Archive for the 'massage certification' Category

Are Online Massage Schools a Myth?

Published
by
Terry
on May 13, 2009
in massage certification, massage licensing, massage school and massage school locations
. 0 Comments

Originally, I thought that the whole concept on an online massage school was counter-intuitive if not an outright oxymoron. How in the world can you be expected to practice the art of healing touch in cyberspace where no one touches anyone (except perhaps in a figurative way)? Well, there are enough people that search for information about online massage schools that we thought that we would clarify the concept of distance learning as it relates to massage training.

Actually, there really is such a thing as an online massage school and there are methods of becoming trained and certified via an online program. But can you really become a licensed or certified massage therapist by studying through the Internet? You’ll have to check out the new article about online massage schools on our main website to find out.

The suspense is killing you isn’t it?

Lymphatic Massage – Eliminate Toxins, Boost Immune System

Published
by
Terry
on April 8, 2009
in massage and health, massage certification, massage specialties and types of massage
. 0 Comments

Lymphatic massage is a type of physical manipulation that encourages the movement of fluids through the body’s tissues and muscles. It is intended to move toxins out of the body and stimulate the production of healthy lymph, which in turn boosts the immune system and increases energy.

Although most people link lymphatic massage with toxin release, it is also used for the traditional benefits of massage (including recovering from sports injuries or simply relaxing). In fact, almost all types of massage are “lymphatic” in some form or another, since in working with the body’s tissues, it is inevitable that fluids will be pushed through the system.

The Lymphatic System

Lymphatic massage is used primarily as a way to help the body’s natural ability to heal and to keep diseases at bay. That’s because it deals primarily with the lymphatic system, a network that carries non-blood fluids (known as lymph or interstitial fluid) through the body.

Lymph is a clear, watery fluid that moves around the body via organs, ducts, and nodes to distribute immune cells and other factors. It is vital in fighting off infection and in draining out “bad” fluids from the body, acting as a kind of cleanser that reaches almost every cell in the body. However, unlike most other body systems, there is no central “pump” (such as the heart) that pushes the fluid around. Instead, the lymphatic system is dependent on body movements, breathing, and manual manipulation.

Sometimes, lymph can collect in one location in the body – usually in the arm or leg. Known as lymphodema, this can cause painful swelling and, if allowed to remain untreated, infection or abscess. Lymphatic massage is actually one of the few ways to safely treat this condition, especially when performed by a CMLDT (Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist), who is usually a nurse or massage therapist with special training in working with the lymphatic system.

How Lymphatic Massage Works

Lymphatic massage works by using traditional massage techniques combined with light pressure and soft pumping movements toward the lymph nodes (although the lymph nodes of the neck are the most well-known, they are actually distributed all over the body). This moves the fluids out of the muscular tissue to where they can be “cleaned” and transmitted to other parts of the body.

Although almost every type of massage should be followed by drinking water to flush away the body’s toxins, it is never more important than after a lymphatic massage. Because the focus is on moving toxins around and out, water is vital to get things moving as quickly as possible.

Benefits of Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage helps to keep the lymph fluids moving along in a healthy and proper fashion. It’s sort of like manually pushing water through the pipes in order to avoid the “clogs” that can eventually lead to worse problems. In fact, when done correctly, lymphatic massage can actually increase the volume of lymph flow by up to 20 times.

In most cases, lymphatic massage is used to treat disorders that are the result of a lowered immune system or lymph blockages. This means it can be performed to:

  • Prevent or treat cold and flu infections

  • Ease pain associated with arthritis or the joints

  • Treat pain associated with menstrual cramps

  • Treat pain associated with breastfeeding

  • Increase appetite

  • Boost metabolism

  • Decrease fatigue

  • Regulate moods or depression

  • Increase circulation to injury or scarred sites

  • Before surgery as a way to promote healing later on

Lymphatic massage is also related to cosmetic issues in the skin, including acne or cellulite reduction. That’s because the skin is considered a part of the larger lymphatic system, and many people swear by relying on fresh interstitial fluids to create a brighter, more healthy looking appearance.

In addition, lymphatic massage may be beneficial following Swedish massage or deep tissue massages. These massage types target reducing edemas or knots in the muscles, and lymphatic massage helps to dissolve the knots even further. Many massage therapists specialize in all of these types of massage as a way to offer comprehensive massage care.

Drawbacks of Lymphatic Massage

There are some proponents of lymphatic massage who assert that it decreases the chances of developing cancer, particularly in the breasts. While there is some discussion on the validity of this statement, most massage therapists feel that there is little harm in getting lymphatic massages regularly as a preventative treatment. However, it is not recommended for those who are currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, since it can affect the way the body absorbs the medication. Moving the chemicals through and out of the body too quickly can negate the benefits.

It is also best to avoid lymphatic massage in clients with major heart problems or malignant tumors. In some cases, cancer is spread through the lymph nodes, and getting a lymphatic massage may actually help the disease in spreading. Individuals concerned about whether or not lymphatic massage is right for them should seek the advice of a medical professional or Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist.

Continuing Education for Massage Therapists – Why It Is Important

Published
by
Terry
on March 24, 2009
in continuing education, massage certification, massage licensing and massage school
. 1 Comment

By Gary Eaton LMT

One of the first things you learn when you become a licensed massage therapist is that your training never ends.  Or at least it probably won’t end for many years to come.

The reality is that there is so much to learn about our bodies and how massage can positively impact them, and there are so many techniques and different modalities out there, but there just isn’t enough time for anyone to learn it all.

Once I was done with massage school and started working in the profession I realized that, although I received a good education, I didn’t know nearly as much as I would have liked.  I am the type of person that loves to learn, and massage is a profession that I can never know it all.  This continual, lifelong learning was very appealing to me, and was one of the many reasons I chose massage therapy as a career.

For many people, hearing that you are required to get a certain amount of continuing education after getting your license is a negative.  But the reality is that continuing education is not only great for learning new techniques that will help your clients, but it also provides a great way to connect with other therapists as well as energize your practice.

The amount of continuing education required for licensed massage therapists varies by state.  In Oregon, where I practice, it is 25 hours every two years.  In reality, this isn’t very many hours.  And although some continuing education classes can be expensive, if you pick the right ones they will more than pay for themselves.

For many massage therapists, continuing education classes is where they really learn their craft.  After massage school, many therapists are unsure what type of massage they want to practice.  After a year or two in practice they have a better feel for what type of career they want, and it is at this point that they are able to take continuing education classes in a specific modality.

When it comes to choosing a class, a lot will depend on what you can afford and where your interests lay.  If you aren’t near a major city it can be more difficult to find classes.  However, most massage schools offer classes.

If you want to learn a specific technique, like cranio-sacral therapy, lymphatic drainage techniques, or even shiatsu or thai massage, there are classes held all year round all across the country.

The great thing about these continuing education classes is it allows you to grow as a practitioner.  You can take your knowledge and experience, and then add in some new techniques.  You will learn how better to serve your clients and this will result in happier customers, more referrals and a more financially successful practice.

Gary Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He manages a thriving therapeutic massage practice and is a featured writer for Massage Schools Guide.

Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Shows Stress On The Rise

Published
by
Gary
on March 2, 2009
in health issues, infant massage, massage and health, massage blogs, massage career, massage certification and massage specialties
. 1 Comment

By Gary Eaton, LMT

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recently released its 2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet.  The results, although not surprising, show that stress is the biggest reason people seek treatment from massage therapists.

The current economic situation in the United States has caused fear for a lot of us in the massage industry, as we worry people won’t spend as much money on massage treatment.  But the opposite may actually be the case.

According to the study, 59% of the 1,012 adults surveyed (504 men and 508 women) reported feeling more stress this year than last, with 45% blaming the economic woes as their greatest stress.  The study revealed that more people are using massage as a way to relax and reduce their stress.

In this year’s study, 36% of Americans reported getting a massage for stress reduction or for relaxation in the last five years.  That is up from just 22% in last year’s survey.  And 38% of Americans state that they have considered massage as a stress management solution.  Other reasons stated for getting a massage; 31% said medical reasons, 19% stated the reason as pampering, while 11% said the reason was“other.”

Another interesting statistic from the study shows that massage therapy is more popular among the younger generation as well as lower income Americans.  In the 18-24 year old category, 56% say they would consider massage for stress management, while 46% of consumers earning less than $25,000 actually get a massage for health reasons.  That is more than any other group in the survey.

Something from the study that I found very encouraging was in relation to medical doctors.  The survey showed that 57% of those surveyed who talked to their doctor about getting a massage reported a strong recommendation or encouragement from their doctor.  In the 18-24 year age group, almost 70% reported a strong recommendation from a doctor.  This shows massage is making real headway in the eyes of medical doctors.

One of the problems for many seeking massage therapy is the fact that the service isn’t covered by their insurance.  The study reveals that 60% of Americans desire massage to be covered by their health insurance plans.

Those seeking massage treatment for medical or health benefits, as opposed to relaxation/stress reduction, is also on the rise.  The older generations tend to seek medical massage treatment more often, with 41% in the 55-64 year old age group and 44% of 64 and older group receiving massage for medical reasons.  Younger generations, however, are also seeking medical massage on a more regular basis.

Gary Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He manages a thriving therapeutic massage practice and is a featured writer for Massage Schools Guide.

New State Law To Improve California’s Massage Therapy Industry

Published
by
Gary
on February 22, 2009
in massage certification and massage licensing
. 0 Comments

By Gary Eaton

One of the biggest struggles for the massage industry is legitimization.  Many people still see massage therapists in the same light as massage parlors and their illicit activities.  National massage organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professions, Inc. to name a couple, have spent years bringing respect to the massage profession.

Most states require some form of certification or licensing in order to practice.  This has been brought about by the AMTA and other organizations in order to separate professional bodyworkers from prostitution rings that present themselves as massage clinics.

Currently there are 42 states that have state-wide regulations.  California wasn’t one of them.  Until a new law went into effect on January 1, individual cities regulated California massage therapists.  This meant that in some cities there were no requirements at all.

If you are a prospective massage therapist looking to go to massage school in California or are interested in practicing massage in the state, this is good news.  It is important for professional massage therapists to separate themselves from the more dubious “massage parlor” image.

As more and more states choose to regulate massage therapists, the massage industry will become a more legitimate industry and be accepted as not just a way to relax the body, but as an alternative treatment for injuries, pathologies and disease.

As a massage therapist that practices in the medical industry, it is important to me that people understand the difference between massage of the past (i.e. massage parlors) and the skills and abilities of todays massage therapists.  When states regulate massage they require a certain amount of training (usually a certain number of class-hours from a certified massage school), and they usually require therapists to at least pass a national exam.

These regulations bring conformity to the industry, help to insure safety for the general public, and help bring massage into the 21st century as a legitimate medical treatment option.

California has been hit-and-miss as regulations varied greatly from city to city.  This new state law will bring a positive change to the California massage therapy industry and make it easier for therapists to know what will be required to practice in the state.

Although California’s law is a great first step, it has minimal requirements.  Hopefully in the future they will put more teeth into the law to ensure better trained and more professional requirements for therapists.  These requirements will help move massage into a better light and provide more safety to residents looking to massage as an option for treatment.

A more critical reason for legitimizing massage is acceptance by the medical community.  Massage is slowly creeping into acceptance by many medical professionals.  But in order for massage to reach acceptance nation-wide, it will be important for more standardized training and requirements.  This is coming, but it has been a slow road and probably won’t come about for a few years.

If you are attending massage school and preparing to become a massage therapist, make sure you check out the state (or states) you are interested in practicing in order to understand their requirements.  Some states have much higher standards then others and it is important to find a massage school that will meet those requirements.

If you are looking to become a massage therapist in California, it just got easier to practice statewide thanks to this new law.

Gary Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He manages a thriving therapeutic massage practice and is a featured writer for Massage Schools Guide.

New Licensing Examination Becoming Standard For Massage Industry

Published
by
Gary
on February 20, 2009
in massage career, massage certification and massage school
. 0 Comments

By Gary Eaton, LMT

It is an exciting time in the massage therapy industry. Massage is slowly gaining more and more acceptance as a legitimate profession that provides a valuable service.

One of the most important ways to bring legitimacy to the massage profession is standardization. Having standardized rules and regulations in the massage industry helps insure that licensed and certified massage practitioners will have the basic training needed to safely and professionally provide massage services for the general public.

One of the more important requirements for certification in most states is the national examination. This is a test massage school students are required to pass before receiving a license to practice.

In the past, the standard test created has been the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). This is the test I had to pass to meet Oregon’s licensing requirements. This test covers the basic knowledge necessary to safely practice massage therapy. It includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, ethics, kinesiology and others. In Oregon there is also a hands-on practical exam that you must pass, but in many state the NCBTMB exam is the only testing requirement.

That is slowly changing, as many states are now requiring massage school students to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) that was developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

The MBLEx has slowly built steam and is starting to become the standard for the industry. More and more states are changing their laws to require this newer test that many believe is the best option for testing the knowledge of prospective massage practitioners.

Why should it matter which test you take? Well, one of the goals of massage therapy organizations, such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), is to provide a nationwide standard for massage licensing. In the past, the AMTA supported the use of the NCBTMB test. Recently, however, the AMTA recognized that the MBLEx test has gained more acceptance by states and has announced that it is now in support of the MBLEx test to become the standard for all licensing requirements.

The acceptance of this test will probably eventually lead to nationwide acceptance of the MBLEx. This will create better portability for licensed massage therapists to practice in different states. As of now, many states have different requirements. This means you may not have the necessary education or testing required to practice in all states. So, if you decide to move to a new state you may have to take more classes or pass new tests in order to practice.

By standardizing state licensing requirements and testing it will make it easier for massage therapists to move their practices to new areas. Right now that isn’t always possible.

States are far from having standard requirements, but the ultimate goal of organizations like the AMTA is to eventually reach that goal. This will make it easier for the therapists and also bring more legitimacy to the massage profession. The acceptance of the MBLEx as the only national exam is a step in the right direction.

Gary Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He manages a thriving therapeutic massage practice and is a featured writer for Massage Schools Guide.

“Step In To My (Massage) Parlor…”

Published
by
Terry
on January 23, 2009
in massage career and massage certification
. 0 Comments

I read an article about a massage parlor being busted in Grand Junction, CO for “illegal activities.” Part of the story was about the new requirement for all massage therapists in Colorado to be registered with the state before they can promote themselves as a massage therapist. The city of Grand Junction is itself considering an ordinance that would require massage businesses to be licensed and regulated.

The thing that I found disturbing was that throughout the article the officials consistently used the phrase “massage parlor” to denote any type of massage therapy business. They even referred to “legitimate massage parlors” to differentiate between illegal massage businesses providing erotic massage and legitimate massage therapy spas or clinics.

Now I ask you, if you were a recent massage school grad and you were about to open your own massage business, would you tell people that you were opening a “massage parlor?” Would you promote your business as a “massage parlor?” Would you want anyone to refer to your business as a “massage parlor?”

Is there really a legitimate business today offering massage that promotes itself as a “massage parlor?” If there is, I strongly advise that business owner or massage therapist to reconsider their branding efforts. They may be attracting the wrong type of clientele…and maybe even law enforcement.

CA Latest State To Establish Massage Standards

Published
by
Terry
on October 1, 2008
in massage certification and massage school
. 0 Comments

California has been added to the growing ranks of states moving towards the regulation of individuals practicing massage. Gov. Arnold Shwarzenegger signed a bill that mandates minimum training requirements for massage therapists in order to receive state-issued cretification. The bill was strongly supported by the professional massage industry. But there were opponents.

One detractor referred to California as a “breeding ground for different types of massage.” This opponent to the law was the director of a massage school. Apparently, she felt that creativity would be stifled by requiring a minimum number of hours of training. I wonder if this opposition didn’t have more to do with accreditation than concern for the stifling of the creative spirit.

California will now require 250 hours of training to be certified as a massage practitioner and 500 hours to receive certification as a massage therapist. The training and certification is voluntary.

Read the full story here.

PA Takes Steps To Regulate Massage Therapy

Published
by
Terry
on July 6, 2008
in massage certification
. 0 Comments

The list of states without regulated massage may be shrinking from the current 11 as Pennsylvania considers a bill to regulate the profession. The bill under consideration would require 600 hours of training before certification would be provided. The bill has passed the state House and is being considered by the Senate.

This is a big step to bringing credibility and validation to the thousands of trained therapists in one of the nation’s most highly populated states. Students attending Pennsylvania massage schools that make the investment of time and money to attain the proper knowledge and training by attending credentialed massage schools will now be able to differentiate themselves from the hacks that try to pass themselves off as qualified professionals.

Read more at EveningSun.com.