that those who come in more regularly present with fewer acute issues over time.

For example, one client came in with shoulder pain that resulted in an arm that didn’t want to extend overhead easily. After each monthly session, which always included some very specific shoulder work, she looked like a second grader who just learned how to spell Mississippi—the arm would shoot up over her head with no trouble. And she would be pain-free for 3-4 weeks after the session, but it would return. After about 4-5 sessions, however, she came in and raised her arm exuberantly before the session. Since then we have been able to re-allocate shoulder time to other parts of her body.

You have the power to keep yourself healthy, and an attentive, curious massage therapist can help you find all those hidden nooks and crannies. We’d love to be part of your wellness plan.

We offer discounts on 5-session series. This has the dual benefit of saving money and helping with accountability.

Book online or by phone/text 207-558-2766.
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WHY ON EARTH DO YOU NOT TAKE TIPS?

4/24/2019

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Many people seem surprised that we do not take tips in our practice. While we recognize that the culture around massage in the United States often involves tipping, we don’t think it is necessary for us and here’s why.

  1. It makes our relationship and communication more direct, and as a therapist that’s the kind of relationship we want to foster. The costs are clearly communicated and there’s no discomfort around price. We’ve seen therapists get bent out of shape about not getting tips (or enough) in other settings. We’ve also felt the discomfort of “Is this enough? Too much?” as the client. We don’t want to feel that way and we don’t want you to either.
  2. We aim to provide a therapeutic service. As a massage therapist it makes sense that we would not take tips. We don’t tip for other therapeutic services (psychotherapy, medical doctor, PT) so why would we be different?
  3. It makes budgeting easier. We know exactly how much we’ll be paid, you know exactly how much it will cost. This helps us to give the same service to all clients, regardless of their ability or willingness to pay.
  4. We are the business owners. If we find that our rates aren’t competitive, we have the power to change the rate.

Our hope is that eliminating tipping makes things simpler and more accessible. We would love to be part of your wellness plan. Book online or contact us to set up an appointment.
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    Author

    Chrystina Gastelum, LMT

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Telephone

207-558-2766

Email

Chrystina Gastelum, LMT chrystina@harkhouse.me
Sean Hasey, LMTsean@harkhouse.me

Co-Owners
​

Address

180 Main Street
​Biddeford, ME 04005
  • Hark House
  • Services
    • Gift Certificates
    • What to Expect
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Media
  • Book Online
  • Contact
  • ART
  • Musings
  • Events