Archive for the 'massage career' Category

Massage Specializing – Finding Your Focus

Published
by
Tiffany
on May 23, 2010
in massage career
. 0 Comments

By TiffanyCox, LMT

You’ve been a Professional Massage Therapist for 5 years now, so you should pretty much have it all down, right?

You do? You just might be the only one!

I have met therapists in their second and third decades of therapy and still not sure what type of massage they wanted to specialize in! One of the most amazing and thrilling aspects to this division of health and wellness is that you will (hopefully) never stop learning and growing.

I’ve personally had about a dozen “favorite” massage techniques, and I haven’t yet reached decade number one! I hope I never see the day I think I’ve “learned it all,” because ours is a profession built on specialized adaptation and transformation. My single most important goal in school, and even today and beyond, is to never give the same massage twice ~ not even to the same person, no matter how many times they’ve visited my table.

We’ve all been to that hair stylist that gives everyone the same cut, or the doctor who prescribes the same fix to all his patients…try not to force yourself into a pattern or routine, and your inherent talents and interests will surface as you allow yourself to improvise.

Long ago in another career life, I was required to be extremely analytical, logical and left-brained. When I became a Massage Therapist, those skills and tendencies lingered in my professional perspective.

My first massage venture was in a clinical setting, and, oh my!, was my inner-German happy! I thought I’d found my “True Calling” ~ cue the dramatic choir of singing angels and the blinding golden light of harps and halos! I thought working with injured and chronically-ailing patients was the end-all to my professional search for fulfillment, and I would never find anything more satisfying as long as I lived. I was thankfully very mistaken!

At first I was uncomfortable with the thought of changing my mind about something I’d thought to be such a fundamental part of my identity as a therapist, but as I developed, I began to understand that being malleable and receptive is exactly what perpetuates development.

I have since enjoyed countless flings with techniques as diverse as my client base, adopting 5,000-year-old energy-based therapies and marrying them with cutting-edge sports therapy techniques while simultaneously performing bio-feedback!

While working for a chiropractor, I never thought I’d work in a spa setting, but then I chose to leave the doctor’s office for one of the most exclusive spas in town. I learned steams, wraps, and scrubs of such epic pampering-proportions I’d go home swooning in bliss! Incidentally, learning to make someone feel like they’ve left the mother-ship for 90 minutes is truly an art-form of which to be stunningly proud.

When I was offered a position in a 5-star resort spa that enticed me with the prospect to incorporate my clinical skills with my newly-discovered luxury repertoire, the angels started screeching once again!

Regardless of how many times I fall in love with one therapy technique or another, the intensity and value of each affair is in no way diminished by the next fascination. My willingness to be courted and captivated by a diverse palate of modalities is what has made me a commodity in our profession.

One of my favorite philosophers, Robert Anton Wilson, authored and adhered to a lifestyle of what he detailed as “Maybe Logic.” Through a series of frustrating and challenging personal episodes, he learned that maybe he really didn’t know all there was to know about life, the universe and everything in it, even though his ego was persistently suggesting otherwise.

As the seed of my work has developed within me, it has become increasingly natural to view the unknown in this way and for exactly what it is ~ limitless potential.

Being inherently human I, of course, continue to rely on my past experiences to deliver favorable results, but I don’t walk around in a semi-conscious coma of ignorance, expecting all my encounters to swoop me off my feet, either.

I have learned to embrace what all of us are trying so fervently to obtain at every level of existence ~ homeostasis, the balance between what is inside in relation to what is outside. Push to a pull, wax for the wane, ebb from a flow, Yin within Yang…define it how you choose, they are all the same.

By embracing the fluidity and transience of my work, I have discovered my true gifts. Inspiring coexistence of my interests has consistently encouraged the emergence of the most effective and relevant approach by means of necessity.

I’ve posed demanding questions to myself, and expected substantial answers in return. I’ve opened myself to change, even at the most fundamental levels, never being so intimidated by the unknown that I miss out on its immeasurable opportunities. I’ve foremost not allowed myself to become “comfortable” in my knowledge, always seeking validation in truth and results.

Being true to yourself doesn’t mean having one opinion and never modifying your perspective. Being true to your true self means having the courage to be the best version of that self by discovery through a perpetual progression in your knowledge, experience, and fulfillment.

And when all these elements converge within you, the understanding of your purpose and direction will bring everything into precise and absolute focus.

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.

Massage Instructor Profile – Chicago Massage School

Published
by
Terry
on January 13, 2010
in massage career and massage school
. 0 Comments

We have added a profile and questionnaire response to our main website for Dr. Patricia Coe, an instructor and clinic supervisor at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL.  As a doctor of chiropractic and massage therapist, Dr. Coe provides a truly unique perspective about the practice of massage therapy as a component of a holistic approach to healing. As an instructor, Dr. Coe also provides excellent insights into the process of choosing a massage therapy career, selecting a school and gaining the  most from a massage therapy education.

You can read our entire interview with this Chicago-area massage school instructor by clicking here.

Massage Therapist: Just One Day (Part 1)

Published
by
Terry
on November 1, 2009
in massage career, massage employment options, massage techniques and types of massage
. 0 Comments

We have to admit that we struggled for a few minutes about choosing an appropriate title for today’s blog.  Two reasons:  a massage session lasts an hour, so when people come out of the massage room feeling re-invigorated and more optimistic about the future, it’s really the 60 minutes spent under the healing hands of a massage therapist that make the difference.  But the intention for this blog was to describe “a day in the life of a massage therapist” type of story so we can give new students and graduates of massage therapy a peek into what their days will be like after massage school.

There is no such thing as a “typical day” for a massage therapist.  The profession, being a flexible one, offers massage therapists several options on how they want to structure their work hours.  A snapshot of a working day would depend on whether the person works part time or full time, the kind of working environment the therapist chooses to work in (as an employee in a health club, a freelance therapist working for a spa or resort, or working for physical and occupational therapist or doctor in a hospital or clinic) or as a business owner.

Jenny Platt owns a massage business in Virginia and her days can be hectic or relatively unhurried.  There are joys and challenges.  Some of these challenges arise when clients don’t show up for their appointments.  She says that clients need to provide two hours’ notice; if they don’t, they forfeit their session.  Ms. Platt says she often has to explain this to clients in an ethical and non-offensive way, and it can get tricky because many clients are on multiple session packages.  Clients tend to forget that some massage therapists who are hired are paid for actual work they do, not for hours sitting around waiting for clients.

Ms. Platt and her massage therapists reserve an extra half hour for each session to prepare:  changing linens, pulling out the client’s file, preparing the products, choosing the music and lighting candles.  As a business owner, she also has a myriad of administrative matters to look after.  Taking three to four clients a day, therefore, is the ideal client load for her.  When clients come in, they are offered water and directed to the washrooms.  If she is meeting clients for the first time, she spends 20-30 minutes for consultation.  Because client needs are different, the types of massage vary.  The variety is what she enjoys most;  it prevents her from feeling tired or burning out at the end of the day.  She could start her day applying a rigorous type of massage, but before lunch, she could be doing the raindrop technique or the Thai herbal compress - lighter forms of therapy.

Ms. Platt’s clients range in age from 20 to 70, but she says majority are in the 30-50 age range.  Regular or repeat customers account for 85% of her business.  Of those who come, 60% have a specific problem so they’re not getting a massage purely for relaxation.  Her center is open seven days a week and the last session is at 7:30 in the evening.  When she started, she was working seven days a week, but now she works only Mondays through Fridays from 11:00 am to 6:00 or 7:00 pm.

In our next post, we’ll peek into the day of a massage therapist working in a hospital setting.

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.

Learning Infant Massage in Massage School

Published
by
Terry
on October 3, 2009
in continuing education, infant massage, massage career and massage employment options
. 0 Comments

Carl Sandburg had a beautiful quote about babies.  People say it many times and no doubt is written on congratulatory cards for new parents.  He said, “a baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.”  If you have an enduring love for babies, you can help them develop through the magic of touch and gentle massage.  You’ll be filled with pride knowing that the baby you’re touching will turn into a physically and emotionally balanced human being.

At first we thought that infant massage was a course that was integrated into the curriculum of massage therapy training, worth perhaps three or six credits.  To our surprise, infant massage is a specialization in itself, and some schools across the country are now offering full training programs in this field.  This means that infant massage is important enough so that schools offer it as a special training program.

Why Choose Infant Message as a Specialty?

The first reason is summed up in three words:  touch is vital.  Infants who are touched (or massaged) grow up less irritable and are better sleepers.  From an emotional perspective, an infant who is regularly massaged has a more stable temperament and engages in more meaningful interaction.  For babies, touching symbolizes the first signs of communication and this helps them develop motor skills and reflexes at a faster rate than infants who are touch-deprived.

Second reason:  massage makes it easier for infants to breathe on their own.  While inside the womb, infants receive oxygen from the placenta.  When they come out, they have to adapt immediately to their new environment and must learn to breathe without help.  When a baby is touched and massaged, he learns to relax.  When relaxed, babies learn to breathe on their own.

Third reason:  health experts say that massage supports the endocrine system.  Valerie Voner (LMT, CRT and RMT) wrote that “infants who receive massage have greater hormonal support, which in turn increases the activity of their vital organs.”  Ms. Voner adds, “remember, a baby’s organ are still learning how to function…outside the womb, so stimulation on a hormonal level is good.”

There are definitely other reasons why students aspiring to be massage therapists should look into infant massage as a specialization.

Infant Massage School in New Jersey

As infant massage gains in importance, numerous massage schools are now offering this special training.  The massage school in Piscataway, New Jersey – Cortiva Institute (Somerset School of Massage Therapy) is an example.  It has a Maternity and Infant Massage Program designed for massage therapists who are already certified and who wish to further their careers.  Students in this program must complete five hundred hours (500) within the 10 month period of enrolment.

You may also want to visit the web site of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) founded by Colorado resident Vimala Schneider.  The International Board of IAIM is composed of directors who come from Sweden, Taiwan, the UK and other countries and have an interesting structure (what it calls their flower structure).

In our next blog:  applying for financial aid.

Remember Importance of Self Care As A Massage Therapist

Published
by
Terry
on August 31, 2009
in health issues and massage career
. 0 Comments

By Courtney Slivka, LMT

As a massage therapist, you will be called upon to perform sessions that are both physically and emotionally demanding. Most massage therapists readily embrace the challenges of the profession. After all, there are just as many rewards as there are difficulties. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a healthy sense of self-care so that you can be the best possible therapist for your clients, and enjoy the highest quality of life. Start practicing healthy habits while in massage school to best prepare yourself for life in the field.

A healthy physical body begins with a healthy mind. Be sure to take time every day to meditate. Meditation does not have to take place on a cushion. You need to find the activity that is most calming and soul cleansing for you, whether it is going for a walk outdoors, spending an hour with a good book, or engaging in arts and crafts. Many people find nature to be very therapeutic, yet others may prefer to catch a play or concert downtown. Follow your heart, and let it exclusively guide you through part of each day.

Once your mind is at ease, you need to take care to attend to your physical self. Hit the gym, or find a workout buddy. Keeping your body in shape will help you with your endurance throughout a massage, as well as your ease of movement. Focus on strengthening your core to strengthen your massage strokes. Yoga or Pilates are also great for stretching and strengthening muscles, and enhancing overall health.

Do not neglect your diet. Sometimes healthy eating habits go out the window with busy work schedules. But it is important to maintain a balanced diet to keep your body and mind in check. Always start your day with a nourishing breakfast. Carry a healthy lunch and nutritious snacks to maintain your best self on the go. And remember to keep toxins like caffeine and alcohol at a minimum.

Taking care of yourself will really help you with your longevity in your career. You will also feel less stress and a greater sense of accomplishment. Make self-care an important part of your massage school experience. Learn proactive behaviors that you can take with you into the field as you become a licensed massage therapist.

Massage School Students Eye Sports Massage Niche

Published
by
Terry
on August 17, 2009
in massage career, massage specialties and sports massage
. 0 Comments

by Courtney Slivka

Do you love the world of sports? Many people believe athletics and fitness to be among the most exciting industries, and they dream about one day participating in this ever changing field. When it comes to sports, competition is often ruthless, and the stress and sacrifice required by professional athletes is certainly not for everyone. However massage therapists can find a profitable and fulfilling way to engage daily with athletics by specializing in sports massage.

There are varying degrees of sports massage. Some therapists may choose to simply volunteer their services at marathons and community events. Others may work with school sports programs, helping student athletes perform at their highest potential. Many sports massage therapists find full-time positions at gyms and health clubs, working with the clients of the establishment. Yet others aim for the major leagues, working on the sidelines at games to assist professional athletes keep their bodies safe and fluid throughout an event.

Sports massage is a great niche for therapists who love intensity. Often times a sports massage takes place at a higher pace than a relaxation massage. The sports massage therapist must be up to the task. Additionally, a sports massage therapist must have an excellent understanding of anatomy and physiology. Athletes may encounter cramping, sprains, strains, and more. Sports massage therapists must be very knowledgeable in not only identifying these ailments, but also knowing how to handle these stressful situations.

An understanding of different sports also becomes a significant factor in sports massage. Therapists should know which specific muscles are used most in different sports so as to customize the massages for their client’s exclusive needs. Lastly, sports massage therapists should also have insight into handling people under a great deal of pressure.

Athletics can bring out the best and the worst in people. For better or worse, the massage therapist is often times the one behind the scenes who witnesses the highs and lows of the life of an athlete. Patience, compassion, and communication skills are key to working with all competitors, but especially high profile athletes.

Many of today’s massage therapy schools offer at the very least an introduction to sports massage. However if it is a field that you are interested in pursuing, you will probably need continuing education to become better equipped to specialize in the field. Luckily, the field offers a great deal of potential for growth and excitement, and is a perfect fit for many massage therapists.

Education for Massage Therapists Continues After Massage School

Published
by
Terry
on August 14, 2009
in continuing education, massage career and massage licensing
. 0 Comments

By Courtney Slivka, LMT

So you are enrolled in massage school, and counting down the days until graduation. Sure, you have enjoyed your academic journey, your time in the massage lab, and getting to know your classmates and instructors. But you are feeling more confident by the day, and you are ready to get out into the field. You are ready to say goodbye to school, and make the transition to working professional. Congratulations! But do not get too comfortable outside of the classroom because chances are, you will be returning to the world of academia sometime within the next two years.

Depending on the state in which you are looking to obtain your massage therapy license, you may be required to take continuing education classes on a regular basis. The requirements regarding the continuing education for massage therapists vary greatly from state to state. Some states, like Arizona, may require a set number of hours to be completed every two years. Yet other states, like Nevada, may require a yearly continuing education requirement. It is important to inform yourself of your state’s rules, and to stay up to date on any changes in the rules over the years

Even if you happen to reside in a state that does not require massage therapists to enroll in continuing education classes, it is in your best interest to take an extra class here and there. The classes will be able to help you stay fresh in your skills. You will also be able to network with other massage therapists, which can be beneficial to your career path and make your life more fulfilling.

Luckily most of the continuing education requirements are flexible, and you are able to choose specific classes that appeal to your interests. It is a great idea to look into potential  continuing education massage classes even before graduation, so that you can prepare and make plans for your future in massage therapy.

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.