tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2011-05-01T09:25:32-07:00 News and information about schools and continuing education. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14454 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Education was a strong theme at the 2011 Florida State Massage Therapy Association convention in Orlando on June 22-26, an event that attracted hundreds and nearly 90 vendors.

Editorial Staff Education was a strong theme at the 2011 Florida State Massage Therapy Association convention in Orlando on June 22-26, an event that attracted hundreds and nearly 90 vendors. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14429 2011-05-19T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-19T12:00:07-07:00

The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education announces the launch of two new programs that will provide important benefits and services to the education community.

Editorial Staff The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education announces the launch of two new programs that will provide important benefits and services to the education community. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14413 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

The foundation of the future of massage therapy is the quality of our education today. I wonder how many would agree that the educational structure for future massage therapists is, well, a mess. One definition of a "mess" is a chaotic and confused situation. Chaotic and confused describes massage education right now. I am confident that this mess is actually an opportunity; and one that we can no longer ignore.

By Sandy Fritz The foundation of the future of massage therapy is the quality of our education today. I wonder how many would agree that the educational structure for future massage therapists is, well, a mess. One definition of a "mess" is a chaotic and confused situation. Chaotic and confused describes massage education right now. I am confident that this mess is actually an opportunity; and one that we can no longer ignore. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14410 2011-04-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-07T12:00:07-07:00

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) announced today the results of its Advanced Practice Job Task Analysis (JTA) survey to inform the development of the new National Certification for Advanced Practice (NCAP) exam. Nearly 10,000 massage professionals responded to the JTA survey invitation, with nearly 90 percent of the eligible respondents having worked in massage and bodywork for more than 5 years. Respondents represented all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Editorial Staff The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) announced today the results of its Advanced Practice Job Task Analysis (JTA) survey to inform the development of the new National Certification for Advanced Practice (NCAP) exam. Nearly 10,000 massage professionals responded to the JTA survey invitation, with nearly 90 percent of the eligible respondents having worked in massage and bodywork for more than 5 years. Respondents represented all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14406 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announces the launch of a project to develop a Model Practice Act (MPA) for the profession. The FSMTB board of directors has appointed an MPA Task Force comprised of representatives from the regulatory community of the FSMTB member boards and agencies.

Editorial Staff The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announces the launch of a project to develop a Model Practice Act (MPA) for the profession. The FSMTB board of directors has appointed an MPA Task Force comprised of representatives from the regulatory community of the FSMTB member boards and agencies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14405 2011-03-31T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-31T12:00:07-07:00

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) announces that registration for its national convention, to be held in Portland, Oregon from October 19 to 22, is now available online. All massage therapists and students are welcome at the convention and encouraged to take advantage of early-bird rates for registration.

Editorial Staff The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) announces that registration for its national convention, to be held in Portland, Oregon from October 19 to 22, is now available online. All massage therapists and students are welcome at the convention and encouraged to take advantage of early-bird rates for registration. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14404 2011-03-31T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-31T12:00:07-07:00

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announces the launch of a project to develop a new national program for the approval of both continuing education courses and providers. Once it is established, the program will provide state regulatory agencies with a centralized quality assurance process for all courses taken by massage and bodywork therapists for the renewal of State licensure or State certification.

Editorial Staff The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announces the launch of a project to develop a new national program for the approval of both continuing education courses and providers. Once it is established, the program will provide state regulatory agencies with a centralized quality assurance process for all courses taken by massage and bodywork therapists for the renewal of State licensure or State certification. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14403 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Back by popular demand, the "Facebook Meet and Greet" party is coming to the American Massage Conference on May 20 in Atlanta! Last year's Facebook Meet and Greet in Minneapolis was attended by more than 300 people and was surely one of the most talked about conference events in history.

Editorial Staff Back by popular demand, the "Facebook Meet and Greet" party is coming to the American Massage Conference on May 20 in Atlanta! Last year's Facebook Meet and Greet in Minneapolis was attended by more than 300 people and was surely one of the most talked about conference events in history. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14401 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

There isn't a week that goes by that someone does not mention to me their concerns or suggestions about massage programs in the United States. Across the U.S., massage students, therapists, instructors and school owners have shared their joys and frustrations regarding the massage schools of today.

By Gloria Coppola, LMBT There isn't a week that goes by that someone does not mention to me their concerns or suggestions about massage programs in the United States. Across the U.S., massage students, therapists, instructors and school owners have shared their joys and frustrations regarding the massage schools of today. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14393 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) announced that the 40-member board has unanimously chosen Massage Today as their official media sponsor. The decision is the beginning of an extensive campaign to increase FSMTA's membership as well as the attendance at its annual conventions.

By Editorial Staff The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) announced that the 40-member board has unanimously chosen Massage Today as their official media sponsor. The decision is the beginning of an extensive campaign to increase FSMTA's membership as well as the attendance at its annual conventions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14390 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

As an educator, it's critical to keep abreast of current research and to constantly challenge your belief systems. You may have read the popular article "Don't Get Married" (MT February 2008) written by a close friend and colleague Erik Dalton.1 In that piece, he cautioned manual therapists about getting too attached to trends and techniques for fear that new research findings may prove them totally wrong. Regardless of whether you are an educator, practicing therapist or both, keeping up-to-date with the latest information is essential to our profession; and in some cases, it will also keep old school techniques in the past where they belong.

By James Waslaski As an educator, it's critical to keep abreast of current research and to constantly challenge your belief systems. You may have read the popular article "Don't Get Married" (MT February 2008) written by a close friend and colleague Erik Dalton.1 In that piece, he cautioned manual therapists about getting too attached to trends and techniques for fear that new research findings may prove them totally wrong. Regardless of whether you are an educator, practicing therapist or both, keeping up-to-date with the latest information is essential to our profession; and in some cases, it will also keep old school techniques in the past where they belong. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14389 2011-03-21T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-21T12:00:07-07:00

A new article highlighting the evolution of the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge (MTBOK) project was released today on the www.mtbok.org website.

Editorial Staff A new article highlighting the evolution of the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge (MTBOK) project was released today on the www.mtbok.org website. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14388 2011-03-18T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-18T12:00:07-07:00

The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education is pleased to announce the publication of the organization's Code of Ethics, for members in the School, Teacher and Continuing Education Provider categories. The preamble highlights the document's purpose, which is consistent with the Alliance's overall Mission and Goals.

Editorial Staff The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education is pleased to announce the publication of the organization's Code of Ethics, for members in the School, Teacher and Continuing Education Provider categories. The preamble highlights the document's purpose, which is consistent with the Alliance's overall Mission and Goals. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14387 2011-03-03T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-03T12:00:07-07:00

"Take It to the Top" Summit is an event, held at the Park Vista Doubletree Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on April 16-17, 2011, for massage professionals around the country with a selection of 12 top successful educators in the industry. This "Take It To The Top" Summit is to motivate, educate and inspire therapists everywhere as they learn how to build their own business, become independent, accept physician referrals, and bill insurance for their services. Attendees can earn up 12 CEs while learning a multitude of motivational, inspiring and workable marketing and business-building strategies.

Editorial Staff "Take It to the Top" Summit is an event, held at the Park Vista Doubletree Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on April 16-17, 2011, for massage professionals around the country with a selection of 12 top successful educators in the industry. This "Take It To The Top" Summit is to motivate, educate and inspire therapists everywhere as they learn how to build their own business, become independent, accept physician referrals, and bill insurance for their services. Attendees can earn up 12 CEs while learning a multitude of motivational, inspiring and workable marketing and business-building strategies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14386 2011-02-25T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-25T12:00:07-07:00

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) today said admissions to its April School Issues Forum in Denver, Colo., are sold out and a waiting list has been established for those who still are interested. This represents the largest-ever attendance in 15 years of hosting the event for educators.

Editorial Staff Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) today said admissions to its April School Issues Forum in Denver, Colo., are sold out and a waiting list has been established for those who still are interested. This represents the largest-ever attendance in 15 years of hosting the event for educators. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14384 2011-02-24T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-24T12:00:07-07:00

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Board of Directors announced today they have unanimously confirmed the appointment of Leena Guptha, D.O., to serve the remaining three years of a four-year open seat on the board. The appointment restores the board to its full complement of nine seats, consisting of eight massage and bodywork professionals and one public member.

Editorial Staff The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Board of Directors announced today they have unanimously confirmed the appointment of Leena Guptha, D.O., to serve the remaining three years of a four-year open seat on the board. The appointment restores the board to its full complement of nine seats, consisting of eight massage and bodywork professionals and one public member. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14381 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Some people spend their whole lives asking in hushed tones, "Why?" I prefer to think of the larger picture and sing loudly in a strong, pronounced operatic voice, "Why NOT?" (with extra emphasis on the NOT for effect). Just because you have never seen it done, does not mean it shouldn't be. In fact, I look upon the unknown as just about enough probable cause to take the bull by the horns and take action. If someone does not go first, who will? And if you have the ability, location, contacts, resources, and desire - the only thing holding you back is fear.

By Angie Patrick Some people spend their whole lives asking in hushed tones, "Why?" I prefer to think of the larger picture and sing loudly in a strong, pronounced operatic voice, "Why NOT?" (with extra emphasis on the NOT for effect). Just because you have never seen it done, does not mean it shouldn't be. In fact, I look upon the unknown as just about enough probable cause to take the bull by the horns and take action. If someone does not go first, who will? And if you have the ability, location, contacts, resources, and desire - the only thing holding you back is fear. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14375 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

There's a new conference in town. The American Massage Conference is the newest exhibition of products, continuing education and business opportunities for massage professionals. The first annual conference will be held May 20-22, 2011 at the Capitol Conference Center in Atlanta.

By Editorial Staff There's a new conference in town. The American Massage Conference is the newest exhibition of products, continuing education and business opportunities for massage professionals. The first annual conference will be held May 20-22, 2011 at the Capitol Conference Center in Atlanta. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14374 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Over the past few years, many massage therapists have asked me how to write a case report. There is such a great need for more research in this profession, I wish I could meet their expectations and rattle off a simple answer, as though I am giving directions to my Aunt Diane's house. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. However, there are certainly many therapists who have written and published case reports, showing all of us that it is possible - with the right directions.

By Jerrilyn Cambron, LMT, DC, MPH, PhD Over the past few years, many massage therapists have asked me how to write a case report. There is such a great need for more research in this profession, I wish I could meet their expectations and rattle off a simple answer, as though I am giving directions to my Aunt Diane's house. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. However, there are certainly many therapists who have written and published case reports, showing all of us that it is possible - with the right directions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14372 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

For those of you who missed out on the February 10 free webinar with Dr. Ben Benjamin and Angie Patrick, you have another opportunity to learn and earn 1 CE unit! Due to the overwhelming response and popularity of this webinar on assessing and treating the most common cause of low back pain, we have added a second date.

Editorial Staff For those of you who missed out on the February 10 free webinar with Dr. Ben Benjamin and Angie Patrick, you have another opportunity to learn and earn 1 CE unit! Due to the overwhelming response and popularity of this webinar on assessing and treating the most common cause of low back pain, we have added a second date. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14368 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

A new year can bring so many changes. Just so you know, my column will only appear four times this year. So many great authors out there, I'm sharing the ink. I have also decided that 2011 will be my "Farewell Teaching Tour" and I will significantly cut back on travels after 2011. So, come study with me when I am near your town as this could be the last time.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB A new year can bring so many changes. Just so you know, my column will only appear four times this year. So many great authors out there, I'm sharing the ink. I have also decided that 2011 will be my "Farewell Teaching Tour" and I will significantly cut back on travels after 2011. So, come study with me when I am near your town as this could be the last time. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14366 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

When I was studying osteopathy and naturopathy in London in the late 1950s, I was taught neuromuscular technique (NMT) as part of our soft-tissue assessment and treatment course. The version of NMT that I learned had been developed in the 1930s by my father's cousin Stanley Lief, ND, DC, assisted by his cousin (my uncle), Boris Chaitow, ND, DC. Lief had modified a traditional Asian technique, taught by a Dr. Varma, an Ayurvedic physician working in Paris. It may be of peripheral interest to know that among the people who contacted Varma at that time was Ida Rolf; although, whether she incorporated any of his work into hers is not known.

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO When I was studying osteopathy and naturopathy in London in the late 1950s, I was taught neuromuscular technique (NMT) as part of our soft-tissue assessment and treatment course. The version of NMT that I learned had been developed in the 1930s by my father's cousin Stanley Lief, ND, DC, assisted by his cousin (my uncle), Boris Chaitow, ND, DC. Lief had modified a traditional Asian technique, taught by a Dr. Varma, an Ayurvedic physician working in Paris. It may be of peripheral interest to know that among the people who contacted Varma at that time was Ida Rolf; although, whether she incorporated any of his work into hers is not known. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14363 2011-01-25T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-25T12:00:07-07:00

Continuing education (CE) is a vital part of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification programs. Their Approved Provider (AP) program has 1700 APs who provide continuing education to the profession. Over the past decade, adherence to national standards for CE has helped NCBTMB's AP/CE program become a standard in the industry - recognized by many state massage therapy boards, schools and other stakeholders across the country.

Editorial Staff Continuing education (CE) is a vital part of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification programs. Their Approved Provider (AP) program has 1700 APs who provide continuing education to the profession. Over the past decade, adherence to national standards for CE has helped NCBTMB's AP/CE program become a standard in the industry - recognized by many state massage therapy boards, schools and other stakeholders across the country. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14362 2011-01-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-17T12:00:07-07:00

One out of every five people in the United States suffers from low back pain. The standard conventional treatments are often of limited help, with medication providing only temporary relief. Discover how you can help ease your clients' aching back pain and earn 1 CE credit too!

Editorial Staff One out of every five people in the United States suffers from low back pain. The standard conventional treatments are often of limited help, with medication providing only temporary relief. Discover how you can help ease your clients' aching back pain and earn 1 CE credit too! tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14360 2010-12-27T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-27T12:00:07-07:00

Rick Rosen, Executive Director of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, was recently selected as one of the Top 10 People in Integrative Medicine / Integrative Health Care by The Integrator Blog. Published and edited by John Weeks, Executive Director of ACCAHC - the Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care, the blog is one of the leading sources of news and information about the domain of integrative medicine. The "Top 10 People" list is compiled from recommendations submitted by the editorial advisory board of The Integrator Blog.

Editorial Staff Rick Rosen, Executive Director of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, was recently selected as one of the Top 10 People in Integrative Medicine / Integrative Health Care by The Integrator Blog. Published and edited by John Weeks, Executive Director of ACCAHC - the Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care, the blog is one of the leading sources of news and information about the domain of integrative medicine. The "Top 10 People" list is compiled from recommendations submitted by the editorial advisory board of The Integrator Blog. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14351 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Over the past several years, research on massage therapy and bodywork has been conducted in isolated studies throughout the country. For the most part, these research studies are funded for the purpose of publishing the results in medical and similar style journals. In other words, the promotion and facilitation of research on various massage therapy and bodywork modalities seems to be targeted at proving the validity of our profession to the wider allopathic and complementary medical communities. While this is a fine and respected endeavor, the positive results of these research studies are getting filed in medical journals and talked about in medical venues but fail to reach the people who could use it the most: massage therapists and consumers.

By CG Funk, LMT Over the past several years, research on massage therapy and bodywork has been conducted in isolated studies throughout the country. For the most part, these research studies are funded for the purpose of publishing the results in medical and similar style journals. In other words, the promotion and facilitation of research on various massage therapy and bodywork modalities seems to be targeted at proving the validity of our profession to the wider allopathic and complementary medical communities. While this is a fine and respected endeavor, the positive results of these research studies are getting filed in medical journals and talked about in medical venues but fail to reach the people who could use it the most: massage therapists and consumers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14350 2010-12-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-15T12:00:07-07:00

MassageNet (http://www.massagenet.org), a new practice-based research network for the massage therapy and bodywork field was recently developed to address the increasing need for research in the massage therapy profession.

Editorial Staff MassageNet (http://www.massagenet.org), a new practice-based research network for the massage therapy and bodywork field was recently developed to address the increasing need for research in the massage therapy profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14349 2010-12-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-15T12:00:07-07:00

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) announces the results of its 2010 national election, conducted electronically among its Professional members. Cynthia Ribeiro of California was elected President-Elect. She will serve in that position from March 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012 when she will assume the position of President. On March 1, 2011 current President-Elect, Glenath Moyle of Oregon, will become AMTA President.

Editorial Staff The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) announces the results of its 2010 national election, conducted electronically among its Professional members. Cynthia Ribeiro of California was elected President-Elect. She will serve in that position from March 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012 when she will assume the position of President. On March 1, 2011 current President-Elect, Glenath Moyle of Oregon, will become AMTA President. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14348 2010-12-14T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-14T12:00:07-07:00

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) today released results of its biennial survey of massage school operations, providing benchmarking data massage therapy schools and programs can use to evaluate their operations. ABMP has conducted the research since 1998 as a service to the profession.

Editorial Staff Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) today released results of its biennial survey of massage school operations, providing benchmarking data massage therapy schools and programs can use to evaluate their operations. ABMP has conducted the research since 1998 as a service to the profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14347 2010-12-09T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-09T12:00:07-07:00

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has hired Shelly Johnson as the new Executive Director for both AMTA and the Massage Therapy Foundation. Johnson has been AMTA Deputy Director for more than 8 years and has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2010.

Editorial Staff The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has hired Shelly Johnson as the new Executive Director for both AMTA and the Massage Therapy Foundation. Johnson has been AMTA Deputy Director for more than 8 years and has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2010.