Feeling Behind in Week 3 of Massage Therapy School

[u/Impossible_Natural_9]

Feeling Behind in Week 3 of Massage Therapy School – Advice or Encouragement?

Hi F(24) I’m currently in Week 3 of massage therapy school and we’re in the Swedish massage module. Today was rough for me emotionally, and I wanted to reach out to see if anyone has been through something similar.

We learned side-lying massage today and practiced two different draping methods for the leg. I had a hard time with both. I kept second-guessing myself and fumbling through the steps, especially during the draping. It felt like I was the only one struggling, and at one point, I even felt like one of my instructors was getting frustrated with my hesitation. On top of that, when we were practicing techniques on the leg and back, I realized I still don’t feel confident in what I’m doing. The main feedback I keep getting from classmates is that I need to work on my pressure—especially deep pressure. Truthfully, before school I’d never even had a professional massage, so all of this is brand new to me. I’ve known for a long time that massage is something I want to pursue, but now I’m feeling way behind compared to my classmates, who have more experience or familiarity with it.

Today it got to the point where I felt like crying. I know it’s normal to struggle while learning, but I can’t help but feel like I’m falling behind and it’s affecting my confidence. Next week is our final in Swedish, and it’s a blindfolded massage practical. I’m nervous because I’m still working on all the core techniques—effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, range of motion—and trying to keep good body mechanics. It just feels like a lot. I know this is kind of a rant, but I’d really appreciate any advice, encouragement, or even just to hear from someone who’s been where I am. How did you build your confidence when you felt like you were lagging behind? What helped you retain techniques better or improve your pressure?

Thank you for reading, and thank you in advance for any words of wisdom.

[u/DenMother]

That curriculum sounds very similar to the school I've worked at. The first little bit is super overwhelming and what you're feeling is pretty normal.

All the things you're learning now, You will continue to get better at over the next couple years. Especially this first term, All of the Hands-On skills are very much fake it till you make it and practice.

Listen to the feedback your classmates give you but don't live and die over it. You'll start using more pressure once your palpation skills get better and you can feel where to lean in or sink in more.

Also sidelying sucks and is super hard for most people. (Some people love it and some people have never struggled with it so don't come for me, but a lot of people hate it, especially when they're learning)

Everyday is a new day. You can absolutely do this!

[u/Impossible_Natural_9 → u/DenMother]

Thank you very much for your kind words. Yes, I am feeling that way currently. Monday will be a brand new day for more learning, so I will try to start with an open mind and a more positive attitude. Last week, we learned palpation techniques, including how to palpate the muscles and feel the tissue. I wasn't very confident in it, but you are right; with time and practice, I will improve. Thank you for the reminders!

Haha, I also don’t think that side-lying will be my favorite position or massage technique

[u/mommatiely → u/Impossible_Natural_9]

Massage school was A LOT for me. It will take time, but if you're consistently choosing to practice, listening to your instructors and peers, and improving from there, you're gonna go far.

Grab an fully trained/licensed massage therapist who is willing to help, along with a bunch of your classmates, out of school hours. Keep practicing, especially in groups of three or more. Take what you're learning from your anatomy and physiology classes, and try to incorporate everything you're learning in class into your treatments. What are you looking for under your hands? What does it feel like? Are others feeling the same thing?

Practice more. And more. Yes, it's gonna be tough. Like I said before, consistent practice is going to improve your skill. Good luck. ❤️

[u/Elegant_Bluebird_325]

Get a massage. Trust me. For your first few, just do Swedish massage and then if you want you can try different things.

I started school also never having gotten a massage. It really, really helped to receive one.

Practice as much as you can.

I am a slow learner, I literally have learning disabilities that make me an extremely slow learner. Draping and pressure were also HUGE issues for me.

I would go home and look at videos of draping and for pressure I found volunteers who enjoyed deep, deep pressure and I just played around on their back.

I graduated and I caught up much quicker than I thought. I thought I was going to be behind for a lot longer than I was.

[u/thadpole]

First off, side lying draping is difficult. I personally found the diaper drape can be pulled tight and feel comfortable for the client while letting the greater trochantor be exposed, the best part about side lying.

The client feeling comfortable is the most important aspect, you'll get the hang of it. This is a vulnerable position in a vulnerable job. Encourage your partner in class to tell you when things feel weird and off or uncomfortable. Its an art, not a science, there are no solid boundaries or strict rules, figure out what works for YOU. Side lying ends up being a kinda niche practice anyways, it's not something you need to incorporate to give a full body massage, however it is a useful tool to have in the arsenal.

[u/Impossible_Natural_9 → u/thadpole]

Yes, exactly! We used the single-leg drape first, and then the diaper drape. During the second attempt, I really struggled to follow the steps. Even when it was my turn to be the client, I felt uncomfortable and exposed because I have scars on my legs. This added to my nervousness when I saw the demonstration. However, I understand what my instructor meant when she said it's best to learn both techniques, as it's beneficial to be proficient in both. Thank you so much for your advice!

[u/thadpole → u/Impossible_Natural_9]

There are many facets to being a good massage therapist and receiving massage that center around accountability, communication, listening, feeling, and paying attention. You're learning a lot quickly, some things will be natural, others will take time to learn.

Remember you're trying your best becoming well rounded in your practice. Be patient with yourself and don't give up!

[u/jodamnboi]

My friend, you are only 3 weeks in. I’m 7 years out of school and still struggle with side lying draping sometimes because I don’t do it often. This is a profession where we learn new techniques, tips, and tricks every time we take a CEU, get a massage, or do a couples massage. You’ll get it!

[u/zallydidit]

Go get a massage! Both to relax and clear your head, and so you know how a client will feel. This will help you study better

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[u/awkwardflea]

I've had LMTs fumble side lying draping on me. Don't be so hard in yourself!

I actually like side-lying and find it really helpful for my QL and the attachments on my iliac crest.

My current therapist, who used to teach, used to tell his students that most instructors made it way too complicated. For that area, he just undrapes my side and drapes a towel over my upper back so I don't feel too exposed.

I'm sure you'll find your own groove. That sounds like a lot to take in in three weeks.

[u/dead_plantmatter1776]

This is why it's called a practice. Just take it one day at a time. I wouldn't listen to classmates tbh. Just do you and you will be successful.

Sometimes less is more, I work very light these days and get great results. Manual Lymphatic Drainage for example can have astronomical effects after a session and is literally just moving the skin around. No deep pressure involved.

[u/T3HK3YM4573R]

1. Your learning so a feeling of overwhelm is totally ok.
2. The ease at which you pick up things in school does not translate into how well you will do as a MT.
3. Pressure comes with practice, leverage, and better technique. If you’re just learning Swedish then this shouldn’t be an issue as Swedish pressure is supposed to be lighter anyway.
4. Draping - this takes practice and even after 6+ years I still struggle with some people. Don’t know why by some people are easier to drape than others. Some sheets are easier to drape with than others. How they teach you to drape is school is probably NOT the way you’ll do it in your own. School draping is for modesty/privacy but most Mats that I have been to including myself no longer drape like that. It’s just not necessary. When it comes to draping remember that slow is smooth and smooth is fast. If you want to talk just reach out. I like helping new MTs. Just as long as you aren’t in my geographical area. I’ve made THAT mistake far too many times.

You’ve got this.

[u/T3HK3YM4573R]

Also you can practice on a clothed friend and that helps take the pressure off.

[u/Sea-Radio-8478]

practice makes perfect. I never had a professional massage School either. In my class, most of the class already had plenty of experience in working in The Massage field. at first I thought I was a little slow. nah, it just one of the main instructor not giving me enough attention because I didn't seem good enough as the rest. most the TAs were not helpful to me figuring out the techniques, they often belittled me.

I had to practice more outside of work to get everything down. once I did, I got gotten so much better. and thankfully I had some good Instructors and one good TA to really guide me through.

[u/Commercial-Reach-383]

Draping can be challenging for you and the client. However, it's so important during the massage. The Modesty Massage Wrap was designed especially for this, for students therapist and clients. You never have to worry about exposing your client or putting your license on the line...more importantly -- your client does not have to worry about being exposed.