I wrote a book! It's called "Massage Is Weird"
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- Read more (with a long preview!) here: massagesloth.com/book
Who is this book for? It’s for new massage therapists who are still trying to find their place in the massage world. Do you need to work for someone and give up 75% of your income for the first 5 years, or can you skip to the part where you’re paid what you’re worth? Is wrist pain and thumb pain a necessary part of the process, or can you skip that too? Why is pain so mysterious, and why aren’t you producing all those massage miracles that you see the gurus talk about?
It’s for long-time massage therapists too. Maybe you’re feeling stuck working for a terrible boss, or stuck in a routine that isn’t working for you. We’ll talk about how to branch out as a bodyworker and take those first steps toward a sustainable, satisfying business. We’ll face burnout head-on, putting out the little fires created by a chaotic work environment as well as tackling the big heavy blanket of disillusionment. You can recapture the magic of massage, and it can be easy and freeing.
It’s for my fellow anxious types and introverts. Massage is weird, and it can be a lot to handle when you get easily overwhelmed by thoughts of intimacy and difficult conversations. We’ll work through it together. We’ll talk about setting and enforcing boundaries, and what happens when they get fuzzy. I’ll walk you through an ideal first appointment with a new client, from the moment they walk in to easy re-booking. We’ll talk about creeper-proofing your practice, as well as simple, low-stress ways to rid your schedule of clients who are a poor fit.
If you’re a massage therapist or student, I think you’ll find something worthwhile here. Let me know what you think!
0:00 Introduction
0:18 What the book is about
0:50 Is it possible to suck at massage?
1:49 Other fears: Deep tissue, the mystery of pain, and creepers
2:57 Beating burnout - Jak na to + styl
![Self-massage for TMJ/jaw pain [myofascial release]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DZ-IfNIPFXM/mqdefault.jpg)
Ian my good sir, if this was on audiobook with your voice I would listen to it all day. Definitely something to consider since you have a super soothing voice. Love all your work you do for this profession!
I second this.
I hope to make this a reality! There are a lot of moving parts to making an audiobook, but I'm hoping to have it figured out within the year. Thank you!
I am not one to sit with a physical book. I’d love to grab this as an audiobook!
@@MassageSloth nnm
I agree, fantastic voice ❤
The BEST book about massage that I've ever read. Wish I had access to it when I started in 2002! I would have prevented alot of angst, burnouts and a whole lot of other misconceptions. This book is a MUST for every massage school, massage student and therapists. Thanks Ian for all that you share and all that you are. You are an A1 therapist and humorous human-being. Love it when I laugh whilst reading your book.
Thank you so much, Natalie!
Bought it based on this comment! Just started and it is great already, thanks for the tip!
Oh, and you are famous within my classroom. EVERY ONE of the students know the Massage Sloth, and even my instructor says she has your book in digital form. You are indeed the Bob Ross of Massage Therapy. I can’t wait for more videos from you! Cheers, my brother!
I love this book Ian! I am putting in a vote for an audiobook version!
100% and I hope the author does the voice recording for the audiobook.
Did this ever happen? Before I buy the book, can I purchase an audio version?
As a current massage student, I have experienced the significant difference between academic studies and clinic practicum. Your book has done a fantastic job of creating a bridge between them. I find myself consistently referring to your videos when a particular condition arises in practice. Thank you, Ian, for sharing your knowledge, insight and wisdom.
Thanks so much, Joe!
Bought it, inhaled it in three days, and I LOVE it. You are such a calming presence! Your words soothed my anxious soul and took away some of the pressure I was putting upon myself to be everything and deliver an objectively PERFECT massage every time. 😅 I'll be chanting "massage is pizza!" internally for the foreseeable future.
I especially appreciated the chapter about business, written not by a business major or expert, but by someone who went through all the initial awkward stuff and came out successful on the other side.
Darren you're gonna make me cry 😭 This is a lovely review, thank you!
@@MassageSloth😭😭😭 hold up let me put that on my resume real quick!! "Made Ian 'Massage Sloth' Harvey cry..." 😂
Love, love, love the preview! 22 years in, and I still adore being a massage practitioner! Every word of the preview resonates with me! Off to buy the book now. Thank you Ian!
Ha!!! Massage IS weird!! Congrats!! I'll have to buy a copy. Thanks for all your wonderful videos, they've helped me tremendously to help others. I've only been an LMT for 3 years and I'm 54, but I found my passion.
April Mason, I can highly recommend it! 52 here, and recently licensed new grad.
@@emiliemiller4429 nice!!!!
Hey, I’m 51 and only have 7 weeks of school left before I go and take the MBLEX!!
I started massage school a month ago, making a career change from economic consulting. I just read the preview chapters of your book and immediately ordered it. I suffered from imposter syndrome in my last job, and anxiety and burnout are ever present specters. Just the reassurance that kindness and commitment to improving are enough is what I need to hear. So thanks for that- I'll definitely check out your channel.
Yes! The imposter syndrome I felt in this field was very much present in my other jobs (and school, etc), and I found that massage was actually a useful place to break that cycle. Once you realize massage is pizza, and all pizza is good pizza, it becomes easier to set those worries aside. For the most part. 🙂 Congrats on your new journey! Oh, and if you'd like a place to ask questions and vent, join us on the forum - search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook.
Ian, I've been a massage therapist for 35 years (1989 grad) and I want to tell you how much I enjoy your videos and how evident it is to me that you are a great therapist. I've learned some very useful new approaches to issues and found confirmation of things i've been doing for years here on your channel. Gonna check out your book. Thanks!
That means a lot to me, Chad, thank you!
Just ordered my copy and already feel so good about it. I appreciate your videos immensely.. your insight, your truth, your openness in sharing not just techniques but also the reality of what we may experience mentally as a therapist in such an empathetic, energetic practice. It has helped to ground me more times than you could know. My gratitude is bottomless. Thank you 🙏
Chelsea please 😭 everyone's being so nice to me and I don't know how to handle it. Thank you 🙏
Just ordered it on Amazon! So looking forward to reading it!
Just started it! Loving it so far. Love the breakdown of sections, how you write. Thank you for this book!
I received your book from Amazon about a week ago, and I absolutely love it! I am a massage therapist student with about 11 weeks ago, and your videos and Book are giving me a wider perspective about my passion and future career.
This book should be required reading in massage schools! I wish it was around for me back then, but even as a therapist with 7 years in the profession I got a lot of value from it. I'm reading it at a time in my career where I'm drawing the same conclusions as you about our work and honestly it made me reconsider private practice again in the near future.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to write this and uplift a somewhat burned out franchise therapist like me :)
Thank you, Ian, from a fellow introvert, a newly licensed LMT, and - gulp! - a newbie in the self-employed massage business! I'll be opening next month. I LOVE this book so far (and I predict all the way through!) It is inspirational and so full of good, common sense.
Thanks Emilie, and congrats on your impending grand opening!
You wrote a book! I'm so proud of you! Your knowledge and videos have been super helpful to me, so I'll be happy to buy it and support your awesomeness :) Congratulations!
I just ordered a copy. You have been helping me throughout my massage career and i look forward to sharing your book with my colleagues!
Gratitude and awe runs my veins when reading your book! Thank you so much Ian - you are impacting across the Atlantic - I feel the rapport .... to you Ian.
Loved the preview. I'm not a massage therapist, just a fan of your videos. HOWEVER, my cousin is currently in Massage School and I'm gonna get the book for her.
Thanks man. I like your style of videos and the way you write. Good sh*t my man.
I'm not a massage therapist - I just found your videos & I find your theories & voice so soothing 😊 I would definitely listen to you read books.
Got it and on it. I'm an LMT based in PA and have now been practicing for 2 years. Your videos have provided alot of help, information and structure for how I do self care and improve on my massage technique. I can't wait to learn even more through your book. Huge fan. Thank you
I bought two copies of this book, one for me and one to share with coworkers. It is great. (LMT, kent, Washington)
Sending so much gratitude to you for the book and this channel. Thank you for all of your work. This is wonderful.
Thank YOU Andrea! 😊
I just ordered your book I am so excited, as a new massage therapist 1 year in myself you have helped me tremendously in so many ways . Thank you massage sloth I struggle with burnout and intrusive thoughts often and when I watch your videos I learn so many new techniques, learn more about anatomy and I feel more confident from that. Thank you for everything you do and keep sharing your passion with us !
Thank you so much, Mandy, and I'm glad to have been of help! 🙏
Wow, I've only read part of the preview of the book so far and it is amazing! I feel like this is the kind of information I most needed and wanted when I was in massage school, but didn't get. I believe if I had gotten this kind of perspective, I wouldn't have gotten injured and beyond burnt out. I have a feeling this book might be able to inspire me to finally get back to massage from a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable place. Up to now, I'd basically written off that possibility. Thank you for rekindling that hope!
I love that so much of what I've read thus far is applicable not just to massage, but also a helpful way to approach life and connections with others. Transformative and fun to read! Excellent work!
Heather, this is so kind, and just know this: Even if you never get back into massage as a business, you'll always be a massage therapist. You still have all the superpowers, all the knowledge, and the skilled hands. If you'd like to strategize about getting back into the biz after reading the book, just shoot me an email and we can brainstorm!
Just purchased! Thank you!
Just bought your book and I'm loving it! It is how I found your You Tube channel, thanks again 😊
My husband bought me this book and little did he know that I've been watching Massage Sloth's videos throughout my last few semesters of massage school. This book is super informative and fun to read! Thank you Ian for addressing all those issues that many don't have a solution for sometimes.
This book made a huge impact on me; I cried reading it at multiple points because it made me feel so validated and understood- everything from feeling sometimes like I didn’t do a “good enough job,” to feeling incompetent when it comes to starting my own business, to thinking of the ways I should be cross-training for my job to avoid injuries long-term. Thank you for everything you do, Ian! I use your neck/pec myofascial spreading technique often and clients love it
Agh Samantha, now you're gonna make me cry! Thank you so much. I'm glad my book is out there doing good work 🙂
Ian!! I’m a young massage therapist who just recently has been thrown into massage therapy work (by choice of course) and this book is AMAZING. There were a lot of things I’ve been concerned about as a new massage therapist and I’m really finding chapter 4 the best read so far. I feel like my concerns and scares regarding massage therapy as a whole are being completely understood by you and slowly being disarmed so they no longer can control me as much as they did.
Ian you are amazing and truely a lifesaver. It’s currently my birthday and I CANNOT put this book down. I’m so glad I have purchased it, this is a definite must read for all new or old massage therapists. Thankyou Ian from the bottom of my heart. I hope your day is well.
Such a great book. I just finished it this morning. So grounding. I will reread this book often. Thank you so much.
I’ve been an LMT for 7 years and have been following you for a while. Very excited for this 🙂✨
Just ordered my own book from Amazon 🙌🏽 I have major upper cross syndrome and LBP because of massage and “putting my all” into my work and sessions. I’ll definitely come back and leave a review 🤗
I just purchased your book this afternoon on Kindle so I could start reading it right away. I'm glad I did! I already can't put it down. Thank you so much for writing such a book about real massage struggles and misconceptions. I've read other books that were supposed to help with burn out but they didn't really help because they were unrelatable. I can not wait to finish. Thank you Thank you thank you
Thank you so much, Jenna! And I'm glad it hits home ☺
It's so wonderful!!!!! I've never felt so seen/heard!!
Hi Ian! I just got you book and I am enjoying the reading so much! Thank you!
Merci Ian ! Je vous suis depuis Paris, France et apprécie beaucoup vos vidéos et votre manière d’aborder les massages 🙏
Yay! Thank you for writing a book! I've watched your videos since graduating massage school in 2014. They've helped me to be comfortable and confident about my work at the start of my second career. I'm ordering two copies because I want my friend to have one too.
And the beard is fantastic. :-)
Thank you so much, Bill! On both accounts 😁
This book is a huge gift to the massage community. It deserves to be widely read and reread and studied. Bless you, Ian!
I just got this, am only a few pages in but already loving it and can tell I'm going to feel the same about the rest of it. The bit about impostor syndrome was really insightful and made me think about it in a different way! Thanks so much ❤
Love your book. Especially the burn out section. Really helpful
Great book, finally saying what others are too afraid too. Thank you for honesty!
Just about to order! Only because I think you're a good guy and I wanna support the good ones. Super excited to see what's inside
I’m a new therapist, I’ve been practicing for about 6 months. This book has been so so so helpful and valuable for me. I’ve had a lot of moments so far where I’ve felt overwhelmed and anxious about being a massage therapist. This book is helping me through that and has made me feel so much more confident as I work with more clients.
Brilliant..thank you Ian. Love your videos... i learned so much by watching you over lockdown... i recommended your channel to all my massage students... and now i can share your book! Xx
Thanks so much!
Yay this is so great! Adding it to my "to be read" pile! ❤ being am lmt for 9 years now, and I still have these intrusive thoughts and anxieties lol So looking forward to reading this
Yeah, I've been reading it. Maria recommended it a while back and I clicked on it so fast that it came the next day. It's a great book. I'm a slow reader and like to digest everything slowly too. I can easily imagine an audiobook read by you. In fact, since we know your voice, you're the one reading it to me in my head anyway... really slowly.
Thanks 🌟
Thank you, Ron! And I am considering a self-narrated audio book... but yeah, just let the Ian in your head read it and it's the same deal 😁
I am newly licensed, only been working for a month and a half and I am definitely going to be reading this asap! I’ve struggled with a couple of things you’ve mentioned (thinking I suck at massage or that I can’t effectively give a deep tissue massage) it helps to know I’m not the only one :) can’t wait to read!
Been following you for years, I'll definitely be checking out this book!
I just ordered my copy and cannot wait for it to arrive! Love your work Ian. Thanks.
I just ordered your book and look forward to reading it. I'm halfway through massage therapy school and just started in the student clinic a couple weeks ago. I definitely struggling with those feelings if I'm giving a good massage or feeling bad that my palpation skills are not very good, but I know I'm still learning. Learning is lifelong. I love massage therapy. It brought back the spark I lost in my current profession.
I remember those early clinic days. I was... overwhelmed to say the least. Just know that it all gets easier: The communication, the palpation, the flow, everything. Keep at it, I'm certain you're doing great!
Love this book! So helpful - Thank you
Thank you Sir...I really enjoy your video...
Wow I subscribed to you many years ago, but stopped getting notifications after a while for whatever reason. This just popped up in my feed out of the blue, but congratulations on the book I might just add it to my list.
Omg it’s like you’re reading my mind!!! I gotta get this book lol I watch all your videos you’re my favorite.
Wow - did you write this book just for me?!? Thought I was the only one to feel this way! I love your videos and your sense of humour, and cannot wait to get a copy of your book as I know it will help me tremendously, as well as entertain. Many Congratulations to you and the beard! Keep up the great work. Lots of love x
Thank you, Jo!
Excited to read it! I'm just starting my path as an LMT. Your videos are a great resource, no doubt the book will be too
I'm definitely getting this!!! I am an LMT myself and am beyond grateful for all of the tips and knowledge you have shared with the world. You made me feel confident enough to massage when I first started. Because when you don't have your massage instructors anymore, it can feel terrifying when you start your real first job. So thank you, and can't wait to read it!! :)
Absolutely, Kiara! I remember those first weeks on my own as a massage therapist as being... uniquely overwhelming 😵
Just found your channel and love it! This will be a pickup soon
Bought it my Friend. Starting to read it now. Thank you 🙏🍀💛
Wow congratulations on your book. I will look for it. I really love your channel
That is valuable, I'll buy it . Thank you for your lessons. I am from Brazil.
I received the book 3 days ago and already finished reading it ! This is the best book ever !
Awesome gift for my niece thank you !
As a new therapist, I am definitely purchasing it…btw I am a huge admirer and look at your videos on a daily basis ✨👌🏽 thank you soo much for helping me along my journey 🙏🏼
Glad to have helped!
Hi Ian☺️
I just received my book right now! So excited to read it!😃🙏✨
This book has seriously helped me in every way possible- I put off going self employed as a MT for so long as was so full of doubt - am I good enough, will I get enough clients etc etc . Your book has given me the confidence to fully push forward with being my own boss. Ian I cannot thank you enough x
That's awesome, Vicki! If you've got Facebook, search for "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" on there and join us on the forum, I'd love it if you'd post there about your journey.
I love your content and can't wait to read the book. I really like the title of the first chapter🔥💥💪
So excited to buy this book… right NOW
Excellent book!!! Highly recommend it. I think every massage therapist should read it.
This is awesome! Congratulations, Ian! Can’t wait to pick up a copy. 😃🤩🥳🔥🥂🍾
I’m reading it, super fun and well written :)
First Chapter "I suck at massage" im sold haha
best book and yes you do deserve to write a book a great book at that!
Yep, I have bought this and also recommended it to my fellow students in my (very basic) massage course, entry level, her in Kent, England. It’s is EXTREMELY helpful to me as newbies and it is a book that is for massage therapists whatever their level. Thank you Ian.
That's so kind of you!
Happy for you!
I love it already😌 youre speaking truth!
“Massage Is Weird” is a book that I will be recommending to fellow massage therapists for a very long time. In fact, I am dropping this book off for a coworker to read this week. It explains what massage therapy is and isn’t through Massage Sloth’s lens .Thank you for this perspective!!
Much appreciated! 🙏
Hi Ian! I am so excited to get the book and love your attitude and style! :) Thanks in advance haha!
Much appreciated, Khyra!
Reading this book now and am Absolutely loving it! Thank you so much Ian.
Awesome, I hope you love it!
That is so true about the weird insecurities we can have as massage therapist, even after many years of practice . Truth to be said however , but I know we don’t want to hear it, not everyone is gonna like our treatments just like we don’t like all the massages we received . However , one single person opinion (in case they actually did not like the massage) doesn’t determine our worth either. You are so very interesting and inspiring, love the humorous title of your book (and congrats), it’s so unpretentious. Yes, I am getting your book today!
I have started reading the book and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for shining your healing light and helping others do the same.
As a massage therapist myself I find it both very therapeutic and practical. Came my way just when I started my career to ease some of that pressure 🙏.
Almost feels like a private therapy session with someone who is also a massage therapist and knows the drill. Not only is your book so reassuring & thorough but it is also super fun to read. Love your sense of humor.
Keep it up Ian!
Ioana this is such a kind review, thank you 😭🙏
@@MassageSloth With all my heart!
Congrats Ian!!! I'm so excited I am ordering one for me and each of my massage students!
Thanks so much, Sarah!
Omg amazing!! Will grab one ASAP!
Can’t wait to read it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hello Ian!
I bought your book as soon as I learned it was available! I love it! I’m a Canadian RMT and I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
I enjoy your you CZcams videos immensely, and have learned so much from you over the past 3.5 years of watching.
Please continue bringing us your amazing content!
Sonja Doyle
RMT
Thank you so much, Sonja!
Omggggg I’ve been waiting for this 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 You’re the best
I got your book today and was sold from the word pizza 😋☺ I'm looking forward to the next chapters, it feels like a great read and exactly what I needed!
Thank you, Marie!
Wow congrats!!! I will recommend to everyone. Ian a questions from a nervous system perspective and chronic pain etc why is that some people feel so sensitive to touch and others want extremely deep massages?
Just ordered my copy 🎉
Can't wait to give it a read. Thank you Ian. :-)
I bought it, I'm halfway through it, I'm loving it, thank you Ian 😊
So glad to hear, Karin! 🙏
Congratulations, Ian!
Thank you. Looking forward to reading your words
Just ordered! Sounds fabulous and hilarious. I'm looking forward to the part about annoying clients lol
Thank you so much for acknowledging how lots of us do feel in our profession. It wasn't until I worked with a mentor that I stated I felt like a fraud and she said many of us do. I knew I was helping most but not all and that made me feel guilty about my skills, my educations, doubt my self etc... honestly, I still have moments like this but I remind myself that I don't have all the information/answers and I CAN'T "FIX" anyone. It's a process but I CAN help!🤲💗
Darn right! And yeah, I'd say this is so prevalent as to be the rule rather than the exception. I'm glad you met your mentor, and that you're in the massage world!
This is so exciting! Congratulations 🎉
I bought it! It’s great!
I'm definitely thinking about getting it