Archive for the 'massage business' Category

Graduating from Massage School in California? New Legislation (Part 1)

Published
by
Terry
on February 20, 2010
in certification, licensing, massage business, massage certification and massage licensing
. 2 Comments

Calling all massage therapists and would-be massage therapists in California!  Have you heard of SB-731?  It’s a new law that created the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and has everything to do with massage licensing and certification matters.  Its principal mission is to issue certification on a state-wide, voluntary basis.

We’ll provide the highlights of SB-731 in this blog and in the next blog (part 2):

1.  It is not mandatory to apply for a certification from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) if you already hold a license as a massage therapist in California. But if you think you’ll be a long-term California resident, you may want to consider applying for one.  The way it works is that the local license that graduates apply for allows them to work only in the county they live in.  So if they moved to another county in California, they’d have to apply for a new license valid for that county.  The CAMTC wanted to eliminate this cumbersome process and pushed for legislation that would bestow a CAMTC-issued certificate upon graduates of California massage schools to practice anywhere in California.

2.  Application for a CAMTC-issued certificate is voluntary.  Based on the FAQ on their web site, they would start receiving applications in July-August this year, although certificates will not be issued before September 1, 2009.  When applicants will receive certificates is still not certain as CAMTC is holding a series of meetings and finalizing the process.  Remember that SB-731 is a new law.

3.   Certificate and city permit:  if you choose not to apply for a CAMTC certificate, you would be still subject to local ordinances.  Applying for one and getting approved means you need NOT apply for a local permit.  But you need to distinguish between a permit and a business license.  You won’t need a permit to practice if CAMTC-certified, but you would still need to comply with the county’s rules and regulations that apply to local businesses – that is, adhering to zoning, safety and health requirements and holding a valid license to operate your business.  Think of it as two separate entities:  you as a massage therapist and your business as a separate entity.  With a CAMTC-issued certificate, you won’t need to apply for a permit to practice as a massage therapist but your business would still be subject to local laws.  Of course this business license requirement does not apply if you work for an employer.

4.  The law also seeks to change the way titles are given.  Effective September 1, 2009, you won’t be able to call yourself – at least in the legal sense – a “Certified Massage Therapist” or “Certified Massage Practitioner.”  Only those who hold CAMTC certificates can legally hold these titles.  The CAMTC’s position on this matter is quite clear:  “Up to now, the term Certified Massage Therapist/Practitioner has actually had no legal meaning state-wide.  It might have meant that someone was issued a certificate by their school, or it might have meant that they were certified by their city or county.  Now the title will be recognized state-wide as referring to someone who has certified through the CAMTC.”

We’ll discuss more of the highlights of SB-731 and the ongoing efforts of CAMTC in our next blog post.  This development is worth watching as it may start a trend in other states as far as certification and licensing are concerned.  It could potentially lead to state governments transferring this authority to private, non-profit organizations like the CAMTC.

Chair Massage: a Lucrative Specialization?

Published
by
Terry
on October 27, 2009
in chair massage, massage business, massage equipment, massage specialties, sports massage, trigger point massage and types of massage
. 1 Comment

Chair massage – or seated massage – isn’t exactly a new trend.  The ancient Chinese discovered trigger points in the body with healing responses so when the practice spread to India and Japan, the trigger point treatment method included a type of seated massage. Chair massage started catching the world’s attention in the 1980s when an entrepreneur called David Palmer actively promoted it.  His first major break came when Apple Computer hired him to give chair massages to employees.  When that ended, Palmer decided to launch his chair massage business.  It has since become popular, not only because of its simplicity and low overhead costs, but also because of the income potential.  Unlike a massage session, chair massage can be carried out within view of the public. Today, you see massage therapists at work in many public areas:  airports, malls, offices, hospitals, train stations and even in streets.  As Valerie Voner, LMT says, “for many folks, chair massage is their introduction into the healing world of skilled, compassionate touch.” (F+W Publications, 2004).

We looked for articles written by David Palmer, and we singled out this one which might be of special interest to students who are thinking of acquiring a chair massage franchise after graduation.  It’s an enlightening article that deals with fainting incidents of people receiving a massage while seated.  The fainting spells happened so frequently that questions were raised about whether or not chair massage could still be considered a viable practice. David Palmer decided to look into it because chair massage therapists were getting apprehensive.

David Palmer says that a person faints (medical term for fainting is “syncope”) when the vasovagal nerve reflex receives pressure, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain.  When these two things happen, the person being massaged on a chair passes out and becomes unconscious.  David Palmer explains it fully in his article which you can read here:  http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/310/Fainting-and-Chair-Massage.  After asking clients about their experiences, he discovered that those who fainted had low blood sugar at the time they were starting to be massaged because they had skipped a meal.  Also, a good number of those who fainted were just recovering from an illness like the flu.  Palmer points to the need for screening clients before therapists administer a massage.  Asking about medications, fainting spells and recent hospitalizations are good ways to screen clients.

Don’t let this piece of news change your mind about specializing in chair massage because there is high income potential in this line of work.  Opportunities are numerous.  Ms. Voner mentions conventions and meeting centers, charity events and schools.  “No matter the profession, just about everyone is willing to try a chair massage…massage of any type is fantastic, but there are many people who do not want to take off their clothes…Chair massage has no added expense, because you do not have to buy oils or use linens to drape,” she says.

While many schools offer chair massage as part of their program (the strokes used for chair massage are learned from Swedish massage, acupressure, stretching, petrissage and effleurage techniques) a few schools offer it as a distinct course or program.  The massage school in Marietta, Georgia – Everest Institute – specifically mentions seated massage as a course offering.  Also, the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, DC offers it as a specialization. If you go to their web site http://www.pmti.org/index.php?id=3 and go to “About Us”, scroll down the page where you will see pictures of chair massage being done.

Are Prospects Bright for Massage School Graduates?

Published
by
Terry
on October 15, 2009
in massage business and massage career
. 0 Comments

Overheard in a downtown cafe one day:

“I’m booked for the next 3 months.  I’ve had to turn away clients and feel bad because I want to help them.”

“I’ve just earned my licence so I’m relatively new in the field.  The place I work for though has a steady stream of clients so I’m slowly building good client relationships.  The potential for repeat business is excellent.”

When you graduate from massage school and earn your license, you gain experience by working in a salon or spa, in the offices of doctors, occupational therapists, physiologists and rehabilitation therapists, and chiropractors.  You may find joy in working in fitness centers and gyms, or in hotels and corporate environments.

Some massage therapists also choose to be self-employed.  In fact, of the 118,000 massage therapists in 2006, 64 percent% were self-employed, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Here’s the good news:  job growth for massage therapists is expected to rise faster than average.  There are also good job prospects for those who want to practice massage therapy part-time. The better news?  The Department of Labor forecasts a 20% increase of jobs for the 10-year period from 2006 to 2016!  This number will continue to grow because more and more people are learning (and enjoying) the numerous benefits of massage therapy.  The prospects are even brighter because massage therapy has come to be accepted by health care providers and insurance companies as a legitimate medical approach.

Massage therapists who are formally trained and have the necessary state and national credentials face bright opportunities in the field of massage therapy.  In addition to earning your license, you may want to devote time and effort to networking.  One way of doing this is to join a state association or local chapter of a recognized massage organization.  You can’t underestimate the value of networking skills.  It will provide referral business, enabling you to establish a constant stream of clients.  If you’re female, you have an edge over your male counterparts, because 84% of massage therapists in 2006 were female.

If you’re looking for advancement in your career as a massage therapist, earn all the licensing and certifications required, refine your networking skills by looking at membership possibilities at associations and foundations, and most of all, find meaning in what you do.  Finding meaning is probably the one task that you have to nurture and sustain throughout your career.  Since massage therapy rhymes with the giving of care and the promoting of wellness, how about thinking of giving some of your time to people in need?  In other words, keep the spirit of volunteerism alive whenever time permits.  It is what Susan Lallak describes as “seeing the beauty within” where modest acts of charity allowed her to see people from a different perspective.  You can read about it here: http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/pdf/Charity_MNB_MA_09.pdf.

Offer Massage Clients Some Options To Preserve Energy

Published
by
Terry
on July 28, 2009
in massage business, massage career and massage techniques
. 0 Comments

By Courtney Slivka

Anyone who has given a massage can attest to its physical requirements. Depending on the type of massage, the client, and the length of the session, therapists may find that they are frequently facing strenuous exertion on a regular basis. Depending on the work environment, a massage therapist’s day may be packed back to back with appointments. For these reasons, the massage therapist burnout can run on the high side, but adding more services to your menu can actually help to save your sanity and physical health without sacrificing your financial stability or loyal client-base.

Many spa treatments make your clients feel just as relaxed as a deep tissue massage, yet they require much less physical exertion on the part of the therapist. Additionally, learning to perform spa treatments can really set you apart from other massage therapists in your area. There are a number of different options you have as a massage therapist and body-worker to add a spa flair to your services. Some require additional training, but are very worthwhile endeavors to pursue.

To add a unique element to any of your massages, consider exploring aromatherapy. If you have not yet entered school, consider finding one that offers an aromatherapy program as well as the standard massage curriculum. Aromatherapy can help your clients to feel extra pampered, which will earn their respect and loyalty. Additionally, the aromatherapy can also work to soothe your own mind and body even as you apply it to your clients.

You may also want to consider offering specialty treatments to your clients. Body wraps are a great way to provide your clients with a unique experience while exerting very little physical energy. Body scrubs are another way to pamper your clients without leaving the session with sore muscles or physical exhaustion. With the right education and initiative, you can even customize your own scrubs, lotions, and oils for your spa sessions. Some therapists may even choose to bottle and sell their concoctions to their clients.

Remember that if you notice yourself feeling fatigue or exhaustion, consider incorporating a bit more creativity into your massage sessions. You can provide your clients a great deal of options while maintaining your own physical health. Look for massage schools and continuing education classes that provide the proper training for aromatherapy and spa services.

Location is a Factor When Choosing Massage School

Published
by
Terry
on July 9, 2009
in massage business, massage certification, massage licensing, massage school and massage school locations
. 0 Comments

By Courtney Skivka

So you want to be a massage therapist? Good for you! You are quite seriously on your way to an exciting and rewarding career. Now you just need to decide upon a massage school. When choosing a school, there a number of different factors that you will want to take into consideration. While counselors at your potential massage schools should be able to help you find the program that is best for you, it is important to take location into account.

As you may or may not know, the regulations for massage therapists are not the same throughout the country. States decide upon their own licensing standards. Some states even divide massage therapy licenses by cities within the state. Why is this relevant to you, a potential student of massage therapy? Because you need to have some sort of idea as to where you plan to practice massage therapy before you choose a specific school.

For many students, answering the question of location may be quite simple. They may intend to attend school and enter the workforce in the very same city. However for many students, especially those who live in suburban areas, many of the potential massage jobs may be across city, or even state borders. It is important to prepare yourself for this possibility by learning about the different massage regulations in your area. Most significantly, some states require more hours within a massage program than others, as well as variations in testing and certifications.

While these regulations are simply part of the massage therapy industry, it is best to familiarize yourself with the laws so that you can be prepared for life after school. If you are already attending school and find that you need more classroom hours or certifications, do not fear. There are plenty of continuing education options available for massage therapists to fulfill licensing regulations across the country.

Getting Started as a Massage Therapist: The Basics

Published
by
Terry
on June 8, 2009
in massage business
. 0 Comments

Today’s post is contributed by guest blogger Kathy Gruver. Kathy  has been involved in natural health for nearly two decades and has her Masters in Natural Health and Doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy.  Kathy is a Medical Massage Therapist, Natural Health Consultant, Reiki Master, and Birth Assistant.  She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Natural Health.  Kathy owns Healing Circle Massage in Santa Barbara which specializes in medical and therapeutic massage and was chosen as a “Best Practice” by Massage Magazine in 2006 and 2007.

We are pleased to feature Kathy and look forward to more insights from this extraordinarily qualified healer and gifted writer.

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You’ve graduated from massage school; you have your table, sheets, lotion and ridiculously short nails. Now what? This is a question we all asked ourselves as we stepped out in to the real massage world. There are numerous options for you. Here are few that I’ll address over the next few weeks. Depending on your personality, skill set and how much you want to work, any of these options might work for you.

  • Get out on your own and start your own practice
  • Join someone else’s practice
  • Work for a spa or massage chain
  • Become a part of a chiropractic or physical therapy office

No matter where you end up working, here are some must haves:

  • Business cards. Even if you’re working in a spa or for someone else, people should have a way to contact you. It can simply be your name and contact number, but make sure it looks professional. I recommend www.vistaprint.com where you can get free or very inexpensive business cards. Don’t get too cute or complicated, simple is best. And once you have the cards, don’t be caught without them. I’ve gotten clients in line at supermarkets, at parties and in parking lots because I had a business card on hand. You can also post them on bulletin boards around town, but we’ll get to marketing in the future.
  • A dedicated phone line. It’s best if you can avoid using your home phone as your business line. There are numerous reasons. The first is your own safety. If someone shady starts to get out of hand, they won’t have your home phone number which means they won’t have your home address and can’t show up at your door. Aside from safety, you’ll know your roommate, spouse or small child isn’t going to miss calls, not give you messages or accidentally be rude to a potential client. When you answer the phone do so professionally saying your name. Make sure your outgoing voice message is concise and professional. Don’t make people wait through five minutes of Stairway to Heaven; just say your name, business name and any other pertinent information. Check messages regularly and return calls promptly. I’ve gotten numerous clients because I’m the only therapist that actually called them back.
  • I know this sounds stupid, but have a table. And enough sheets and oil. I had someone apply for an outcall therapist position that I was trying to fill and half way through the phone call they informed that they didn’t have a car…or a table. I’m still wondering how they thought they were going to be an outcall massage therapist.
  • Make sure you get insurance. Many of the insurance companies give you a special deal while you’re still in school so you can take advantage of that. Two of the biggies are ABMP (www.abmp.com) and AMTA (www.amtamassage.org). Being a member of one of these organizations provides not only insurance, but listings on massage search engines, information about licensing requirements in your area, continuing education opportunities, a magazine subscription and a level of professionalism. And most spas and employers will want to see a proof of insurance.

There you go; a few things to get you started on your new vocation. Check back soon for career options and the best way to get them.

In health,

Kathy Gruver, MS, LMT, RM,
Doctorate of Traditional Naturopathy

Relax Station Can Provide Inspiration To Massage Students

Published
by
Terry
on May 28, 2009
in chair massage, massage business and massage career
. 0 Comments

When a student makes a decision to embark on a massage career, the motivation may be provided by a variety of factors. But if business and an entrepreneurial spirit are primary drivers then those business-minded massage school attendees would do well to look at Relax Station in Ann Arbor, MI for inspiration.

Owner Eileen Bristol had a feeling that a certain property in Ann Arbor was a good location and when it became available she let her gut tell her what to do with the space. She had seen a massage operation in New York City that inspired her to open Relax Station. The business employs 30 massage therapists and grosses $750,000 annually.

Read about the ground up development of a unique business model and let your massage business imagination run wild.