Do clothes make the person or does the person make the clothes? Perhaps it can be a bit of both. Our experts agree that with many massage therapists accepting insurance, growing a referral business with other health care providers, and having advanced certifications in medical massage and other modalities, it is time to raise the bar to a new standard of professionalism, one that starts with the first impression.
“A professional appearance helps underscore your authority, gives clients more confidence in your skills, and strengthens the client’s perception of your service value,” says Melinda Hastings, BCTMB, MTI, owner of Inspired Therapist Seminars. “When you dress professionally, you are showing you take your profession and business seriously.”
Before a client steps into your treatment room, they have already formed an idea about you based on what they have seen and read on your business Facebook page or website, Hastings explains. Clients want to feel they can trust their massage therapist to help them with their health concerns. This solidifies their relationship with you and can also help grow it with referral business.
“Once they meet us, that is giving them a solid idea of what the service they are going to receive is worth. I think it is really important for massage therapists, especially those in a premium price point, to look that professional part,” she adds.
Professional attire gives a client an impression of authority and confidence in the therapist and also leaves them with a lasting impression of the industry.
“It was not long ago that people didn’t respect our industry the way they are starting to, and we have to continue that uphill battle showing it is a valued service and what we are doing is important,” says Noel Asmar, president and CEO of Noel Asmar Uniforms.
Professional attire is helpful in raising the bar of professionalism within the industry, says Jason Erickson, BCTMB, CPT, and is part of a list that also includes high-quality education, strong regulation, and enforcement of legal and ethical standards.
“Professional attire is important for setting boundaries, expectations and reinforcing the desired image of the business,” he says. “Depending on the business, this can take many different forms. For some, very conservative uniforms might work best, while others may be better with rough guidelines or a structured dress code for employees and partners to follow when at work.”
You Have Many Choices
Simple changes to attire can go a long way. These are suggestions from our experts:
• Wear a branded shirt or a uniform that reflects your brand’s colors. Wearing a branded shirt or uniform as opposed to street clothes to work shows you are showing up for the client, says Asmar. Polos are inexpensive, but you may end up purchasing more of them by year’s end. Asmar recommends a good-quality tunic that can sustain the wear and tear of the treatment room. Look for fade-resistant, stretchy, breathable materials that allow you to move and stretch, made of fabrics that can sustain the oils used. “Look for clothing that works with you not against you while you are conducting your treatments,” she adds.
• Consider layering a professional apron or branded tunic over a t-shirt if you tend to sweat and need versatility. “Therapists can greet their guests wearing the tunic and to get them settled,” says Asmar. When the therapist is outside of the session room—to avoid an unzippering sound—they can take off the tunic and do the treatment in a T-shirt. Then, once they are done, they can put on the tunic and walk the guest to the front desk area.
Courtesy of Noel Asmar
• Closed-toe shoes are especially important because it’s what clients see when they are prone. “You wouldn’t see your doctor wearing open toe shoes or barefoot,” says Hastings. “We have to look the part.”
• Avoid anything sexually suggestive, particularly front or back cleavage, and no exposed midriff. Wear a well-fitted uniform and avoid clothing that is sleeveless or falls above the knee.
• Maintain clean, neatly trimmed fingernails; avoid wearing jewelry; and tie hair back to avoid it coming into contact with your client.
• Uniforms add a layer of protection between work and home during COVID. “A uniform allows massage therapists to take it off at the end of the day and change into their street clothes, so when they enter their home at the end of the day they feel safe, says Asmar. “Uniforms can be laundered at work or home.”
Dress Better, Feel Better
“What you’re going to wear is one of the first things you think about in the morning,” says Asmar. “If you like your uniform, you feel good. If you don’t like your uniform, it’s like a bad hair day and it affects your day,”
Uniforms may be the way to go for businesses or sole proprietors who want to maintain consistency, but may not be suitable for all therapists. There are ways massage therapists can maintain their individuality by wearing brand colors, a name tag or clothing with their company logo on it, says Hastings.
Another important thing is for clothing to bring out your best attitude. “When massage therapists feel good about themselves and look professional, they provide a better service to the client,” Asmar says. “They tend to stand up straighter and have better body language overall. It also sets the tone for the service level the client will expect.”
The results of presenting a more professional appearance are many, and may include an improved response from clients, the potential to charge more premium rates, and an increase in personal confidence that will improve the enjoyment of your work.
About the Author
Aiyana Fraley, LMT, is a freelance writer and health care professional with more than 18 years of experience in the massage field. She teaches yoga and offers sessions in massage, Reiki, sound healing and essential oils. Her articles for massagemag.com include “The Massage Therapist’s Guide to Assisted Stretching Techniques” and “Yoga Nidra for Self-Care.”
Source link