As the field of massage therapy and bodywork continues to expand, the manufacturers who support the field with tools, products and equipment continue to expand as well. Now that the practice of healthy touch is firmly rooted in the mainstream, and increasingly within the medical realm, such as hospitals and doctors offices, the options for tools, products and equipment seem nearly limitless.
From massage tables and linens to soothing music and aromatherapy oils, there is a wide array of items available for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Overall, this is a highly positive development for professional touch therapists, but it can come with the drawback of confusion. The confusion may arise when a person is presented with so many options that choosing one becomes difficult.
Massage cream is the perfect example of a tool used by nearly every massage therapist and bodyworker, and one that comes in so many different forms that it may be difficult to decide which is the best option. If a massage therapist or bodyworker had only three or four different massage creams to choose from, the decision would probably not be too tough. However, with thousands of brands and varieties of massage creams on the shelves, that choice can become a lot harder.
After all, most of these massage creams can sound very appealing, especially if you look no further than the label. They might tout all natural or organic ingredients. They might be made with tropical fruits, such as pineapples and mangoes. They might contain such ingredients as avocado oil and citrus bioflavonoids. They might have essential oils mixed into them, for the added bonus of aromatherapy.
As you can see, most of these massage creams sound highly appealing, and picking just one might pose a problem. However, despite all the “bells and whistles” of today’s options in massage creams, there is an important detail to keep in mind. The fact is, there are quite a few clients who might prefer a massage cream without all the “bells and whistles.”
This may be due to an individual’s sensitivity or even outright allergy to certain elements in a massage cream, such as fragrances or specific fruit extracts. It also might be that a client does not want any distraction from the soothing hands of the massage therapist or bodyworker.
Whatever the case may be, do not allow the rainbow of massage creams on the market distract you from the needs of your own client base. Go ahead and try a few of the more elaborate massage creams or ones with exotic ingredients, but keep a steady supply of massage cream that contains no extra elements.
You should not have a problem finding a massage cream that is not only free of any fragrances, but also is free of any synthetic ingredients, including parabens. This kind of massage cream should work well with almost any client who strolls through your door, and it should make your decision a bit easier when it comes to selecting such a product.
–Brandi Schlossberg