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Archives for April 2019

Apr 24 2019

Pain Management and Reflexology

Although many people are aware of the relief massage therapy offers musculoskeletal pain, many folks are surprised to learn of the long history that reflexology enjoys in this area. Some people even think that reflexology holds an advantage over massage in addressing pain disorders, because reflexology can address both pathological and non-pathological musculoskeletal pain, while massage addresses only the latter.

In North America, reflexology’s association with pain management began in the early 1900s, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “father of modern reflexology”, introduced zone therapy into his medical practice. Dr. Fitzgerald successfully used reflexology to anesthetize his patients for nose and throat surgeries. One of Dr. Fitzgerald’s many research findings showed that “when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was also generally relieved”.

In my reflexology practice I can think of countless times that my services resulted in long-term relief of both somatic and visceral pain: headaches, low back pain, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, and menstrual cramps, to name a few.

In my own life, I can recall many occasions as well. One, in particular, stands out, when I had driven out-of-town to teach a weekend workshop. Rather suddenly I found myself with an excruciating toothache. During the workshop, I worked constantly on the teeth reflexes on my hands and was able to reduce my #9 pain to a bearable #2, until such time I could get home to have it attended to. All of that without any medication!

Some economists believe pain management to be recession-proof. That makes sense. People In pain will go to any length to find relief from their discomfort. They will look high and low for someone who can provide hope, answers and a plan that can restore function and ease. No matter the cost.

Those same economic researchers tell us that manual therapy is the fastest growing segment of the service industries, and especially now that we have recognized the dangers of using opioid drugs to alleviate pain.

If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time you joined those of us who have dedicated our lives to helping others live a life of quality? The true reward for a reflexologist is having happy clients return to say they are living pain-free.  Success like that is both gratifying and lucrative for any manual therapist.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification, Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, Thai Foot Reflexology · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Thai reflexology, Certification, Hand reflexology

Apr 17 2019

Stand Out! Stand Out More!

Okay, you’re a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist. Now what? How are you going to stand out in an ever-increasing crowd of other well-intentioned clones?

STAND OUT In the Crowd!

If you’re a certified reflexologist, here are a couple of smart moves:

* Get Board-certified. This is the highest credential a reflexologist can hold.

That designation really shows your seriousness; your commitment to the field and the high standards set for its certificants.

In the US, the only independent, non-profit national testing agency is the American Reflexology Certification Board. In Canada, the organization testing and registering qualified professional practitioners is the non-profit Reflexology Association of Canada.

* Join Your National and State Professional Associations. Because members of a professional Association must adhere to a high standard of ethics and business practices, the public perceives those individuals as more trustworthy and upstanding. Another way to STAND OUT and attract more clients.

Reflexology Association of America (national and state listings)

Reflexology Association of Canada

* Specialize Your Practice.  There are many avenues to take here.

You may be drawn to a particular model of reflexology, such as Pre-natal and Pregnancy, Cranio-Sacral, Structural Reflexology®  or  Traditional Thai Reflexology.

Or you may wish to work with a specific population, such as those living with headaches, chronic foot pain, or PTSD.

The options are numerous. Pick one. STAND OUT in the crowd!

So, I can’t move on here without letting you know of opportunities to study some of those listed above!

If you want to learn all you need to learn to add Traditional Thai Reflexology to your toolbox, or if How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain is more up your alley,  check out the upcoming classes.

STAND OUT More!

I have to admit that I am surprised when I run into therapists today who haven’t implemented these two simple operations. In this day and age of convenience and technology, they should be part of everyone’s business model. If you haven’t already, do so – Stand Out More!

* Online Booking. This is a must. I am always tickled when I wake up to find that someone booked my last open appointment that day sometime late the night before (while I was fast asleep). Make it easy for people to book with you whenever the thought crosses their mind. Stop playing telephone tag.

There are plenty of apps out there. I checked out a few and settled with Schedulicity. It’s easy to navigate and set-up, and even easier for clients to book or change appointments. Clients receive automated, customized messages confirming appointments as well as a reminder(s) prior to appointments.

* Accept Credit/Debit Cards. Many people do not carry cash or use cheques anymore. Don’t lose business by not offering the option of using plastic.  I like Square. People know it. It can be customized with a menu and more and is very easy to use. No monthly fees; you pay a small percentage for each sale. The money is in my bank account the next day.

There are, of course, many other ways you can stand out. What sets you apart in your field?

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business · Tagged: Marketing, Business

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