What do you specialize in?

[athletica]

I echo the same thoughts as many previous posters. I don't consider myself a specialist. I don't think one approach will be the best for each patient.
I love assessment if that is considered a technique. I love working with patients that have longstanding issues.

[Calippo]

I am a clinical myotherapist in Australia, and currently work in a Mental Health specialty (using many types of bodywork to create somato-emotional release and psychological change through stimulation of biochemical response mechanisms and reduction of pain reporting).

Within my wider practice my specialty is Myofascial Dry-Needling (I am Australian and her we can practice MDN).. I worked very successfully in Women's Health and Paediatrics with this modality, making significant changes to pelvic functions, continence, etc..

In relation to being 'a specialist', it actually makes very good business sense to focus on one area and become highly proficient and 'known' for your work in that area. By being a generalist you will see variety, however people get an 'I can get this type of treatment anywhere' attitude.. So MANY practitioners struggle to make ends meet and that is because they do not have a focus. To be the best practitioner you could be, it pays both financially and professionally to choose an area you are passionate about and learn everything you can about it. From there you will know without a doubt that you are doing justice for your patients AND you can use it as a way to increase income through patient numbers, allied and medical professional referrals, etc. I used to be a generalist, but trust me, now I am more specialised I feel happier, vastly more knowledgable and experienced, and I have medical doctors, DO's, DC's and physical therapists referring to me for my high level diagnostics (I pick things up that they do not)...

[athletica]

In relation to being 'a specialist', it actually makes very good business sense to focus on one area and become highly proficient and 'known' for your work in that area. By being a generalist you will see variety, however people get an 'I can get this type of treatment anywhere' attitude.. So MANY practitioners struggle to make ends meet and that is because they do not have a focus. To be the best practitioner you could be, it pays both financially and professionally to choose an area you are passionate about and learn everything you can about it. From there you will know without a doubt that you are doing justice for your patients AND you can use it as a way to increase income through patient numbers, allied and medical professional referrals, etc. I used to be a generalist, but trust me, now I am more specialised I feel happier, vastly more knowledgable and experienced, and I have medical doctors, DO's, DC's and physical therapists referring to me for my high level diagnostics (I pick things up that they do not)...[/quote]

Makes perfect sense.

I know when I opened up a "sports massage therapy" clinic I was terrified the market was too small. Within that umbrella of "sports massage" I have therapists that specialize in certain techniques and areas of the body. We have our therapists that are good with shoulders, knees, etc.

My problem is when a therapist likes a certain discipline they tend to not think outside the box. I think it's sometime dangerous when your the myofascial therapist, ART therapist, manipulation therapist. Much better to be the foot specialist, shoulder specialist, etc.

[Elliemare]

So MANY practitioners struggle to make ends meet and that is because they do not have a focus. To be the best practitioner you could be, it pays both financially and professionally to choose an area you are passionate about and learn everything you can about it.

I'm beginning to agree with that. I've been a generalist for too long. Frankly I'm tired and bored with it and think that my lack of focus has a lot to do with my feelings of burnout. I'm trying to find a focus and a specialty, I just haven't quite found it yet! I do plan on becoming a specialist in something though, its time.

[roeret]

I can an do loosen all muscle tensions and then you can call it what you want!

martin rørdam, (Denmark)

[holley]

Massage celebrants wherever and whenever, believing that our reach is extended through those we touch, inexorably enriching humanity.

[MzTamesha]

I graduate in December. I want to specialize in Thia Massage And Massage on Kids with Disabilities...

[sportmassage]

I am trying to specialize in injury care and improving performance in athletes. I would like eventually for the majority of my clients to be strength sport athletes.

[JasonE]

I have been known for having several "specialties". As my practice has changed, so has my reputation.

When I first started practicing, I was known as the guy who could go "deeper" than most other MTs, and my trigger point work was both feared and popular.

Since then, I've learned a lot and the way I practice is very different. Since I work with a variety of client types, I emphasize different skill sets depending upon who I am interacting with. Here are some of the different things I am "known" for, depending upon who you ask.

Active Isolated Stretching
Sports Massage
Orthopedic Massage
Positional Release
"Deep Tissue"
"Medical Massage"

Now I am becoming known as a practitioner of Dermoneuromodulation (DNM). The DNM article published in the May/June 2013 issue of Massage & Bodywork Magazine is good press.

Don't let yourself be defined by the things that other people think define you. Pursue your passion and let your work and reputation change with it.

Right now my passion is pain relief and restoration/improvement of function, no matter who I am working with. I use a variety of skill sets to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. My "specialties" are merely small chunks of my true practice.

[RobertGWellness]

Thai massage specifically. I add trigger point and some other work in depending on what I think people need help with but for body mechanics nothing beats Thai massage.

Namaste,
Robert

http://robertgardnerwellness.com/request/free-intro-thai-massage-workbook/