Feeling seriously burnt out...

[Elliemare]

I go through this from time to time, where I start to feel like I'm nearing the end of my career (11 years of primarily deep tissue work), then I snap out of it and get a second wind. These feelings of burn out are occurring more frequently these days. Add to that the fact that I really injured my thumb pretty badly about a month ago. It should be healed by now but is only getting worse. Now my "good thumb" is sore from doing all the work for the "bad thumb"!

I was 99.9% sure that I would be training in equine massage this spring (and I've been working on my own horses) to finally begin adding a new facet to my practice, but I am so physically tired and sore that I don't know if more massage is the way to go? I would love to work with animals, but I'm not sure its the best career move?

Now I'm starting to think that perhaps I should look into specializing in a gentler modality? I think I need to find something to spark my passion again as well. I was thinking perhaps MFR or CST? I've had intro courses in both but don't claim to offer either modality as part of my current practice. I feel that both MFR and CST really needs to be a specialty. I know massage therapist that "dabble" in these modalities and I know therapists who specialize in them. The difference in their treatments are worlds apart.

I really think its time for me to consider a plan B. But what? I'm so bummed out right now, and I'm in a lot of pain. I just completed a 90 minute massage and I just want to go to bed. Any advice?

[JLWmassage]

If you are having problems with your hands MFR may not be the way to go. CST maybe a better choice

[Elliemare]

If you are having problems with your hands MFR may not be the way to go. CST maybe a better choice

That's good to know. I was thinking that myself, perhaps MFR is too much like massage??

[riversinger]

Sorry to hear you're going though this - especially with the thumb problem (I am going through a problem myself, having developed a "trigger-finger" thumb issue). Sometimes our bodies send us messages when we've been overdoing, through inflammation, aches & pains, etc. It may be time to change your way of working, or other aspects of your life - such as using anti-inflammatory foods & supplements and taking some time off to lighten your load for awhile.

It may also be that there are some other underlying issues going on if you are continually finding yourself running out of steam. Are you eating & sleeping well?
Are there other stresses going on in your life at this time - or is this perhaps a seasonal depression type of thing? Sometimes when I've been doing to much, or allow myself to split my energy in to many different directions I find I don't have the old get up & go (we won't even mention being over the age of 50).
Sometimes its hormonal imbalances, or thyroid related issues that do that to us as women. A baseline checkup may not be a bad idea, and of course making sure you are getting sessions as needed for yourself too!

Take care & take heart, and keep us posted as to what's happening for you.

[JLWmassage]

If you are having problems with your hands MFR may not be the way to go. CST maybe a better choice

That's good to know. I was thinking that myself, perhaps MFR is too much like massage??

MFR does allow me to get deeper with less effort, but I still use my hands. I don't as a rule apply pressure with my fingers, I find it is too hard to keep the finger joint stable.

We all have those days where we are not ourselves, so I trick I have learned is to play music that has a little bit of a beat to it and I massage to the music. It is like I am dancing while I am giving a massage. I find it to be very energizing

[Elliemare]

I've been dealing with this feeling of burnout for years. It comes and goes, some days its worse than others. I had to just push through the pain and fatigue a few years ago because I was supporting myself and my husband, putting my husband through school to get his doctorate. Now I'm able to work part-time and I still feel this way. Something's gotta change.

I've been to the doctor had a complete physical and bloodwork. The doctor said she's never seen anyone who's not had at least one thing out of whack in their bloodwork... mine was basically "perfect"! I was sent for X-rays to look for arthritis and sent to a physical medicine specialist who prescribed some excercises. Other than that, the doc wanted to give me pain meds and suggested fibromyalgia or some other auto-immune disorder.

I just don't know? Maybe there is something more wrong with me, or maybe I just need something to spark my passion again? Maybe I'm picking up too much of my clients "junk", or maybe I have some of my own that I need to release? My mother thinks I should give up the massage biz and go to dental hygiene school! I can't do that. I think I need to find a plan B, but what?

[riversinger]

Have your hormone levels, adrenals & thyroid double checked, possibly even being tested for Lyme or other related tick borne conditions. Sometimes heavy metals, mold or food allergies can be the culprit behind health problems too, as can general inflammation levels. It sounds similar to what a couple of friends of mine have been through & doctors don't always do those tests, unless you push them to do it. (It may help to get on Bio-Identical hormones & or a natural Thyroid med)

Other than that I would strongly suggest seeing a Chinese Medical Doctor or someone trained in Acupuncture who can accurately read pulses & do their version of diagnostic testing (which are completely different than what our "traditional" Docs are trained to do. Some of this includes looking at the tongue - for its overall shape & color, ridging along the outer edges, etc. plus the pulse diagnosis, and more. The terms they use relate to what is called the 5 element theory - utilizing Wood, Fire, Earth, Water & Metal. Each of these relate to the various organs & the meridian system. They can tell if you have what is known as a deficiency or excess of energy in each area mentioned and help to re-energize & re-balance the system bringing everything back into a state of balance. Some of this may mean shifting your diet as well.

Just to give you some further info on Chinese medical theory:
Lungs & breathing issues relate to the Metal element - the Lung is also supported by Kidney energy. As such someone working toward aiding the function of the respiratory system (for asthma, etc) may not work directly on the Lung energy first as it would overwhelm the patient. But they would work on the Kidney function - partly with things like the herbs & acupuncture but also with black foods such as Black Beans & Black Sesame Seeds,etc. to nourish the Kidneys (which relate to our life force energy & the emotion of fear) Also as an FYI the Kidney energy is also related to Heart functions as well.

For those who seem depleted - especially over a long period of time (as you have indicated) it may take a few or even several treatments to rebuild your energy levels.

As a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, I would likely be working with clearing the pathway we call the Main Central as one of the starting points. In Asian medicine & Martial Arts this would be both the Conception & Governing Vessels - which is a central channel that goes down the front of the body & up the back. Sometimes we find that there is an "energetic block" - which I have often likened to a beaver dam - whether it has been a life long condition since childhood, started out with an injury or other trauma, etc. it basically creates a backing up of the energy, like a stagnant pool of water behind that beaver dam! When this happens at the waist or hipline it means the energy can't descend - so it may become hard to breath correctly or for the heart to have symptoms, or there can be digestive problems, etc. Another area we work to help bring more energy into the body is working with the Spleen, which to us brings in the sunshine - warm healing type of energy & it is also one of the organs we work with to aid the immune system along with the Kidney & Liver.

They are able to pick up things our medical professional cannot do with all their modern tests! I hope I've given you some other ways of looking at what you've been coping with, that you can get some real answers, rather than vague possibilities of what's going on & get your life back!

May your holidays be bright!

[eyesofblue]

Hi Ellie (I'm an Ellie too!)

I think its good to look at everything that's going on overall as people are suggesting in the other replies. and I also have a different suggestion. I'm pretty new to massage. have been working for just over 2 years, I knew pretty quickly that my hands/thumbs were going to be a vulnerable spot and started right off looking for other modalities to add to my basic massage so that I don't use myself up too quickly. I found Rosster, which is not massage... but it is amazing work. It has helped me physically to get on the pain free path and it is adding to my practice. My clients I do Rossiter with are so very excited about the results. I really think it can help your thumbs. As a Rossiter coach you don't use your hands at all. You use your foot to put weight on a person who is usually on the floor on a mat and then you direct them through some intense stretches. check out http://www.therossitersystem.com you can find a coach near you hopefully. I also have some information on it on my blog http://www.musingsonmassage.blogspot.com

anyway, good luck, I hope you find something to get your through this
Ellie

[Elliemare]

Hi Ellie (I'm an Ellie too!)

I think its good to look at everything that's going on overall as people are suggesting in the other replies. and I also have a different suggestion. I'm pretty new to massage. have been working for just over 2 years, I knew pretty quickly that my hands/thumbs were going to be a vulnerable spot and started right off looking for other modalities to add to my basic massage so that I don't use myself up too quickly. I found Rosster, which is not massage... but it is amazing work. It has helped me physically to get on the pain free path and it is adding to my practice. My clients I do Rossiter with are so very excited about the results. I really think it can help your thumbs. As a Rossiter coach you don't use your hands at all. You use your foot to put weight on a person who is usually on the floor on a mat and then you direct them through some intense stretches. check out http://www.therossitersystem.com you can find a coach near you hopefully. I also have some information on it on my blog http://www.musingsonmassage.blogspot.com

anyway, good luck, I hope you find something to get your through this
Ellie

Thanks! I'll definitely look into it. I do think its time to find a gentler modality. If I had to say I've been specializing in anything these past 11 years, its been deep tissue and triggerpoint therapy, so there is no doubt I'm feeling the effects of that type of work.

I welcome any suggestions for alternative modalities... I think I've come to that point in my career that its time for a change. I do think I need to be more diligent about my own self care as well.

[MassageIsMedicine]

Elliemare,
I found myself in same situation as you. I've been working full time for 14 years now. About 3 years ago I was so burnt-out that I seriously considered retirement from massage. Problem was that I couldn't think of any other field where I could make as much money and with mortgage, bills etc. it just wasn't realistic. I had to take some serious stock of my choices. Barring any emotional factors you may be dealing with ,ie, depression and or anxiety which may be affecting your feelings about MT, maybe some of what I did to make changes might help you. For me ,what worked are the following:

~Getting rid of draining clients. I composed a very professional letter of termination that did not give specific reasons but announced that due to changes in my scheduling I would no longer be able to offer massage to you. I gave the ABMP website with instructions on how to use the find a MT option so they could locate another MT. Out of all my clients, I sent the letter to 4 people. It was a huge weight lifted for sure!
~exchanging massage once a week with a MT
~ taking 2 weeks vacation (not necessarily all at once) every year. Even if a 'stay home vaca'
~purchased and used Thumbsavers from Massage Warehouse
~stopped running specials and raised my prices on 60 and 90 minute sessions
Honestly, I felt good for a while and then burn out came back in full force. So, recently, I had to do it all again. Specializing in a particular modality didn't turn out to be realistic for me because too many of my clients want to stick with what they've been receiving for years. I realized I was dreading doing clients towards the end of my day due to physical weariness. That is not fair to clients. Luckily I work with 4 other MT's who are still trying to build their practices which allows me to refer.

~I cut out a day of work from my schedule so now I'm working 4 days with 3 days off. On those 3 days off I do not think about the office at all. It's my downtime.
~I stopped taking new clients so that I can use my 4 days per week to accomodate my regulars.
~I take no more than 4 clients per day
~stopped doing deep tissue work and referred all clients who wanted it to fellow MT's at my ofice.
~plan on stepping away from hands on work in 4 or 5 years and get into teaching massage. This way I'm still in the field I love but giving my hands a break while making a paycheck.
Good luck.

[squash_blsm]

Well, your body is trying to tell you something so tuning it to it rather than ignoring it and trying to push past it would be best.

In my experience a regular allopathic MD will usually not be able to do much for you. An alternative practitioner may be able to give you more insight and help.

This is an excellent discussion and I think a lot of what has been said is valuable.

- I would recommend that you receive treatment from an advanced MFR or CST practitioner. Not to see if you like it - you will - but because I think you are in great need of GOOD body/mind work.
- Generalized inflammation is a possibility as well as adrenal fatigue - but you will be better off treating with alternative means so get yourself to a good practitioner...if you can find an ND who is trained in TCM (traditional chinese medicine) that would be great.
- On the thumb - I don't know if you had images done - but it is reasonable to assume that you have some arthritis - be a detective and see if there is some way that you have been using your thumb that places stress of the affected joint. If you are directly using the thumb for TP work, you need to change that and learn how to use a tool.
I have had great success by using a topical glucosomine/msm cream on my hands and by gently squeezing the joints daily with some general massage - the squeezing sends a signal to the body to produce synovial fluid.
- If you are not excited by your life then that means something has to change. Whether that means changing your practice in general or changing/adding a modality. Surely there must be a seminar that you want to take. New ideas and new techniques will often re-invgorate your practice and passion. If there are things going on in your life other than your work that need changes then look into that. Do you still enjoy your work?

[Elliemare]

While I was working on a client today, something came to me. I feel as though I've been working in a rather "forceful" manner all these years. Trying to push the clients body, rather than coax it into healing itself. Does that make sense? I guess I gravitated toward the deep tissue work in the beginning because that is what most clients wanted. They all had that "no pain, no gain" attitude. Not only has offering that type of therapy been detrimental to me, but I'm not so sure that I agree that its the type of therapy I want to offer to my clients anymore?

A friend came to me a few months ago and told me that she feels the subtler methods are actually more effective and get to the root of the problem rather than just treating a symptom of a deeper issue. A triggerpoint can be manually released, but perhaps the presence of the triggerpoint is just a symptom of a deeper issue? Anyway, its got me thinking about my own body as well as my clients.

I did drop my energy sucking clients a year or two ago, gradually, one at a time. And I've cut back from full-time to part time only seeing half the number of clients I've seen in the past. I still feel like crap.

I was talking to an accupuncturist who also has a farm and gardens and lots of acreage like I do, and we both found it interesting how just one hour with a certain client can be more draining than five or six hours of working in the barn and garden! Its true! Sometimes the gardening and barn work is actually energizing, where one client can just knock me down for several days! This accupuncturist agreed. I can be physically tired after a day of outdoor physical labor, but it seems like massage leaves me more than physically exhausted. I'm emotionally drained and almost depressed. The aches and pains in my body are more than I can bear some times? I can injure myself while working outside and I'm able to just shake it off. I just don't get it?

This is one reason I was considering equine massage. I know its hard on the body, but in different ways. Working with horses energizes me. Being outdoors is invigorating. But, I'm really thinking about totally overhauling my practice and learning gentler methods of therapy. I have to find something that really sparks that passion in me once again?

[MassageIsMedicine]

You make some good key points here. If you can work a full day doing outdoor work and feel invigorated but not energy drained then it's probably not physical inflammation you are battling. Maybe a Qui Gong (I may have slaughtered the spelling on that)therapist would help? I saw one and she taught me techniques on how to protect myself from client energy vamps. It's a work in progress.

Overhauling your focus on your practice sounds like a great plan. By what you are saying it sounds like that is the direction you want to go but haven't taken that leap yet. Maybe try it a couple days a week while keeping up your regular business the other days until you get busy enough to switch over completely. If you live in an area abundant in horses equine massage could work out wonderfully. Where I grew up in Ca. it was very popular and very lucrative. The only classes I'm aware of are T-Touch started by a woman named Tellington I think?? Best of luck. Let me know how it works out.

[Timedess]

I was talking to an accupuncturist who also has a farm and gardens and lots of acreage like I do, and we both found it interesting how just one hour with a certain client can be more draining than five or six hours of working in the barn and garden! Its true! Sometimes the gardening and barn work is actually energizing, where one client can just knock me down for several days! This accupuncturist agreed. I can be physically tired after a day of outdoor physical labor, but it seems like massage leaves me more than physically exhausted. I'm emotionally drained and almost depressed. The aches and pains in my body are more than I can bear some times? I can injure myself while working outside and I'm able to just shake it off. I just don't get it?

You make some good key points here. If you can work a full day doing outdoor work and feel invigorated but not energy drained then it's probably not physical inflammation you are battling. Maybe a Qui Gong (I may have slaughtered the spelling on that)therapist would help? I saw one and she taught me techniques on how to protect myself from client energy vamps. It's a work in progress.

Overhauling your focus on your practice sounds like a great plan. By what you are saying it sounds like that is the direction you want to go but haven't taken that leap yet. Maybe try it a couple days a week while keeping up your regular business the other days until you get busy enough to switch over completely. If you live in an area abundant in horses equine massage could work out wonderfully. Where I grew up in Ca. it was very popular and very lucrative. The only classes I'm aware of are T-Touch started by a woman named Tellington I think?? Best of luck. Let me know how it works out.

We have always been careful to "ground" before seeing any client, but especially those "energy vampires". It makes a difference. Hubby had a real regular, not-really-an-energy-vampire type of client a few months ago. One evening she came in for her appointment, and he had trouble keeping grounded the whole session. That weekend, he was leveled by sickness so bad that we had to close down and cancel some appointments. Since nobody else in our family got sick, I knew it wasn't a "typical" illness. He went back in his mind and realized that that client's situation had been so explosive (she'd been under so much stress at work; her husband even thought to warn Hubby when he was him prior to her appointment, it was that bad). We determined that the sickness came from his session with her. No blame; it certainly wasn't her fault, and she didn't come in "sick", just... filled with ickiness, poor thing. It was strange how Hubby's body/spirit reacted to that session. He is usually great at grounding and shedding junk from his clients. But, we learned a lot from that situation, to be sure.

Now, about the pp's suggestion of Qi Gong (Qigong, Chi Gong): Excellent suggestion! This is what my hubby practices and teaches, and it could indeed be "just the ticket" for you, Elliemare. It would also help you be able to 'ground" even more effectively.

On the equine massage: I highly recommend the school my Hubby went to in Florida. He learned more there in 2 weeks than he did in 5 months of "massage school for people". I can give you more info if you want it. And I am certain that he would be willing to talk to you about the good, the bad, and the ugly of equine massage. Let me know if you want more info!

[Elliemare]

You make some good key points here. If you can work a full day doing outdoor work and feel invigorated but not energy drained then it's probably not physical inflammation you are battling. Maybe a Qui Gong (I may have slaughtered the spelling on that)therapist would help? I saw one and she taught me techniques on how to protect myself from client energy vamps. It's a work in progress.

Thanks for reminding me of that! I just talked to a friend of mine (its like she was reading my mind!) she called me when I was just about to call her. She has had problems for years like I have and she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease. I talked to her about it today and have been thinking that perhaps I'm lyme positive too, but that doesn't explain why I'm mostly drained after working on clients, not from other types of work. So that wouldn't be lyme?

Anyway, my friend gave me some suggestions of things to try in the meantime to start feeling better. She said she didn't start to feel really good and back to normal until she started working on her emotions! She said she feels almost lyme free since dealing with her emotional and spritual issues. Very interesting...

I do know an accupuncturist who also practices and teaches qi gong. I will have to give him a call!

[JLWmassage]

Reiki and or polerity maybe the way to go also. Sounds to m e like you need to have your batteries recharged

[Elliemare]

Okay, I'm really committed to taking better care of myself. I'm arranging an exchange with another talented therapist starting in the new year. I also want to explore some other modalities for myself, but also to see if they might be something I would be interested in persuing some day.

I have a MFR session scheduled next week with a PT who is an advanced MFR therapist. I am starting to think that I'm at the stage of my own healing process where the emotions need to be addressed. I've taken care of myself physically, but something is still missing. A friend of mine said she didn't start to feel better until she began emotional work on herself.

Any suggestions as to other modalities I might want to try out? I'm open to just about anything! I think body-memory, somato emotional release types of work are really what I need right now.

[TouchofGrace]

Good luck, Ellie... hope you find what brings back your love of massage in whatever direction it takes you. I know that since I had to give up my weekly massages (financial reasons), it has really made a difference in my eagerness to work on clients. There are days that I dread the next appt because I am hurting or feel drained of energy. It's bad when you are so happy when a paying client cancels their appt. but I find myself there more often than I like... I need to work on my own self-care as well.

[massageprincess]

I go through this from time to time, where I start to feel like I'm nearing the end of my career (11 years of primarily deep tissue work), then I snap out of it and get a second wind. These feelings of burn out are and I know therapists who specialize in them. The difference in their treatments are worlds apart.

I really think its time for me to consider a plan B. But what? I'm so bummed out right now, and I'm in a lot of pain. I just completed a 90 minute massage and I just want to go to bed. Any advice?

Ellie,
If I might make a suggestion. Do you like to travel and o meet new interesting people without worrying about the business aspects or repeat client?

If so, consider working for a cruise line for awhile. It is terribly ard work but very fun and you do get to see interesting places. I would suggest doing one of the ships that does Europe or Alaska

[JasonE]

If you want to learn a subtler method of providing "deep tissue" relief, study James Waslaski's methods of Orthopedic Massage. The training is fun and you'll learn a TON, plus the methods are pain-free and physically easy on the practitioner.

[Elliemare]

*UPDATE*

Just wanted to update you all on my journey battling burnout, or what I thought was burnout.

I've taken several "rests" only coming back to massage to hit the wall time and time again. Been to numerous doctors only to be told that I'm one of the healthiest people they've seen and there is nothing physically wrong with me. But I could really FEEL there was something wrong, very wrong. Especially when I would have serious bouts of brain fog on a monthly basis that made me feel like I was losing my mind.

Long story short... I have Lyme disease!!! Its a huge relief to have a diagnosis! I'm not crazy, or lazy, I'm full of nasty little spirochetes emitting neurotoxins! It all makes so much sense now!

Anyway, I'm making real progress, actually acting as my own doctor, with some guidance. Doing a combination of the Cowden protocol and Herbs of Light. Fortunately I am already the owner of a Rife Machine, a Beck blood purifier and an FIR sauna. I'm really getting into frequency therapy. I'm making amazingly fast progress. Working long days and still have energy at the end of the day. No more chronic pain!

Dealing with the spiritual/emotional aspects of the illness has been a big part of the process. The neurotoxins have a profound impact on the brain. Fear is connected with Lyme for some reason. Fear has been a big block to healing for me in the past. I'm using AFT (similar to EFT) to deal with a lot of the emotional issues, along with brainwave entrainment/binural beats and more frequency therapy. I even got an imprinting plate to make radionically charged homeopathic remedies!

I feel human again (or for the first time!) I've been at a day spa part-time for almost a year, and I love it there. I'm seeing clients at home too. I've got goals for the future again, and things finally look bright.

Just thought I'd give an update in case anyone else is struggling with similar issues. There is hope!

[JLWmassage]

I am so glad you know what's wrong with you know! And you can be on the mend. Lyme can be a tough road to recover from so good luck.

[pueppi]

... Been to numerous doctors only to be told that I'm one of the healthiest people they've seen and there is nothing physically wrong with me. But I could really FEEL there was something wrong, very wrong. Especially when I would have serious bouts of brain fog on a monthly basis that made me feel like I was losing my mind.

Long story short... I have Lyme disease!!! Its a huge relief to have a diagnosis! I'm not crazy, or lazy, I'm full of nasty little spirochetes emitting neurotoxins! It all makes so much sense now!...

Elliemare,

I am sure you don't mean it to sound this way, but I am confused. It sounds like you gave yourself the diagnosis. Are you open to elaborating on who gave you the *diagnosis*, you or an MD? I don't want to sound funky or something, but since it's hard to know from your post, I thought I might give you this information, in case it wasn't an MD and you still need confirmation.

If it has not been confirmed, this document will give you information on the last page as to information on confirmatory lab testing. http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/lym ... ooklet.pdf

My best in your journey to better health!

[Elliemare]

... Been to numerous doctors only to be told that I'm one of the healthiest people they've seen and there is nothing physically wrong with me. But I could really FEEL there was something wrong, very wrong. Especially when I would have serious bouts of brain fog on a monthly basis that made me feel like I was losing my mind.

Long story short... I have Lyme disease!!! Its a huge relief to have a diagnosis! I'm not crazy, or lazy, I'm full of nasty little spirochetes emitting neurotoxins! It all makes so much sense now!...

Elliemare,

I am sure you don't mean it to sound this way, but I am confused. It sounds like you gave yourself the diagnosis. Are you open to elaborating on who gave you the *diagnosis*, you or an MD? I don't want to sound funky or something, but since it's hard to know from your post, I thought I might give you this information, in case it wasn't an MD and you still need confirmation.

If it has not been confirmed, this document will give you information on the last page as to information on confirmatory lab testing. http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/lym ... ooklet.pdf

My best in your journey to better health!

Yes I was diagnosed by an MD, I did not diagnose myself.


BTW, if anyone needs the information; Igenex labs is the only lab that does really accurate testing, including full co-infection panels.
Also, this documentary is extremely informative about Lyme disease http://www.underourskin.com/

[thatguymark]

Sorry to hear about your condition Elliemare, I had heard of the documentary when it was still in production but forgot and lost touch with the person who told me as well - I just did a search and thought it's worth mentioning that it's available for streaming on Netflix.