Massage CEU News

By Kelly Hunter

Massages are associated with a lot of things but the best thing that massages are known for is the “feel good factor”. We as people spend our days bothering about one set of problems or the other and coping with the stress in our daily lives. All this in turn results in a situation where we often feel the need to relax and undo the effects that stress results in. There are different ways of relaxation and relieving stress but of all of these methods a few are highly efficient. One of such ways of relaxing is by getting a massage. Massages reduce the tension in the human body and make it relaxed in a shorter period of time than the time it would take with other methods of relaxation. Massage techniques vary in complexity and the methods which they are applied but relaxation and comfort is always the end result.

People love massages for various reasons. Some people like massages because of the quick relief that massage provides. Some people take medication to cope with stress and such medications usually come with side effects. Massage therapy relaxes you quite easily and provides no side effects. At the end of therapy all the knots and pains in your body should have dissipated quite easily. Some people don’t visit the massage parlors for therapy reasons at all, some people want to be pampered and being pampered is one of the ideas behind the massage. For a minimal fee you get the treatment you need without having to take a break to the Bahamas or some other far flung location. Some forms of massage therapy are for medical reasons such as therapy that is meant for sports people who have various problems with muscles and ligaments. Other forms of massage therapy may be recommended for people who have problems like arthritis in order to make them feel a whole lot better.

A massage education is an essential requirement for anyone who wants to become a massage practitioner. Massage therapy isn’t one of those courses that you can learn simply by reading one book or the other. You have to be physically present in an institution that gives you the practical and hands-on training required to be a success in the filed of massage therapy. In these institutions you can study any form of massage that you want to specialize in, from the common types of massage such as Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Ayuverdic Massage and a host of other forms of massage therapy. Getting the education you need from a world recognized institution will also aid you in getting employed in the massage therapy industry as an intern or a full fledged therapist.

Massage practitioners work all over the world. From massage outlets in big cities like New York and London to spas in resorts like St. Tropez in France and Marbella in Spain, you’ll find some of the best massage therapists employed here. Over time you may gain the necessary experience that is required in order to start up your own massage therapy outlet or spa. In the end you’ll see that a proper massage education pays.

Tags: Bodywork, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, massage education, Massage Therapy

By David H. Woods

Massage therapy is rapidly gaining ground not only for leisure but also in the health care field. The effectiveness in relieving pain and producing pleasure has more individuals seeking massages for various reasons. Schools are adding this certification to the course work and enabling individuals to start working within a year or less.

Currently, 42 states have the capability to give licensure for massage therapy. Becoming a massage therapist is a fast growing career that enables an individual to work in a wide range of areas and with a variety of people. Certification requirements are standard state to state, however hours, testing, and license renewal varies depending on what state an individual works in. The standard requirements have a student working within six to seven months after attending school full-time. For individuals who attend school part-time the requirements will have the student working after a year of professional training. Logged required classroom hours typically range from 500 to 700 depending on the state, sometimes more hours are needed.

Typical class work includes; Anatomy, Professional Development, Trigger Point Therapy, and Russian Sports Massage. In the program students are taught light energy work with structural bodywork modalities. Students will learn Eastern and Western theory and technique. In keeping with the holistic approach to health and healing individuals will obtain the knowledge on how to treat specific pain and dysfunction. Most programs involve a comprehensive Professional Development class. The course helps the student learn how to start and operate their massage therapy business. Students will gain understanding in:

• Presentation
• Advertising

…and most important the integration of a solid business with the overall theme of practicing in a holistic manner in regards to health care.

Just finishing natural healing training is not enough; every state that awards licensure requires individuals to pass an examination. The examination is an overall test based on the schooling obtained. Two different exams can be taken to gain a license, however this depends on which state an individual attended school. The MBLEX or NCETMB is required in every state to be a licensed massage therapist.

The price of tuition will vary from school to school. On average a student will pay $9 to $10 per credit hour. If 500 hours is required by the state, then tuition will cost approximately $4,500 to $5,000. This does not include other expenses such as:

• Books
• Travel
• Food

Tuition will vary depending on the schools requirements; some schools include a massage table in the tuition price. An additional $500 should be added if purchasing a massage table is necessary. Additional expenses may be included depending on the specific area students choose to study such as alternative healing training.

Upon completion of an accredited massage therapy program and passing the final examination a wide job market is available depending on skill level and experience. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( http://www.comta.org/ ) accredits quality career preparation programs. Massage therapists can start their own business and work out of their own home or find a business location in the community of their choice. Other jobs include working for hospitals, spas, cruise ships, resorts, and physical therapy offices. In bigger cities a massage therapist can charge $60 to $70 an hour, in a rural community the typical hourly rate is $35 to $50. The demands physically on a massage therapist have them on average working 35 hours or less.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s)

Tags: body work, Bodywork, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, massage education, Massage Therapy

By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Massage Education in the United States and Canada. Prospective students have several massage education opportunities from which to choose today. Should you desire to become state or nationally certified, there are various natural healing and massage therapy schools where one can acquire suitable training.

Depending in which one of numerous massage education courses you enroll, rest assured that you will learn a great deal about the history of massage, specific bodywork techniques, kinesiology, human anatomy and physiology, pathology and professional business practices.

Typical massage education programs teach modalities in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sports massage; other massage modalities frequently taught in more advanced curriculums involve hydrotherapy, aromatherapy massage, acupressure/shiatsu, lymphatic massage, prenatal/infant massage, reflexology, chair massage, Indian head massage, among others.

In some cases, massage education programs may offer combined spa and salon management courses to adequately prepare students to become professional spa managers/owners. In other massage education curriculums, students may be introduced to colon hydrotherapy, as well as herbal medicine.

Basic massage education courses start out at 300 hours of classroom and clinical training; however, a great many massage schools have begun providing extensive courses that range anywhere between the minimum standard and over 1,000 hours. This advanced form of massage education may lead to an associate’s degree, in addition to becoming certified.

Typically, successful graduates from an accredited massage education program can achieve National certification after they’ve completed a minimum of 500 training hours.* (In the U.S.) In Canada, licensing/certification requirements vary from providence to providence.

Once you’ve mastered various types of bodywork, you will discover this natural healing art can be an effective means to reducing stress, relieving tension, and a useful aid in overall healing and wellbeing. Career potential is unlimited, as many practicing massage therapists become entrepreneurs – opening their own spas and wellness clinics; as well, candidates who have acquired adequate massage education can work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, at resorts and in other healthcare-related facilities.

Tags: body work, Bodywork, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, massage post, Massage Therapy

By Erik R Johnson

Nowadays, the stresses and strains of everyday life can really take their toll. This is why more people than ever are enlisting the help of professional masseuses in order to experience the benefits of massage therapy. A good massage can work wonders on tight muscles and joint pain leaving the recipient stress-free and feeling 100% relaxed. Regular massages can also improve circulation and increase range of motion which can have both mental and physical benefits for the individual.

As a massage therapist you will encounter a range of different people with different ailments on a regular basis and whilst most masseurs will address all manner of issues in their daily work, you may want to concentrate on a certain area of health problems. For a lot of massage therapists, one of the most rewarding parts of their job is when they decide to work with those with specific health conditions.

If you feel that you could benefit from getting to grips with a more specific type of therapy then you will need to think about embarking on continuing education. You can enroll on a continuing education course that focuses on providing massage relief therapy for clients with specific medical conditions or you may want to take a more general course to get you started.

All continuing education courses are specially designed to keep massage therapists up to date with current trends and techniques and explore different areas of therapy such as prenatal, canine, sports or medical massage. There are thought to be over 80 different types of massage, therefore there is plenty to learn! Enrolling on a continuing education class will not only be beneficial for you as a therapist, but it can also improve things for your business. The more you learn and the more skills you can offer, the more popular you are likely to be. By expanding your practice to offer a range of different therapies you are appealing to a larger customer base and potentially boosting profits.

The better you are, the more you can charge your customers and therefore by improving your level of service you can earn more money. You can up your hourly rate depending on the types of services you have on offer so it really is worth learning a new discipline. As well as being able to up your hourly rate, the more knowledge you have the more likely you are to be able to fulfill your client’s needs and provide a higher level of customer service. The happier the clients, the more likely they are to come back to you, thus increasing the possibility of becoming a repeat client.

If you are a professional massage therapist then there are plenty of reasons why you should pursue a massage therapy continuing education course. Most enroll in order to obtain an advanced massage therapy degree, or to achieve advanced certification in massage therapy, or to simply renew a state license. However, overall the best reason to take on a continuing education course is to stay on top of your game. As with most careers, a career as a massage therapist is constantly evolving and you will be constantly learning as your career progresses.

Tags: body work, Bodywork, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, massage post, massage therapist, Massage Therapy

By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Massage Seminars in the United States and Canada. Professional massage therapists and interested individuals find that massage seminars offer both introductory and advanced classes in a variety of massage modalities and other mind-body-spirit therapies.

A number of massage seminars are centered on modality-specific instruction. For example, if you want to learn about hot-stone massage, there are massage seminars and workshops that afford exclusive educational opportunities to earn continuing education units, as well as certificates of completion in this particular course of study.

Introductory massage seminars teach individuals about the history of massage, its benefits and basic touch therapies that can be used for self-healing. Other massage seminars may teach you about reflexology, a unique healing system involving the hands, feet and ears. Some massage seminars may even integrate herbal remedies and aromatherapy massage techniques.

For the professional therapist, more advanced massage seminars offer training and education in pain and stress management, as well as in-depth instruction in medical massage, cross-fiber technique, Trager therapy, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, seated massage, among others. These massage seminars are sometimes subdivided into various levels of training.

A number of massage seminars and workshops can be completed in as little as a weekend afternoon, while others take several months to finish. For instance, if you are a professional body worker and would like to gain advanced training in prenatal, labor and post-partum massage, there are condensed massage seminars that allow you to earn certification in this field as well.

Because nationally certified massage therapists must earn continuing education units (CEUs) every four years to retain certification status, massage seminars and workshops provide ample training opportunities to both the professional massage therapist and the curious alike.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage seminars, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Tags: health massage articles, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, Massage News, Massage Therapy, medical massage, Medical Massage Therapy

By Dana Ansgard

Tags: health massage articles, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, Massage News, Massage Therapy, medical massage, Medical Massage Therapy

By Vonnie Kennedy

Do you sit at a desk all day staring at your computer, talking on the phone, and dealing with stress-related issues? If so, by the end of the day, you probably feel exhausted and can’t wait to get home. By the end of the week, you’re stiff, achy, and possibly a little headachy. By the end of the year, you may have all sorts of ailments such as tension headaches, shoulder pain, stiff neck, and more. Over-the-counter drugs or a glass of wine or two may relieve your pain temporarily. But wouldn’t you rather find a healthier, long-term solution? Believe it or not, massage therapy may be the answer.

Massage therapists are not only found in spas and luxury hotels anymore. Many clinics, physicians, and hospitals have therapists on staff. Some have portable beds and will come to your home. The most common types of massage therapy include Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, and trigger point; however be sure to discuss your health issues with your therapist, so he or she can decide what’s best for you.

If you suffer with chronic pain such as tension and migraine headaches, shoulder pain and a stiff neck from your sitting at your desk all day, a professional massage therapist may help you work through the pain in a few treatments. However, a good therapist will also recommend stretching and certain types of exercise between appointments.

Uncomfortable with the idea of a full-body message? Consider a chair massage the first time around. Often therapists have a chair set up at a chiropractor’s office, natural health food store, or any type of alternative health environment.

Worried about the cost? Most certified massage therapists charge $55 to $85 per one hour session depending on where you live. You should also check with your health insurance. Many will cover massage therapy treatments for medical reasons.

If you suffer from chronic pain, frequent headaches, and other ailments caused by everyday stress in an office environment, try massage therapy. You might be surprised at the outcome.

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Tags: health, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, Massage News, Massage Therapy, medical massage, Medical Massage Therapy

Yes! Massage therapy delivers relaxation for expectant mothers.

By Michelle Kinsey

As any expectant mother knows, pregnancy brings with it a wide range of physical and emotional changes—and often plenty of discomfort, particularly in the lower back and hips. For many women, prenatal massage offers a naturally relaxing way to alleviate the aches and pains that can result from increased weight, shifting posture and fluctuating hormone levels.

A form of therapeutic bodywork intended to meet the unique needs of pregnant women, prenatal massage promotes better function of muscles and joints, aids circulation, improves overall body tone, and helps decrease mental and physical fatigue. The chemical-free benefits of regular massage can even carry over into labor and delivery, helping mothers relax and breathe more easily through contractions.

After your baby is born, postnatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety and relieve muscle strain and soreness.

What to expect:

Before your first massage, the therapist will conduct a detailed intake questionnaire to find out how your pregnancy is going, when you last saw your doctor and where you’re experiencing the most discomfort. The recommended frequency of massage depends on your specific issues, but typically one session a month or more is recommended beginning in your second trimester and continuing until you deliver.

Your massage therapist may also suggest exercise, acupuncture and other complementary techniques to help you address particular concerns.

Massage sessions may be scheduled for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Depending on your size and how far you are in your pregnancy, you may lay on your back and/or your side, propped with pillows. Commonly used techniques include a soothing combination of light to medium pressure, mild stretching, and possibly some deep tissue massage. During and after your treatment, you can expect to feel the release of muscle tension, more energy and heightened awareness. Some women also feel their bodies move more easily and enjoy increased range of motion and flexibility.

Try it—you’ll like it:

Massage therapy supplements regular prenatal care from your physician, who should always be consulted before beginning treatment. Be sure to find massage therapists specially trained in prenatal massage. And as an extra bonus, many massage therapists can help you get your baby off to a relaxed start by demonstrating infant massage techniques.

A certified massage therapist, Michelle Kinsey has been in practice for seven years. She became interested in massage therapy when she found it helped her minimize pain from chronic headaches.

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Tags: health, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, Massage News, Massage Therapy, medical massage, Medical Massage Therapy

by Andrew Cho

Massages are very popular because they are a great way to relieve stress, relax, and clear your mind for an hour or two.  Some people actually avoid getting wonderful massages because they don’t know what the proper etiquette is during therapy.  Here are some tips to inform you on everything you need to know when getting massage therapy.

1.  You should provide a tip for your massage therapist if at a hotel, spa, or massage parlor.  During a clinical or medical massage, tipping is not necessary.

2.  You should completely undress during a treatment.  Establishments provide towels to keep yourselves covered and allows you to keep your undergarments clean of any oils used during therapy.

3.  You don’t necessarily need to talk to your therapist during treatment.  Some people like to talk to help them relax, which is fine.  It’s also fine to just relax, close your eyes, and enjoy your therapy in silence.

4.  Some men are worried about getting an erection during a therapy.  Erections are normal during therapy and therapists are trained to ignore them to risk embarrassment to the client.

5.  If you don’t particularly enjoy something about the therapy, ask your therapist to make changes.  For example, it’s acceptable to ask for more or less pressure.

6.  You can ask for a male/female therapist.  Clients ask for male clients regularly for more pressure and a deeper treatment.  Men often request women therapists because of the erection issue and just feel more comfortable if a female touches them.

I hope this answers some questions you had regarding massage therapy!

Tags: body work, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, massage post, Massage Therapy, massceu etiquette

by Dennis Frank

Although massage therapy can help people to relax and enjoy getting rid of tense muscles, there is more to it than that. It’s an art that can provide healing, enable people to live better lives, and more. If you happen to be interested in massage, then you consider getting involved in one of the massage careers out there today.

Career Options

Many people decide to get involved in massage therapy classes to work their way up to a career in massage therapy. Although some may get started because they are curious about the art, there are others that want to learn how they can help others and provide them with relaxation and great feelings. There are some people that consider massage careers because they like the great opportunities out there for those in this field and the money that they can make practicing in this career as well. There are more and more people in America that are health conscious and according to many studies, massage offers a great way to treat many different problems.

Once you go through a therapy course, you are able to start up your own business. You can also work in spas, at resorts, in health centers, cruise ships, hospitals, and many other places. If you don’t even have a clinic of your own, those who get involved in these careers ear at least $15 per hour and often a whole lot more. So the opportunity to make some money with this career is definitely there.

Try Some Informal Sessions

There are a variety of different courses out there that can help to prepare you for massage careers. You’ll also find that there are a variety of schools that provide these types of classes as well. Of course before you decide that this is the right career for you, it’s a good idea to go to some informal sessions to see if this is really something that you are interested in.

There are many colleges and health centers that will provide massage therapy introductory classes. This will give you some history of massage, and overview of techniques and a look at the problems that massage can treat. You’ll learn the basics and it will help you figure out if this is a good option for you.

Going to Formal Training

If you decide that massage careers are right for you, then you can go on into formal training. Take the time to check out the schools that offer these types of classes. Ensure they are accredited and make sure that you’ll get the training needed to pass the state exams you have to pass to become licensed. If you are serious about your career in massage, then you will definitely want to take the board exam.

When you start taking your formal classes, you’ll find that there are a variety of types of massage that you will be learning. Of course you’ll learn about more than just massage. You’ll also learn about medicine, pathology, and even business practices as well. All of this education can help to prepare you so that you can begin a good business in massage and have a career that will be satisfying and lucrative in the future.

Tags: body work, Bodyworkers, Massage Articles, Massage CEU, massage post, Massage Therapy, massceu careers