tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2008-07-10T09:25:32-07:00 News and information about massage therapy. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14175 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The first article in this series postulated that kidney stone formation and chronic kidney infections may be possible causes of your clients' chronic ailments, especially those that relate to the low back, groin, knees, ankles and feet. This article will add more depth and breadth to your comprehension of these two disorders and how we may encourage our clients to seek appropriate medical testing. One point to consider is that individuals who seek out massage therapy on any regular basis may be subconsciously driven by an instinctual sense that they possess an anatomical anomaly or an avoidance of regular medical check-ups. It is our collective responsibility to make referrals when our common sense suggests it.

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD The first article in this series postulated that kidney stone formation and chronic kidney infections may be possible causes of your clients' chronic ailments, especially those that relate to the low back, groin, knees, ankles and feet. This article will add more depth and breadth to your comprehension of these two disorders and how we may encourage our clients to seek appropriate medical testing. One point to consider is that individuals who seek out massage therapy on any regular basis may be subconsciously driven by an instinctual sense that they possess an anatomical anomaly or an avoidance of regular medical check-ups. It is our collective responsibility to make referrals when our common sense suggests it. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14182 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's true, massage tables really are like elegant desserts. The best ones have the perfect balance of sumptuous and delicious layers. Go enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner. Chances are the dessert tray will be filled with items sporting layer after layer of sheer decadence. More layers really equals more luxury and more indulgence.

By Angie Patrick It's true, massage tables really are like elegant desserts. The best ones have the perfect balance of sumptuous and delicious layers. Go enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner. Chances are the dessert tray will be filled with items sporting layer after layer of sheer decadence. More layers really equals more luxury and more indulgence. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14163 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

A few years back (2002), I co-authored a book on breathing: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders. My co-authors (a physical therapist and a psychologist specializing in pain management) and I gathered together a great deal of information in order to describe how clinical management of a vast range of conditions - from anxiety, to irritable bowel, head and neck ache, low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, fatigue and lowered pain thresholds, to name just a few - could be assisted by recognition and rehabilitation of breathing pattern disorders.

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO A few years back (2002), I co-authored a book on breathing: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders. My co-authors (a physical therapist and a psychologist specializing in pain management) and I gathered together a great deal of information in order to describe how clinical management of a vast range of conditions - from anxiety, to irritable bowel, head and neck ache, low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, fatigue and lowered pain thresholds, to name just a few - could be assisted by recognition and rehabilitation of breathing pattern disorders. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14171 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Letter from Bob Benson, ABMP Chairman, and is in response to Ralph Stephens' Massage Today column from December 2009. Letter to the editor, from Joseph L. Walker of the Styrene Information and Research Center, and is in response to Shellie Enteen's January top story, "Go Green for a Healthy Office."

Letter from Bob Benson, ABMP Chairman, and is in response to Ralph Stephens' Massage Today column from December 2009. Letter to the editor, from Joseph L. Walker of the Styrene Information and Research Center, and is in response to Shellie Enteen's January top story, "Go Green for a Healthy Office." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14148 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The debate goes on. Some people still consider massage chairs, and the work performed on them, a form of "fluff and buff" massage, not true therapeutic massage. Some would offer that seated massage is a good marketing tool to get people into the office or clinic to get some "real" massage.

By Raymond Blaylock The debate goes on. Some people still consider massage chairs, and the work performed on them, a form of "fluff and buff" massage, not true therapeutic massage. Some would offer that seated massage is a good marketing tool to get people into the office or clinic to get some "real" massage. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14150 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In "AMTA Board of Directors Disbands Council of Schools" [front page], an incorrect word was used in the following sentence "However, in late January at the COS annual meeting and leadership conference, COS members expressed a desire to retain [emphasis added] independence from the AMTA..." The correct word is obtain.

By Editorial Staff In "AMTA Board of Directors Disbands Council of Schools" [front page], an incorrect word was used in the following sentence "However, in late January at the COS annual meeting and leadership conference, COS members expressed a desire to retain [emphasis added] independence from the AMTA..." The correct word is obtain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14113 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Thank you to all who sent in your photos for the Massage Today T-shirt photo contest. Thank you for sharing with us your personal stories and the positive responses that you have received from the public while wearing your Massage Today T-shirts.

Thank you to all who sent in your photos for the Massage Today T-shirt photo contest. Thank you for sharing with us your personal stories and the positive responses that you have received from the public while wearing your Massage Today T-shirts. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14134 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Last year, I authored a white paper entitled, "On Becoming a Profession: The Challenges and Choices that will Determine Our Future." This provided an overall analysis of how the field of massage therapy was organized, in relationship to the structure found in mature, or fully-formed professions. There were also policy recommendations directed to the leaders of the stakeholder organizations for foundational changes that would bring greater consistency and congruence to teaching, practice and regulation of massage therapy. In the 18 months that have elapsed since the publication of that paper, there has been a considerable amount of activity on the massage therapy landscape.

By Rick Rosen, MA, LMBT Last year, I authored a white paper entitled, "On Becoming a Profession: The Challenges and Choices that will Determine Our Future." This provided an overall analysis of how the field of massage therapy was organized, in relationship to the structure found in mature, or fully-formed professions. There were also policy recommendations directed to the leaders of the stakeholder organizations for foundational changes that would bring greater consistency and congruence to teaching, practice and regulation of massage therapy. In the 18 months that have elapsed since the publication of that paper, there has been a considerable amount of activity on the massage therapy landscape. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14135 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in translational research.1,3-5 This research looks at ways in which the evidence that emerges from basic research in laboratory settings can become more clinically usable. In other words, how scientific evidence translates into what you and I do with our hands, assessments, treatments and re-education of patients towards better posture, breathing and ergonomics.

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in translational research.1,3-5 This research looks at ways in which the evidence that emerges from basic research in laboratory settings can become more clinically usable. In other words, how scientific evidence translates into what you and I do with our hands, assessments, treatments and re-education of patients towards better posture, breathing and ergonomics. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14136 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's hard to believe that the season for gift giving is upon us once again, and if your year has been anything like mine, you've weathered a ride on an economic roller coaster that would give Mr. Toad a run for his money. Fortunately, many economists predict brighter times in the near future; however, it's likely that you may be reeling from the recent ups and downs, and gift giving may be the last thing on your mind. At the same time, your loved ones may be wondering how to best choose a gift for you that fits within their budget.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB It's hard to believe that the season for gift giving is upon us once again, and if your year has been anything like mine, you've weathered a ride on an economic roller coaster that would give Mr. Toad a run for his money. Fortunately, many economists predict brighter times in the near future; however, it's likely that you may be reeling from the recent ups and downs, and gift giving may be the last thing on your mind. At the same time, your loved ones may be wondering how to best choose a gift for you that fits within their budget. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14138 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

In January 2001, the first edition of Massage Today was released, and my first Speaking of Pathologies column was in the inaugural issue. It was an introduction to a new concept: readers could send me their interesting questions and challenges around pathology topics, and I would pull together some information for responses that might benefit the rest of the profession. Since that time I have written more than 50 columns on topics ranging from herpes simplex to bariatric surgery to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Most of the time, my articles were stimulated by your input; sometimes I had no direction from readers and simply pursued my own line of interest; this led to a series on neurological conditions including ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, about which I'm still getting letters several years later, and to a lively discussion about student clinics that established great connections with massage educators around the country.

By Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB In January 2001, the first edition of Massage Today was released, and my first Speaking of Pathologies column was in the inaugural issue. It was an introduction to a new concept: readers could send me their interesting questions and challenges around pathology topics, and I would pull together some information for responses that might benefit the rest of the profession. Since that time I have written more than 50 columns on topics ranging from herpes simplex to bariatric surgery to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Most of the time, my articles were stimulated by your input; sometimes I had no direction from readers and simply pursued my own line of interest; this led to a series on neurological conditions including ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, about which I'm still getting letters several years later, and to a lively discussion about student clinics that established great connections with massage educators around the country. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14114 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Due to the recent availability of the Massage Today T-shirt for purchase, we have extended the deadline of our Massage Today T-shirt photo contest. We want everyone to have the opportunity to enter the contest, so we have extended the deadline to enter until December 4 with voting beginning December 7 - 20. Winners will be announced in December.

Due to the recent availability of the Massage Today T-shirt for purchase, we have extended the deadline of our Massage Today T-shirt photo contest. We want everyone to have the opportunity to enter the contest, so we have extended the deadline to enter until December 4 with voting beginning December 7 - 20. Winners will be announced in December. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14115 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections.

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14116 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous column (September 2009), whenever a client comes to me with an injury or pain condition, I make sure the person goes to see a physician if they have not already. I recommend this policy to all the practitioners I have trained around the country, and believe it is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our clients, our profession, and ourselves.

By Ben Benjamin, PhD As I mentioned in a previous column (September 2009), whenever a client comes to me with an injury or pain condition, I make sure the person goes to see a physician if they have not already. I recommend this policy to all the practitioners I have trained around the country, and believe it is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our clients, our profession, and ourselves. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14117 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Massage therapists are expected to alleviate stress, help with relaxation, and relieve pain caused by injuries, repetitive use and physical limitations. A therapist's success in doing so often leads clients to view their massage therapist as a "cure-all." Sooner or later, however, a massage therapist might be faced with questions from their clients such as: "Why does the pain keep coming back?" or "I feel better, but I am afraid to do anything that might start the pain again."

By Marjorie Brook, LMT, CIMI Massage therapists are expected to alleviate stress, help with relaxation, and relieve pain caused by injuries, repetitive use and physical limitations. A therapist's success in doing so often leads clients to view their massage therapist as a "cure-all." Sooner or later, however, a massage therapist might be faced with questions from their clients such as: "Why does the pain keep coming back?" or "I feel better, but I am afraid to do anything that might start the pain again." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14120 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Essential oils that treat the nervous system and bring down swelling may be only part of the picture when dealing with pain relief. Joint pain and muscle injury or chronic stiffness may also require bringing more circulation into the area and removing toxins. Essential oils that are considered detoxifiers and rubefacients and are known for their anti-rheumatic effects can boost even the best massage technique and help provide lasting relief. Part two explores the use of anti-rheumatic, detoxifying and rubefacient essences.

By Shellie Enteen, BA, LMT Essential oils that treat the nervous system and bring down swelling may be only part of the picture when dealing with pain relief. Joint pain and muscle injury or chronic stiffness may also require bringing more circulation into the area and removing toxins. Essential oils that are considered detoxifiers and rubefacients and are known for their anti-rheumatic effects can boost even the best massage technique and help provide lasting relief. Part two explores the use of anti-rheumatic, detoxifying and rubefacient essences. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14122 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Clinicians, athletes and rehabilitation specialists advocate stretching as a means for injury prevention and treatment. The primary purpose of any stretching technique is to enhance pliability and flexibility in the soft tissues. It is also routinely incorporated with massage in the treatment of pain and injury conditions. There are many different stretching techniques, which all fall into one of three primary categories: static, ballistic or active-assisted stretching.

By Whitney Lowe, LMT Clinicians, athletes and rehabilitation specialists advocate stretching as a means for injury prevention and treatment. The primary purpose of any stretching technique is to enhance pliability and flexibility in the soft tissues. It is also routinely incorporated with massage in the treatment of pain and injury conditions. There are many different stretching techniques, which all fall into one of three primary categories: static, ballistic or active-assisted stretching. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14124 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

A lot has changed in the world of massage therapy since I first started practicing more than 25 years ago. While massage has been used for healing in East Asia for a long time, our attitude towards it in the U.S. has evolved from a practice that simply feels good, into a necessary part of professional sports, and a respected form of alternative healing.

By Sharon Puszko, PhD, LMT A lot has changed in the world of massage therapy since I first started practicing more than 25 years ago. While massage has been used for healing in East Asia for a long time, our attitude towards it in the U.S. has evolved from a practice that simply feels good, into a necessary part of professional sports, and a respected form of alternative healing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14126 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Join thousands of massage therapists in the largest event in the history of massage for a live conference without ever leaving your home. The World Massage Conference is a live, web-based massage conference that will be held November 12-17, 2009. Participants can log onto the conference at any time for presentations from more than 70 experts in the field either live or at their own convenience from recorded broadcasts. (For those who do not have access to a computer, audio will be available by phone.)

By Editorial Staff Join thousands of massage therapists in the largest event in the history of massage for a live conference without ever leaving your home. The World Massage Conference is a live, web-based massage conference that will be held November 12-17, 2009. Participants can log onto the conference at any time for presentations from more than 70 experts in the field either live or at their own convenience from recorded broadcasts. (For those who do not have access to a computer, audio will be available by phone.) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14091 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I have had the opportunity to attend a couple of events off the beaten path from my usual trade show and convention stomping grounds. This year, I wanted to make a concerted effort to find out what is going on in some of the places I had not historically frequented. Most years, you can be sure I will be at the American Massage Therapy Association's national convention, as well as the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) convention. These two powerhouse annual events are always informative, fun and full of friendly faces. Some I have known for years, and more that I have the privilege of meeting for the first time. I will most definitely be in attendance for these events in 2009, but this year, I thought I might branch out a bit more and see what is happening in other parts of the world as well.

By Angie Patrick Recently, I have had the opportunity to attend a couple of events off the beaten path from my usual trade show and convention stomping grounds. This year, I wanted to make a concerted effort to find out what is going on in some of the places I had not historically frequented. Most years, you can be sure I will be at the American Massage Therapy Association's national convention, as well as the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) convention. These two powerhouse annual events are always informative, fun and full of friendly faces. Some I have known for years, and more that I have the privilege of meeting for the first time. I will most definitely be in attendance for these events in 2009, but this year, I thought I might branch out a bit more and see what is happening in other parts of the world as well. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14092 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

In a recent study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB), researchers Jolie N. Haun, John Graham-Pole, and Brendan Shortley conclude that the use of massage therapy provides significant improvement both physically and psychologically in children with cancer and blood diseases. The following abstract was excerpted from the IJTMB, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2009).

In a recent study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB), researchers Jolie N. Haun, John Graham-Pole, and Brendan Shortley conclude that the use of massage therapy provides significant improvement both physically and psychologically in children with cancer and blood diseases. The following abstract was excerpted from the IJTMB, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2009). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14094 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the current edition of my book, Palpation and Assessment Skills, there are 12 "special topic" sections, where subjects that don't quite fit into the regular chapters, have been placed. The special topic I want to bring to your attention is the so-called "red and white" reaction - the name of which has been expanded to "red, white and black" reaction. Mysterious? Not really - but it's a catchy name for a simple but useful assessment method that dates back well over 100 years. The name refers to superficial responses that take the form of red, white and sometimes blue-black lines following skin-friction, applied by a finger or probe, usually running down each side of the spine.

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO In the current edition of my book, Palpation and Assessment Skills, there are 12 "special topic" sections, where subjects that don't quite fit into the regular chapters, have been placed. The special topic I want to bring to your attention is the so-called "red and white" reaction - the name of which has been expanded to "red, white and black" reaction. Mysterious? Not really - but it's a catchy name for a simple but useful assessment method that dates back well over 100 years. The name refers to superficial responses that take the form of red, white and sometimes blue-black lines following skin-friction, applied by a finger or probe, usually running down each side of the spine. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14099 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have been a massage therapist since 1992 and an educator since 2000. If you have read any of my articles, you know I teach the business curriculum at Swedish Institute in NYC but have also taught in Boston and in continuing-education settings around the country. My life is all about the business of massage and teaching students how to "work smarter, not harder." That being said, this profession requires hard work, especially at the beginning when trying to build a practice. Even after a practice is established, hard work is still needed to keep clients coming back and maintain a certain level of success.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT I have been a massage therapist since 1992 and an educator since 2000. If you have read any of my articles, you know I teach the business curriculum at Swedish Institute in NYC but have also taught in Boston and in continuing-education settings around the country. My life is all about the business of massage and teaching students how to "work smarter, not harder." That being said, this profession requires hard work, especially at the beginning when trying to build a practice. Even after a practice is established, hard work is still needed to keep clients coming back and maintain a certain level of success.