Monthly Archive for March, 2010

New York Massage – Where Are the Therapists?

Published
by
Terry
on March 29, 2010
in New York massage, licensing and massage licensing
. 0 Comments

New York state law stipulates that no matter what massage therapists call themselves – Swedish massage specialist, bodywork practitioner or general massage practitioner – they should all be licensed and must have a registration certificate.  This registration certificate must be renewed every three years if the massage therapist wants to continue practicing in New York.  Some MTs display their license, registration certificate and other licenses obtained in other states in their premises.  If you want to verify the authenticity of a registration certificate you can do so by contacting the Office of the Professions of the New York State Department of Education.

The number of massage therapy licenses issued in New York has remained fairly stable.  In 2004, there were 1,039 issued licenses.  So far, the highest number of NY licenses issued was in 2005 (1,225).  In 2008, that number was slightly lower (1,188).

As for geographical distribution, here are some interesting facts:

1.  There are 62 counties in New York.  Three counties have the highest number of registered licencees:  New York (1,601), followed by Suffolk (1,445) and then Nassau (1,083).
2.  The counties of Kings, Queens, Erie and Monroe follow closely behind with 983, 932, 777 and 698 respectively.
3.  Westchester County has 584 registered licencees.
4.  The counties with the lowest number are:
-  Hamilton (1)
-  Lewis (16)
-  Schoharie (14)
-  Yates (17)

For a massage therapist who is thinking of practicing in New York but desiring a less saturated market, it might be a good idea to review the geographical statistics available at the Department of Education.  Be aware, however, that these statistics may be a little skewed, because the MT’s primary address is the one that’s in the registration files of the Department but may not necessarily be the practice address.  Be aware too that the less saturated markets may mean “no market” for you.  Taking Hamilton County  (Lake Pleasant seat) as an example, it is the least populated county in the state of New York and is also the least populated in all of the eastern half of the United States.  The population density?  Slightly over three people per square mile!  As of 2000, there were about 5,300 inhabitants.

You might have better luck in Schoharie County which has a population of over 31,000 people based on the 2000 census, with a density of 52 people per square mile.

But if there’s a will, there’s a way, they say.  Job opportunities may be limited in smaller counties, but remember that licensed massage therapists can always find work in hospitals, recreational centers or health clubs.  The Basset Hospital of Schoharie County is located in Cobleskill, New York, but there are 12 family hospitals and health care centers that are within a distance of 27 to 50 miles from Schoharie.  Remember:  there may be 14 MTs registered in Schoharie County, but that doesn’t mean all 14 practice there, so there will always be room.  One final encouraging note:  people retire or relocate every year, and massage therapists are no exception!  You could well be the next replacement for the retiring MT in that county.

Ayurveda and Massage Therapy – What’s in a name?

Published
by
Terry
on March 24, 2010
in ayurveda, massage specialties and types of massage
. 0 Comments

by Tiffany Cox. LMT

Thirty years ago most people in the Western world hadn’t even heard of Yoga, much less how to define it. We’ve since integrated it into our culture so thoroughly, you’d be hard-pressed to find even a single manliest of men who could deny having some knowledge of its existence.

There have been many new ideas introduced into our culture over the past few decades that are only now being revealed and adopted into mainstream consciousness. Not surprisingly, the practice of Ayurveda has eluded that consciousness to the extent that even the pronunciation is baffling to the unfamiliar.

(Phonetically) eye-yur-vay-dah, encompasses a way of life that is widely unknown in Western culture. Even the minority here in North America who participate in its practices are novices at best, administering the most basic of treatments and routines. The moniker itself is a testament to its intricate constitution, meaning literally: ayus~life, and veda~the science or knowledge of.

A true Ayurvedic lifestyle is a manifestation of meditation on comprehensive betterment, by directing intention through every thought and action, creating an existence of singular purpose ~ wellness in, and of, everything.

One reason Ayurveda is not as widely known is due to the complex contingencies applied within the practice itself. The culture in which Ayurveda unfolded is vastly different from American life, and many vital components within these customs can be considered absurd, “weird,” or even taboo by conventional assessment.

One of the more recognized Ayurvedic treatments known in the West is Shirodhara as a result of it now being offered in elite, luxury spas and wellness centers. I’ve worked in two spas that have provided this service, and only one exhibited a consistent, effective application of the treatment. When administered by an educated, experienced provider, Shirodhara can have a profound effect on both client and therapist.

A greater number of therapists are now being introduced to these practices while still in massage school, when they’re at a heightened level of receptiveness, encouraging a more in-depth pursuit of the native science upon which Ayurveda was developed over 4,000 years ago. Recognizing and preserving the significance of the Ayurveda name, origin, and meaning by becoming an authenticated student of customary Ayurvedic teachings is the best way to inspire the adoption of this standard of wellness.

Bringing these treatments into Western view incites intrigue among the alternative-lifestyle seekers, and introduces a dialogue between themselves and a (hopefully) well-educated practitioner.

Focusing attention on its benefits will help ease trepidation and increase acceptance, encouraging the introduction and integration of these unique methods of optimal wellness, so that one day we can all pronounce words like Ayurveda with the tongue of more than just a novice.

New York Offers Massage Therapists “Licensure by Endorsement”

Published
by
Terry
on March 17, 2010
in massage certification and massage licensing
. 1 Comment

New York has this concept – licensure by endorsement – which applies to massage therapists wishing to practice in New York but hold licenses from another state or jurisdiction. There are requirements for this licensure by endorsement and if you have plans to move to this state, you may want to check out the eligibility criteria.

The Office of the Professions of the New York Department of Education says that to apply for licensure by endorsement, you must:

1.  Have at least two years’ of MT practice in another state
2.  Be at least 21 years old
3.  Submit the completed application for New York state massage license and pay the application fee
4.  Be a high school graduate
5.  Be a green card holder or US citizen
6.  Be of good moral character (as determined by the Department of Education)
7.  Not have taken (or failed) the New York State Massage Therapy examination
8.  Be of good standing as a licensee in the current state of practice
9.  Have completed the CPR exam within three years prior to application for licensure

Unfortunately, there are more requirements to the nine mentioned above, but don’t be discouraged, especially if you already hold a license from another state.  Here are the other requirements:  you must show proof of the 1,000 hour education requirement for New York state and also show proof that you have two years’ professional experience in MT after having obtained your original license.  This experience must include western and/or eastern MT techniques.  One final requirement:  you must have passed a written exam in the state, county or country where you first practiced and that exam must be considered acceptable by the Department of Education.  One exam that it will accept for purposes of determination is the NCETMB.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to these requirements.  It would be worth your while to find out as much as you can about applying for licensure by endorsement.  Critical factors are your number of years’ experience, clock hours you have to your credit, and the exam you took in the state or county where you originally practiced.  We strongly recommend that you contact the Department of Education of New York:

by email:  msthbd@mail.nysed.gov
by phone:  518-474-3817 ext. 150
by fax:  518-486-4846
by mail:  New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
New York State Board for Massage Therapy
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234-1000

The keyword here is “alternatives.”  If you don’t meet the first nine requirements above, the Department of Education mentions other ways you can apply for licensure by endorsement.  Look into it!

Massage Therapist Gender

Published
by
Terry
on March 10, 2010
in massage career, massage issues and sports massage
. 0 Comments

We live in an age where gender in the workplace has become less and less of an issue. Some of this is based on legislation which prevents discrimination but much of the advances are due to changing attitudes regarding gender. There are generally less hangups and prejudices among the general population. But when it comes to massage therapy, gender can be an issue.

Massage, by its nature, is an intimate experience. Touching someone all over their body, even in a therapeutic manner, requires a level of trust and confidence between therapist and client. How clients feel about the gender of their massage therapist and the whole notion of male vs. female massage therapists and how that affects career options is the subject of our most recent article.

Check out the article about massage therapist gender issues by clicking here. I think you will find it informative and helpful.

Lomilomi Massage Article

Published
by
Terry
on March 8, 2010
in lomilomi, massage techniques and types of massage
. 0 Comments

On our main website, we have posted an article describing the ancient  practice of Lomilomi, a Hawaiian massage technique. For anyone (like me for instance) that is sick of cold weather and snow, reading about the history and philosophy behind Lomilomi, which addresses the spiritual and emotional well-being of the recipient as well as the physical aspects.

As you read this informative piece you will almost be able to feel the warm tropical breezes and the hear the gentle surf rush onto pristine beaches. You will learn something and I assure you that you will feel refreshed just reading about the art of Lomilomi massage.

Just click here to read the article about Lomilomi massage.

Welcome Tiffany Cox!

Published
by
Terry
on March 1, 2010
in massage licensing and massage school
. 0 Comments

tiffanycWe are pleased to welcome Tiffany Cox to Massage Schools Guide as a contributing author. Tiffany became an LMT in 2003, and an MTI in 2005, in Austin, Texas, eventually migrating back north to her home in Southeastern, PA in 2007. Motivated by her interests in science, a quest for true wellness, and perpetual diversity, she has accumulated a wealth of experience in a variety of therapeutic environments, developing knowledge and skill in numerous techniques.

We are confident that Tiffany’s over 1,000 hours of schooling, her real-world experience, and unique and personal perspective will provide valuable insights for prospective massage school students, as well as those already practicing as massage professionals. She is currently dividing her time between the Blue Ridge Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, and the familiar Lancaster County countryside, with her beau, Jon, and her Great Dane, Roxxy, taking respite, studying for the NCBTMB exam, and looking forward to Spring!