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- Win a Portable Massage Table - 5/16/2013
One person will win an Athena portable massage table with matching face rest and carry case—a $658 retail value—courtesy of Custom Craftworks, in MASSAGE Magazine's June Facebook giveaway. … Read More - Art Auction to Benefit Massage Therapists - Link Now Live - 5/15/2013
Does your session room need a new piece of artwork, or are you craving handmade jewelry? Bid on arts and crafts at http://myworld.ebay.com/helpmts/ and money raised will go to help massage therapists who need a helping hand. … Read More - Deadline for Student Case Report Contest is Approaching - 5/15/2013
Massage therapy students have until June 1 to submit their applications for the Massage Therapy Foundation's (MTF) Student Case Report Contest. (Also note, students submitting a report must do so prior to their graduation date.) … Read More - $150 Million Allocated to Help Americans Enroll in Health Insurance Coverage - 5/14/2013
Complementary health care, including massage therapy, is mandated as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which goes into effect in 2014. (See State-by-State Campaign Launched to Support Complementary Health Care's Coverage by Health Insurance, as Mandated by the Affordable Care … Read More - Aromatherapy Could Reduce Nicotine Cravings - 5/13/2013
Someone craving a Marlboro could do well to reach for an aromatherapy stick instead. … Read More - New Grant Program Launched for Massage Students and Schools - 5/9/2013
A new grant program will benefit both massage students and schools. BIOTONE massage-and-spa-product company and Biofreeze analgesic company have introduced the Helping Hands Gifts for Growth™ Grant Program, which will support professional massage therapy students in their educational pursuits or endeavors to launch a massage therapy practice. … Read More - Apply Now for Educational Scholarships - 5/7/2013
Two educational scholarships—one for $1,000 and one for $500—will be awarded at the end of June to two massage students, by Massage Without Borders, an organization that raises and distributes funds to massage therapists in need of assistance. … Read More - Massage Therapy Foundation to Get New Executive Director - 5/6/2013
In a move intended to create more independence from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) for the Massage Therapy Foundation, (MTF), the MTF will get a new executive director. … Read More - Childhood PTSD Causes Lifelong Gene Changes - 5/4/2013
Stress disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be alleviated by massage therapy. New, unrelated research indicates abuse during childhood results in gene changes that persist into adulthood. … Read More - If You're Stressed, Make Like Smalley - 5/3/2013
A popular 1990s-era Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley, would gaze into a mirror and declare, I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me. Now, research may have caught up with Smalley's habit of positive affirmation. … Read More - Reflexology Reduces Pain - 5/2/2013
Could hands-on health care replace painkillers? Massage therapists know the answer to that question firsthand. … Read More - New Massage Student Scholarship Launched - 5/1/2013
A group of massage businesses has partnered to create a new massage student scholarship of $1,000 to be used toward massage school tuition, along with a one-year massage liability insurance policy. … Read More - For Self-Care, Remember Your Omega-3's - 4/30/2013
The largest study to date indicates eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids—found in foods including fish, flaxseed and chicken—and avoiding saturated fats, meat and dairy foods may be linked to preserving memory and thinking abilities. … Read More - Painkillers Cause Problems in Competitive Athletes - 4/29/2013
Massage therapy is a growing presence at sporting events, offered both pre- and post-event, primarily for increased flexibility and pain relief, respectively. New research indicates competitive athletes who opt for pain medication suffer from increased pain and gastrointestinal distress than do athletes who refrain from taking pain medication. … Read More - Massage Therapy on Tour in 2013 - 4/28/2013
Americans who catch the 2013 AMTA Massage Therapy Tour will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of massage—and receive some hands-on help too. … Read More - Smokers Experience More TMD Pain - 4/27/2013
If a massage client smells like Marlboros, the therapist might want to check for jaw dysfunction. In new research, investigators found cigarette smokers with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) reported higher pain severity than nonsmokers with TMD. … Read More - Idaho's Massage Law Goes into Effect July 13 - 4/26/2013
Beginning July 13, it will be unlawful to practice massage therapy in Idaho without a state license. … Read More - Move Toward Massage Licensure Under Way in Indiana - 4/26/2013
Indiana currently offers its massage therapists voluntary state certification. A bill that has passed the Indiana Senate and is winding its way through the House of Representatives would require licensure of the state's massage therapists. … Read More
Strawberries and Blueberries May Cut Heart Attack Risk in Women - 3/24/2013
Eating three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week may help women reduce their risk of a heart attack by one-third, according to research from the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health.Poor Stress Responses May Lead to Obesity in Children: Can Massage Therapy Help? - 3/19/2013
Children who overreact to stressors may be at risk of becoming overweight or obese, according to researchers at Penn State and Johns Hopkins University.Experts Share Latest Findings at 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition - 1/29/2013
The latest research and breakthroughs in vegetarian nutrition will be showcased as Loma Linda University hosts a gathering of top experts from all over the world for the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, scheduled Feb. 24 to 26.Practicing Hot Yoga During the Cold Weather Months - 1/10/2013
There are benefits to practicing hot yoga during the winter months. Not only do you get a break from the chilly weather, but performing yoga in such a warm space makes the exercise extra challenging, so you feel like you get an especially good workout.Five Natural Health Tips to Prevent Diabetes - 11/13/2012
November is American Diabetes Month. Physicians from National University of Health Sciences, a leading university for advanced degrees in complementary and alternative health, are offering natural health tips that may help you reduce your risk for contracting type II diabetes.Study Pinpoints Just How Much Exercise Is Good for Mental Health - 10/23/2012
Scientists and devotees of regular exercise have long known that fitness keeps minds healthy as well as bodies. In addition to regulating weight and building muscle strength, exercise improves self-esteem, lessens anxiety, calms the nerves and elevates the mood and vitality. But what is the optimum amount of physical activity associated with better mental health?How to Check Your Skin for Skin Cancer - 10/11/2012
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and finding spots that could be cancerous is as simple as looking at your skin. Now a new video, Skin Self-Exam: How to Do, from the American Academy of Dermatology, demonstrates how to check your skin and what to look for.The American Heart Association Certifies Pecans as Heart-Healthy Food - 8/21/2012
Pecans are now designated as heart-healthy when enjoyed as part of a healthy eating pattern by the American Heart Association's Heart-Check Certification Program (www.heartcheckmark.org), according to the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA).Meditation Practice May Decrease Risk for Cardiovascular Disease in Teens - 6/20/2012
Regular meditation could decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in teens who are most at risk, according to Georgia Health Sciences University researchers.Chinese Meditation IBMT Prompts Double Positive Punch in Brain White Matter - 6/19/2012
Scientists studying the Chinese mindfulness meditation known as integrative body-mind training (IBMT) say they've confirmed and expanded their findings on changes in structural efficiency of white matter in the brain that can be related to positive behavioral changes in subjects practicing the technique regularly for a month.
Massage Therapists: Enter to Win a Caribbean Cruise and Earn Massage Continuing Education Credits - 5/20/2013
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus is offering its Facebook fans a chance to win a free Seminars at Sea Cruise from LMT Success Group in its latest Facebook giveaway.New Research Showcases Pain-Management Benefits of Massage Therapy - 5/16/2013
Massage therapy may be a helpful pain-management strategy for individuals suffering from metastatic cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to post-cardiac surgery, according to new research gathered by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).Dermalogica Launches New Website to Accommodate Product Demand - 5/16/2013
Dermalogica has announced its new and improved website, www.dermalogica.com/, for the U.S. market, developed to bring the brand's hallmarks of education and professional skin care consultation within a mouse click.Massage Therapists: Win a Portable Massage Table Package from Custom Craftworks - 5/14/2013
MASSAGE Magazine partners with Custom Craftworks to offer one lucky Facebook fan a chance to win a massage table package from Custom Craftworks during the month of May.The Massage Therapy Foundation Thanks Sponsors for Support at Massage Research Conference - 5/14/2013
The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) is pleased to announce the 2013 International Massage Therapy Research Conference was a success with nearly 300 massage therapists, nurses, doctors, researchers, educators and others in allied health care professions in attendanceBioelements Announces 2013 World-Class Spas - 5/13/2013
Bioelements professional skin care has announced its 2013 World Class and World Class Elite spas. Chosen to represent the country's best in spa amenities, each World Class spa provides dedication to excellence in the spa industry.New Executive Director Announced at Milady - 5/10/2013
Milady, part of Cengage Learning and a leading provider of beauty and wellness learning solutions, has appointed Sandra Bruce as its new executive director. Bruce is filling the position that was previously held by Dawn Gerrain, who is now operating as the vice president and general manager of skills and product planning with Cengage Learning.Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies Announces New NCBTMB Board Certification Savings - 5/10/2013
The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies (IIHS), approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education approved provider (#049478-00), has announced it has developed a savings plan—eligible on 100 of its 125-plus home-study continuing education courses.Two Massage Industry Leaders Partner to Benefit Massage Students and Schools - 5/9/2013
BIOTONE® and Biofreeze® have introduced the Helping Hands Gifts for Growth™ Grant Program, which will support professional massage therapy students in their educational pursuits or endeavors to launch a massage therapy practice.Massage Therapy Foundation Board Announces New Executive Director - 5/2/2013
The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) Board of Trustees has announced that Gini S. Ohlson, the American Massage Therapy Association's (AMTA) current foundation director, will become its executive director on July 1, 2013.
- Tap Topicals for Pain Management
by Brandi Schlossberg
Massage therapists work hard to ensure each client receives the best possible care. Giving a great massage often equates to easing the aches and pains, tension and stress that plague so many people. Primarily, massage therapists use their hands to effect such healing; however, faster, stronger and longer-lasting results may be achieved by massage therapists who mix topicals into their protocol for pain management. Read More - Roll it Out: Promote Wellness with Rollers
by Allison Hartigan
Incorporating self-care exercises into your daily routine is a must if you seek a long-term career practicing massage therapy. If you aren’t doing enough to nurture yourself on a daily basis, then the foot roller may be the ideal self-care solution you seek, as it can easily be incorporated into a massage therapist’s on-the-go lifestyle. Read More - Improve Client Outcomes with Manual Therapy
by Amanda Cuda
When is a frozen shoulder not just a frozen shoulder? When is a muscle spasm not just a muscle spasm? Answer: When they’re reactions to something more complicated going on in the body. This is according to Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, a practitioner of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), a compilation of assessment and treatment methodologies that address pain, dysfunction and disability. Read More - Attract Clients with Sports Massage Taping
by Jeremy Maready
As a sports massage therapist, you know weekly sessions with your clients aren’t always enough to soothe the aches and pains of the high school athlete or weekend warrior. But by adding a cost-effective component, such as sports massage taping, to your practice, you can simulate your healing methods to span the intervals between scheduled appointments. Read More - Sound Therapy Complements Massage
by Brandi Schlossberg
In most cases, the biological rhythm of life is set to external beats, or cues. A circadian rhythm, for instance, typically corresponds to the cue of light, as it comes and goes with the sun. In pace with the daylight, we set our sleep cycles and define our days. Read More - Boost Client Comfort with Heat and Cold Therapy
by Brandi Schlossberg
In the healing realm of massage therapy, client comfort is a top priority. Massage therapists should take time to consider every detail that could boost—or potentially inhibit—a client’s comfort level. Oftentimes, it’s the seemingly small touches that make the difference between a good massage and a great one. Read More - A Healthy Burn: Use Caution with Candles
by Brandi Schlossberg
Just like fluffy linens and soothing music, candles can add to the healing, relaxing nature of massage. However, not all candles are created equal. Some of those soft lights may actually be harming you and your clients, rather than helping. ... Read More - A Potent Blend - AROMATHERAPY AND MASSAGE
by Brandi Schlossberg
Using plant extracts to foster wellness has, like healthy touch, been practiced for thousands of years. In a manner both natural and noninvasive, aromatherapy promotes relaxation, improves circulation and boosts one’s sense of wellbeing. The combination of ... Read More - Integrative Reflexology: Beyond the Feet
by Brandi Schlossberg
Seventy years ago, Eunice Ingham’s Stories the Feet Can Tell was first published. This thrust the practice of reflexology into the spotlight, as Ingham began touring North America, presenting seminars on reflexology. Ingham was a pioneer of reflexology ... Read More - The Web Propels Education's Evolution
by Brandi Schlossberg
From baby shoes and banking to diets and dating, the Internet has a prominent place in nearly every aspect of modern life. Even massage therapy, with human contact at its core, is being swept up in the wave of the World Wide Web. As technology advances ... Read More - Stay Fresh with Continuing Education
by Brandi Schlossberg
One key to a vibrant life is to continue on the quest for new knowledge. When we stop pushing ourselves to learn, grow and adopt fresh information,our daily routines can become stagnant and perhaps even a little bit boring. Fortunately, in the field of ... Read More - Be Ready for Risks
by Brandi Schlossberg
Imagine this: Last night, temperatures in your town dipped below zero, and unbeknownst to you, a slick coat of ice formed on the stairs leading up to your massage practice. Your first client of the day should arrive any minute. You check your watch and ... Read More - The Benefits of Belonging
by Amanda Cuda
You've received the proper training, the necessary licensing, a good location and the right equipment. You might think you have everything you need to be a successful massage therapist—but have you considered ... Read More - Separate All-Natural Concern for Your Well-Being from All-Hype
by Brandi Schlossberg
Whether you’re shopping for laundry detergent or strawberry preserves, if the label says "natural," you may be more inclined to pick that product. The word natural seems to imply a commodity is free of synthetic ingredients. Unfortunately, it's not that ... Read More - Light Touch, Big Impact
What's on your wish list? Expanding your customer base to reach more clients? Broadening your skill set to enhance your services and increase revenue? Increasing the perceived value of your services to support higher prices for what you offer? Extending your career by ... Read More
Laura Allen
5/20/2013
I hear through the grapevine that the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists has voted ... Read More
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Suzanne Scurlock-Durana
5/18/2013
May 18, 2013 As the third day of this wonderful training closes, I am struck by how the healing process crosses all borders. Whether you are a ... Read More
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Ann Catlin
5/17/2013
I'm lucky to have a beautiful park in my neighborhood. It's called Phelps Grove Park and tomorrow marks its 100th birthday as a city park in ... Read More
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Felicia Brown
5/14/2013
Hardly a week goes by that I am not amazed, awed , or touched by something someone in our profession does. From people like Gloria Coppola ... Read More
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Ryan Hoyme
5/09/2013
Helen was live tonight and she talked about: How To Create A Mobile Spa Business. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K01S98esoFo Sponsors: ... Read More
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John Barnes
5/08/2013
In my over 50 years of experience I have found that myofascial restrictions are the cause of the majority of the symptoms of pain, headaches, fibromyalgia ... Read More
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Karen Ball
5/06/2013
I recently read a very interesting article in the May issue of Fast Company about a cardiologist and systems engineer who are raising eyebrows and hope ... Read More
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Karen Menehan
5/06/2013
Whenever we've run articles about animal massage—be it for horses, dogs, cats or hippos—the response from our readers has been positive. After all, animals have muscles ... Read More
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Paul Lewis
5/04/2013
I was one of the speakers at the GBS/CIPD National Conference and I spoke about Massage therapy as a complimentary treatment managing discomfort and pain in joints, muscles ... Read More
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Rick Goggins
4/30/2013
Just a quick post to bring up the concept of organizational well-being and the benefits it can have for employees and clients. If you work in ... Read More
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Irene Smith
4/23/2013
I was beginning to feel very relaxed, vulnerable and safe when my massage practitioner said, “Excuse me, I have to take this.” I was jarred and ... Read More
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Jane from Maine
4/22/2013
Back in the day when I worked for a busy chiropractor this is the time of year where we would begin to see the shoulder injuries ... Read More
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SpaMaster Massage Creme - Nourishing Unscented
Master Massage
The SpaMaster Essentials Nourishing Unscented Creme is a luxurious massage creme that provides an extra smooth glide, and lubrication with a unique, satiny feel. Extracts of chamomile, arnica, aloe and vitamin E have been included to keep the skin soft, and supple.
- Non-allergenic and contaminant-free
- Paraben free
- Extracts of Chamomile, Arnica & Aloe, and Vitamin E
- No alcohol, or petroleum products used
- No animal ingredients or testing used
- Water dispersible for ease of washing linens
SpaMaster Massage Creme - Nourishing Unscented costs $19.99.
Master Massage
7520 N St. Louis Ave
Skokie, IL, 60076
(888) 710-7206
http://www.mastermassagetables.com/
Massage Therapist Self-Care: Find Alternatives to Using Your Fingers and Thumbs
by Lauriann Greene, C.E.A.S., and Richard W. Goggins, C.P.E., L.M.P.
Massage therapists tend to overuse their fingers and thumbs in their work, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and DeQuervain's thumb. There are times when you may feel you must use your fingers or thumbs to do your work, but there are likely many other times when you could easily substitute other techniques using other parts of your body to do the same work and get the same results.
Be sure to palpate lightly first to find the spot you want to treat, mark it with your thumb or fingers, and then apply pressure with another part of your hand or arm. Vary the part of the hand or arm you use to apply pressure, so you don't use one part exclusively or repetitively.
To save your delicate, easily-injured fingers and thumbs, try using the following suggestions to perform techniques and apply pressure:
- Forearms.
- Knuckles: alternate using the proximal and middle phalanges. If you want to use one knuckle, it's best to use the middle knuckle on your middle finger, since it naturally sticks out more, and you can use the fingers on either side for lateral support.
- Edge of the hypothenar area: the edge of the palm between the pinky finger and the styloid process of the ulna. Use in the same way you'd use your knuckles.
- Elbows: for working on larger muscles that are not close to potential endangerment sites.
- Ulnar stylus.
- Hand tools.
Reproduced with permission from Save Your Hands! The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists, Second Edition, by Lauriann Greene, C.E.A.S., and Richard W. Goggins, C.P.E., L.M.P., © 2008 Gilded Age Press. For more information, visitwww.saveyourhands.com. Read their blog here.
5 Ways to Supercharge Massage Business Referrals
by Connor Bringas
In this economy, to have a successful massage business and earn repeat customers, you need to become a relationship builder.
According to Kat Mayers of Kavema Massage & Wellness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, referrals have been the strength of her business. "Every massage therapist knows that referrals and repeat customers are the key," stated Mayers. "With the average career in massage therapy being only five years, to be successful you have to quickly grow a referral network."
To grow your massage therapy practice, here are five simple steps you should implement today:
1. Get more e-mail addresses now. In order to create an e-mail marketing campaign, you will need to have a list of customers to target. If you are just getting started, you can purchase a list of e-mails from companies like InfoUSA.com or Data.com. Then use e-mail marketing companies like iContact.com or Aweber.com to deliver the e-mails for you.
However, the most profitable list will be of current and past clients. To grow your e-mail list, run a simple contest or offer a special discount they only can receive if they register online.
2. Offer a high-value incentive. By offering an incentive such as $15 off your next massage, clients will want to refer you to someone they know. When these new customers schedule an appointment online, call the person who referred them and let her know you appreciate the referral. This will instantly strengthen the relationship with your massage clients.
3. Make frequently-asked-question videos. Create five 60-second videos demonstrating your techniques on a client. Then create five 30-second videos answering the questions you always get from new clients. Remember to explain what makes you different, and talk about your special offer.
Then upload one video every day on YouTube. Send the videos to your e-mail list and distribute them on Facebook.
4. Be present on Facebook. Seventy-five percent of businesses state that being on Facebook is critical (State of Inbound Marketing 2012). When clients come to your massage business, don't just tell them to follow you on Facebook for future discounts; give them a flier discount that has the exact website address of your Facebook profile.
5. Upload more pictures of you with clients. According to a social media study done by HubSpot marketing automation, photos on Facebook Pages received 53-percent more "likes" than the average post. To stay ahead of your competition, make sure you provide visual proof that your current clientele enjoys seeing you. When your clients view their picture on Facebook, they will click the "Like" button. The image will then show up on their timeline for all their friends and family.
Here's a bonus marketing tip: In the pictures and videos, make sure you wear a shirt that has your company phone number or website.
Connor Bringas is a marketing specialist at Appointment-Plus.com, a leader in online scheduling software for health-and-wellness companies. You can check out other great tips from Bringas on Twitter.
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