You've invested a lot of money in your education, practice location, marketing, and everything else you need to be a successful massage therapist. Now what? Where can you find information on products, continuing education information, and other goods and services to help your practice grow?

"What Are My Choices?" is a periodic column that gives you the information you need, straight from the experts - the companies themselves. This installment focuses on companies that offer seminars, workshops, technique and CEU-related services.

Academy of Lymphatic Studies: Phone: 800-863-5935; Web: www.acols.com.

Acquired Touch, Inc: NCBTMB-approved providers present seminars on DVD with Elaine Calenda, massage therapy educator since 1980. These professionally filmed massage therapy success stories make it fun and easy to learn and earn your continuing education units. DVD format allows viewing of any chapter instantly. See a sneak preview at our web site. Phone: 303-678-0367; Web: www.acquiredtouch.com.

Advanced Massage Care: Body Memory Recall (BMR) is an integration of four modalities: Myofascial Release, CranialSacral Therapy, Visceral Memory Release and Unwinding Body Memory. BMR supports the complete release of stored energy in the body from past experiences, including injuries, surgery and trauma. BMR was developed by Jonathan A. Tripodi - pioneer in the field of body memory. For treatment and seminar information, contact the Body Memory Treatment Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Phone: 757-491-0726; Web: www.bodymemory.com.

Altmed Ltd.: Phone: 605-343-2682; Web: www.lymphinfo.com.

Arizona Institute of Thai and Oriental Massage: has been in existence since 1994. Winnie Cain teaches Therapeutic Thai massage and is one of the first to teach Thai massage in the United States. Available products include massage mats, cushions, massage videos and workbooks. Phone: 480-644-8817; E-mail: winnie@massagethai.com; Web: www.massagethai.com.

Aviana Body Products and Body Work: At Aviana Body Products and Body Work, our goal is to improve the quality of life for all individuals, including those living with cancer, pain or extreme stress. Based on meticulous study of ancient wisdom and healing techniques, coupled with the latest scientific studies, we have developed our products and services with loving intent to provide gentle, therapeutic support and to help remind the mind-body-spirit of its inherent wholeness and healing power. Products/Services: All natural massage oil, essential oil, body lotion and body mist; Post breast cancer support pillow; Mindful Massage seminar. Phone: 717-533-1759; E-mail: info@avianabody.com; Web: www.avianabody.com.

Bastyr University: Building on Bastyr University's leadership in the field of natural medicine, Bastyr University Extended Education offers continuing education courses by esteemed instructors, supporting life-long learning for massage therapists and other health care providers. Of particular interest this fall are Acutonics I: Sound Gates to Meridian Harmonics October 1-3; and the CranioSacral Therapy Certification Seminars in October and November. Phone: 425-602-3075; E-mail: continuinged@bastyr.edu; Web: www.bastyr.edu/continuinged.

Bellanina Institute: Phone: 800-Belavi4; Web: www.belavi.com.

Blue Heron Academy: Phone: 800-253-6466; Web: www.bonvital.com.

Center for Neuromuscular: Phone: 888-304-4NMR; Web: www.neuromuscularreeducation.com.

Center for Pain Management: Phone: 800-643-5543; Web: www.orthomassage.net.

David Kent Seminars: David Kent Seminars is a cutting edge organization providing essentials for the medically oriented massage therapist. Seminars include Human Dissection, Neuromuscular Therapy, Medical Massage, and Practice Building Seminars. David is a product innovator creating Postural Analysis Grid Charts™, Trigger Point Charts, Home-study programs, videos/DVDs and Personalized Office forms. Learn more and receive a free "Therapy in Session, Please Do Not Disturb" door hanger. Phone: 888-574-5600; Web: www.davidkent.com.

Educise Resources Inc.: provides outstanding continuing education and products for professionals. Educise was founded by Theresa A. Schmidt, MS,PT,OCS,LMT,CEAS, CHy., a Board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, massage therapist, personal trainer, ergonomic assessment specialist, and hypnotherapist We offer credit hours for Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Counterstrain, Orthopedic Manual Therapy, rehabilitation and more. Educise provides fitness products and services for your healthy lifestyle. Products/Services: Professional and public continuing education courses, Healthy Lifestyle Products and Services. Phone: 516-798-4263; E-mail: educise@yahoo.com; Web: www.educise.com.

Equissage: Phone: 800-843-0224; Web: www.equissage.com.

Freedom From Pain Institute: Phone: 800-709-5054; Web: www.erikdalton.com.

Health & Bodyworks: Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: The first and original group in North America to conduct workshops exclusively to teach a western barefoot Swedish technique using bars over the head for leverage and balance. This gravity assisted effleurage program has been featured in many massage magazines, CNN headlines news and spot lighted on the discovery Channel. The first program of its kind to gain National approval from the NCBTMB. Phone: 303-300-2511; Web: www.deepfeet.com.

The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies: Natural Wellness® and The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies provides you with tools and ideas for personal and professional growth to benefit both you and your clients. Products/Services: Lotions, music, DVDs, videos, books, nutritional supplements, heat packs and therapeutic equipment. Learn & Earn with The Institute's 30+ valuable home study Category A continuing education programs, which are accepted by the NCBTMB, ABMP, AMTA, Florida Board of Massage as well as most other state boards. Call for a FREE resource guide. Phone: 800-364-5722; Web: www.naturalwellnessonline.com.

Kinesis, Inc: in business since 1994 providing quality continuing education for manual and movement therapists and professionals certified in Structural Integration under the direction of Thomas Myers. Products/Services: Anatomy Trains Posters, Books, Videos, and Article Compilations. Phone: 888-546-3747; E-mail: infokinesis@tidewater.net; Web: www.kmionline.net.

Lee's Portal Hands: Phone: 603-924-0023; E-mail: leporhan@aol.com.

Lypossage: Charles Wiltsie, creator of Lypossage, spoke at the prestigious Cidesco Congress in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In attendance were Physical Therapists, Beauticians and Plastic Surgeons. Lypossage, an all-natural body contouring treatment, is used as an adjunct to pre and post surgery liposuction and can positively influence cellulite and lymph congestion. Lypossage is the number one manual body contouring modality in the world. More than 1500 massage therapists have been trained since 1999. Products/Services: Lypossage Training, Spa Consulting, Advanced Spa Training, Practice building for the Massage Therapist, Lypossage Body Products, Esprit de Jeunesse Facial Products. Phone: 860-343-9080; E-mail: lypossage@aol.com; Web: www.lypossage.net.

MFR Seminars: Phone: 800-FAFCIAL. Web: www.myofascialrelease.com.

MotherMassage: Massage During Pregnancy. This 24-CEU professional certification course, developed in 1990, teaches massage therapists, childbirth educators, midwives and doulas how to massage their pregnant, laboring and postpartum clientele with safe and effective bodywork techniques. Learn the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy/labor/postpartum, the contraindications and precautions of prenatal massage, care of high-risk pregnancies, and how to treat the most common discomforts of pregnancy as well as marketing strategies and proper practitioner body mechanics. Phone: 212-533-3188; E-mail: estillerman@cs.com; Web: www.mothermassage.net.

New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists: Annual Conference & Banquet November 5-7, 2004. Open to members and non-members. Student/Teacher Discounts. Attend full 3-day Conference ($275), Saturday-only ($175) or Sunday-only ($150). Free Pass, Sunday Only, to Vendor/Exhibition Hall and Job Market. Phone: 877-697-7669; Web: www.mymassage.org.

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: founded in 1986 to provide Oriental medical and body therapy education to students from around the world. With over 1,000 students at three campuses nationwide, Pacific is the largest college of its kind in the U.S. Having received awards for its curriculum and clinical training, as well as research grants from the NIH, Pacific is recognized nationally as a leader in Oriental medicine education. ACAOM accredited. Products/Services: Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM); Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM); Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAcu); Master in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MTOM); Massage Technician; Massage Therapist; Holistic Health Practitioner; Oriental Body Therapist; Tui Na certificate; Continuing Education at annual Pacific Symposium. Phone: 800-729-0941; Web: www.pacificcollege.edu.

Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy: Our mission is to educate and train dedicated individuals to provide professional quality massage therapy in order to promote the health and well-being of humanity while bringing due recognition to the art and science of massage. In 1982, Pennsylvania gave birth to its first state licensed massage school which would afford the proper credentials to aspiring therapists. 1986 marked the school's first AMTA-approved class. In 1992, PSMT became the first AMTA curriculum-approved school to become COMTA accredited. Phone: 610-666-9060 ext 11; Web: www.psmt.com.

The New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts: has offered the finest bodywork education since 1981. Our philosophy is founded on the idea that a healthy body, mind, and spirit are the basis of a healthy, thriving bodywork practice. Our graduates are sought-after employees, known internationally for their high-quality bodywork and professionalism. Products/Services: Diploma and certification programs. Phone: 505-982-6271; Web: www.nmhealingarts.org.

The Pfrimmer Institute for Corrective Muscle Therapy Ltd: Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy® is a highly refined system of corrective treatment using a specific series of soft tissue movements designed to aid in the restoration of damaged muscles and soft tissue in the entire body. This technique is taught at the Pfrimmer Institute for Corrective Muscle Therapy, located in Pennsylvania, or training can take place at a host facility through prior arrangements. Phone: 888-355-2698; E-mail: jmann@piforcmt.com.

Ralph Stephens Seminars, L.L.C.: (formerly Helping Hands Seminars) represents Ralph R. Stephens, internationally recognized, award-winning instructor/author, who has been providing the highest quality continuing-education seminars for massage professionals since 1989. In 1995, Ralph produced the best selling chair massage video program, Seated Therapeutic Massage, Vol.1, Back & Neck©. and has since released a total of 14 training videos covering Seated Massage, Sports Massage, Medical Massage, and Golf-Flexology©. Phone: 888-570-9040; E-mail: ralph@ralphstephens.com; Web: www.ralphstephens.com.

Repetitive Use Injury Therapy (RUIT)®: offers continuing education in the Muscle Release TechniqueSM modality. The Muscle Release Techniquesm is a unique injury therapy that combines compression, extension, movement and breath to give the therapist a tool to provide, in many cases, relief from pain in one treatment. With the Muscle Release Techniquesm scar tissue is broken up, the muscle is lengthened, muscle memory is restored and relief from pain starts immediately. Products/Services: Workshops, Video/DVD training series, Patient Videos, Books, Stretch Ropes. Phone: 303-674-7948; E-mail: michael@mrtherapy.com; Web: www.mrtherapy.com.

Rolf Institute: Over thirty years ago, Dr. Ida P. Rolf established the practice of Rolfing® with the intent of making a difference in peoples' lives through touch. People from all walks of life come to the Rolf Institute to become Rolfers for the noblest of reasons. We invite you to begin your studies at the Rolf Institute and become a part of our family of Rolfing Practitioners. Phone: 800-803-1952; Web: www.rolf.org.

Sacred Stone Center for Holistic Education and Therapy: In 1997, Melody trained and endorsed the first Melody Crystal Healing Instructors in the U.S., with additional instructors since trained in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. Today, as a Founding Instructor, Elariel continues the tradition, teaching these life-changing crystal healing workshops throughout North America. By special arrangement, Elariel, CM, is also available to work individually with those who desire to experience crystal healing to resolve physical, mental, and spiritual concerns. Phone: 877-832-1372; Web: www.sacredstonehealing.com.

Sohnen-Moe Associates, Inc. (SMA): We assist people in clarifying and achieving their personal and professional goals. We offer innovative, practical support for increasing success through home-study courses; professional development books (Business Mastery, The Ethics of Touch, Present Yourself Powerfully), videos and software; workshops; and coaching. Our Web site offers free practice development tips, 40+ free forms, a complementary Marketing Mastery subscription service, and an extensive resource directory. At SMA, your success is our business! Phone: 800-786-4774; Web: www.sohnen-moe.com.

Spinal Reflex Institute, International: SRI provides ongoing research and development of Spinal Reflex Analysis, it's clinical application, and educational opportunities. Developed by Dr. Frank Jarrell, SRA is system of procedures and protocols used to identify and treat spinal reflexes and their associated soft tissue reactions. Massage Therapists daily encounter the profound affects of the spinal reflex mechanism at work in their clients. SRA provides direct access to identifying and shutting down the spinal reflex. Products/Services: SRA Supplemental and Support Materials, Books, Videos, CD's, DVD's, FlipCharts, Posters, Equipment and more. Phone: 877-259-5520; E-mail: media@spinalreflex.com; Web: www.spinalreflex.com.

Stretch Your Clients!: the brainchild of Peggy Lamb, MA, NCTMB, who after teaching massage therapists for many years recognized the need for a concise manual of table stretches that massage therapists could refer to as well as Home Study Courses. Products/Services: The Bodyworker's Guide to Client Table Stretches, manual and interactive CD-ROM; Stretch Your Clients! Home Study Course; Releasing the Rotator Cuff, manual and interactive CD-ROM; Releasing the Rotator Cuff Home Study Course; Omni Rollers; Dr. Singha's Mustard Rub; Grandmas Hot Water Bags; Exercise Bands. Phone: 512-833-0179; E-mail: info@massagepublications.com; Web: www.massagepublications.com.

Thyme & Heart: Barefoot Masters is a CEU program that teaches massage therapist ancient techniques with their feet. It meets today's demand for giving deep tissue massage that won't injure the therapist. Ahh...shiatsu Bar Therapy uses an overhead bar that supports the therapist while they apply deep effleurage strokes with the foot using lotion. Fijian Massage is performed sitting in a chair while the client lays on a mat dressed with no lotion. Phone: 239-352-8200.

Upledger Institute, Inc.: Phone: 800-233-5880; Web: www.upledger.com.

If your company offers products or services to the massage profession and you would like to be listed in "What Are My Choices," please contact Massage Today at 800-324-7758 or sales@mpamedia.com.