How Do You Feel About Treating Other Therapists?

As a massage therapist, the idea of treating fellow practitioners can bring up a range of emotions. Are they sizing up the competition? Will they be judging your technique? Or are they simply after a great massage? After all, as therapists ourselves, we all appreciate a good massage!

But it is natural to wonder if your skills will be scrutinised, especially if the person you're treating has been a therapist longer than you, or if you perceive them to have more experience.

Feeling a bit nervous about treating another therapist is completely normal. They have a deep understanding of the body, various techniques, and what they expect from a session. The pressure to deliver a flawless massage can feel overwhelming, particularly when your client shares similar skills or qualifications.

I remember when my tutor contacted me to book a massage after I had qualified. At first, I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to work on them, considering the many other therapists available. It was a huge compliment, but the pressure was immense. I was so nervous!

Since qualifying, I had developed my own style, and I worried that I needed to perform everything exactly as I had been taught, rather than delivering the massage in my own way. What I didn’t realise was that my tutor appreciated my unique approach, which is exactly why they chose me. 

This pressure to impress or conform to a certain standard is something many of us experience, particularly early on in our careers. However, it's essential to remember that every massage therapist, whether a colleague or a client, is human. And as a human, they are looking for your therapeutic touch. The worst thing you can do is try to be someone you're not.

So, be yourself. There's no need to pretend to be anything else. Over time, you'll develop your own distinctive approach to massage, and that's what you do best. Keep in mind that there is no one "right" way to perform a massage. If you try to be something you're not comfortable with, the massage won’t be as effective.

This fear of being judged is one of the biggest concerns when treating other practitioners.

You may wonder whether fellow therapists will analyse your techniques or evaluate your approach. However, it's important to remember that every client—whether they are a therapist or not—brings their own experiences and preferences to the (massage) table. A fellow therapist might compare your work to their own, but in the end, they’re simply looking for a good massage experience, not an assessment of your qualifications or abilities.

Rather than worrying about how you're being judged, focus on connecting with your client. Create a relaxing and comfortable environment, and deliver a massage that reflects your knowledge and skill. Conduct a thorough intake interview to fully understand their needs and expectations. By building rapport, you’ll move past the nerves and engage more fully in the experience.

They will undoubtedly have their own preferences and opinions on what makes a massage effective, but instead of viewing the experience as a challenge, focus on understanding what your client is looking for and doing your best to meet their needs within the scope of your skills and training.

And rather than seeing the situation as a performance, think of it as an opportunity to connect with someone who understands the value of bodywork and appreciates the work you do. By delivering a high-quality massage and demonstrating confidence in your techniques, you’ll earn their respect and trust.

Finally, be kind to yourself. You are good at what you do. If another therapist books in with you, take it as a compliment. After all, they have not come to see you to scrutinise your technique. The person on your massage couch ultimately wants to feel good and enjoy your massage experience.