Archive for the 'massage specialties' Category

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

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

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.

Massage School Students Eye Sports Massage Niche

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

Massage Therapy and the Elderly

Published
by
Terry
on July 20, 2009
in continuing education, massage specialties and types of massage
. 0 Comments

massage-elderlyBy Courtney Slivka

When most people think about massage therapy, they picture the relaxing oasis of a spa. Though it is becoming increasingly popular as a therapeutic practice, some still view it as a luxury meant for those with extra time and money. However many nursing homes, hospitals, and doctors are recommending that the elderly get regular massages. Not only does it help to enhance their overall physical health, but it can also assist them emotionally in going through life changes as they enter the most mature stage of their lives.

Working with the elderly presents new challenges but also many rewards. Therapists must be careful to use less pressure so as to not injure their clients. It is important to remember that you are most likely working with a more sensitive individual. Often times, a very light effleurage is the most that one can do in a massage session with an elderly client. Sometimes this means that the therapist must exercise their creativity in order to keep the session from feeling monotonous for both the client and therapist.

It is also important to remember that many people lose mobility as they age. Be sensitive to your client’s abilities, especially when getting on and off of the table. Also take care to keep your client comfortable throughout the session, which may mean extra pillows or bolsters to support the joints. More mature skin may be more sensitive than that of younger clients, so take that into consideration when choosing an oil or lotion for the session.

While all clients need to fill out an intake form, informing the therapist of any medical conditions, this is oftentimes more significant with elderly clients. It is best to receive the approval of one’s doctor before beginning any sort of therapeutic routine. It will be most ideal for you and your client if you stay in contact with their doctor, especially if they are receiving medical attention for any conditions.

Geriatric massage is part of many massage schools’ curriculum but in order to work with the elderly, consider enrolling in classes beyond your primary massage school. There are many benefits to working with the elderly population, but there are many different things to learn and take into consideration before embarking on such a path.

Hot Stone Massage

Published
by
Terry
on July 13, 2009
in deep tissue, hot stone massge, massage specialties and massage techniques
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By Courtney Slivka

If you attend many upscale spas, you will probably find that they offer hot stone massage sessions. In fact, the hot stone massages may be among their most popular treatments. There is certainly something special about combining the therapeutic effects of a massage with the healing power of natural elements. When the two come together in a hot stone massage, the results are usually quite powerful for both the therapist and client.

The hot stones are powerful because they transfer heat which warms the body and muscles. As the muscles become warm, they become relaxed and the soft tissues become easier to manipulate. Receiving a hot stone massage feels similar to a hot bath in the sense that both are very soothing and comfortable. The heat also helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation, thus bringing a greater state of healing to the body.

In a hot stone massage, the client is not the only one to reap the benefits. The massage therapist can use the stones as tools throughout the massage, utilizing both the heat and firmness of the stones to perform deep tissue massage while saving their hand muscles from stress and trauma. Therapists can personalize the hot stone massage by searching river banks and beaches for their own collection of smooth, natural stones.

Cleanliness is key when using hot stones. Be sure to thoroughly sanitize any stones before a treatment, and again after the session. Communicate with your client when it comes to temperature and pressure to keep them comfortable and safe through the session. Hot stones can take extra time to set up and dismantle, but clients are usually quite appreciative of the treatment.

If you are interested in providing hot stone massage treatments to you clients, seek out a massage school that provides a comprehensive program incorporating the stones. Because it can be slightly complicated until you have a real feel for the process of a hot stone treatment, consider taking specific continuing education classes that focus on the treatments, and even certify therapists to perform the hot stone sessions.

Incorporating Energy Work into Massage Sessions

Published
by
Terry
on June 29, 2009
in massage specialties and types of massage
. 0 Comments

By Courtney Slivka

Working in the field of massage therapy has countless rewards. Nevertheless like all things worth having in life, massage therapy also presents many challenges to those who pursue it for a living. Some of these challenges may be physical, while others might be mental or even emotional. Whether your body is tired from performing massages, or your mind is distracted due to other areas of your life, energy work can provide an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your craft, and your clients.

It often goes untouched in the Western traditions of bodywork, but more and more people are discovering the benefits of incorporating energy work into their massage sessions. While there are a number of different techniques that fall under the category of energy work, many share a few different qualities in common.

First of all, energy work typically requires less in terms of physical capabilities and strength. Unlike Swedish, sports, or deep tissue strokes that can put strain on the wrists, thumbs, and shoulders, energy techniques usually requires a lighter touch.

Secondly, energy work can truly help to centralize your mind to the task at hand, and prevent it from wandering. Lastly, as you relax your body and mind for the work, you may find that your natural intuition begins to shine through. It is not uncommon to develop greater insight as to how to lead your massage session, or work through your client’s condition.

Often times, energy work is appropriate to begin and end a session. Dedicating a few minutes at the open of each massage can help you tune into your client, preparing both of you for the experience. Ending a session with energy work helps to quiet your minds, and make one final connection on the table.

Additionally, turning to energy healing at other points throughout the session can be extremely effective in deciding where to take the massage, regaining a sense of focus on your client, or calming a restless client.

There are many different energy modalities in the world today including but not limited to Reiki, polarity therapy, and chakra opening. The theories behind each tradition vary, as do the specific techniques. It is important to receive proper training in your desired technique because most forms of energy work have the potential to be quite powerful. Many of today’s massage programs do include introductions to the various techniques, and can be a great way to explore different forms of energy work.

Medical Massage On The Upswing

Published
by
Gary
on April 24, 2009
in massage and health, massage career, massage specialties, medical massage and types of massage
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By Gary Eaton, LMT

Most people think of massage as a way for people to relieve stress and relax.  Although that is true, the benefits of massage go far beyond just relaxation.  As a result of this outdated belief, the medical community has been slow to recognize massage as a legitimate form of treatment for patients with injuries and disease.

Lately, however, massage and its many benefits have caught the attention of the medical field.  Thanks to research studies performed over the last decade, massage is starting to be accepted by doctors as a legitimate and effective option for their patients.

As a result, massage schools are starting to respond by offering medical massage curriculum, and there are more continuing education classes available that train massage therapists in medical massage.  But the big question most people have is, “what is medical massage?”

I personally would classify myself as a medical massage practitioner.  But what people need to understand is that medical massage is not a massage technique.  Medical massage is really a unique approach to massage.

Medical massage combines advanced soft-tissue techniques with patient-specific treatment plans.  It isn’t relaxation massage, it isn’t about reducing stress, and it rarely includes a full-body treatments.  Medical massage is region-specific in that we focus on patient complaint areas that are specific to injury or disease.  Sessions are rarely more than one hour, and many ar as short as 15 or 30 minutes.

The goal of medical massage is to treat specific injuries, such as whiplash, or specific regions, such as the lumbar-pelvic region.  In short, medical massage is really just a term to distinguish advanced, condition or injury specific massage from general relaxation massage.

Medical massage can be performed anywhere.  It isn’t exclusive to a hospital or doctors office.  What separates medical massage from relaxation massage is that it isn’t just a one-size-fits-all body treatment that is choreographed.  Rather, it is a treatment massage that is specifically created for each individual patient based on their injury, pain or condition.

As such, medical massage requires more preparation.  The massage therapist must have a complete case history of the patient.  It also requires the therapist to perform postural and movement assessments in addition to soft tissue assessment.  After this initial assessment, a treatment plan is designed and implemented, and there are regular reevaluations and adjustment to the treatment plan.

What makes medical massage different from other forms of massage is the uniqueness of each patient.  Unlike general relaxation massage that may be the same procedure day after day, medical massage is different with every patient.  This requires a better knowledge of the body, but provides much more diversity and variety.  There is no chance of getting bored performing medical massage.

If you are looking to become a massage therapist and are interested in medical massage, be sure to check with your prospective massage schools to find out if they offer medical massage in their curriculum.  More and more massage schools are adding this as an additional option for massage students and as demand grows it is a great career option for new massage therapists.

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.

Trigger Point Massage – Part II

Published
by
Terry
on April 15, 2009
in accupressure, massage specialties, myofascial and trigger point massage
. 0 Comments

Benefits of Trigger Point Massage

Many individuals seek trigger point massage when other attempts at pain relief have failed. This means that there is often an understanding of the location and source of pain prior to the first appointment, which the massage therapist can use to help determine what trigger points to target during the massage. Other individuals may need to undergo a thorough exam to determine where to focus the massage – most often in areas where tension or injury has shortened the muscle.

Trigger point massage is used to treat pain associated with:

•    Everyday stress
•    Injuries due to overuse or muscle strain
•    Tennis elbow
•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Accident injuries, particularly whiplash or other muscle-based disorders
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Arthritis
•    Sciatica

For most types of chronic pain, it is necessary to get trigger point massage on a regular (oftentimes weekly) basis. That’s because although it has proven effective in the management of pain, it is only a temporary solution for diseases or disorders that constantly wear on the body and the muscular system. For example, individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia often use regular trigger point massage sessions as a way to get to the root of the pain, since many individuals believe that the disease as its origins in trigger point pain and muscle problems.

The Future of Trigger Point Massage

Although trigger point massage is adopted by many medical professionals and massage therapists, it is not embraced by the medical community as a whole. Like acupressure or acupuncture, much of the medical basis lies not in Western medical “rules,” but in Eastern philosophies and whole body wellness. Massage therapists can get specialized training at certain schools around the United States that offer programs in trigger point.

Trigger Point Massage – Part I

Published
by
Terry
on April 14, 2009
in accupressure, health issues, massage specialties, trigger point massage and types of massage
. 0 Comments

Trigger Point Massage – Overview

Trigger point massage is a type of massage used primarily to treat chronic pain. It identifies and heals areas within the myofascial tissue of the body that contribute to muscle pain, spasms, and difficulties in posture.

Trigger point massage works primarily by combining the Eastern techniques of acupressure with a more Western approach to massage. The trigger points of the body are closely aligned with the traditional areas of acupuncture focus. By manipulating these areas through massage, professionals are able to relieve many types of pain that are unidentifiable by modern technologies (such as MRIs).

What are Trigger Points?

The body’s trigger points are natural areas within the muscle that get “injured” due to regular body wear and tear, injuries, and ailments like fibromyalgia. They appear in the myofascial structures of the body, which includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and even scar tissue. In most cases where trigger point massage is used as a way to reduce pain, the problems are located in the muscles.

Trigger points are responsible for aches, pains, tingling sensations, and even feelings of hot and cold. In more severe cases, they are believed to contribute to symptoms in other parts of the body, as well. This includes nausea, headaches, earaches, blurred vision, and dizziness.

Trigger points can usually be felt in the muscle tissue as tender knots surrounded by regular muscle. Direct pressure on the points results in a twitchy or tingling sensation. By working the trigger points in this way along with a gentle stretching of the surrounding muscle tissue, blood flow is increased, oxygen flow is increased, and pain is reduced.

These trigger points occur all along the length of the body, typically in the axial muscles (the muscles responsible for moving the body from side to side). They are closely aligned with the muscles used to keep the body erect, which is why they are commonly associated with pain related to posture or everyday stresses.

How Trigger Points Work

There are actually several different types of trigger points. Key trigger points are those that are the “cause” of pain, in that activating the point results in pain at that location or elsewhere in the body. Satellite trigger points are those that are located on the trigger point “pathway,” which means that it can be activated elsewhere but still give all the appearance of being the cause of the pain. (For example, trigger point pain in the forearm might actually be caused by a trigger point in the shoulder.) Trained trigger point massage therapists are able to determine where the real source of the problem lies, which means that the area of focus for the massage may not occur in the same area as the pain.

Following this same format, there are active and latent trigger points. Active trigger points typically cause ongoing and persistent pain, while latent trigger points only hurt when physically manipulated. In many cases, latent trigger points are the cause of satellite trigger point activation.

(Part II – Tomorrow- The Benefits of Trigger Point Massage – The Future of Trigger Point Massage)

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.