Many massage therapists are incapable of doing deep work
I see so many posts here of mt’s talking about clients complaining that their pressure wasn’t deep enough and the replies are overwhelming on the side of the therapist, claiming that the client doesn’t know what’s good for them, or that they are lying to get free treatment. I am a deep pressure specialist and get a ton of clients that talk about how they have never found another therapist that meets the pressure that they are looking for. They love their massage and return to me repeatedly.
I understand that not everyone can give this kind of pressure. I feel like you all need to stop gas lighting your clients and refer them to people who can. I am not a relaxation therapist and will gladly refer clients who are looking for light pressure. They call me often and I am HONEST with them about my abilities. If you can’t do deep pressure, you need to be honest with your client and with yourself and refer out. No, it’s not that they “actually need lighter pressure” to address their problems. It’s not that they are deceiving you to get a free massage. You just weren’t the right therapist.
I am a woman with massive forearms and developed biceps. I of course understand that body weight is the most important aspect of applying pressure, but if you want to be a deep pressure therapist, you need to strength train. I have never had feedback that has said that I didn’t give enough pressure. My only adverse feedback has said the opposite, that I gave too much. PLEASE be honest with yourself. There are clients for everyone. You are doing your clients and yourself a disservice by making excuses for your lack of pressure.