Massage Is Weird

by Ian Harvey

Reclaim the magic of massage. If you’re feeling burned out, we can beat it. If you’re worried about starting your own business, we can conquer those fears. If you think you suck at massage, you’re wrong.

Massage is weird. There, I said it, and I’d say it again. Whether it’s communicating with first time clients, figuring out how the puzzle of pain works (and why it sometimes seems impossible to solve), or creeper-proofing your practice, it can be a lot for one person to figure out all on their own. That’s why we’ll figure it out together! Take the leap of faith with me and we’ll demystify the mysterious, bust a few massage myths, and learn how to drop the worries and start focusing on the process. We’ll get through it together, one chapter at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2021

About the author

Ian Harvey is a long-time massage therapist and nerd. Join me on my quest to rid the world of needless self-doubt and musculoskeletal pain.

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for newbies and seasoned professionals, alike. In an industry that tends to be led by folx who present as infallible, Ian's voice and perspective are so comforting and refreshing! He is not afraid to share the fears, confusions, missteps and discomforts we all (or, most of us) inevitably experience in our careers. In doing so he helps to dissolve any stigmas around said fears, confusions, missteps and discomforts. Ian, you're a gem.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ian Harvey, the Massage Sloth, for this entertaining, witty and down-to-earth book. I've been a massage practitioner for over 20 years and it came along at just the right time. After working through the pandemic with all its restrictions, fears, and sanitising, I was starting to feel a bit jaded and this book has changed that. The advice is pragmatic and I believe it has subtly influenced my mindset and reinforced some boundaries that I had previously struggled with. I really appreciate that the book busts a few myths that have prevailed in the field of massage therapy for decades. The creepers chapter had me in stitches. The advice encourages you to develop yourself in a way that works for you, rather than latching on to dogma, massage gurus or quick-fixes. Ian is an exceptional human being and a thoughtful educator. His kindness, intelligence and humour shine through in this book. It is well written and, rarely for a Kindle edition, has been thoroughly proofread! I just wish there had been something like this around when I was newly qualified. Highly recommended for all massage practitioners or for those who are considering a career change. Embrace the weirdness!

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massage Sloth is Awesome!

Very well written & engaging! As an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), I strive to do many of these & now - I have new options open to me & my clients. Massage can be "weird" esp to those who've not had one or whose had a bad experience - note, I didn't say a bad one. Communication is key esp with clients who have a regular treatment plan & oddly enough, it is "communication" that gets a LMT regular clients.

Thanks Mr. Harvey, I love your YouTube Channel immensely - it helps me be more open & a better therapist & now I have Massage Is Weird as a guide book!

As a LMT, I rate this book high because it is a guide for new therapist & more experienced alike. The insights, affirmations as well as the Ah Ha moments also warrant. If you are a Massage Nerd or needing inspiration or rejuvenation in your practice of Massagetherapy just knowing you're a healthcare professional & the health/wellness of your client's, as well as yourself is uniquely in your hands.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this during massage school. I watch Ian's YouTube channel and appreciate his level-headed nature, so I checked this out. It's a nice, well-organized insider's view of what it's like as a massage therapist. It answered some questions I had and some questions I didn't even know I had. It has given me the courage to want to start my own business.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a veteran therapist I found this book helpful for realigning with why I chose this career. It helped me win back the confidence of knowing what I am doing, recognizing things that tend to go with burnout, and changing up things in the room so I'm not in a rut. It's obvious Harvey is a good teacher, it's all over this book. I found it easy and enjoyable to read as well as having lots of information.

I was about 50 pages in when I started implementing some suggestions from the book and my client response has been amazing. This has lots of great info for new therapists and if I ever become a teacher, this book will likely be one of references and recommendations.

Thanks for reading, ☺️

[Ashley Garceau · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a newbie (only been an LMT for about 10 months now), I found this book incredibly helpful, especially in regard to setting boundaries and WHY we set boundaries- FULL spectrum. This is my recommendation to all newer graduates, but I’m sure even seasoned therapists can find helpful information here. It covers a lot of questions that will pop in your head as you start this wonderful (and unique) career.

[Amanda Havens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

Highly recommend this book. There is great info for both new and seasoned massage therapists. Really enjoyed it. I have watched Ian on YouTube for years and was able to attend an in person class last summer. Highly recommend taking his CE class if you are able.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read that both beginner and long-standing therapists will enjoy. It should be mandatory reading for all schools of massage.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this! Super informative and relatable. A must read for all lmts!

[Shannon Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish this book was out when I was in massage school, would’ve saved me so much headache and missteps but they were great learning opportunities! Can’t recommend this book enough to newbies and seasoned therapists, especially those feeling burnt out by massage. This book really helped me feel re-energized and excited about my practice again. Definitely will hold a prime place on my shelf for future reference!

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have said, this is a wonderful asset for both new graduates and experienced massage therapists alike. However, I personally feel that the primary target market of this book is for new graduates, and for that reason, I feel like I didn’t get much out of it. (For reference, I have been a massage therapist for nearly six years now). But this is not to say that I discount the information given! (As per my 5 star rating, I was still very happy to encounter this book!). Most of Harvey’s suggestions are things that I already do and/or know. That being said, I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks like that! (Especially when he talks about massage myths!). It is evident to me that Harvey and I have similar work styles. I would love to get the opportunity to learn from him in person one day.

Hey Ian! Please come to Canada! 😀