tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2012-02-01T09:25:32-07:00 News and information about massage therapy. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14545 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

It is estimated that between two to four percent of the population are now suffering from fibromyalgia, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome and TMJ. Perhaps our massage school education did not include how to successfully deal with fibromyalgia. Massage therapists often express a lack of confidence, some fear and anxiety along with the lack of a clear program for how to go forward and help their clients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

By Stuart Taws It is estimated that between two to four percent of the population are now suffering from fibromyalgia, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome and TMJ. Perhaps our massage school education did not include how to successfully deal with fibromyalgia. Massage therapists often express a lack of confidence, some fear and anxiety along with the lack of a clear program for how to go forward and help their clients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14544 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

When asked what clients they want to work with, many massage therapists answer, "Everybody." When you try to market to everybody, that's called "blanket" marketing. Blanket marketing is an approach you might already use as part of your marketing strategy. You're trying to get anyone and everyone's attention when you pay for coupons or ads in the yellow pages, or post flyers on grocery store bulletin boards. This might work for you at times, such as when you're just starting out, or during busy times for gift certificate sales like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Blanket marketing strategies are often the first steps people think of when beginning to market their practices. Keep in mind, however, they might cost more than they give you in return.

By Diana Moore When asked what clients they want to work with, many massage therapists answer, "Everybody." When you try to market to everybody, that's called "blanket" marketing. Blanket marketing is an approach you might already use as part of your marketing strategy. You're trying to get anyone and everyone's attention when you pay for coupons or ads in the yellow pages, or post flyers on grocery store bulletin boards. This might work for you at times, such as when you're just starting out, or during busy times for gift certificate sales like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Blanket marketing strategies are often the first steps people think of when beginning to market their practices. Keep in mind, however, they might cost more than they give you in return. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14543 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common muscular-skeletal issues reported by patients/clients seeking pain relief. Massage therapy is recognized in clinical practice as an effective treatment. However, the Massage Therapy Foundation is always looking for scientific evidence to support clinical recommendations. This month's review illustrates study findings supporting the use of massage therapy to manage chronic low back pain.

By Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common muscular-skeletal issues reported by patients/clients seeking pain relief. Massage therapy is recognized in clinical practice as an effective treatment. However, the Massage Therapy Foundation is always looking for scientific evidence to support clinical recommendations. This month's review illustrates study findings supporting the use of massage therapy to manage chronic low back pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14541 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Staffing issues abound. By far, it is the number one complaint of employers and the reason I am most contacted for consulting. It goes something like this. You have a successful practice and are turning away business. You decide it is time to branch out, hire someone and take a cut of building someone else's business. You interview and find an appropriate candidate. The fit seems good for your practice. The massage skills are apparent and the person seems "nice". Lo and behold, you have hired your first staff. Perhaps you have even done this a few times and have several staff members at this point.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT Staffing issues abound. By far, it is the number one complaint of employers and the reason I am most contacted for consulting. It goes something like this. You have a successful practice and are turning away business. You decide it is time to branch out, hire someone and take a cut of building someone else's business. You interview and find an appropriate candidate. The fit seems good for your practice. The massage skills are apparent and the person seems "nice". Lo and behold, you have hired your first staff. Perhaps you have even done this a few times and have several staff members at this point. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14540 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

If your patients are anything like mine, they will report to you that there is commonly a degree of discomfort, soreness or stiffness a day or so following manual treatment no matter how gentle or appropriate that treatment might have been. As a result, I offer advice regarding home care of such problems, and I tend to repeat a mantra to most patients who have received treatment for musculoskeletal problems as they depart.

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO If your patients are anything like mine, they will report to you that there is commonly a degree of discomfort, soreness or stiffness a day or so following manual treatment no matter how gentle or appropriate that treatment might have been. As a result, I offer advice regarding home care of such problems, and I tend to repeat a mantra to most patients who have received treatment for musculoskeletal problems as they depart. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14539 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Working with children is an art as well as a science. Using CranioSacral Therapy (CST) on a child can be especially gratifying as a qualified CST practitioner can facilitate significant changes that can positively improve the quality of a child's life. It's an exciting experience - but it requires more from the therapist than working with an adult.

By Carol McLellan, CMT, CST-D Working with children is an art as well as a science. Using CranioSacral Therapy (CST) on a child can be especially gratifying as a qualified CST practitioner can facilitate significant changes that can positively improve the quality of a child's life. It's an exciting experience - but it requires more from the therapist than working with an adult. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14536 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I want to clear up something before I go forward. First, an esteemed colleague and visionary of our profession wrote to me asking if I did not believe in science because of my comment, "While I am not a fan of evidence-based medicine..." Of course I believe in science. In fact, I believe Science is Golden. However, I am a seeker of truth and, quite often, science has become the seeker of political expediency.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB I want to clear up something before I go forward. First, an esteemed colleague and visionary of our profession wrote to me asking if I did not believe in science because of my comment, "While I am not a fan of evidence-based medicine..." Of course I believe in science. In fact, I believe Science is Golden. However, I am a seeker of truth and, quite often, science has become the seeker of political expediency. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14535 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

For all of us, the massage school experience is (or was) transformational in nature. As students, we were feeling "new" things, literally and figuratively, every day. Our wonder at and reverence for the human body and all of its systems grew by the hour. Sometimes it seemed that our skill and confidence increased minute by minute as we studied and practiced and found new meaning in the phrases "living in the moment" and "gratefully holding space." Sometimes, don't you find yourself asking "Where did all that disappear to?"

By Teresa M. Matthews, LMT, CPT For all of us, the massage school experience is (or was) transformational in nature. As students, we were feeling "new" things, literally and figuratively, every day. Our wonder at and reverence for the human body and all of its systems grew by the hour. Sometimes it seemed that our skill and confidence increased minute by minute as we studied and practiced and found new meaning in the phrases "living in the moment" and "gratefully holding space." Sometimes, don't you find yourself asking "Where did all that disappear to?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14534 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I've worked with people young and old with complex medical conditions since 1979 when I began my career as an occupational therapist. From rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities, I've been around the block a time or two. But my work the past decade as a massage therapist has helped me see things through a new lens.

By Ann Catlin, LMT, NCTMB, OTR I've worked with people young and old with complex medical conditions since 1979 when I began my career as an occupational therapist. From rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities, I've been around the block a time or two. But my work the past decade as a massage therapist has helped me see things through a new lens. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14533 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

It is our experience that massage therapists are some of the most giving, compassionate people on the planet. While we might be exceptional at caring for others, many massage therapists put themselves last when it comes to their own self-care.

By Ben Benjamin, PhD and Lois Orth-Zitoli It is our experience that massage therapists are some of the most giving, compassionate people on the planet. While we might be exceptional at caring for others, many massage therapists put themselves last when it comes to their own self-care. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14532 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The thumb is one of the most practical and necessary implements of the body. It is the first self-comforting tool to be used, often seen thrust into the mouth of a fetus in the womb. Throughout life, the thumb is constantly used without conscious thought, making it easy to forget just how vital the thumb is in daily life. That is, until it is injured.

By Judith DeLany, LMT The thumb is one of the most practical and necessary implements of the body. It is the first self-comforting tool to be used, often seen thrust into the mouth of a fetus in the womb. Throughout life, the thumb is constantly used without conscious thought, making it easy to forget just how vital the thumb is in daily life. That is, until it is injured. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14531 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I called a licensed massage therapist to find out about the possibility of getting a session. If I liked her work, I told her, I'd be interested in working with her as my regular LMT. The first thing she said was that she wasn't doing massage now. I was disappointed. Then she said was she could refer me to a working therapist. I was less disappointed, because she said this therapist was terrific. Then, as I was about to hang up and call the therapist, to whom she referred me, she said something else. If I gave you a hundred guesses what this non-working LMT then told me, you couldn't possibly guess what it was. That's when she said ... drum roll please ... that she'd be working again in three weeks time. WHAT????

By Cary Bayer Recently, I called a licensed massage therapist to find out about the possibility of getting a session. If I liked her work, I told her, I'd be interested in working with her as my regular LMT. The first thing she said was that she wasn't doing massage now. I was disappointed. Then she said was she could refer me to a working therapist. I was less disappointed, because she said this therapist was terrific. Then, as I was about to hang up and call the therapist, to whom she referred me, she said something else. If I gave you a hundred guesses what this non-working LMT then told me, you couldn't possibly guess what it was. That's when she said ... drum roll please ... that she'd be working again in three weeks time. WHAT???? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14530 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

There is no denying the massage and wellness industry is here to stay. People are becoming far more proactive with their health care and are looking to alternatives to heavy medications and a costly doctor visit. Recognizing there is opportunity for those who choose to chase it, there are many ways you can be involved in the massage health care field. You can be your own boss and open your own practice, you can contract your services to other entities, or you can become an employee. Let's discuss these opportunities and I want to offer you some points to ponder as you are making your decisions regarding how you will proceed in your career.

By Angie Patrick There is no denying the massage and wellness industry is here to stay. People are becoming far more proactive with their health care and are looking to alternatives to heavy medications and a costly doctor visit. Recognizing there is opportunity for those who choose to chase it, there are many ways you can be involved in the massage health care field. You can be your own boss and open your own practice, you can contract your services to other entities, or you can become an employee. Let's discuss these opportunities and I want to offer you some points to ponder as you are making your decisions regarding how you will proceed in your career. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14529 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In closing out a busy 2011, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) honored California State Senator Lou Correa with its Legislator of the Year award at the final 2011 Board of Directors meeting.

By Editorial Staff In closing out a busy 2011, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) honored California State Senator Lou Correa with its Legislator of the Year award at the final 2011 Board of Directors meeting. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14528 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

An e-mail survey conducted in December 2011 found that many massage therapists are missing out some potential revenue streams by not offering any additional products or services to their clients. Of those surveyed, 70% offer products to less than 10% of their clients and only 44% of those questioned plan to offer additional products and services to their clients in 2012.

By Editorial Staff An e-mail survey conducted in December 2011 found that many massage therapists are missing out some potential revenue streams by not offering any additional products or services to their clients. Of those surveyed, 70% offer products to less than 10% of their clients and only 44% of those questioned plan to offer additional products and services to their clients in 2012. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14527 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Whether you own a thriving massage practice, you just want to develop a base of recurring customers, or you're just starting to get clients this article will reveal the little known secret to have more joy from your work, get more clients, ultimately make more money doing what you love, and show how online marketing allows you some of the best ways to achieve those goals. And it doesn't matter whether you have employees of one or 101, all of these ideas can be applied to any sized business.

By Stephanie Beck Whether you own a thriving massage practice, you just want to develop a base of recurring customers, or you're just starting to get clients this article will reveal the little known secret to have more joy from your work, get more clients, ultimately make more money doing what you love, and show how online marketing allows you some of the best ways to achieve those goals. And it doesn't matter whether you have employees of one or 101, all of these ideas can be applied to any sized business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14526 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the March 2011 issue of Massage Today, I wrote about the importance of desexualizing the touch experience and the proactive measures to help prevent clients from crossing your boundaries. I focused on the steps you can take to project a non-sexual image in your marketing materials (business name, email address, brochures, business cards, website) and telephone conversations (creating scripts and handling inappropriate calls). In this follow up, I would like to explore ways to create a safe space and desexualize the massage experience with clients.

By Cherie Sohnen-Moe In the March 2011 issue of Massage Today, I wrote about the importance of desexualizing the touch experience and the proactive measures to help prevent clients from crossing your boundaries. I focused on the steps you can take to project a non-sexual image in your marketing materials (business name, email address, brochures, business cards, website) and telephone conversations (creating scripts and handling inappropriate calls). In this follow up, I would like to explore ways to create a safe space and desexualize the massage experience with clients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14525 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters: one for "danger" and one for "opportunity." As a massage therapist, any constructive criticism you receive should be regarded with a similar view. If you don't pay attention to the criticism, you risk continuing your massage practice in unsatisfactory and damaging ways, but if you do take criticism to mind with a conscious focus on improvement, you change criticism (and crisis) into opportunity.

By Ann Brown, LMT In Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters: one for "danger" and one for "opportunity." As a massage therapist, any constructive criticism you receive should be regarded with a similar view. If you don't pay attention to the criticism, you risk continuing your massage practice in unsatisfactory and damaging ways, but if you do take criticism to mind with a conscious focus on improvement, you change criticism (and crisis) into opportunity. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14522 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Postural analysis photos can be utilized like X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs to evaluate, educate, design customized treatment plans and document progress. They are a great tool for attracting new clients and selling treatment packages and can help you build your practice by taking a quick postural analysis and delivering your objective findings using the technology carried with you daily.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB Postural analysis photos can be utilized like X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs to evaluate, educate, design customized treatment plans and document progress. They are a great tool for attracting new clients and selling treatment packages and can help you build your practice by taking a quick postural analysis and delivering your objective findings using the technology carried with you daily. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14520 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The central question is, what can we do as massage therapists to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease? Heart disease is a progression that expresses itself in many forms, lowering the quality of life for millions and is the cause of death for a citizen in this country every 60 seconds.

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD The central question is, what can we do as massage therapists to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease? Heart disease is a progression that expresses itself in many forms, lowering the quality of life for millions and is the cause of death for a citizen in this country every 60 seconds. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14519 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

For many golfers, the only meaningful way to spend a sunny day is out on the links. With 18 holes to look forward to - the sun's rays caressing the greens, blue skies inviting deep breathes, and the warm leather grip of a favored club in hand - nothing much can break their joy of being alive. Until, that is, pain strikes. Pain in the physical sense such as a muscle tear or unstable joint, or the pain they feel from a continually declining game performance. For a die-hard golfer, the two pains are equally worrisome. And, left unresolved, grow to become their worst nightmare: the end of their golfing and no more need for sunny days.

By Debbie Roberts, LMT For many golfers, the only meaningful way to spend a sunny day is out on the links. With 18 holes to look forward to - the sun's rays caressing the greens, blue skies inviting deep breathes, and the warm leather grip of a favored club in hand - nothing much can break their joy of being alive. Until, that is, pain strikes. Pain in the physical sense such as a muscle tear or unstable joint, or the pain they feel from a continually declining game performance. For a die-hard golfer, the two pains are equally worrisome. And, left unresolved, grow to become their worst nightmare: the end of their golfing and no more need for sunny days. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14518 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

When a baby is born prematurely, parents and caregivers of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may face some serious challenges. One of the main challenges is likely providing appropriate tactile stimulation. This can be difficult given the number of doctors rounds, medical equipment and requirements for medical interventions. Not only are there the physical limitations, but also consider the emotional component of seeing your baby covered in medical tubes, much smaller in size than you imagined, and the insecurity of not knowing what would be appropriate or might cause harm. When baby does become stable enough for touch, what can a parent or caregiver do to provide comfort to their child? One of the best approaches can be infant massage.

By Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT When a baby is born prematurely, parents and caregivers of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may face some serious challenges. One of the main challenges is likely providing appropriate tactile stimulation. This can be difficult given the number of doctors rounds, medical equipment and requirements for medical interventions. Not only are there the physical limitations, but also consider the emotional component of seeing your baby covered in medical tubes, much smaller in size than you imagined, and the insecurity of not knowing what would be appropriate or might cause harm. When baby does become stable enough for touch, what can a parent or caregiver do to provide comfort to their child? One of the best approaches can be infant massage. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14517 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

We tend to think that if the Food and Drug Administration approves a medicine, it is safe for us to take. And we don't give a second thought to the potential side effects of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines since they don't require prescriptions. But are these popular medications safe for pregnant women and their developing babies? Since very few drug trials involve pregnant women, how can anyone be sure that there are no harmful side effects or birth defects from these seemingly innocuous medicines?

By Elaine Stillerman, LMT We tend to think that if the Food and Drug Administration approves a medicine, it is safe for us to take. And we don't give a second thought to the potential side effects of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines since they don't require prescriptions. But are these popular medications safe for pregnant women and their developing babies? Since very few drug trials involve pregnant women, how can anyone be sure that there are no harmful side effects or birth defects from these seemingly innocuous medicines? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14516 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

What's new in research? We at the Massage Therapy Foundation always want to know! This month's review sponsored by the Foundation is an informative study examining the efficacy and feasibility of using massage therapy within a postoperative thoracic surgery setting at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

By Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor What's new in research? We at the Massage Therapy Foundation always want to know! This month's review sponsored by the Foundation is an informative study examining the efficacy and feasibility of using massage therapy within a postoperative thoracic surgery setting at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14515 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Beginning with the February issue, readers will notice a change in the format of Massage Today. For our long-time, loyal readers, the publication might remind them of the newsprint publications of the past.

By Kathryn Feather, Senior Associate Editor Beginning with the February issue, readers will notice a change in the format of Massage Today. For our long-time, loyal readers, the publication might remind them of the newsprint publications of the past. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14514 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The American Massage Conference is now accepting registration forms for the 2012 conference to be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, Calif. The conference will be held April 20th through 22nd and costs just $40 for practicing massage therapists and only $20 for students.

By Editorial Staff The American Massage Conference is now accepting registration forms for the 2012 conference to be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, Calif. The conference will be held April 20th through 22nd and costs just $40 for practicing massage therapists and only $20 for students. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14513 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Education is a sensitive and divisive topic within the massage therapy profession. On one side of the argument are those who believe that today's non-degree vocational school system is both egalitarian and in line with traditional massage therapy practices.

By Kathryn Feather, Senior Associate Editor Education is a sensitive and divisive topic within the massage therapy profession. On one side of the argument are those who believe that today's non-degree vocational school system is both egalitarian and in line with traditional massage therapy practices. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14512 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Energy-based healing practices have been part of various cultures throughout history. Use of these complementary therapies, referred to as biofield therapies, is gaining popularity in the U.S. The theory behind energy-based healing practices is that humans have an energetic dimension necessary for sustaining life. A healthy person's energy field is symmetrical and balanced, allowing optimal energy flow. Imbalances in the energy field might result in pathological physical and psychological symptoms.

By Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor Energy-based healing practices have been part of various cultures throughout history. Use of these complementary therapies, referred to as biofield therapies, is gaining popularity in the U.S. The theory behind energy-based healing practices is that humans have an energetic dimension necessary for sustaining life. A healthy person's energy field is symmetrical and balanced, allowing optimal energy flow. Imbalances in the energy field might result in pathological physical and psychological symptoms. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14511 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

The premise in writing this series is that many "chronic somatic conditions" include the silent progression of osteoporosis for both genders. If one's bones are insidiously weakening, then how do you imagine the body is going to pick up the slack during the weight bearing activities of standing and movement, let alone the more fun activities of running, twisting, jumping, golfing and dancing?

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD The premise in writing this series is that many "chronic somatic conditions" include the silent progression of osteoporosis for both genders. If one's bones are insidiously weakening, then how do you imagine the body is going to pick up the slack during the weight bearing activities of standing and movement, let alone the more fun activities of running, twisting, jumping, golfing and dancing? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14510 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Turn the pages of any massage or bodywork journal, and the list of people (some of them who are not massage therapists) and corporations advertising continuing education classes for massage practitioners is mind boggling. How is a person supposed to make a decision among the countless choices?

By Elaine Stillerman, LMT Turn the pages of any massage or bodywork journal, and the list of people (some of them who are not massage therapists) and corporations advertising continuing education classes for massage practitioners is mind boggling. How is a person supposed to make a decision among the countless choices?