Posted by Sean Miller on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 @ 02:20 PM
Many individuals are aware of the different health benefits associated with massage therapy. However, there are entirely different benefits for senior citizens who decide to get massages as seniors typically have their own unique health concerns. Geriatric massage techniques are also different than general massage therapy techniques. Geriatric massage doesn't need to be as aggressive as massage techniques like deep tissue and there are certain movements and techniques that are best for the specific needs of seniors.
One of the many things that massage therapists can do for seniors is to help them relieve the stiffness and pain that they often experience from performing everyday activities and exercises. By visiting a massage therapist who has experience with geriatric techniques, seniors can get the specific type of pain relief their muscles need without irritating their muscles. With geriatric massage techniques like light rubbing, stretching and tapping, the muscles can become more mobilized. These techniques can help seniors who feel sore from either being to sedentary or trying to do too much, get natural pain relief that they need.
Geriatric massage techniques like light kneading and skin rolling can also help with certain medical issues particularly those that seniors experience that cause joint pain, like arthritis. These geriatric massage therapy techniques can also help reduce the inflammation that many seniors have in their joints. In fact there are many seniors who have joint pain and stiffness that prevents them from doing daily activities who find that with geriatric massage they are able to regain their full range of motion. This can greatly improve any senior's overall quality of life. These techniques have also been shown to alleviate pain in seniors who have the painful condition known as Fibromyalgia.
Additionally, seniors who get light geriatric massage will find that they have increase circulation. There are many seniors who find that reduced circulation in the body is an issue. Many seniors experience pain with blood flow and circulation issues in their lower limbs and feet especially when their age prevents them from being active. Massage therapy can increase the blood flow to the limbs and prevent issues like gangrene and sores in the lower extremities. Massage therapy can also increase lymph flow in the body which can help seniors better recover from energy and illness. This is why it is important for any senior to consider massage therapy and the benefits it can offer.
Posted by Sean Miller on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 @ 02:36 PM
The massage board exam (FSMTB MBLEx), is designed to ascertain expertise in massage therapy. It is broken into 8 categories: client assessment and treatment; benefits and affects of techniques; pathologies, contraindications and cautions; history of massage; laws, ethics, boundaries and regulations; professional practice; kinesiology; and anatomy and physiology. It is 125 multiple-choice questions and your will have 2.5 hours to take it. On a scale from 300 to 900, you will need to score a 630 to gain board certification.
In terms of content, you will have already learned everything you need in massage school to pass the exam. This does not, of course, mean that you remember it all, which is where additional preparation comes in. A guide to the content of the exam, including the percentage devoted to each section, is available from the FSMTB
here. Use this as a baseline, but tailor your focus to your own predispositions. Areas you feel stronger in will require less study, and vice versa.
Start well in advance - in other words, don't cram. Cramming is not good test preparation. It increases nervous tension and does not establish the material firmly in your long-term memory. Study for an hour a day for 1-2 months in advance of the exam. Find a calm, quiet space, set a timer, and don't pressure yourself to go beyond the allotted 60 minutes. Use a study guide (there are several available), and work methodically and thoroughly through the material.
In the last week, do a full review of the all of the categories, concentrating on those you're least sure of. Eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise moderately and get full-nights of sleep. Foods high in B vitamins will help with concentration.
When it comes to the test itself, read each question carefully, make sure you fully understand it, then answer. If you're not sure of an answer, leave it blank, move on and return to it when you've completed all of the questions you know. For these remaining questions, read for categoricals: ie, "always," "never," "everything," "nothing" - these can rule many choices out. And keep in mind that 2 of the 4 choices can usually be ruled out easily. Of the remaining 2, make the choice that seems most correct.
Following these simple practices and techniques will make the board exam less stressful and lead to better results. Good luck and study hard!
Posted by Sean Miller on Mon, Mar 26, 2012 @ 08:44 PM
It is estimated that up to 90% of visits to the physician are for stress-related conditions - conditions ranging from high-blood pressure to low back pain. The reduction of stress has become a primary concern for most Americans, and not simply for health reasons, but also to improve workplace productivity, improve relationships and enhance the general quality of life.
Massage therapy has been practiced for millennia as a way to reduce stress, balance the body and relax the mind. In modern times, we have a host of methods, philosophies and techniques available to us, and they can be tailored to the needs and preferences of any individual.
Swedish, the most commonly taught and used form in the West, is the quintessential relaxation massage therapy, with long, caressing strokes that ease muscle tension and allow the mind to drift. Swedish is often used as a foundation among practitioners, with the addition of techniques and ideas from other disciplines. More specifically therapeutic approaches, such as deep-tissue massage, Rolfing or Tuina can focus on particular muscles or areas, and are useful in treating injuries and relaxing localized tension.
More holistic approaches, such as Aryuvedic or acupressure massage approach the body as a whole, working systemically through releasing channels, detoxifying organ systems and balancing the person overall, restoring well-being and clarity of mind. These forms rely on some of the oldest existing understandings of the human body. Aryuvedic texts date to 1500 BC, and acupressure arises out of Taoism, the most ancient religious philosophy in China.
More esoteric approaches, such as reflexology and cranio-sacral massage therapy, tap into deep and subtle channels of energy. Reflexology - probably the most ancient form of massage, dating to the Egyptians - is based upon the notion that a part can represent the whole, that there are certain areas of the body through which the entirety of the person can be treated, such as the hands or feet. Cranio-sacral massage very gently acts on the flow of fluids in the cranium and spine, balancing and calming the entire person through "massaging" their central nervous system.
Whatever your needs might be - stress management, injury, fatigue or tension - massage can relax your body and mind, improve sleep, improve your concentration and support and sustain your overall health.
Posted by Sean Miller on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 @ 04:53 PM
You have chosen a great Seattle massage school with a quality program. You are committing a significant amount of time, money and effort to carve out your future. So how do you get the most out of your time in massage school?
Establish goals upfront. Massage school isn’t all that different from any other type of school, you get back what you put into it. It is wonderful to immerse yourself in the experience and be open to whatever directions it takes you in, however, you should think about what you want out of the experience before you begin. By establishing goals, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible, and you can stay focused even when you encounter challenges.
Cultivate the behaviors and attitudes that will lead you to success both as a student and as a professional massage therapist. A career in massage is about lifelong learning and we are all teachers and students throughout our careers. Be willing to learn from everyone around you and keep an open mind to new ideas and modalities. Because the work we do is so hands on, much of your education is hands on and paying attention to constructive feedback is key.
View and treat you instructors as a valuable resource. Most massage teachers love the work they do and are a wellspring of information to make your transition to a professional massage therapist easier. Be an active learner, ask questions and participate.
Your fellow students are a valuable resource. You can learn a great deal from other students: new perspectives, different ideas on how to learn and study and tips and techniques that will make you a better therapist. In the local Seattle community, you can build lasting professional and networking relationships that will endure throughout your career.
Posted by Sean Miller on Mon, Feb 27, 2012 @ 04:35 PM
The positives and the negatives should
be considered when applying for any type of school, massage therapy being one of them. Although massage has been around for hundreds years, it is becoming more available and more popular.
The positive aspects of massage therapy seem to take precedence in this career. From client interactions, making your own hours, to massage business related advancements, massage therapy is a great career. Your clients can create their own experience by asking for a specific massage. The more you learn, the more versatile you can be which will make you more profitable. You will be able to work from home, go to your client’s home, or work in a plethora of locations designed for either medical or relaxation massages.
The negatives side to becoming a massage therapist is it may be physically challenging. Although most schools will teach body mechanics to prevent injury. If you already have a wrist injury or any form of carpal tunnel syndrome, this career path may be more difficult for you in the long term.
Most of the aspects of becoming a massage therapist are positive ones. There is always room for advancement and there is always a job opening. It would be a great idea to visit the massage schools you would like to attend first, before enrolling. You would want to ask questions regarding program hours, structure, advanced career and job placements, and tuition. Once you’ve narrowed down your massage therapy school, and you have decided that this is the field for you, go for it. You can never go wrong having a licensed career trade in any economy.
Posted by Sean Miller on Wed, Feb 22, 2012 @ 04:44 PM
Graduates of a Seattle massage school can expect to earn between $21,000 and $51,000 upon graduating from massage therapy school. The information comes from payscale.com, a national website that tracks employment trends and salaries in all types of fields.
Earnings in the first year after massage school depend a lot on the type of employment. Some massage therapists have other employment and work part-time in massage therapy. Those who choose to work as a full-time massage therapist can make more money. It also depends on the type of establishment where a massage therapist chooses to work. They can work out of their home or at a spa, hotel, resort, sports clinics, hospital or health club. Privately, massage therapists usually charge by the 30, 60 or 90 minute session and can sometimes target specific areas of the body. Those who specialize in a specific region, modality, or sports injury, can earn even more money as a massage therapist. Having repeat clients is also very important to the financial success of a massage therapist.
The coursework to become a massage therapist in Seattle, Washington requires at least six months of school (full-time). Students will learn about the human anatomy and a variety of massage therapy techniques, all of which is needed in order to provide quality and safe massage therapy services to their clients. Their education also helps them prepare for a state licensing exam so they can practice massage therapy in the state of Washington.
Posted by Sean Miller on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 @ 07:09 PM
So you've made the decision to attend a massage school and pursue an affiliated career. The next choice you need to make is a specialty to pursue within the massage therapy world. The specific modalities available are too numerous to count but most fall into a few categories.
Medical massage and injury rehabilitation Those with interests and/or backgrounds in sports and anatomy may find this area of specialty best suits them. Within this area of practice you'll find yourself treating individuals with wide array of chronic pain or injuries and can expect to use techniques such as cross fiber friction, myofascial release, and trigger-point therapy. Sports teams and chiropractors often seek these services
Spa massage and relaxation therapySwedish therapeutic massage is the technique most often associated with spa or relaxation therapy, though you may include hydrating wraps and aromatherapy oils. You'll be working with individuals from all facets of life to enhance quality of health and manage a variety of conditions. Spas generally cater to a largely female clientele so prenatal and postpartum treatments are useful as well.
Eastern massageThe focus of Eastern massage is to balance bodily energy to enhance natural healing abilities. In addition to relaxation and pain relief Eastern massage practices also focus on range of motion, calming the mind, and immune system improvement. Thai massage, reflexology, shiatsu, reiki, and chakra balancing are a few of the modalities included. Those with interests in energy work and Chinese medicine will find a good fit in these areas.
When choosing a massage therapy specialty to pursue you should consider your own interests, background, and goals in order to make your career as successful and enjoyable as possible. Consulting massage school instructors will aid you in balancing specialties with the diversity needed to offer a full complement of services to your clientele.
Posted by Sean Miller on Tue, Dec 27, 2011 @ 12:57 PM
Prospective students who are contemplating enrollment into a massage school should seriously consider several things before they make the commitment. Here are 8 things that a prospective massage school student should do before they sign the registration papers:
1) Get a Professional Massage - It would be wise to take a trip to a local spa or massage therapy clinic and spend the $60 - $80 investment to actually get a massage. This way, the potential massage student can get a feel for the job.
2) Visit a nearby massage school - If there are a few massage schools nearby, check them all out to ensure that the final choice is suitable.
3) Consider personality traits - It takes a real people-person who likes to cater to people to make a great massage therapist. It's not all glory and stardom.
4) Understand licensing requirements - Massage therapists must be licensed. Knowing the requirements will reduce any speed bumps prior to entering the working world.
5) Think about learning similar therapies - Massage therapists can work in variety of different fields or specialties. Some will focus their practice around aromatherapy or sports massage, while others will continue their education at a medical school to learn modalities like acupuncture or naturopathic medicine. Learning different techniques of therapy will make an individual more versatile in the career world.
6) Scope out possible employment options - Before heading off to school, prospective students should make sure that there will be possible employment options. Larger cities may offer higher paying, prestigious jobs.
7) Learn about pain management - One vital aspect of massage therapy is pain management, so it is imperative to learn about how massage therapy correlates with the reduction of pain.
8) Assess their inner self - Essentially, the love for any career comes from within. If an individual has a pure love for helping others through healing touch they will surely succeed in this career.
Posted by Sean Miller on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 03:28 PM
Some massage therapists are still of the view that websites are for the big corporations. A few years back, such an argument would have been true, but not anymore. A website is the heart of any massage school or business, irrespective of the size, or business dealings. Depending on the budget that you have for a website, you might choose either a small 3-4 page website, or a complex portal with all the cool stuff such as picture gallery, blog, online store, and forum, among other features.
Some of the reasons that make a website necessary for a massage school and massage therapists include:
Online Presence: Nowadays, it is necessary for any serious business to have an online presence. With the advancement of technology, most people turn to the internet first, when they are in need of a massage therapy, or yoga training.
Showcase Products/Services: A website enable the business to showcase the products and services that they offer. For instance, a massage school may use their website to highlight the courses on offer. On the other hand, a massage therapist may put photos on their website, displaying some of the facilities, techniques, and products that they use in their practice.
Online Booking: A website is an effective communication tool, since it provides a platform that clients can use to make online appointments.
Information: A website is a great tool that massage therapists can use to give information to their clients. For instance, important information concerning the existing and new services, as well as promotions, offers, and training events taking place in the massage school can be put on the website.
Extra Income: A savvy massage therapist can use their website to create additional income streams. This can be achieved through online marketing and advertising, or the sale of products.
Posted by Sean Miller on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 @ 10:25 PM
The idea of massage school sounded fun and easy. But, the reality of massage school is it is difficult and exhausting. So how do you keep from hitting burn out and maintain positive scores on your exams? Here are eight exam study tips to help when it comes to test time.
- Plenty of Rest - Massage work is very strenuous making it important to be rested for your mind and body to function properly.
- Proper Nutrition - Your brain and muscles need the proper fuel to work correctly, just as a car needs the proper kind of gas. You can't put Diesel in an unleaded tank and expect it to run. Neither can you live on fast food and coffee and expect to excel.
- Get Massages - In the beginning of massage school there are lots of massage trades, but as you get closer to your internship and the classes become less hands on and more instruction, it is important to make sure you are getting enough work done on yourself.
- Study Partner - Having someone to quiz you and make you explain the material to is a wonderful way to lock in on the material while keeping your mind engaged.
- Study Guides - Using study aids such as, anatomy coloring books, charts, or whatever works best for you.
- Consistency - Having specific study hours helps your brain kick into study mode more quickly.
- Notes - Take good notes in class, and re-write them at home to review the material.
- Review - A comprehensive review of all the material covered will keep it fresh in your mind for the test.
For information about attending a Seattle massage therapy school <= click here.
