Have you ever had a question for a massage therapist but were afraid to ask?
Recently, I spent time with Steve Clark, a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience and asked him questions about himself, his profession, and working with clients. I was very impressed with his knowledge of the human body and his desire to help people. His priority is to make his clients feel comfortable, relax, and ease pain.
Steve Clark works at Change Your Pace Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in Arnold. He offers a 20% discount on your first visit.
Q. You received your training at Anne Arundel Community College and are a licensed massage therapist by the state of Maryland. Do you continue to take training?
A. "I am required to take 24 credits a year. I prefer to take classes in person for the hands-on experience but they are also offered online." Steve completed a 55 hour training in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). Next, he would like to learn more about Myofascial Release Therapy and Fascial Stretch Therapy.
Q. What is the minimum age to get a massage?
A. The minimum age Steve will work on is 6 years old. "For clients under 16, I require parent consent and a parent to be present in the room."
Q. Why do kids get massages?
A. Just like adults, there are many reasons why kids get massages; to relive stress, help with headaches, and relieve pain. Student athletes get massages for those reasons and also to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Steve told me about a young client that came to him after begging her mom for a massage for her birthday. The mom did a lot of research and selected Steve based on client reviews. "The young girl was very interested in massage therapy, told me she was thinking of becoming a massage therapist herself, and asked a lot of questions." "I like that I was able to be someone's present and make them happy for their birthday."
Q. Is it safe for pregnant women to get a massages?
A. "Yes! Massage for pregnant women is very beneficial. It improves circulation, decreases lower back pain, and reduces stress."
Q. If this is someone's first massage, what can they expect during their appointment?
A. When a new client walks into the Change Your Pace waiting room, they will notice all of their senses are triggered to make them feel comfortable and start relaxing. A beverage station with a variety of options can use before or after their appointment.
Once the client is invited into the treatment room, Steve will find out what brings them to get a massage and answer their questions. From experience, I know Steve is a wonderful listener and uses the information to know where to start the massage and what techniques to use. "Then, I will step out of the room to give you time to undress, to your comfort level" When you are ready, Steve will step back in the room and perform you therapeutic massage. Once it's over, he will leave the room so you can get dressed and prepare to leave. "There is no rush to get off the table or leave the clinic." "Change Your Pace does not schedule clients back to back." "We leave a 30 minute buffer so you can continue to relax and take your time." Some clients enjoy the vibe in the waiting room so much, they relax on the couch with a cup of tea.
And remember! - First time visitors, save 20%.
Q. How much should someone tip if they would like to show appreciation?
A. Tipping is not required, but if someone is happy with the service provided, 15-20% is customary.
Q. What if someone is self-conscious about their body?
A. "I want you to feel comfortable." Steve is concentrating on what he is feeling under the skin and what he should do next to make your body relax and feel better. "That's what you pay me for." "You will be under the sheet the entire time and I will only see the area I'm working on." "You may leave your clothes or shirt on if that makes you comfortable." Most people just wear their underwear so that Steve can get to the muscles and tissue. "It also allows for the best glide on your skin." Which makes for the most therapeutic massage.
Q. Is communication between you and the client important?
A. Yes, for many different reasons.
- "At the beginning of your appointment, tell me why you scheduled the massage, what you want to get out of it, and any areas of your body that are bothering you." "This let's me know where to start and which techniques to use."
- "Tell me your preferences for your massage", such as
- talking or "quiet appointment"
- listening to your own music or a book with your phone while wearing earphones, instead of listening to the music played in the room
- the type of pressure you prefer - I always remind Steve that I prefer a light touch.
- body parts you don't want touched - maybe you have very ticklish feet
- "During the session, don't be embarrassed." "Be honest and tell me what you need." "Remind me of how you like your massage, sometimes I forget."
- too cold or too hot?
- need to blow your nose?
- need to use the restroom?
- touch too light or too hard?
- The massage is for you and Steve wants you to feel comfortable and have the best results possible. "I can only do that if you are honest with me."
Q. Do your hands get tired?
A. "Not as much as you would think." Steve says his entire body gets sore from doing massages. His hands are what touch you but he uses his entire body to do the many techniques he performs every day on his clients. When he was in massage therapy school, he learned proper mechanics to protect his body and avoid injuries.
Q. What if a client falls asleep, drools, or snores during the massage?
A. "It happens, 100%! I’ve been drooled on, stepped on drool, people snore themselves awake. A lot of people fall asleep. Don’t be embarrassed. It's the greatest form of compliment for us."
Steve Clark is a licensed massage therapist in Maryland and has been working in the field since 2012. His work in chiropractic and physical therapy offices has given Steve a deep understanding of how the body works but also how to tailor a massage to fit the clients individual needs. Steve spent a few years working at a large spa, where he learned to give very relaxing massages. He started blending the techniques of therapeutic and relaxing massage together to give his clients the best of both. Steve says, "I feel you get a better therapeutic benefit when you, and your body are able to really relax and receive the work."
Contact Steve and tell him Macaroni KID sent you!
New clients get 20% off your first visit.
443-534-3092
I received massages in exchange for this interview. All opinions are 100% my own.
