Assessing the efficacy of blended delivery in massage therapy education
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Original post by davidmcquillan
Archive for massage
Where I’m blogging these days
As I’m sure anyone still reading has noticed, I’ve mostly stopped blogging here. That’s because I’ve started to concentrate my energy on two other blogs: Mmm, Tasty! and my blog attached to my clinic website.
Mmm, Tasty! is a food blog, as was probably obvious from the title! Food blogging is a hobby of mine and I really enjoy cooking and baking, so it just made sense to dedicate a blog to it.
The clinic blog may interest some of you: I’m writing about self-care and other things relevant to the general public. I’m hoping to also provide a resource for my local community to find out about fitness and wellness events in our area. If you’re in Toronto, you may find that part useful.
I will probably post a little something here from time-to-time, if I have a resource to share with local RMTs (CEU courses, job postings, product reviews). But for the most part, all my writing is dedicated to those two other blogs.
Original post by Candice
Great Customer Service!
I feel I must say a little something quickly about the massage therapy client tracking software I use, Customer ProFile. I discovered this software while working in Ottawa, and decided to use it myself when I started working here in Toronto. I like it because it is easy to use and inexpensive, yet still has all the features I need. It allows you to track client information (address, phone numbers, etc) and client payment records, as well as a variety of other things you may want to track, such as business expenses.
However, one thing in particular impressed me: the customer service. See, back in February when I purchased the software I asked the guy who writes and sells the program if he would be willing to give me a deal on getting the Mac version later. At the time I had a Windows machine, but knew I’d be moving to a Macbook in the spring or summer. Not only did he say he’d give me a deal, he offered to move my data over to Mac for free! And true to his word, he did exactly that for me today. I now have a fully functional Mac version of the program, and actually must say I prefer this version. It has a few more little features I never had in the Windows version, and it runs more cleanly.
If you are a Massage Therapist and looking for client tracking software, definitely give this one a look!
Original post by Candice
Types Of Massage Therapy
There are many types of massage therapy and almost every person that exists can derive some benefit from massage therapy whether they are young or old. From some simple benefits to some remarkable health benefits. Therapy using massage techniques can do things like helping a person to heal better by helping the person’s body use it owns resources to heal. It can help with headaches and help to relieve many kinds of tension and stress. It is truly remarkable the healing power of touch and massage. There are many massage techniques and complementary therapies and we will explore some of them briefly here.
What are some of the main categories of massage professions?
The two categories are:
* Medical massage
* Energy massage
What are some of the therapies that complement massage?
Some complementary therapies are:
* Osteopathy
* Aromatherapy
* Reflexology
While these are a few of the complementary therapies to go with massage the two main professions can further be divided by specializations and uses. Some of the medical profession uses massage to assist with:
* sports healing
* Certain stretching massages with exercise
* Orthopedic
* Massage that is for the neuromuscular area
But the profession focused on energy type therapies use massage for:
* touch therapy
* Reiki
* Polarity which can be a combination of touch and polarity
There are many types of massages that can be utilized by a professional therapist for various problems and there are therapists who wish to only practice a specialized massage therapy. What are some of the massage therapies and what do they seek to accomplish in general? Let’s take a look.
Some oriental massage therapies are:
* Acupressure
* Shiatsu
Acupressure is based on acupuncture only it doesn’t utilize any needles at all and utilizes some deep tissue massage with pressure being applied along certain points or areas of the body. However it does not normally use any lotions or oils.
With Shiatsu massage the goal is to combine some acupressure and some massage and is focused somewhat on relieving discomfort and balancing ones energy.
One of the most basic massages is Swedish massage. It utilizes long and basically gentle strokes that can be used on all the various groups of muscles. It is mainly used to help ease and relieve tension and is known for improving circulation.
Along the same lines as Swedish massage is relaxation massage as it utilizes a flowing and smooth technique.
There is workplace massage.
A very specific massage of therapeutic value to the cranium called Cranial Sacral massage therapy. This is applied to the neck and the head.
A very medical application called remedial massage. It emphasizes a paramedical treatment that helps to achieve the restoration of and function of the soft tissue such as ligaments, tendons, muscles that have been injured. This utilizes many types of massage and includes self treatment at home.
To achieve a balance in the body there is a therapy that uses the reflex points in the feet. These points have matching or corresponding areas in the body. The therapist or if doing this yourself will apply pressure to these points with the thumb and fingers.
Certain massage therapies can be benefited or enhanced with the healing powers of essential oils and this would be called aromatherapy massage.
The massage therapy that involves deep tissue massage has several different massage techniques that apply some of the methods used in deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage involves many different types of strokes and involved some of these techniques such as;
* Sports massage
* Massage of the Connective Tissue
* trigger point therapy
* Neuromuscular massage Techniques
Finally, there is Hot Stone Massage which helps to increase blood flow to the muscles and is sometime used in conjunction with a Pilates workout.
There are many uses for massage therapy so find one that helps you achieve overall well being and helps you achieve the health goal you seek. Even a massage from a good pal will be beneficial.
Original post by mod
Types Of Massage
Anma is a traditional Japanese Massage and involves deep tissue massage using no oils. Shiatsu massage grew out of this rich heritage.
Ayurvedic is a natural health system massage, originating in India more than 5000 years ago. It is a combination of techniques similar to yoga, meditation and the use of natural herbal remedies. This massage is performed by two therapists who work in harmony using heated herbal oils. Ayurveda has the purpose of balancing mnid, body and spirit.
Barefoot Deep Tissue massage is a Eastern barefoot technique that combines massage with western manual medicine. Clients lie with loose clothing on a floor mat with pillows or bolsters to support different positions (supine, prone, and side-lying). No oil is used during this type of massage. Sessions vary in length from just 2 minutes to over an hour. The therapist manimulates tissue, releases fascia and searches for trigger points that tell of existing problems.
Two well-known Chinese massages are Tui Na and Zhi Ya. Tui Na is similar to Zhi Ya but involves a more pushing, stretching and kneading technique. Zhi Ya is based on acupressure and uses pinching and pressing of acupressure points.
Deep muscle and deep tissue massage therapies are very specific set of movements targeting specific body parts. Deep muscle is applied to all muscles concentrating on those muscles who are sore (have been depleted of blood supply and lymphatic flow). This massage technique has the purpose of restoring circulation and thus achieving healing at the cellular level. Patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, neck or back pain, headaches, poor circulation or whiplash will benefit from this type of massage. The deep tissue massage focuses on joint, various muscle groups and has the purpose of reaching to the deep layers of soft tissue. The massage starts at the upper layer and eases into the depth of each muscle group. Very little lubricant if any, is used during this massage. The therapists will use fingers, flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of hand or foot and the forearm during massage.
Erotic massage is used during lovemaking and is centered on the genitals with sexual arousal being the purpose. Commercial uses of this massage is illegal in some jurisdictions.
Lomilomi or the traditional hawaiian massage is an ancient massage art used by Hawaiian healing specialists. There are hundreds of different styles of Lomilomi practiced with the main ones being of hte Big Island passed on by Aunty Margaret Machado , and the Maui style of Uncle Kalua Kaiahua.
Reiki Massage is a Japanese healing massage that helps those receiving it to feel more connected to life using channelling of energy. It is used to improve health and to enhance one’s quality of life.
Shiatsu is another Japanese massage. This form uses thumb pressure along the energy meridians in the body. The client is fully clothed and the massage is done while the client is on a mat on the floor.
Those who have suffered from soft tissue injuries may receive relief from trigger point therapy, myofascial (muscle and fascia therapy) for flexibility improvement and connective tissue support and other techniques such as Active Release Therapies, Stretching, and also MET which is Muscle Energy Technique.
A popular massage therapy for those in sports is, Sports Massage or Sports Therapy and is used to treat athletes for the prevention of injuries, to enhance their performances on the playing field, or to rehabilitate them after suffering injuries. A therapist will use a combination of soft tissue massage, gentle mobilization and stretching techniques to restore function to muscles and joints before, during or following sporting events. Sports therapists work along with other members of the Sports Medicine Team.
Original post by mod
Tips To Finding A Good Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is a type of treatment that can help you to feel great. It offers numerous benefits to the body and the mind, including an increased feeling of relaxation, a lessening of muscle tension, and improved circulation throughout your body. Massage therapy can also help you to heal more quickly from damage that has been caused to parts of your soft tissue such as the ligaments in your leg or the muscles of your back. Lots of people turn to massage therapy in order to successfully get rid of their aches and pains, but it is important to know what to look for in a massage therapist in order to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. In this article, we’ll offer some tips that will make it easier for you to find a massage therapist that is worthy of your business.
One of the most important things that you should do is to research the topic of massage therapy. There are many different types of massage therapy that are practiced today, and there are numerous benefits and drawbacks to all of the practices. To that end, you should familiarize yourself with all of the practices in order to ensure that you are choosing the massage therapist that performs the types of massages that are the most beneficial to you.
If you are visiting a massage therapist for the first time, you should probably ask them if they have had any experience in treating the types of problems that you are having in the past. If they haven’t, you shouldn’t be afraid to take your business elsewhere. You should be looking for the most effective results for your problem – sometimes that means that you have to shop around a little bit.
Another thing that you may want to consider when choosing a massage therapist to help you to deal with a problem is whether or not the massage therapist that you are considering visiting is licensed. There are several licensing agencies for massage therapy and so it is generally a good idea to go with someone who is licensed so that you know that the therapist is well-informed about the issues that are important to you. While you shouldn’t choose a massage therapist exclusively due to licensing, it is definitely a positive thing to keep in mind.
One thing that never hurts in the hunt for a massage therapist is the referrals of your friends and family. If you know somebody who is currently undergoing massage therapy, you should speak with them and ask them questions about their therapist so that you won’t feel on-the-spot when you are choosing whether or not they are the right therapist for you.
Always lean towards the skeptic side when you are choosing a massage therapist. There are thousands upon thousands of licensed massage therapists out there, and it can really pay to shop around. Do all the research that you can and you will be more effective when it comes to choosing the massage therapist that is the right fit for your personal needs.
Original post by mod
Tips For Successful Infant Massage
There are a few things you can keep in mind before, during and after infant massage to insure that you and the baby will enjoy the experience. It is important to remember that massage is something that you do with your baby, not to your baby. Communication is an important part of the infant massage.
Make sure that you choose a time to start the massage that is good for both you and the baby. A hungry or tired baby may not be as receptive as a happy, well fed one. You may not be as open to responding to your baby if you are feeling unwell, are super stressed or over tired.
Infants who are under 5 months of age should not be massaged during bath time, as they will become over stimulated.
Do not “time” your massages. It is best to let baby tell you when hey have had enough or when they are really enjoying the time and the touch and wish for you to continue.
Begin each massage session with the legs. This is a less intrusive way to begin.
Your strokes should be firm and long. Light feather-like strokes can be irritating to babies
Never massage a crying baby, except when the crying is due to colic or painful gas
You will know that a baby desires you to stop the massage because they will be moving their arms “going in and out from their chest area”
Do not place any pressure on the baby’s diaphragm
Massaging babies in the abdominal area should be while he/she is lying down in front of you, massage from your left to your right i.e.: Babies right to left
Do not use olive oil for infant massage, it’s texture is too thick and cannot be absorbed enough by the baby’s skin. Use cold pressed vegetable, nut, seed or fruit oil that is pesticide free. This type of oil is absorbed by the skin and will also provide additional benefits to the baby both during and after the massage. You do not need to wash off the oil afterwards, as it should be totally absorbed into the skin.
Do not massage infants who have the following conditions:
Open or weeping wounds
Skin irritations that are infected
Injuries or fractures
Bleeding
Do not massage over the unhealed naval of a newborn
Burns, including those from sunburn
Any undiagnosed lumps
Do not massage the abdomen of an infant who has just been fed or who has hiccups
Many communities have infant/baby classes in which infant massage is taught to parents or caregivers. There are also hospital classes on infant massage that are given following birth while the mom and baby are still in the hospital. Several good books have been written on the topic of infant massage.
Infant Massage - Revised Edition: A Handbook for Loving Parents by Vimala Schneider Mcclure
Baby Massage: A Practical Guide to Massage and Movement for Babies and Infants by Peter Walker
Baby Massage: Soothing Strokes for Healthy Growth by Suzanne P. Reese and Bill Milne
Original post by mod
Therapeutic Massage And Bodybuilding
The benefits of therapeutic massage and bodybuilding are that the recipient will feel relaxed, an improvement in circulation and relief from muscle tension. It can help with improved flexibility of muscles and any soreness or stiffness. It can also help in the recovery time in between workouts. It can also enhance your performance.
Those who are in to bodybuilding believe in general that they should be committed to living a healthy life that includes a regularly scheduled workout, taking bodybuilding supplements, eating nutritious meals and snacks geared towards a healthy body structure and enhancing their muscles through proper training, relaxation and muscle building workouts.
Therapeutic massage helps them to achieve the relaxation and enhanced body structure that comes from proper blood circulation. A massage can help to relieve muscle tension, muscle pain and muscle spasms. It can also release endorphins that help with headaches, body aches and releasing of toxins that build up in muscle and skin tissue.
Massage can aid the body to not only release toxins but improve lymphatic circulation that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. There are 4 types of massage that can aid in these issues. They are deep tissue massage, Shiatsu that is an oriental massage, Swedish massage and the Sport massage which is done right after or before the workout to improve flexibility and eases any muscle strain.
Those of us who are sports enthusiasts or who do bodybuilding know that part of the price we pay for the active lifestyles we live is that osteoarthritis can set into the joints of our bodies. Therapeutic massage can help us to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis so that it does not have to curtail the activities that we love to participate in.
We know that we push our bodies to the limit everyday and expect our bodies to “take it”. Sometimes our bodies do as we ask and sometimes they revolt with pain and stiffness. Massage can help increase the blood flow to the affected joint and relieve our symptoms at the same time giving us better flexibility.
Some of the sport and bodybuilding injuries that are seen by massage therapists are those caused not only by pushing to the extreme limits of our bodily capabilities but those caused by single repetitive motion. Such injuries involve dislocations, sprained joints, pulled muscles, torn ligaments and cartilages, and also muscle tissue injury. These injuries over time and contribute to the onset of arthritis. The long-term condition is called “osteoarthritis. Every sport or bodybuilding participant should be made aware of their risk for osteoarthritis and should take measures now to protect their joints and muscles from injury sustained during their activities. One way to help prevent injury is to properly prepare your body for the strain it is put through during workouts. Massage is one way to help prepare your body and to get it in top performing condition.
Once osteoarthritis sets in symptoms such as joints that ache in cold or rainy weather, gait changes and range-of-motion limitations may be experienced.
Prevention is the key to stop osteoarthritis from occurring in your athletic body. Those who are already suffering from joint or muscle pain and stiffness need to especially care for their body before, during and after workouts.
Treatments that may benefit bodybuilders include massage therapy, moist heat, paraffin dips for hands and techniques designed to relieve stress and strain on joints.
Massage is not recommended for severe stages of osteoarthritis it can be very beneficial when there are NO symptoms of inflammation or acute pain. What deteriorates the arthritic joint the most is misuse of it due to pain or inflammation. To care for the athletic joint, it is wise to prevent and maintain range of motion while enjoying your bodybuilding workouts. Massage therapy allows you to address any pain management needs and improve your ability to maintain healthy muscles and joints.
Original post by mod
The Value Of Therapeutic Pet Massage For Dogs
Our pets enjoy the relaxation experienced by being touched by hands too. There are situations where our pets can benefit from the trained hands of a therapeutic massage person who has been specially trained in pet massage. Dogs who are elderly or who do not receive enough daily exercise can benefit from massage.
Dogs are emotional creatures ask any dog lover how Fido reacts when they return home after fido has been left home alone for a few hours. Dogs not only have emotions they have thoughts too. They experience pain, loneliness and anxiety just like their humans do. Their past experiences can leave them with emotional issues that the touch of massage therapy can relieve. Those who are deprived of touch during their puppyhoods can have physical and emotional development issues. They can have reduced physical bodies, suffer from reduced socialization skills and depressed immune systems. A puppy deprived of touch will act and move in ways that are structured around trying to survive.
Touch gives a dog the feeling of affection and reassurance necessary for healthy living. Touch gives a dog the ability to process socialization, support and balance.
Pet massage stimulates circulation, enhances flexibility and can improve the dog’s metabolic efficiency. The pushing and pulling of skin and muscles and the moving around of limbs in a passive range of motion way is a form of exercise. It develops the dog’s muscle tone, increases the depth and rate of his respiration and gives him emotional benefits too.
Dogs who receive too little exercise can have more difficulty breathing because the food they eat turns to fat that puts a strain on their heart and joints. When a dog exercises they not only burn calories they increase their respiration rate that allows them to expel dust and chemicals they inhale in the air they breathe. The movement they experience during exercise and massage improves their large joint movement and increases fluid to tissue for their extremities, heart and lymphatic (immune system).
Dogs who are sedentary during most of their days really need pet massage to improve their health, especially joint movement and respiratory rates. Massage moves body parts that benefit older dogs and those who do not get enough exercise because they are indoor, stay-at-home dogs.
The humans who love and care for their dogs can learn therapeutic massage therapy. Many books and Websites provide classes and instructional manuals that teach how to perform massage on pets. Massage therapy is an excellent way to help a newly adoptive pet bond with their human companion, when applied by this same human. Dogs who have been adopted through shelters are especially prone to having suffered traumatic events such as abandonment, and physical or mental/emotional abuse. These dogs will respond positively to the benefits of pet massage. Massage not only has emotional and physical benefits for the dog, but for the person massaging as well. Knowing that you are having a positive, health promoting affect on an animal can really give you a sense of achievement.
Original post by mod
