For professional massage therapists and bodyworkers, who mostly work one on one with clients within their session rooms, networking or even simply enjoying conversation with colleagues and peers is not a regular part of the business.
Practitioners of healthy touch who happen to work in spas or larger practices, where other massage therapists and bodyworkers are employed as well, might have more opportunities to socialize and network than those who work in small or solo practices. Still, even these massage therapists and bodyworkers are quite busy with work when they are at the spa or large practice space.
The fact remains that massage therapy is a fairly quiet profession. Certainly, a good number of massage therapists and bodyworkers are drawn to the industry due to this reason, among others. A large number of touch therapists would likely tell you they enjoy peace, quiet and relaxation; therefore, they enjoy the privilege of providing peace, quiet and relaxation to their clients as well.
Despite the lovely hush of session rooms across the country, there are times when massage therapists and bodyworkers might benefit from a bit more networking with colleagues, discussions with peers and support from their fellows. Fortunately, the realm of continuing education is thriving, and within this realm, these practitioners of healing touch can find this beneficial interaction.
In states and regions where massage therapy and bodywork are regulated by a governing board—in other words, in most states and regions—this regulation often includes a requirement to earn a certain number of continuing education hours per renewal period in order to maintain one’s license to practice massage therapy or bodywork.
This can be viewed as a good thing, for it not only pushes massage therapists and bodyworkers toward a bit of socialization outside the session room, but it also gives touch therapists the chance to continue expanding their knowledge, as well as their skill sets.
In these classes, practitioners of healing touch have the chance to do a variety of learning, gaining skills in hands-on modalities ranging from sports massage to shiatsu or even securing greater business skills, such as management, accounting or marketing for their practices.
In between honing these valuable techniques and tenets of good business, massage therapists and bodyworkers have the opportunity to do a different kind of learning. By interacting with the teacher and other students, touch therapists who are usually quite solitary have the chance to socialize, compare stories, tips and techniques, and gain the support that comes from shared experiences.
Even if you happen to live and work in a state or area where continuing education is not a requirement for practice, you would be wise to consider looking into taking some of these courses created especially for people in the field of touch therapy. Not only will you receive further education, you may also find yourself making new friends and learning from them as well.