Dylan Crake RMT & R.KIN

Intention versus outcome. They can be different, they can be the same. This can be applied to massage therapy treatments, or to the year 2020. The possibilities are endless! But, what exactly am I getting at?

Let’s use the year 2020 as an example. As soon as the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2020, the majority of people,I’m sure, had the intention of having the best year possible. Making numerous plans, thinking about vacations, weddings, family events and so on. BUT, for the most part, that stuff didn’t happen. Therefore, we had a different outcome of the year so far, than we intended. And you know what, THAT’S OKAY!

So if there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s to go into a massage treatment with an open mind. You’re intentions for the treatment may be relief of pain, elimination in muscle knots or decrease in muscle spasms. However, the outcome may be relaxation, slight relief in pain and a decrease in muscle knots.

Just because the intention of the treatment doesn’t match the outcome of the treatment, it does not mean it was a failure of a treatment. I say this more as a therapist than a client. Sometimes when you don’t “fix” someone right away it can suck. Rome wasn’t built in a day though.

This is why it’s also important for the therapist to let the client know that they most likely won’t feel 100 % better after one treatment, but you can guarantee they’ll leave somewhat relaxed.

What I’m getting at is it’s important for that Therapist- Client communication. We, as Therapists have to let our clients know they most likely won’t be back to 100 % after one treatment. And clients, have to understand that any sort of relief is a positive thing. Oh, and doing your exercises that are given to you usually help too ;).

So, I would say go into your massage treatment like it’s January 1st 2020, and leave like it’s December 31s 2020, but honestly. That does NOT sound relaxing. Therefore, how about this. Client’s go into a a treatment with an open mind. Therapists, go into a treatment with a smaller ego and the willingness to help as much as you can.

Take care,