In a post on our MMR Blog, I brainstormed a number of alternative ways one might leverage their massage career. (see trackback) At the time I was thinking mostly "massage" oriented work, but have since seen a growing number of blended career paths.
My own experience has taken me down an interesting trail as shortly after starting this group I encountered health issues that severely limit the amount of massage I can do one-on-one massage, some of which are ramifications of repetitive strain, and none of which had I planned on.
Despite adding coaching services sometime in Y2K, I've had to consider other streams of income to keep my boat afloat . . . though my passion is truly massage. So, I find this topic very interesting and see a potential for blended career paths that involve massage as a piece of the work.
I know that sounds blasphemus, but I do see the future of massage shifting.
It's interesting how well my A&P knowledge has translated into both coaching and sales of specialty health products. Both offer added financial stability and benefits I might not otherwise afford. Customers not only welcome but are also eager to learn how they can better impact their personal health needs and activities. Two years later my crisis does not feel so overwhelming, nor has my passion for massage changed . . . just my approach.
Chiropractic is just one option for career blending with massage. Physical Therapy is booming and in high demand. Personal training is a strong match in some areas as well as consulting for companies and corporations that are beginning to realize the need for ergonomic, postural and increased activity, stress less environments. In fact environmental consulting is another option lending mood & meditation to otherwise over stimulating work spaces.
In other words, get creative. Match your massage with other personal interests that make sense to your existing client base, and expand the ways your business impacts their health. This can also help micro-market to very specific niches. As competition grows and the market becomes more educated micro marketing may also become the make-or-break method for drawing customers.
I hope to hear more from MT's facing their future and recreating the look of massage in the coming years. Please continue to share concerns, trials and successes with the group.
Best of success to you, and Happy Independence Day!
~ B ~

Well even though I don't have problems with repetitive strain injuries (and I do massage for the last 20 years), I was looking for a way to connect to people and teach them massage. So I created free-massage-videos.com. With a traffic of 40,000-50,000 unique visitors a month, I am able to reach out to an audience that would be otherwise impossible. All I can say is the sky is the limit - use technology wisely.
(I had on one of my youtube videos 25,000 views a day - does that ring a bell?)
Posted by: freemassagevideos | July 04, 2008 at 11:52 AM