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cablerock Veteran user 362 Posts |
Hello everybody,
I graduate from National Holistic Institute tomorrow (which just got named massage school of the year, woo!), and as soon as I hear back from the state I will be a licensed massage therapist. I am able to and have practiced working on a lot of different people and body types, but I feel I would like to tie together my passions more closely together. I began my school with the intent to help assist musicians who hurt themselves while performing/touring. I still would like to do this, as music is my other passion, but I have to branch out and keep my options open until my practice is established. I have learned from endlessly practicing sleight of hand that magicians suffer the same sorts of injuries that musicians do. There are a lot of repetitive motion injuries in the wrist and hands, and I have been noticing similar patterns of tension being held in the shoulders of a lot of magicians. Things like this that inhibit us from doing what we love and ultimately can lead to having to quit completely. I know how to address these issues before they become long term problems. With a mix of massage therapy, and usually some educating and muscle awareness exercises the body can correct itself. I am not claiming to be able to cure arthritis or anything for that matter, but the techniques I have learned have many benefits to all, healthy or not. Basically I am wondering how I might begin this pursuit. Do you guys think there is a market for this? |
Kjellstrom Inner circle Sweden, Scandinavia, Europe 5203 Posts |
I take thai-massage almost every week and that makes me feel better.
I think massage can make a difference for magicians. |
jearnshaw New user 60 Posts |
Sounds like outside the box thinking to me. I guess one question might be is there enough magicians in your area to justify the marketing expense? If you live in Vegas, not a problem. Good luck, sounds like a possible good niche market though.
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I remember back when I was working out of Reno, I had a manicure done frequently. One of my favorite parts was the hand massage. Over the last year, my doctor has been working with me as my joints and muscles change. Every now and then I get a small bowl and put ice cubes in it. I have to put my hand right in, as if I wait, the cold is too much for me. This helps both the repitive motions of coin magic, and playing strings.(Ukulele and Guitar) You might also want to target musicians.
Creating a niche(or 2 or 3) is as helpful in massage as it is in marketing your magic. Be safe, well and creative. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
cablerock Veteran user 362 Posts |
Thanks for the replies guys. I was unsure of the response I would get, but I know everybody here is exceptionally helpful and friendly.
Harris, I am also targeting musicians, as I have been a guitarist for over 15 years. That is probably going to be my main market. |
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Congrats rock, proud of ya. Just remember to give all the coin guys a reduced rate.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
You have to think as for musicians, the guitar (especially classical) is one of the most demanding instruments as far as requiring the hands to stretch over significant distances or cramp up into smaller spaces. You will do very well in this market.
As for magicians, I have noticed it is quite common to see some of the older magicians (and some younger ones with a family history of hand/wrist/arm problems) unable to accomplish a certain move/sleight or unable to perform a certain effect because of problem with their hands, wrists or arms, be it arthritis, muscle problems, or whatever. Those that normally relied on pure sleight of hand may resort to the use of gaffs to accomplish those routines/effects if possible, in order to make it easier on themselves. That is where therapeutic massage may help. For magicians/musicians without injuries or problems, therapeutic massage can be used as a relaxation technique that can help loosen up your hands in general, and also may help prevent injuries. Good luck with your venture Sir! |
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
As a musician and magician few things feel better than a hand massage. Dr_J mentioned guitar and I can speak as a pianist that we too have to do some demanding reaches as well as playing at different pressures simultaneously. As a magician I find that same pain at times but obviously in different parts of the hand. Best with your new business and I hope it goes international!
Ahimsa, Vlad |
Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
Yes, pianists do have that issue as well. Many of the piano pieces by Ernesto Lecuona (there are some that actually require a one-handed span of 1.5 octaves - Lecuona could do it) or guitar pieces by Fernando Sor can give your hands a very rough time because of the stretching, the hammering, etc.
Coin magicians learning a new sleight that involves all the fingers (and sometimes multiple coins in motion), or cardicians learning flourishes and fancy cuts will experience a similar thing at first. I have been very fortunate to have never had pain in my hands or wrists but when I get to an advanced age, that may change - only time will tell. |
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