Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Good day!
I’ve decided to take a chance here and express an opinion that may not be popular with some. Certainly massage therapy is on a bigger stage as our profession enjoys a period of growth and acceptance by the public and health care settings. Many of us are working hard to elevate our profession and our place among other health and wellness providers. The potential for you to succeed has never been greater. Now here’s the rub– are you dressing like the professional that you are?
I’ve been teaching massage therapists for several years in schools; workshops and conferences; eldercare and hospice. What I’ve observed is a huge range of what is considered appropriate dress for professional events and settings. The range looks something like this: sweats and t-shirts with sandles ; shorts and flip flops; dress slacks and jackets; jeans with holes; scrubbs; skirts and dresses. Now don’t get me wrong– I’m definitly in favor of personal style and freedom of choice. What is troubling me is that at this time when our profession has a real chance to be taken seriously, so many of us are dressing like WE don’t take it seriously. Right or wrong, we live in a society where we are sized up by our appearance. If we want to be treated and paid as professionals, we should dress the part.
I’m not advocating a universal dress code for massage therapists– after all, we are individuals. What I’m asking is that you pay attention to how you present yourself to your clients, to the public and to your colleagues. Just take it up a notch or two (or in some cases three or four!). I’ve worked in healthcare for 30 years– that’s a long time to observe how healthcare providers interact with people in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, home care and hospice. I’ve been involved in decisions about what is considered “appropriate” standards of dress in these settings. I’ve learned first hand that it really does impact relationships with clients, employers and co-workers.
So do yourself and our profession a favor—dress for the success you deserve!