exploring today’s touch therapies

CHOOSE BOARD CERTIFIED. What it means to be certified pg 30

ISSUE 259 • DECEMBER 2017 massagemag.com

The Best Lubricant for Your Specialty What the Science Says

SPECIAL: Masterful Marketing for Male MTs

The Client Who Why You Want to Get a Handle on The Problem with Couldn’t Feel Pain Work at a Resort Spa Holiday Marketing! Deep Tissue Massage

Research: Massage Improves Shoulder Range of Motion | December 2017 Issue 259 Contents

Cover Story 20 The Best Lubricant for Your Specialty: What the Science Says Did you know that the ingredients in your lubricant have specific, and often scientifically studied, benefits? Massage lubricants are evolving to meet the needs 20 of clients and therapists. From CBD to essential oils to menthol and more, many ingrediants in specially formulated massage lubricants that can work in harmony with your hands to help nourish skin, more effectively relieve pain and tension, and further support your clients’ well-being. by Allison Payne

Expert Advice: 38 Try These Holiday Marketing Techniques You can use this time of year to increase sales and provide a service (think gift certificates, retail products and special sessions) to clients. by Gael Wood Read “How to Unlock the Secrets of Successful Retail Sales,” by Patti Biro, at massagemag.com/retailsecrets. 38 4 Steps That Will Guide You on Your Journey 46 as a Massage Practitioner The most important aspect of running a practice is who you are being—because this has the greatest impact on the therapeutic relationship. by Kathy Ginn, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B. Read “[Right Relationship] Do You Know How Powerful You Are?” by Kathy Ginn, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B., at massagemag.com/rightrelationship.

The Client Who Couldn’t Feel Pain 50 A client with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy became a valuable teacher to this experienced massage practitioner. 50 by Taya Countryman, L.M.T. Read “The Real Differences between Science-Based and Outcome-Based Massage Practice,” by Taya Countryman, L.M.T., at massagemag.com/scienceoutcome.

Are You in a Hurry to Hurt Your Clients? 56 Rather than give clients the “more, stronger, deeper” pressure they demand, learn to redirect deep tissue from pain to wellness. by Kyle Spain, L.M.T., M.T.I. Read “Mindful Bodywork: Bring Awareness to Your Touch,” by David Lauterstein, at massagemag.com/mindfulbodywork.

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2 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com | December 2017 Issue 259 Regular Features

26 THE MASSAGE MAGAZINE LIST: Top 4 Ways to Take your Practice to the Next Level by Patti Biro and Laura Parker Visit massagemag.com/nextlevel to read “6 More Ways to Take Your Practice to The Next Level.”

26 30 PRACTICE BUILDING Success Strategies for Male Massage Therapists by Bryan Hawley, D.C.

62 SPA SUCCESS Why You Want to Work at a Resort Spa by Catherine Strange Warren

68 LIVING IN BALANCE If You Don’t Listen to Your Body, Who Will? by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, C.M.T., C.S.T.-D. Read “Your Inner Landscape: A Brief Walk Through the Body’s Wisdom Areas,” by 62 Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, at massagemag.com/innerlandscape.

74 RESEARCH REPORTS Massage Improves Shoulder Range of Motion; Massage Eases Asthma, But More Studies are Needed Visit massagemag.com/newresearch to read this month’s online Research Exclusive, “Compression of Myofascial Trigger Points Alters Brain and Nervous System Activity.” Departments 14 To Our Readers 68 16 In Our Mailbox 18 News & Current Events 34 New Products & Services 44 Best Practices 66 Product Focus: Lubricants 76 Conventions & Events 77 Display Ad Directory 78 Educational Resources and Development 79 Classifieds December cover image: 18 80 Marketplace tilialucida/Adobe Stock

3 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com | December 2017 Issue 259

BOOKMARK Online Exclusives massagemag.com ookmark our Massage News Bpage to keep current on the latest news about the massage profession. massagemag.com/massage-news PHOTOSS/ADOBE PHOTO STOCK

“7 Effective Ways to Ease Your Stress,” SELF-CARE: by Christina DeBusk RESOURCE CENTER Continuing Education Resource Guide ponsored by MASSAGE Magazine, Sthis resource center provides helpful information to professional massage and bodywork therapists about continuing education guidelines and regulations. It also includes information regarding factors to consider when choosing a continuing education product. massagemag.com/ceus

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“Add This Routine to Any Technique and TECHNIQUE: Revolutionize Your Practice,” by Mary Ellen Logan

1 “[Right Relationship] Do You 4 “The Real Differences between Know How Powerful You Are?” Science-Based and Outcome- Based Massage Practice” 2 “Your Inner Landscape: A Brief Walk Through the Body’s 5 “6 More Ways to Take Your Wisdom Areas” Practice to The Next Level” Our email newsletters deliver exclusive “Mindful Bodywork: Bring 3 “Compression of Myofascial 6 articles, tips, news and information Awareness to Your Touch” Trigger Points Alters Brain and directly to your inbox. Nervous System Activity” Subscribe for free at See these and more at massagemag.com/current-issue massagemag.com/signup

4 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com FAQs

MASSAGE Magazine’s mission is to provide to massage and touch therapists the tools, Q: How do I subscribe? information and resources to help them succeed both in their businesses and their session A: Order online, by mail or by phone. rooms. We give readers the latest news affecting the massage field, in-depth feature articles, Order online at massagemag. educational technique articles, accessible business advice, informative profiles, and inspiring com and click on our subscription stories of how touch promotes well-being on individual and global levels. We connect readers to each other, and to the organizations and manufacturers providing exceptional opportunities link. Order by mail by submitting a and products. We believe healthy touch has the power to create a better world, and that subscription card to: by supporting and educating massage and touch therapists, we are playing a role in that MASSAGE Magazine creation. MASSAGE Magazine is dedicated to ongoing growth and improvement—both in P.O. Box 3002 editorial scope and content, and as a healthy business doing good work in the world. Northbrook, IL 60065-3002. Order toll-free by calling (888) 883-3801. MASSAGE MAGAZINE YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MASSAGE MAGAZINE Q: How much does a Editor in Chief • Share news happening in your community, school, subscription cost? Karen Menehan workplace or association. A: U.S. surface: $14.95/year; $25.95/two [email protected] years or $34.95/three years. Associate Editor • If you are inspired, pleased, angered or intrigued by Hannah Fell anything we publish, express your views by writing a Q: When will my subscription start? [email protected] Letter to the Editor. A: Your subscription will start 4-6 weeks Digital Content Strategist Casey Nighbor • Suggest a colleague, or yourself, to be interviewed for a from the date you place your order. [email protected] news or feature article. Q: My address is changing—how do Art Director Elizabeth Blacker • Visit us online at massagemag.com for exclusive news I keep from missing an issue? [email protected] and articles. A: Go online to massagemag.com Art Director–Marketing • Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/ and click on the SUBSCRIBE button W. Kelley Lucas located on the upper right of the page. [email protected] massagemagazine to network with colleagues and be one of the first people to see new articles. Q: How many issues are published ADVERTISING SALES each year? Send your ideas, feedback, editorials, leads Director of Sales A: MASSAGE Magazine is published Susan Nevins and letters to [email protected]. (904) 567-1554 monthly. [email protected] Q: Is Massage Magazine affiliated National Account Execs: The information in any article is not meant to replace with any associations? Jennifer Jolly hands-on training. Readers must ensure they have received A: No, it is an independent publication (904) 395-3394 adequate training before attempting to apply any technique and not connected to any association, [email protected] referenced or described in MASSAGE Magazine. organization or institution. Janice Long (904) 567-1541 [email protected] Subscription Services: Please visit Q: Can I receive a free sample issue? Jeff Pruitt massagemag.com or call (888) 883-3801 A: We are unable to provide (904) 567-1542 complimentary samples. However, [email protected] you can call (904) 285-6020 to Elise Welle Opinions and endorsements expressed herein are not purchase single copies. (904) 395-3398 [email protected] necessarily those of MASSAGE Magazine. Letters to MASSAGE Magazine or its editors are assumed intended Q: I have a question not answered OFFICE for publication in whole or in part and may therefore be here. Who do I contact? used for such purposes. Letters become property of A: Please visit massagemag.com Advertising Coordinator MASSAGE Magazine. Reproduction of this publication in and click Contact Us at the bottom of Shawn Collins, Jr. (904) 567-1545 whole or part without written permission is prohibited by the page. [email protected] law. ©2017 by MASSAGE Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Circulation Manager Canadian subscriptions: Canada Post Agreement Q: I have an editorial question. Tyler Bell Number 7178957. Send address changes and blocks of Who do I contact? Founders undeliverable copies to IBC, 7485 Bath Rd., Mississauga, A: Please email Karen Menehan at Robert and Judi Calvert ON L4T 4C1 Canada. [email protected].

5 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com To Our Readers

ith every I’m sure you’re familiar with the cooling properties of massage menthol, but did you realize, for example, that capsaicin, session, an ingredient in many topical products, can offer heat you have therapy to stressed muscles? And do you consider the Wthe opportunity to provide stress-relieving (or rejuvenating) role some essential oils clients with an experience can play in your clients’ outcomes? These are just two of that surpasses their the ingredients covered in this month’s special feature. expectations—but unless We all know research is critical to the implementation you choose the tools and of integrative techniques, and many of the ingredients products that best support featured in our article have been subjected to a variety of your unique touch, that studies; some, like arnica, have gone through double-blind,

PHOTO BY KELLY MENEHAN opportunity might get left randomized, placebo-controlled studies, while others like on the table. fairly new-to-the-market CBD topicals are at the nascent No one wants to slip during a deep-tissue massage or research stage. A less substantiated ingredient, as author suddenly feel stuck when attempting a Swedish stroke, Allison Payne notes, “… might require some education on but beyond the world of glide there is a new universe of your part, in order to inform clients about what it is, what lubricants that lend themselves not only to specific types of it isn’t, and how it works.” bodywork but to particular client conditions. This is why Our feature examines arnica, capsaicin, CBD, essential lubricants, a term that covers lotions, creams, oils, butters oils and menthol, and we’re also running a list of benefits and specialized products such as analgesics, are key among related to 14 ingredients commonly found in massage-and- the products you choose for your practice. spa products. Still, this isn’t exhaustive coverage. After In this month’s cover story, “The Best Lubricant for you’ve read the article, will you let me know if there are Your Specialty: What the Science Says” (page 20), we offer ingredients, techniques or client conditions that you’d like in depth information on the benefits related to a variety to see us cover further? I’m at [email protected]. of ingredients commonly found in lubricants today, along with suggestions regarding what type of ingredient might best support your type of touch.

Meet some of the contributors who helped Contributors create this month’s MASSAGE Magazine

Suzanne Scurlock-Durana Gael Wood authored this Kyle Spain wrote “Are You Taya Countryman wrote Kathy Ginn wrote “The wrote “If You Don’t Listen month’s Expert Advice in a Hurry to Hurt Your “The Client Who Couldn’t 4 Steps That Will Guide to Your Body, Who Will?” column, providing Clients? Let’s Redirect Feel Pain” for this issue. You on Your Journey as a for this issue’s Living in guidance on marketing Deep Tissue Culture from Taya specializes in Massage Practitioner” for Balance section. Suzanne for the holidays. Gael has Pain to Wellness” for this complex and chronic this issue. Kathy has been created the Healing from more than 20 years of issue. Kyle is an instructor medical conditions, and is active in the profession the Core curriculum and is experience in the massage at American Massage & a Structural Relief Therapy of massage therapy and the author of Reclaiming and spa industry. She Bodywork Institute. He has continuing education bodywork since 1991 as Your Body and Full Body now concentrates on been trained in medical instructor. She has been in a practitioner, teacher and Presence. She is a training massage and spa massage and teaches practice since 1977 and is mentor. She is the founder massage and bodywork therapists in business, continuing education to a 2013 Massage Therapy of Ethical Dimensions instructor who teaches spa services and greater massage therapists. Hall of Fame inductee. and co-creator of Life around the world. success. Empowered Institute.

6 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com In Our Mailbox

Mixed Message? Surviving Hurricane Harvey While I greatly appreciate and respect Joel T. Quezada is the intent of this project spearheaded by one of the massage Lynda Solien-Wolfe and CG Funk (“New therapists in Houston, Initiative Will Promote Massage for Texas, whose office Happiness,” November), I believe they’ve flooded during chosen a most unfortunate name and logo. Hurricane Harvey and, The name triggers an immediate during the deluge, he association with “happy endings,” which mentioned that he of course represents the polar opposite had to pile some of his of the professional practice of massage massage supplies on Joel T. Quezada Photo courtesy of therapy. The smiley face brings up a strong top of the table as the Ariana Vincent association with Walmart. I know this water swirled around emoji is everywhere, but it’s so powerfully the table legs. It is anchored by America’s largest retailer that hard to imagine how it’s impossible to ignore the connection. frightening that might have been. By choosing branding that conveys a My husband, Michael, and I had mixed message with adult entertainment excellent therapeutic deep tissue sessions and a discount big box corporation, I fear privilege of launching it and sharing with Joel at The Market at Sawyer Yards in they’re compromising the mission right its goals during the summit this year. Houston, where he had set up a booth. from the start. We can tell you the response was Joel said he is very grateful for the If it’s not too late to re-brand this overwhelmingly positive from the help he received from the Austin massage initiative, might I suggest something more summit delegates and the businesses community; he is particularly grateful for streamlined without negative associations: they represent. Not one time did we all of Kristen Genchur’s efforts in Austin to “Massage is Happiness.” receive any negative reaction to our help Houston massage therapists. Rick Rosen name, logo or the Global Massage Makes Now, 50 days after the hurricane, Joel is Honomu, Hawaii Me Happy Day. rebuilding his practice and he is planning The smiley face is an international to re-open soon in a new location. He CG Funk and Lynda Solien-Wolfe symbol for happy. Since our initiative offers Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, Respond: will cross the borders of many countries, sports, hot stone, reflexology and trigger We are delegates for the Global Wellness we choose this symbol to portray the point therapy. He’s been in practice for Summit and attended the annual event meaning behind the initiative. We nine years now. a few weeks ago in Florida. The Global believe our name will appeal globally Joel is a wonderful example of Wellness Summit is an international and be easy to understand translated resilience and tenacity. I knew you organization that brings together leaders into many languages. would appreciate seeing the face of and visionaries to positively impact and While we appreciate the author of the one of the many Houston Hurricane shape the future of the global wellness letter to the editor sharing his thoughts, Harvey survivors who was helped by the industry. we believe that the word happiness efforts of the loving and caring massage This year’s summit was an amazing differs from the word happy. therapy community in Austin for their event and featured some powerful Happy is an adjective rather than a colleagues in Houston during one of the wellness leaders, [including] Andrew noun. A noun simply describes a person, worst natural disasters in the history of Weil, M.D., Mehmet Oz, M.D., Dean place or thing. It’s two-dimensional. An Houston. Ornish, M.D., Richard Carmona, M.D., adjective like happy is a word that gives Thank you, [MASSAGE Magazine, for Agapi Stassinopoulos, Maggie Hsu, more detail and meaning to the noun. publishing] the article “Texas Massage Jeremy McCarthy and Tiffany Field, Adjectives are multidimensional. Therapists Reach Out After Hurricane Ph.D., among many others. Thanks for giving us the opportunity Harvey,” (massagemag.com, Sept. 7). Massage Makes Me Happy is an to respond to the letter. We look forward Thank you, Michelle Hittner, Kristen, initiative connected to the Global to sharing more information about the Ashley Nutt Hiatt and the hundreds of Wellness Institute—a nonprofit Massage Makes Me Happy Initiative and other massage therapists and friends who organization with a mission to empower the inaugural Global Massage Makes Me gathered together to help the Houston wellness worldwide. The Institute is Happy Day on March 20, 2018 in the massage community in a time of need. under the leadership of the Global near future. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and Wellness Summit. CG Funk and Lynda Solien-Wolfe will long be remembered. Because our initiative is under the Co-Founders, Massage Makes Me Happy Ariana Vincent, L.M.T., M.T.I., Global Wellness Institute, we had the Initiative B.C.T.M.B., Houston, Texas

7 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com News & Current Events National Health Coalition Pushes for Safe Harbor Legislation en U.S. states have Minnesota’s regulates massage (NDs), who have graduated from using the naturopathic safe harbor laws on the therapists. with 4,100 hours of education titles. “[Use of such titles] T books, which allow people According to John Melnychuk, from an accredited school, causes a tremendous burden to practice complementary RSHom (NA), C.C.H., a California passed a national competency and confusion for consumers therapies—herbalism, massage, homeopath and president of exam, and are licensed by who are not aware that a homeopathy, aromatherapy, the California Health Freedom the State of California Bureau naturopathic practitioner, for craniosacral therapy and Coalition, the education- of Naturopathic Medicine instance, is providing unlicensed naturopathy among them, disclosure component of safe as primary care providers. care,” she said. depending on the state—without harbor laws helps consumers (Unlicensed naturopaths may According to Melnychuk, if a license or training. Efforts protect themselves. “Someone not diagnose or treat, and the titles disappear, so will the are underway now to increase with no training can print their scope relates to lifestyle jobs of the state’s unlicensed that number, but as a situation business cards and say they changes. NDs may offer practitioners of naturopathy. unfolding in California shows, are a traditional naturopath more in-depth procedures He said he believes the fight is such efforts might not be [for example], but it would [be] such as diagnosing, treating, far from done, admitting that realized without a struggle. quite doubtful if the public would administering injections and in California, “We expect an Safe harbor laws protect engage with that person,” he said. prescribing certain substances.) ongoing battle.” unlicensed practitioners from Unlicensed naturopaths have Ultimately, the language was It’s a battle that could be being charged with violating the been practicing in California removed from the bill before it waged far beyond the borders Medical Practice Act or other since 1902, but in 2017 the was signed into law, following of the Golden State. National professional licensing practice state’s 16-year-old safe harbor NHFC’s work alongside the Health Freedom Action (NHFA), acts, as long as the practitioners law was tested. Language in a California Health Freedom described on its site as NHFC’s disclose their education to bill introduced this year would Coalition and Sunshine Health sister organization and an entity potential customers and have prohibited use of the Freedom Foundation. Melnychuk that lobbies for health care avoid certain prohibited acts, titles naturopath, naturopathic said Senator Gerry Hill (D-CA) freedom, has plans underway according to Anne Tenner, staff practitioner and traditional and Assemblyman Evan Lowe to work toward safe harbor attorney for the National Health naturopath by practitioners were also instrumental in the legislation in all 50 states—and Freedom Coalition (NHFC), a already practicing legally. victory. Tenner said NHFC is already group that supports the creation The effort to prohibit the Rebecca Mitchell, executive supporting grassroots groups of safe harbor laws. titles was supported by those officer of the California in Wisconsin, Oregon, Missouri, Arizona, California, Colorado, who say allowing laypeople Naturopathic Medicine Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, to practice naturopathy is Committee, told MASSAGE Tennessee, and South Dakota New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma confusing to consumers— Magazine the committee plans with information and resources and Rhode Island have safe because the state is also home to move forward with another to create such laws. harbor laws. Of them, only to doctors of naturopathy attempt to disallow laypeople —Karen Menehan

Massage-on-Demand Company Chosen as Innovator of the Year hen a massage clinic director frames ranging from a single session up the company received the first annual W or spa owner faces a staff to an eight-hour block. Customers can ISPA Innovation of the Year award. Zeel shortage—during a time of high order massages delivered to homes, was also awarded the 2017 ISPA Innovate demand, for example, or when an hotels, workplaces and events anytime Award in the technology and equipment employee has called in sick—it’s Zeel between 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. in more category. to the rescue. The massage-on-demand than 65 U.S. cities. Zeel, founded in 2012, was also company provides credentialed, vetted At this year’s International Spa recently ranked #167 on the Inc. 500 list and insured massage therapists for time Association (ISPA) Conference & Expo, of fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

8 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Research Advocate Named Humanitarian

supporter of the A Massage Therapy Foundation was presented the 2017 Performance Health/ Massage Therapy Foundation Humanitarian Award this fall. Tim Veitzer is president of National Holistic Institute ADOBE STOCK (NHI), an Emeryville, California, massage school. Veitzer and his business PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM VEITZER New $2K Massage Tim Veitzer partner, Mason Myers, bought NHI in 2003. Veitzer arranged Scholarship for his school to donate student clinic revenue to the foundation, has contributed so much to Announced which supports research into this profession by promoting massage as well as grants education and research while ncorporate Massage, an on-site massage therapy business in the that facilitate massage for serving others.” I U.S. and Canada, is offering one $2,000 academic scholarship for underserved populations. Of this award, Veitzer said, “I a student currently enrolled in a 500-plus hour accredited massage Veitzer has also served on the look forward to helping spread program in the U.S. Massage Therapy Foundation the word about the efficacy of The application requires a 2,000-word essay on one of three pre- CEO Advisory Committee. massage therapy, how it can selected topics. The application is due on Feb. 28, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. “Tim Veitzer is very deserving and should be a key part of EST. The scholarship is not renewable and is only good for a one- of the 2017 Humanitarian any therapeutic and wellness semester cycle. Award,” said [foundation] regimen, and the great career To apply, visit incorporatemassage.com/massage-master- President Jerrilyn Cambron, one can have while helping scholarship. The scholarship will be announced on the website on L.M.T., D.C., M.P.H., Ph.D. “He others as a massage therapist.” March 31, and the winner will be notified via email.

Massage Most-Used Integrative 18,780 Therapy in Europe The number ata collected from 20 European D countries and 40,000 respondents indicate that one out of four people used of vacant integrative therapies in the past year, primarily in conjunction with a conventional therapy, massage and that massage was the most-used

integrative therapy. ADOBE STOCK therapy jobs Headache and back pain were the two homeopathy (6 percent), osteopathy (5 in the spa industry now. conditions that motivated most people to percent) and herbal remedies (5 percent). seek out integrative therapies. Women and Most subjects said they had experienced —Source: International Spa those with higher education used such more only one type of therapy. Association often than others. The research was conducted by the 2017 U.S. Spa Industry Study The most commonly used forms of University of Helsinki and information about it treatment were massage (12 percent), distributed via press release.

9 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com What the Science Says The Best Lubricant for Your Specialty

by Allison Payne ADOBE STOCK

10 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com our massage techniques—both choosing the correct ones and applying them with skill, care and positive intention—form the foundation of an effective session for your clients. But unless you are practicing a Ytechnique that requires no lubrication of the skin—such as seated massage or myofascial release—the oil, lotion or other topicals you include represent an opportunity to both support and enhance your bodywork.

Beyond the type of consistency and glide your technique requires—which will determine your use of lotion, oil, cream, butter, analgesic or gel—the ingredients in your lubricant have specific, and often scientifically studied, benefits as well. From CBD to essential oils to menthol and more, many of today’s massage lubricants are specially formulated with ingredients that can work in harmony with your hands to help nourish skin, more effectively relieve pain and tension, and further support your clients’ well-being. Arnica Many clients seek out a massage therapist for help easing musculoskeletal pain. Arnica extract, which comes from a Arnica plant in the sunflower family and has a long history of use for medicinal purposes, may help. “Clients that complain of muscle soreness, pain or irritating anti-inflammatory properties. “These chemical properties make skin conditions may benefit greatly from a massage performed arnica a great addition to any massage cream used on clients with with an arnica-infused product,” said Franklin Warren, senior aching muscles and joints.” new product development scientist for Performance Health, In addition to a wealth of anecdotal evidence of its efficacy, manufacturer of topical analgesic Biofreeze, as well as Biotone arnica’s pain-relieving qualities have been supported by some professional massage therapy products. “Therapists should also formal research studies. consider using arnica-infused products for self-care.” “Arnica has traditionally been used as an aid to help improve Arnica, said Warren, is rich in flavonoids and phenolic quality of life for individuals with rheumatic problems and is compounds that protect cells and have antioxidant and considered one of the best external remedies to aid in the healing

11 MASSAGE Magazine | DecemberMASSAGE 2017 | Magazinemassagemag.com | December 2017 | massagemag.com 11 Specialties that may benefit from capsaicin include sports massage, deep tissue techniques and massage for a general population.

of sprains and bruises,” said Maribel A. Rodriguez, H.N.C.B., vice president of for the International Herb Association. “Clinical studies have indicated arnica to be effective at helping to relieve pain and inflammation,” Rodriguez added. For example, she pointed to a 2013 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in the European Journal of Sport Science, in which topical arnica was applied every four hours to male athletes who had undergone exercise to induce delayed- onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The arnica group participants reported less pain over the course of the study. Another study, published in 2002 in Advances in Therapy, found that “application of Arnica montana gel for [six] weeks was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate Capsaicin osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee,” according to the study’s authors. A 2016 research review in the American Journal of Therapeutics sums up further scientific studies on the use and effectiveness of arnica. study’s authors wrote that “80 [percent] of the capsaicin-treated Specialties that may benefit from arnica include sports patients experienced a reduction in pain after two weeks of massage, geriatric massage and deep tissue techniques. treatment.” A more recent study, published in Phytotherapy Research in Capsaicin 2010, examined the efficacy of a capsaicin cream versus a placebo Where menthol cools, capsaicin heats. This compound, which in subjects with chronic back pain, finding that “all outcome gives peppers their hot flavor, is included in many topical measures had significantly more improved in the capsaicin- products to address musculoskeletal pain. treated compared with the placebo-treated chronic back pain “Capsaicin, with the active ingredient derived from chili sufferers.” peppers, is used in some massage lubricants,” said Steve Capsaicin products are contraindicated for clients who Capobianco, medical director for RockTape, which specializes are allergic to chili peppers or who have experienced an in kinesiology tape, fitness accessories and other products, adverse reaction to this substance in the past. Barring including RockSauce, a topical pain relief cream containing those contraindications, Capobianco said any client who is capsaicin. experiencing pain can be a candidate for this kind of lubricant. “Your skin has heat-sensitive proteins known as TRPV1 “By combining the chemical (capsaicin) stimulus as we deliver receptors. Capsaicin stimulates these receptors and leads to the mechanical (massage) intervention, it appears that we can a form of desensitization by exhausting a pain-producing achieve better results,” he said. molecule called substance P,” Capobianco explained. “Current Specialties that may benefit from capsaicin include sports literature has shown that this topical agent can decrease massage, deep tissue techniques and massage for a general pain associated with neuropathic pain—shingles, diabetes, population. psoriasis—and osteoarthritis, [the] most common form of arthritic pain.” CBD Capobianco points to a research study, published in 1991 CBD—short for cannabidiol—has been in the news a lot lately. in Clinical Therapeutics, involving 101 patients with either This compound, derived from low-THC strains of the cannabis osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, who applied capsaicin plant, according to the website of educational nonprofit group cream or a placebo to their painful knees four times a day. The Project CBD, is being researched for its potential to help with

12 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Specialties that may benefit from CBD include those that address a general clientele presenting with muscle aches, pains and stiffness.

many health problems, including one of special interest to pain. He also hears from many massage-therapist customers who massage therapists: The treatment of chronic pain. love the products and regularly use them in client sessions. The exact mechanism of how CBD and other cannabinoids Unlike a product containing a well-known substance such as work to counteract pain is not fully understood. A very menthol, introducing a CBD-infused massage lubricant into your simplified explanation, provided in much more detail in the free practice might require some education on your part, in order to article “The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain” inform clients about what it is, what it isn’t, and how it works. at the National Institutes of Health’s website (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), “CBD is likely to have to be explained to the typical customer,” is that cannabinoids work with the body’s own endocannabinoid said Erica McBride, executive director of the National Hemp system to modulate pain signals. Association (nationalhempassociation.org). “It does not seem Research in the field of cannabis is relatively young and that the general public has that much awareness as to what it is or much of it, including CBD-related research, focuses on the benefits of it.” ingestion rather than topical applications. David Goldsmith, Is this legal? might be the biggest question that comes to a co-founder of CBD Clinic, a company that manufactures three client’s mind. “There are some states that have challenged [the massage oil formulations that include CBD, told MASSAGE legality of] CBD,” Goldsmith said, “and it’s really related to the Magazine his company’s products have not been used in any oral usage of CBD. We have customers buying in every single clinical trials. state.” One 2016 study in the European Journal of Pain, conducted Since CBD topical products are created from industrial-grade on rats, examined the effects of topically applied CBD hemp rather than flowering marijuana plants, they contain only on inflammation and pain, and found that “topical CBD trace amounts of THC. Therefore, they will not cause users to fail application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis a drug test, Goldsmith added, nor will they produce the kind of pain-related behaviours and inflammation without evident “high” typically associated with cannabis usage. side-effects.” Specialties that may benefit from CBD include those that While more formal CBD research is needed, anecdotal address a general clientele presenting with muscle aches, pains evidence from people who have experienced the pain-relieving and stiffness. properties of topical CBD products is abundant; Goldsmith describes people testing out his company’s CBD products at Essential Oils industry trade shows and hearing them report rapid reduction of Aromatherapy is a popular massage session add-on, but aromatherapeutic benefits can also be achieved by using a lubricant containing essential oils chosen with clients’ needs in mind. Many of the essential oils included in today’s professional massage lubricants are designed to enhance relaxation and stress Cannabidiol (CBD) reduction, said Jean Shea, founder and president of BIOTONE, a company that makes massage products, including essential oil blends and massage lubricants pre-blended with essential oils. She noted that tangerine, rosewood, chamomile and lavender are popular with therapists. “Stress is commonly reduced by lavender essential oil,” Shea said. “This would be a very good go-to oil for any client who mentions that they have been highly stressed recently.” Also, she noted, “Some essential oils are proven to help reduce pain when used above certain levels.”

13 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com reduced pain intensity in hemodialysis patients during the insertion of dialysis needles. Essential Oils Specialties that may benefit from essential oils include those that address various types of specific clientele, including infants, pregnant clients, people experiencing stress or post traumatic stress disorder, and the general public. Menthol Like arnica, menthol is a popular ingredient in topical products designed to ease pain. You are likely familiar with the intense cooling sensation menthol generates when it comes into contact with the skin. While more research is needed in the field of aromatherapy, “Menthol is an approved over-the-counter drug ingredient for some studies do bear out the positive effects of inhaled essential temporary relief from minor aches and pains of sore muscles and oils on human health. A May 2017 study in Phytotherapy joints associated with arthritis, backache, strains, and sprains,” Research, for example, found that the aroma of bergamot oil said Warren. “Due to its status as an over-the-counter drug, improved positive feelings in subjects in a waiting room at a menthol may have a greater effect at pain reduction than arnica.” mental health treatment center. (Biofreeze, Performance Health’s flagship topical pain relief “This study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy and product, contains both of these ingredients.) safety of bergamot essential oil inhalation on mental well-being Derived from the leaves and young stems of the peppermint in a mental health treatment center,” wrote the study’s authors, plant, Rodriguez said, “menthol has traditionally been used “suggesting that bergamot essential oil aromatherapy can be an before and after exercise for its ability to relieve soreness, and effective adjunct treatment to improve individuals’ mental health lessen pain and inflammation. There is mounting evidence and well-being.” through various studies on the efficacy and safety of menthol as Effects of topically applied essential oils have also been an analgesic and pain relief remedy.” studied; one 2015 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, One such study, published in the International Journal of for example, showed that lavender essential oil on the skin Sports Physical Therapy in 2012, compared the pain-relieving

Popular Lubricant Ingredients

Almond Cannabidiol (CBD) This oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, potassium and zinc. One explanation for how CBD effects pain relief is that cannabinoids work with the body’s own endocannabinoid Aloe Vera system to modulate pain signals. (See main article for more Oil from the Aloe plant has been indicated by clinical trials to information.) treat burn wounds and dermatitis. It also helps soften the skin. Capsaicin Apricot kernel This compound, which gives peppers their hot flavor, is This oil is rich in vitamin A and fatty acids, and helps soften the included in many topical products to address musculoskeletal skin. This oil is also good for sensitive skin. pain. (See main article for more information.)

Argan Coconut This oil from the kernels of the argan tree contains vitamins A This oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids and helps cool down and E, which helps firm skin. the body with its rich, oily properties.

Arnica Emu oil This extract is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds This oil is refined from the fat of birds native to Australia and that protect cells and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory farmed in the U.S. for their oil and meat. Emu oil contains properties. (See main article for more information.) omegas 3, 6 and 9 and penetrates quickly into the skin.

Avocado This oil from this fruit is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids.

14 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Specialties that may benefit from arnica include sports massage, geriatric massage, deep tissue techniques and those that address a general clientele presenting with muscle aches, pains and stiffness. One Tool Among Many Arnica, capsaicin, CBD, essential oils and menthol are just a handful of the many ingredients included in today’s specialized massage lubricant blends. (See sidebar, “Popular Lubricant Ingredients,” this page.) What’s important to remember is your lubricant is one tool among many available to you and that Menthol lubricant complements and supports your expertise and technique. “As product formulators, we take great care in using safe and effective ingredients in formulas and products. We do, however, effects of topical menthol gel with that of ice, one of the realize and celebrate the fact that the product doesn’t do all the oldest natural remedies for pain. “The outcome of this study work,” said Warren. “When a great product is combined with the demonstrated that pain perception and discomfort were skillful expertise of a massage therapist, clients are delighted and significantly less with the topical menthol analgesic versus ice, cared for like never before.” M and that muscle contraction force increased with the use of menthol,” Rodriguez said. Many other studies support menthol’s benefits; research Allison Payne is a former online & associate editor for MASSAGE has supported its use in addressing muscle strain (published Magazine and now a freelance writer and editor based in central in Clinical Therapeutics, 2010); cancer-treatment pain Florida. She has written many articles for MASSAGE Magazine (Supportive Care in Cancer, 2015); carpal tunnel syndrome and massagemag.com, including “Relax, Refresh & Rejuvenate: pain (Rehabilitation Research and Practice, 2014); and tension The Spa Day as Self-Care” (October) and “Massage Helps Burn headaches (Nervenarzt, 1996). Survivors Rediscover Touch” (Sept. 20).

Essential Oils Macadamia Many studies have indicated various types of essential oils are Oil from this nut helps to regenerate the skin, and contains effective mood enhancers and pain relievers. (See main article omegas 6 and 9. for more information.) Menthol Flaxseed oil This ingredient, obtained from mint oil, provides an intense Containing both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this oil cooling sensation when it comes into contact with the skin. helps create a smoother complexion. (See main article for more information.)

Grapeseed extract Sesame By applying a massage cream with grapeseed oil and This oil is rich in linoleic acid and is a thicker oil that aids in grapeseed extract to the skin, it may be possible to help the warming and purifying the skin. body battle some of the DNA damage that leads to aging skin. Shea Jojoba Butter containing this ingredient is extracted from the nut of the Research indicates jojoba has an anti-inflammatory effect and shea tree and is an effective moisturizer. is effective for wound healing. Jojoba is not oil; it is a liquid wax ester and does not oxidize. Therefore, a massage therapist can Sunflower keep it on hand for years. This oil is rich in omega 6 and helps with dermatitis.

15 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Ways to Take Your Practice to the Next Level TWhere areO you in your career, and whereP are you headed?4 Maybe it that vision with enthusiasm. Below are four steps to help you get to is time to completely change the direction of your practice. As the the next level of your massage career. new year approaches, it is a good time to create a plan and follow

UPGRADE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE After investing in yourself, the best return on 1 investment for your practice is to upgrade the quality of the tools that you use every day. Start with an appraisal of your massage table in terms of both client comfort and ergonomic ease for you. Remember that a beautifully dressed table with high-quality linens makes a great first impression and creates the right ambiance for return clients. Using the highest quality lubricants, oils or aromatherapy signals to the client that you have pride in your practice and strive to provide the best experience for them. The tools you use and the environment you create are all part of the total package. Make a list of what needs to be discarded, upgraded or improved. IMAGES/ADOBE STOCK IMAGES/ADOBE

BECOME AN EXPERT There are many ways to grow your expertise, 2 from taking continuing education classes to attending conferences. As you refine your goals you’ll want to learn everything you can about your modality, pathology or population, but you also need to expand your overall knowledge. We could all benefit from knowing more anatomy, and research continues to change what we think we know about the body. Expertise will benefit you when you narrow your focus in specialization. Massage is all about homeostasis, balance and holistic approaches. It’s seeing the body as a whole and not just a particular muscle or tissue.

16 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com PRESENT A POLISHED IMAGE You are the face of your practice. This is true 3 even if you work in a clinic or a spa. Presenting a professional image is more than just a clean uniform. While this may be a bit uncomfortable, a little self-appraisal can be growth-promoting. Consider every aspect of how others see you. Personal hygiene, hair, dress, tone of voice and body language are factors that trigger others to make judgments about you. If you want to appear professional and competent, make it a habit to create a polished appearance at work every day. Remember that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. That new client may turn into a long- term relationship that provides you with a loyal following, referrals and retail sales. When you present yourself in the best possible light, your clients and coworkers will notice your confidence.

NEVER STOP LEARNING Step out of your comfort zone and explore different topics. 4 Neuroscience, for example, has a lot to teach us about how the body works in terms of chronic pain, rehabilitation and neuroplasticity. While continuing education classes are immensely beneficial, don’t forget less costly and time- consuming options such as subscribing to various science, massage and wellbeing websites. YouTube channels, blogs and social media outlets are also readily available resources. Watch TED talks, join forums and learn from experts on a wide range of topics. Education includes staying up to date on current research. Are you still giving the same advice you learned in school? Are you still doing the same routine or practicing under the same premises? It’s time to see what the current research says. Or better yet, conduct your own case studies. Research continues to shape this industry, and much of what we were taught years ago has been proven incorrect. Old techniques and thought patterns can even harm your clients. It only takes Visit massagemag.com/nextlevel to read a a few minutes to read a medical paper or case study result. continuation of this article “6 More Ways to Take Your Make this a habit and incorporate your findings into your Practice to The Next Level.” current practice. M

Patti Biro (pattibiro.com) is the owner of Patti Biro and Associates, Laura Parker (massageworks.guru) is an NCBTMB-approved a consulting firm specializing in special events, retail consulting, CE continuing education provider focusing on medical massage. and education in the spa and wellness industry. She is a National She has practiced in various therapeutic settings, giving her an Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)- integrated approach to wellness. Laura currently works for NovaCare approved continuing education provider, lecturer and consultant. Rehabilitation in a workplace wellness program. She also works as a RedCross approved instructor and maintains her own practice.

17 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Practice Building Masterful Marketing for Male MTs

by Bryan Hawley, D.C.

he field of massage therapy is about 85 percent female therapists, according to manyT national surveys. This colors the public’s perception of the field and presents some unique—but certainly not insurmountable—challenges to the men who have made massage their chosen career. ADOBE STOCK ADOBE STOCK

18 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com I recall many times when clients would refuse to let anyone other than a female work on them.

I have owned several high-end clinics to different clientele. I recall many times What Men Say and have always worked with massage when clients would refuse to let anyone I recently sent out a questionnaire to my therapists virtually hand-and-hand in other than a female work on them. So, email list of therapists asking the males all of our cases. I worked with males and from facing this challenge I can honestly some basic questions to find out what females alike, ranging from those fresh say I have seen first-hand what it’s like the biggest obstacles were that they had out of school to those who had 40-plus to be a male in this female-dominated faced, what their client demographics are, years of experience. profession. how they promote themselves, and the My wife was one of those therapists. Now let’s get to how we overcame that roles social media and internet marketing She decided to open her own studio resistance and built a highly successful play in their success. adjacent to our flagship clinic. This studio that was booked three weeks out, What came back to me were some brought a new challenge; you see, we and how I have coached and marketed for helpful tips and advice, as well as were really good at marketing our clinic, other studios and helped them become common themes. but then we had to market a new business successful as well. As far as obstacles, most men who responded stated that they first had to overcome homophobia on the part of males; the fear of predation on the part of females; and a generalized attitude of “male therapists just cannot do well in this profession” on the part of some potential clients, male and female alike. Surprisingly another thing that was somewhat of an issue was women reporting that their husbands were very uneasy when they discovered their wives were seeing a male massage therapist. Obviously, this is just a reflection of insecurity and has nothing at all to do

19 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Practice Building

Seeing your success is only part of the equation. You have to feel it and imagine it as if it was already happening.

with the male therapist; however, it is you. You need to get into the mindset To this end, you must have a website. something that should be addressed or that success is not something you seek Instead of the traditional multi-page at least considered when trying to build or strive for but rather something that is site, a one- or two-page version will a practice. What I have noticed over the attracted to you. suffice. Next, create a Facebook business years is fear—no matter who is feeling However, seeing your success is only page and post educational topics to it it—is usually derived from insecurity or a part of the equation. You have to feel two-to-three times per week. The social lack of information. it and imagine it as if it were already marketing rule is 3:1, meaning after The misperceptions that males in the happening. you’ve made three educational posts you massage field face actually push many of I have lectured to far too many may make an offer post. (This rule also them to excel and specialize. As massage promising male therapists (females too) holds true for emails.) therapist Michael A. told me, “[Male who had given up and moved on after Also, collect your clients’ emails. massage therapists] need to make it a goal the first couple of attempts. Don’t let One thing I tried on my Facebook page that their worst massage has to be better this be you. Get your mind right. Listen was to offer the chance to receive a free executed than the best massage of their to motivational lectures, read self- one-hour massage to people for simply female colleagues. With something like improvement books, take care of yourself entering their email address. We picked 85 percent of the industry being female and raise your standards. one email every Friday at random and therapists, there are simply far too many Without any of this self-preparation, scheduled that lucky person within 30 alternatives to an average-performing no technique, location, referrals or days. All of the other entrants received male therapist.” marketing will ever work or stick with a 25-percent-off coupon with a 60-day you for the long term. Inside yourself is deadline. We did this for several weeks What Are You Thinking? the starting point. and ended up with thousands of local, Most of the obstacles the male therapists quality emails. We then did a 3.1 email identified were pretty much uniform Success Strategies education-to-offer ratio that helped fill across the board. I can also say after Now let’s get to the action component. the massage practice. coaching hundreds of practices, many of The following advice holds true for Next, make some three- to five- the issues and preconceived notions start both males and females, but remember: minute videos to post to YouTube, with the therapist himself. Men in this field must make an extra Google, Facebook and your website. Are you checking your own inner marketing effort to counteract unfounded You can use your smartphone to record voice? Is it telling you, “Yeah, I’m good, attitudes. them. You can also host a webinar but I’m male and most clients want First, clients need to be able to find and post it on your social media and females, so it’s going to be an uphill you. Make sure you are everywhere website. This type of self-promotion is battle”? If so, stop. That type of thinking digitally. If you are not online making a essential for male massage therapists has no place in a successful person’s big digital footprint, then you are missing as it helps you dispel any of the mind. out on many clients. Over two-thirds of aforementioned insecurity while putting Instead, wake up each day with a my survey respondents said they had an yourself out there as an authority. You vision of what is going to happen when online and social media presence. That are, in fact, an authority when it comes you are booked, when clients are seeking number should be 100 percent. to helping your clients.

20 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Make sure your business is listed fellow students you practiced on, your who bring them up, especially after they with all the major search engines. teachers, and family members (although have had a hard day. The most successful We have a scanning service that we preferably not with the same surname as practices I have been in were the ones provide to clients, and you would be yours). where the therapists were having a blast surprised by how many scans come back You should also focus on what kind interacting with clients. You can feel the showing incorrect addresses or phone of practice you want: sports, medical, energy in those types of places. numbers on the search engines. (Visit general or another type. Then decide The men who have chosen to be socialmediadigimark.repgrader.com/ whom your ideal client is—female, massage therapists have much to offer. MTMzMzE= for your free scan.) Imagine male, young, middle aged, students, the The world needs your professional a potential client trying to find you but elderly or others. Then seek out where touch. M they move on simply because of a silly they are and what they do, and focus data mistake. your marketing in those areas. Once you Take professional photos and develop begin building a clientele, remember that Bryan Hawley, D.C. (drbryanhawley.com), a nice trifold brochure explaining what you are the authority—so when a client’s had been in health care for more than 20 you do, what your client goals tend session has ended, go ahead and bring years before he decided to shift careers to be, styles of massage you use and up the need for rebooking and repeat and help health and wellness professionals testimonials. A few good testimonials sessions. in growing their business. He develops will go a long way toward easing people’s Finally, just keep at it and have fun. leadership skill in individuals and builds internal fears. If you are just starting out, Massage is really an energy business. teams for businesses. you can still ask for testimonials from the People want to be around other people

rtifica l Ce tion a B on o ti a a rd N I Choose PROUD TO BE

f BOARD CERTIFIED k o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y & Bodywork d ra o BOARD CERTIFIED. pe B u & tic Massage

I choose Board Certified because it is an outward symbol of a very inward commitment to the highest standards in our profession. As the highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve their needs.

Personally, after 38 years in practice, it is an inward symbol of many years of dedication to constant learning and growth to this wonderful discipline of massage therapy. Board Certification represents a constant desire to be the best massage therapist possible for the clients who grace my doorway. Douglas Nelson LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

21 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com New Products & Services Musculoskeletal Anatomy Coloring Book, 3e Mosby Hands Free Deluxe Electric Table Use this book to reinforce Pivotal Health Solutions your understanding of Ideal for all massage therapists, the Hands Free musculoskeletal anatomy Deluxe Electric Table allows the therapist to move through 630 high-quality, freely around the table without losing contact with detailed illustrations. Authored his or her client. With a heavy-duty steel construction by Joseph Muscolino, D.C., it and a classic gray exterior, this table is durable and includes access to online videos, attractive. It includes a hands-free foot bar. practice tests and more. Each Hands Free Deluxe Electric Table costs $3,599. Pivotal chapter is divided into key parts Health Solutions, pivotalhealthsolutions.com. of the musculoskeletal anatomy. Musculoskeletal Anatomy Coloring Book, 3e costs $37.95. Mosby, us.elsevierhealth.com. on the New scene Color Aroma Mists Conscious Colors Available in two sizes, Color Aroma Mists can help you improve your life. Simply mist the product around your body to infuse your environment and aura with color therapy intentions. The scent of each color aroma will help you remember the color’s true benefits. Color Aroma Mists cost $13 for a 1-ounce bottle and $29 for a 4-ounce bottle. Conscious Colors, consciouscolors.com.

Turmerzing Healthy Chair Massage Inflammatory Response for Every Body her vital way TouchPro International This supplement of turmeric and ginger will Do you want to learn chair or table help keep inflammation at bay. It is created massage or build upon your massage for women to help support natural living and skills? TouchPro’s comprehensive is one of 13 different supplements that aims online chair massage program includes to support women’s health. 32 videos and 30 PDF downloads that Turmerzing Healthy Inflammatory Response will take you through a 15-minute costs $25.99 for 90 capsules. her vital way, upper-body massage sequence and hervitalway.com. more. 12 National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork- approved credits with a free trial. Chair Massage for Every Body costs $80 for individual registration. TouchPro International, learning.touchpro.com.

22 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Integrative Pain Management Curties-Overzet Publications This book is divided into two parts that address the way clients experience pain and the different approaches to manage it. The authors, Diana L. Thompson and Marissa Brooks, discuss pain mechanisms and provide various approaches to pain management across different disciplines. Integrative Pain Management costs $64.95. Curties-Overzet Publications, curties-overzet.com.

All-Access Massage Marketing Content Club RockFloss Gael Wood RockTape How would you like to have social media RockFloss is a new mobility tool that uses massage marketing content done for you the science of compression and fascial shearing and ready to post each month? Get your free to help unstick muscles and joints. It can be used sample package today and see how easy it is before or after training or as part of a rehabilitation to get your marketing done with the Content program. It’s easy, convenient, reusable and Club. The sample package will include: available in 2- or 4-inch widths. images, a completed newsletter article, RockFloss costs $18 or $36 ads and more—all delivered to your inbox. for a 2- or 4-inch roll, Download the free sample at gaelwood. respectively. RockTape, com/free-massage-marketing-content-club- rocktape.com. sample-package. All-Access Massage Marketing Content Club costs $19.95 per month. Gael Wood, gaelwood.com.

Lidocaine Plus Pain Relieving Cream Salonpas Try this non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream to provide numbing relief. This cream desensitizes aggravated MASSAGE MATTERS nerves for temporary relief in the affected area. This cream is unscented and is available at RESEARCH TEAM retailers nationwide. Lidocaine Plus Pain Relieving Cream costs $12.99 for 3 ounces. Massage Matters Research Team Salonpas, salonpas.us. Massage Therapy Foundation Research helps move the field of massage therapy forward, and high-quality research educates health care professionals and the public about the benefits of massage. Donations will help fund research. Massage Matters Research Team membership is by donation. Massage Therapy Foundation, massagetherapyfoundation.org.

23 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Expert Advice

What are some effective ways to market my massage business during the holidays?

GAEL WOOD RESPONDS

t’s that time of year again—the holidays— The holiday season can be a stressful time for many reasons. Maybe it’s all busy, festive, fun—and for many people, very the extra work, shopping and wrapping, stressful! As massage therapists, we have the cooking, cleaning and hosting guests. Maybe it’s unhealthy family drama and opportunity to help our clients get through the dealing with relationships, or missing I loved ones who have passed on. Whatever holiday season, keep their stress levels in check, and the reasons your clients are stressed—and also provide the perfect gift for them to give. remember, it could be a combination ADOBE STOCK

24 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com of some or all of the above-mentioned solutions to fit their schedule, such as a pampering. A holiday-glow package stressors—you can offer a much-needed 30-minute targeted treatment, scheduling could include a salt scrub, along with sanctuary away from it all. around travel or making house calls. facial massage and full-body massage. To promote self-care during the It’s amazing how easy it is to book and It’s also fun to use seasonal fragrances holiday season, create newsletters and rebook clients when you offer helpful like vanilla, peppermint, cranberry, social media posts that let your clients suggestions from your heart. Clients will orange and chocolate, whether as room know you understand what they are appreciate you helping them stay on track aromas or in many of the holiday-specific going through during the holidays, and with self-care. blends available from professional invite them to take extra good care of Also create a few holiday-themed suppliers. Include a take-home gift, and themselves. For example: services for your clients and for gift guess who your client will think of every time they use it? People love something new and a little different. Keep in mind that not ven though the holidays are a time for celebrating, everything you create will be a home run, for many people it can also feel like the season but you can always repurpose products or of stress, with all the extra cooking, cleaning and try something else if an offering isn’t as E successful as you want it to be. wrapping—not to mention family! Also, think about who is working Don’t worry. We have your back at Downtown Massage. extra hard through the holiday season, and how you can market your treatments Escape and renew with one of our Holiday Stressbusters. to them. Retail and restaurant employees We might not be able to make your brothers get along, spend long hours on their feet, dealing or cook your turkey, but we can help you handle it all. with tired shoppers and diners, for example. How can you accommodate Remember, taking care of you comes first. these workers in your business? Consider coming in early or staying late a few days a week, or taking your massage chair to their break room or the mall for some Encourage your clients to book certificate sales. I like to offer something much-needed relaxation. extra sessions between Thanksgiving for everyone, from a 30- to 45-minute Many companies are looking for and New Year’s day so they can be at back-and-neck tension reducer that unique gifts for their clients or employees. their best during the holidays. To this focuses on the upper body with heat Put together an information packet with end, customize a weekly package. Offer packs or hot stones to a half-day of a some great offers for buying in bulk. The

Create a few holiday-themed services for your clients and for gift certificate sales.

25 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com reason I would recommend discounting in this case is some of with extras such as hot stones and a scalp treatment. Your high- the certificates won’t be used, and the ones that are will give you end option could be a half-day of services with a gift bag and the opportunity to gain a regular client. Think medical centers lunch or a new service a month for the new year. (Some people and offices with 20 or more employees, make a list and get your will still want to purchase a basic gift certificate for a 60- or information out there. 90-minute massage, so have those available, too.) Giving is another wonderful way to market your business To make your gift certificates the go-to gift, make them around the holidays. I gave all the teachers in my daughter’s beautiful with a gift bag or box, cards, small spa products or school a 30-minute massage and gained several clients who samples, tea and chocolates. For just a few dollars you can wow stayed with me for years. I also gave free chair massages to the your customers and solve their shopping problems. teachers at my son’s preschool one Christmas, and they loved Once you have your specials and packaging planned, it’s time it so much it became a regular, paid job. You could donate gift to promote. Think of the different ways you can promote your certificates to any organization you care about, and you will specials, both on- and off-line. Printed flyers can go on your be the first one they think of when they need to refer someone front desk, and all around your town. Include them in your email or want a massage. Building goodwill in your community is newsletters and client holiday cards, add your specials to your priceless marketing. website and promote them regularly on social media. Remember, Of course, we can’t leave out gift certificate sales. I absolutely most people shop at the last minute, so don’t feel like it’s not love gift certificates as a way to build a massage or spa business. working if you don’t get a big response at first. M They can bring in new clients, increase your cash-flow and help your clients with their holiday shopping. They also give you a Gael Wood has more than 20 years of experience in the massage great reason to get out there and promote your practice. and spa industry. She now concentrates on training massage and I recommend one or two low-priced ($50 to $70) options for spa therapists in business, spa services and greater success. kids to purchase for mom and to have something for anyone on She is a regular contributor to MASSAGE Magazine and her a budget; two mid-priced ($80 to $200) choices and one or two articles include “Is Your Practice LGBTQ-Friendly? How to Create high-end ($200 to $1,000) options. a Welcoming Space” (massagemag.com) and “What is the Best For your low end, think 30-minute sessions with one or Fit for You? Business Owner vs. Employed Massage Therapist” two special extras like a foot scrub or paraffin wax. Mid-priced (September). Visit gaelwood.com for a complimentary Massage & options could be one or two full services, or a 90-minute service Spa Success Toolkit.

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Specialty Exam: The program culminates with NCBTMB’s convenient online Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty Certificate Exam.

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

26 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com rtifica l Ce tio a n B on o ti a a rd I Choose N PROUD TO BE

f BOARD CERTIFIED k BOARD o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y ra & Bodywork d p Bo eu & CERTIFIED. tic Massage

I choose Board Certified because it is an outward symbol of a very inward commitment to the highest standards in our profession. As the highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve their needs.

Personally, after 38 years in practice, it is an inward symbol of many years of dedication to constant learning and growth to this wonderful discipline of massage therapy. Board Certification represents a constant desire to be the best massage therapist possible for the clients who grace my doorway.

Douglas Nelson LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected] Professional Certification Program Assessment-based Certificate Program (i.e. NCBTMB Board Certification) Think about it:at How many it times have you seen the words toBoard be Certification c Moves the Professioned Forward “certified” listed on various advertisements, course listings, Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Provides instruction and training Assesses knowledge, skills, and/or competencies and website searches? Chances are, you have seen this Bodywork represents the highest attainable credential (non-degree granting) previously acquired many times. But how do you know if something is truly within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. certified, or that completing a course means you can truly Board Certification is a separate credential above call yourself a certified professional? and beyond entry-level massage therapy licensure. Goal is for participants to acquire specific Goal is to validate the participant’s competency It is the only credential that truly tiers the profession knowledge, skills, and/or competencies through a conformity assessment system As our profession continues to evolve and credentialing by differentiating the experienced, committed, and becomes even more important, it is essential we all have skilled massage therapists. May or may not be accredited by ICE/NCCA Accredited by the Institute for Credentialing a basic understanding of the difference between a Excellence (ICE) and National Commission for certificate and professional certification program. To help, As Board Certification is voluntary, its achievement Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—a third-party, NCBTMB is pleased to provide a simple explanation—after represents the highest level of commitment to clients standard-setting organization all, it is what we know best! and to the advancement of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certificants must meet Certificate vs. Certification higher standards of education and experience, as well Assessment is used to evaluate mastery of the Assessment is best used to assure baseline Present in any profession—massage therapy as pass a rigorous exam that tests massage therapy intended learning outcomes; linked directly to competencies and to differentiate professionals; included—certificate programs and professional and bodywork technique and application, critical the learning event independent of a specific learning event certifications often serve different purposes. In many thinking, communication, law, ethics, evaluation, cases, they may require different governance structures, documentation, and planning. costs, development processes, or skills. How do you know Assessment content may be narrower in scope Assessment content is usually broad in scope if your certificate of achievement results in a professional NCBTMB is the only certifying body for the massage certification or not? The National Organization for therapy and bodywork profession. For that reason, Awards a certificate to recognize mastery of the Awards designations to recognize achievement Competency Assurance says it best: NCBTMB’s certification processes were (and continue specific learning outcomes; it is NOT a certificate (i.e. BCTMB after one’s name) to be) founded upon superior Code of Ethics and of attendance or participation Professional certification is the voluntary process by Standards of Practice, which all Board Certificants which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited must adhere to. The advancement of the profession recognition and use of a credential to an individual after and the improvement of client care is the focus of verifying that he or she has met predetermined and NCBTMB and its Certificants. standardized criteria. NCBTMB Board Certification is a professional certification. Credentials That Speak the Same Language Perhaps the biggest differentiator between Board Ryan Hoyme, BCTMB Susan Salvo, MEd, LMT, BCTMB A certificate program is a training program on a Certification and entry-level massage therapy I chose to become Board Certified Professionals RECOGNIZE and RESPECT specialized topic in which participants receive a certificate licensure is the ability to speak the same language as because I’m proud to be a massage Board Certification. It symbolizes after completing the course (certificate of completion) fellow medical and allied healthcare professionals. therapist—and I wanted to let the commitment, dedication, and expertise. and, in some cases, passing an assessment instrument Board Certification represents the highest attainable world know how much I love this profession. Massage therapists who are Board Certified have (certificate of achievement). credential in almost all fields—and likely will be I’ve done so much in my career, and I wanted to elevate gone above and beyond licensure—they have achieved something you have in common with your fellow myself to the next level. Beyond that, I’ve seen a lot of more than minimum requirements. You canexpect more A certificate of completion is a certificate an team members as you work as part of an integrated job postings for massage therapists recently that require from professionals who chose to become Board Certified. Approved Provider, for example, provides healthcare team. Fellow professionals both recognize, applicants to be Board Certified. I believe this is the participants at the end of a continuing education understand, and respect such credentials. positive direction our profession is headed, and I want to course for attending 100% of the course. Such be along for the journey. certificates are also handed out at the end of Become Board Certified live courses. To become Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, you must demonstrate the following: David Kupferschmid, BCTMB Nancy Porambo, MS, LMT, BCTMB A certificate of achievement is a certificate provided It is important to strive for the Board Certification enables me to at the end of a continuing education course after a Passing score on the Board Certification Exam NCBTMB Board Certification in communicate to my clients that I am participant has passed an assessment instrument, 750 hours of total education order to maintain the highest level committed to excellence in massage such as an exam. This is often awarded within of standards and professionalism. therapy by demonstrating mastery of my 250 hours of professional, hands-on work experience home study courses, as instructors must have a way This recognition among my peers profession. It signals that I am dedicated of assessing that participants have read and Pass a criminal background check and colleagues is also well perceived to my profession and that I accepted the digested the material. These can also be offered in a by my clients, thus allowing me to differentiate myself as Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and challenge to voluntarily test my knowledge to stand by the live course if the instructor has some way of an outstanding professional of massage therapy. Code of Ethics experience I have developed through years of practice. evaluating students’ digestion of material presented. Board Certification is ideal for the therapist who wants to The cost of the Board Certification Application & Exam acquire the distinction that represents the standards of best Certificate programs are often used when working toward Fee is $250. The cost of the Criminal Background Check practice in massage therapy and bodywork. a professional certification. As with NCBTMB Specialty Fee is $25. Certificates, all specialty education can be applied toward NCBTMB Board Certification. It is crucial to understand and appreciate that both certificate programs and professional certifications have a place in our profession—but they do not mean the same thing. To learn more visit www.ncbtmb.org CHOOSE BOARD CERTIFIED. nctmorg sonctmorg inonctmorg Professional Certification Program Assessment-based Certificate Program (i.e. NCBTMB Board Certification) Think about it:at How many it times have you seen the words toBoard be Certification c Moves the Professioned Forward “certified” listed on various advertisements, course listings, Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Provides instruction and training Assesses knowledge, skills, and/or competencies and website searches? Chances are, you have seen this Bodywork represents the highest attainable credential (non-degree granting) previously acquired many times. But how do you know if something is truly within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. certified, or that completing a course means you can truly Board Certification is a separate credential above call yourself a certified professional? and beyond entry-level massage therapy licensure. Goal is for participants to acquire specific Goal is to validate the participant’s competency It is the only credential that truly tiers the profession knowledge, skills, and/or competencies through a conformity assessment system As our profession continues to evolve and credentialing by differentiating the experienced, committed, and becomes even more important, it is essential we all have skilled massage therapists. May or may not be accredited by ICE/NCCA Accredited by the Institute for Credentialing a basic understanding of the difference between a Excellence (ICE) and National Commission for certificate and professional certification program. To help, As Board Certification is voluntary, its achievement Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—a third-party, NCBTMB is pleased to provide a simple explanation—after represents the highest level of commitment to clients standard-setting organization all, it is what we know best! and to the advancement of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certificants must meet Certificate vs. Certification higher standards of education and experience, as well Assessment is used to evaluate mastery of the Assessment is best used to assure baseline Present in any profession—massage therapy as pass a rigorous exam that tests massage therapy intended learning outcomes; linked directly to competencies and to differentiate professionals; included—certificate programs and professional and bodywork technique and application, critical the learning event independent of a specific learning event certifications often serve different purposes. In many thinking, communication, law, ethics, evaluation, cases, they may require different governance structures, documentation, and planning. costs, development processes, or skills. How do you know Assessment content may be narrower in scope Assessment content is usually broad in scope if your certificate of achievement results in a professional NCBTMB is the only certifying body for the massage certification or not? The National Organization for therapy and bodywork profession. For that reason, Awards a certificate to recognize mastery of the Awards designations to recognize achievement Competency Assurance says it best: NCBTMB’s certification processes were (and continue specific learning outcomes; it is NOT a certificate (i.e. BCTMB after one’s name) to be) founded upon superior Code of Ethics and of attendance or participation Professional certification is the voluntary process by Standards of Practice, which all Board Certificants which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited must adhere to. The advancement of the profession recognition and use of a credential to an individual after and the improvement of client care is the focus of verifying that he or she has met predetermined and NCBTMB and its Certificants. standardized criteria. NCBTMB Board Certification is a professional certification. Credentials That Speak the Same Language Perhaps the biggest differentiator between Board Ryan Hoyme, BCTMB Susan Salvo, MEd, LMT, BCTMB A certificate program is a training program on a Certification and entry-level massage therapy I chose to become Board Certified Professionals RECOGNIZE and RESPECT specialized topic in which participants receive a certificate licensure is the ability to speak the same language as because I’m proud to be a massage Board Certification. It symbolizes after completing the course (certificate of completion) fellow medical and allied healthcare professionals. therapist—and I wanted to let the commitment, dedication, and expertise. and, in some cases, passing an assessment instrument Board Certification represents the highest attainable world know how much I love this profession. Massage therapists who are Board Certified have (certificate of achievement). credential in almost all fields—and likely will be I’ve done so much in my career, and I wanted to elevate gone above and beyond licensure—they have achieved something you have in common with your fellow myself to the next level. Beyond that, I’ve seen a lot of more than minimum requirements. You canexpect more A certificate of completion is a certificate an team members as you work as part of an integrated job postings for massage therapists recently that require from professionals who chose to become Board Certified. Approved Provider, for example, provides healthcare team. Fellow professionals both recognize, applicants to be Board Certified. I believe this is the participants at the end of a continuing education understand, and respect such credentials. positive direction our profession is headed, and I want to course for attending 100% of the course. Such be along for the journey. certificates are also handed out at the end of Become Board Certified live courses. To become Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, you must demonstrate the following: David Kupferschmid, BCTMB Nancy Porambo, MS, LMT, BCTMB A certificate of achievement is a certificate provided It is important to strive for the Board Certification enables me to at the end of a continuing education course after a Passing score on the Board Certification Exam NCBTMB Board Certification in communicate to my clients that I am participant has passed an assessment instrument, 750 hours of total education order to maintain the highest level committed to excellence in massage such as an exam. This is often awarded within of standards and professionalism. therapy by demonstrating mastery of my 250 hours of professional, hands-on work experience home study courses, as instructors must have a way This recognition among my peers profession. It signals that I am dedicated of assessing that participants have read and Pass a criminal background check and colleagues is also well perceived to my profession and that I accepted the digested the material. These can also be offered in a by my clients, thus allowing me to differentiate myself as Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and challenge to voluntarily test my knowledge to stand by the live course if the instructor has some way of an outstanding professional of massage therapy. Code of Ethics experience I have developed through years of practice. evaluating students’ digestion of material presented. Board Certification is ideal for the therapist who wants to The cost of the Board Certification Application & Exam acquire the distinction that represents the standards of best Certificate programs are often used when working toward Fee is $250. The cost of the Criminal Background Check practice in massage therapy and bodywork. a professional certification. As with NCBTMB Specialty Fee is $25. Certificates, all specialty education can be applied toward NCBTMB Board Certification. It is crucial to understand and appreciate that both certificate programs and professional certifications have a place in our profession—but they do not mean the same thing. To learn more visit www.ncbtmb.org CHOOSE BOARD CERTIFIED. nctmorg sonctmorg inonctmorg Best Practices Cathrine Thibault Cathrine Thibault, 39, of Leominster, Massachusetts, specializes in orthopedic massage as well as fascial therapy and oncology massage. She graduated from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, and she has owned her practice, Compassion Massage Therapeutic Clinic, for almost 10 years. Today her focus is developing her massage therapy employees while mentoring graduates and student interns. Thibault is a mother of one with a baby on the way, and resides in Leominster with her husband, Justin.

How did you get into continue with the treatment plan we’ve orthopedic massage? The appreciation created specifically for them. When I first entered the career clients express for the A field as a massage therapist, “ What is the most rewarding I worked as an employee for an level of assessment and aspect of being a massage orthopedic chiropractor and as a care provided fuels our therapist who specializes in sole practitioner at Elmendorf Air orthopedic massage? Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. passion to continue to The gratitude, respect and Many of my clients sought massage learn more. A appreciation our clients express for soft tissue injuries with a focus on for the level of care we provide. pain management. A peer massage therapist introduced me to Whitney ” What is the best way to market Lowe’s orthopedic program, and I soon a new technique to clients? enrolled in his neck, back and pelvis In my clinic, we leave a 30-minute hands-on workshops in Anchorage. A break between scheduled appointments to allow our practitioners What is the best part about to spend more time [with clients] practicing orthopedic before and after each session. This massage? THIBAULT COURTESY OF CATHRINE allows them to connect and educate The client’s responsiveness to our clients without feeling rushed. A treatment. The results often Cathrine Thibault Also, we promote new techniques by show that clients immediately begin to incorporating videos into our monthly experience a decreased level of intensity email newsletters. Aside from the in their symptoms. The appreciation be done to accelerate healing. We one-on-one connect time we provide clients express for the level of assessment see an increase in clients who make in the clinic, we find that our clients and care provided fuels our passion to a commitment to receive consistent have a higher response rate if we can continue to learn more about orthopedic orthopedic massage once they communicate to them through video. massage. The practitioner benefits experience and understand the benefits. are vast, but the top two would be the The education, effectiveness of the What advice would you give advanced education and confidence to treatment and practitioner development someone wanting to pursue a perform this type of bodywork. create a circle of satisfied clients and career in orthopedic massage motivated practitioners. that you wish someone had What are the benefits of using given you? orthopedic massage in your How do you define massage Explore everything an orthopedic practice? session success? A massage program offers. At The benefits of using orthopedic By how a client responds Compassion Massage, enrollment in A massage in my practice are A to an orthopedic massage Whitney Lowe’s Orthopedic Massage comprehensive. As practitioners, we’ve treatment. The client’s ability to feel a certification is an employee benefit to gained knowledge to treat complex pain decreased level of symptoms such as all practitioners once they’ve completed conditions. An orthopedic approach pain, discomfort or restriction after their 90-day evaluation. Learning how to helps guide us as practitioners in each session is how we measure the treat soft tissue injuries and help clients providing client education, which effectiveness of our work. Success is manage pain holistically with massage increases awareness of why soft tissue also measured by the client’s eagerness therapy is essential to becoming a highly injury has occurred and what can to schedule their next appointment to booked, skilled practitioner. M

30 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Earn your specialty certificate in Clinical Rehabilitative Massage

Stand out: Top educators bring you the Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty Certificate - a new national credential symbolizing advanced training in musculoskeletal pain and injury treatment.

Earn up to 165 hours: Prepare for work in settings requiring advanced clinical skills. Show stakeholders—insurance companies, employers, clients—your specialized training. Work with nationally recognized educators on your schedule to expand your career.

Innovative, Hybrid Education: Bringing together clinical science with hands-on protocols through convenient, innovative online and classroom study.

Develop Your Clinical Expertise: Courses cover a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, their assessment and treatment, and key rehabilitation science concepts. Learn advanced hands-on skills with experienced educators including Whitney Lowe, Judith Delany, James Waslaski, and Douglas Nelson.

Specialty Exam: The program culminates with NCBTMB’s convenient online Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty Certificate Exam.

Advance your career with a specialty certificate!

ACADEMY OF CLINICAL MASSAGE

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

Steps That Will Guide You on Your Journey as a Massage Practitioner 4 By Kathy Ginn, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B. hat do you think is most important when it comes to Wrunning a massage practice? Your technique? Your marketing plan? Your business skills?

It is none of these. The most important aspect of running a practice is who you are being—because this has the greatest impact on the therapeutic relationship. Your role as practitioner is vested with huge responsibilities and equally satisfying rewards. This transformative role can never be fully realized without both the knowledge and practice of the integration of both your external code of ethics and your internal locus of

ADOBE STOCK guidance.

32 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com When you are faced with an ethical dilemma, a difficult situation or quandary, your first resources are your written codes of ethics and regulatory laws; however, this is often not enough.

Coded Wisdom For example, the code of the National You have chosen a vocation that Being in this profession as both a Certification Board for Therapeutic requires constant renewal of mind, heart practitioner and teacher has afforded me Massage & Bodywork states, in part, and spirit—if you want to avoid burnout, the gift and opportunity to consistently that its certificants will “have a sincere take joy in your work and grow in service learn, grow, make mistakes and start all commitment to provide the highest to others. You will learn many skills and over again. I have continued over the quality of care to those who seek their techniques along the way, but probably years to develop my understanding of professional services.” the most worthy skill is the ability to offer how our practice with clients becomes A deeper inquiry may invite you into clients your best and truest self, one that reflective of our inner life and supports initial questions, such as: How do I define reflects a deep desire to serve. our spiritual development. highest quality of care? Shall I engage in It is important to recognize that your I am forever grateful for the wisdom self-disclosure? Do I overextend myself to capacity to do your best work springs passed down through our written codes please my clients? and, What is that fine from your recognition of knowing and of ethics. This external locus gives us a line between friendly and professional? understanding yourself. When you structure from which to consider our And the inquiry continues. are firmly rooted in self-knowledge actions and behaviors. It provides our When you are faced with an ethical and understanding, you gain the inner profession with a clear consensus about dilemma, a difficult situation or resources to offer your clients your best shared values. It also helps to prevent quandary, your first resources are your work from your truest self. serious deviation from ethical behavior written codes of ethics and regulatory We all must be on a journey of caused by personal interpretation, selfish laws; however, this is often not enough. repairing our own hearts and actions motivation or naiveté. Many situations require a decision that is before we can offer healing to others. Our codes of ethics also allow based on something deeper. Touch connects you deeply to your our professional bodies to act as clients, whether you work in a spa, clinic clearinghouses for ethical complaints so Your Best & Truest Self or private practice. Your touch establishes they can be handled in a responsible way. It is important to understand that you a trust with your clients that is unique Our external codes of ethics also provide must engage in both self-development and among the helping professions. a context for deeper inquiry, which is transformation. Your work then becomes As a result, the client-practitioner required when considering our internal a spiritual practice that reflects your inner relationship is often a complex and locus. journey. You offer who you are being. delicate matter.

33 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com 4 Steps on the Journey and mind that drive your conduct. This nourishment, inner guidance, service, The following four steps are part of a allows you to place new emphasis on boundaries and limits, personal values, conscious, embodied journey of self- your higher values so that you serve character, emotions and love. awareness and transformation: your clients from your best and truest Ethics reach far beyond a professional self. With inner practice, you can refine requirement. It is more than good Your internal frame of reference. your thoughts that sometimes result in intentions. It is more than knowing and Establish the continuity of regular negative attitudes toward your work and following an external code of ethics and inner work. This might be done your clients. This skill develops as you regulatory laws. Ethics really offers this 1through meditation, prayer, yoga, self- learn to live from the inside-out. basic inquiry: “Who is the self that steps reflection, daily study, healing silence into the session room—and how may I or the practice of stillness. All of these Your understanding of the power serve?” M provide a rich and necessary discipline. differential. A primary aspect You have an obligatory responsibility of ethics is to gain knowledge Kathy Ginn, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B., has been to attend to your clients in a way that 4and understand your attitudes, beliefs, active in the profession of massage does not cause harm. It is important wounds and habits around power and therapy & bodywork since 1991 as a to remember your session room is a authority. Practicing using your power practitioner, teacher and mentor. She reflection of your inner life. to the benefit and well-being of your is the founder of Ethical Dimensions clients and yourself is part of the deep, (ethicaldimensions.com) and is the Your sense of inner progress. transformative terrain of your journey as co-creator of Life Empowered Institute. Just as you track the progress a massage practitioner. Her passion is to bring the study of of your clients over time, it is ethics to life and help others see their 2also very helpful for you to track your What Ethics Really Is uniqueness and potential that far exceeds own inner progress toward calmness I have attempted, over the years, to offer what they believe themselves to be. of mind, gratefulness, deep listening, a unique and meaningful approach to She is a National Certification Board skillful communication, compassion and ethics education and inspire others to for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork- empathy. When you learn to value the explore the elements of healing that go approved provider. lifelong potential for growth that comes beyond technique. Ethics education offers from the power of self-reflection and more than simply guiding others into conscious choice, you then understand what to do, what not to do or how to do that serving from your best self is truly it. It is an invitation to travel within, to Read “[Right Relationship] the root of ethical behavior. quietly sit in the questions and discover Do You Know How Powerful the self who steps into the session room. You Are?” by Kathy Ginn, Your refinement of thoughts and Ethics has to do with the most at massagemag.com/ feelings. You strive to become interesting parts of human life: power, rightrelationship. 3more aware of the habits of heart intimacy, authenticity, spiritual

Earn your specialty certificate in Clinical Rehabilitative Massage

Stand out with a specialty certificate that documents your advanced education and training in clinical rehabilitative massage! Earn up to 162 CE hours while mastering advanced clinical skills through hands-on training & convenient online classes! The program culminates with NCBTMB’s online Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty Certificate Exam; upon passing you will receive a specialty certificate validating your specialized training in the field of Clinical Rehabilitative Massage.

ACADEMY OF CLINICAL MASSAGE www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

34 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com rtifica l Ce tio a n B on o ti a a rd I Choose N PROUD TO BE

f BOARD CERTIFIED k BOARD o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y ra & Bodywork d p Bo eu & CERTIFIED. tic Massage

I choose Board Certified because it is an outward symbol of a very inward commitment to the highest standards in our profession. As the highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve their needs.

Personally, after 38 years in practice, it is an inward symbol of many years of dedication to constant learning and growth to this wonderful discipline of massage therapy. Board Certification represents a constant desire to be the best massage therapist possible for the clients who grace my doorway.

Douglas Nelson LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected] The Client Who Couldn’t Feel PAIN

by Taya Countryman, L.M.T.

y best teachers have always been my clients—and Mlast year a new client changed everything I had come to understand about how the body heals. ADOBE STOCK

36 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com As a massage therapist for more pain.” I asked her to tell me more. she got back onto her bike. Her husband than 40 years, I have come to learn Teri told me she had been in a car yelled “Stop!” because she was squirting from my clients by taking time to do a accident in 2014 and did not think she blood from her wound. At home, she comprehensive intake and clarify their had been injured. As time went by, her cleaned the wound and used super glue story. I evaluate and listen to their tissues right leg felt weak and her right hip had as a bandage. I asked about swelling or and notice how they are responding to chronic tightness. Even after she had redness, and she said she had none. treatment. I analyze their progress and sought many different treatments, her Next, I asked what the doctor had re-evaluate at every appointment. I am hip locked up while cycling. She decided suggested after he found the broken grateful for these teachers and continue to see her doctor. He did an X-ray and femur. She said he did nothing because to be inspired by their journeys. found that she had broken the neck of her it was “healing fine.” With her type of I have spent most of my career femur in the car accident. This X-ray was break, an orthopedic surgeon might working with clients who are in chronic taken nearly a year after the accident. have put in a plate and screws to stabilize pain and who present with complex The doctor ordered a genetic test the bone—but Teri just went on being symptoms. My experience includes that proved Teri has hereditary sensory an active mom, wife, cyclist, therapist, working in Everett Providence Hospital’s and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN). trainer and more—and her body healed Pain Control Center where I massaged This means she has a genetic condition the break completely. clients who were in constant pain. Their that causes her to feel no pain. This physicians had nothing more to offer. condition was first written about in 1932, What? It Healed At Everett, I worked on a team that in the case study, “A case of congenital Completely? How? included a neurologist, psychologists, pure analgesia,” by neuropsychiatrist I continued with Teri’s massage physical and occupational therapists, George van Ness Dearborn (1869–1938), treatment, noting that her involuntary nurses, biofeedback technicians and published in The Journal of Nervous and muscle contraction released normally, other visiting health care professionals. I Mental Disease—and the odds of being as did her healthy fascia. But the why of benefited from their in-services and pain born with this condition are about 1 in how Teri healed was a big mystery. I love conferences, and studied research about 125 million. mysteries. how the body processes pain and the There are several variations of this I started by recalling everything connection between physical pain and condition, so I asked Teri if she could feel I knew or have observed about pain, our emotions. touch, pleasure, heat and cold, and she healing and emotional reactions. I said she does. She just doesn’t feel pain. thought about the definition of healing, Feeling No Pain I asked her if she had noticed this which literally means to make whole. I My new teacher was a 48-year-old woman before. She told me that in 2012 she fell noted the screws and rods in my clients, whom I will call Teri. She was handing me off her bicycle and punctured her left placed in response to broken bones. her finished four-page intake form when Achilles tendon on a broken branch Some other information that came to she said, “Wait, one more thing. I don’t feel sticking out from a tree. She felt fine, so mind included: Clients with additional 1:125,000,000 Odds of being born with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN)

37 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Our need to control the body has us doing what we think it needs instead of asking what it needs.

emotional trauma seem to have an over- ankle that made me scream. I knew this more detailed visualization as I fell asleep. or under reaction to pain; long-term pain, I had felt this before, and in the past Luckily, the next day Debbie was pain causes a drain on the brain and it had been diagnosed as a severe strain. reviewing the Structural Relief Therapy demonstrates itself as depression; when I limped to my desk. “Oh, no!” I (SRT) protocol for the foot before clients are given a diagnosis, it takes thought, “I have to teach today, and I she taught the remainder of the SRT away their incentive to seek alternative leave on Wednesday for a week in Los for the lower leg and foot class. She treatments; some clients naturally have Angeles to visit my son and his family! demonstrated on my injured foot, a higher pain tolerance than others; and What am I going to do?” following the SRT protocol, showing the some clients do not believe they can get First, I noticed my emotional reaction students how to feel for the stands of better without pain, drugs or surgery. was 9 out of 10. My inner child was angry, involuntary muscle contracture to lead All this data compelled me to ask more scared and worried. But when I checked her to more specific SRT points for my questions and keep searching for more in with my body as I was sitting, my pain injury. I had only slight soreness as I information. level was minimal. walked back to the house. I talked to other experienced I started by comforting my inner child I was careful and rested that day in therapists from around the country about by visualizing that I was holding her and my recliner, feeling the chemical changes this client’s condition. Their reactions reassuring her that everything would happening in my ankle and foot. By were similar to mine, and they started be all right. This decreased my stress midday, I had no swelling. By the next asking some of the same questions. dramatically, and I experienced a sense morning, I felt no pain and still had no HSAN is so rare that none of them that everything would be fine. swelling. It was like my ankle had never had ever encountered a client with this Next, I began a dialogue with my been injured. condition. body, saying I did not blame it for the As a massage therapist, I have pain. I told it that I knew it would do Help the Body Heal witnessed the intense connections what is necessary to restore my ankle. I have read that the body knows how to between our emotions and the body. I This all helped to further decrease my heal itself. We have developed treatments, have watched as the body has manifested symptoms. drugs, supplements, surgeries, exercise, the client’s emotional pain, and how All day, when I would feel either the shoes, pillows and more to decrease emotions take a toll on the body. The emotional or physical pain seeping into our symptoms. Our need to control the question I came to was: How does my consciousness, I would repeat the body has us doing what we think it needs the connection between physical and process of gentle self-talk. instead of asking what it needs. emotional pain help or hinder the healing I decided to walk slowly and Culturally speaking, we are in a time process? correctly on my foot while teaching. I characterized by a “no pain, no gain” I wondered if there was a way did not let the fear that it was going to mentality. We expect our bodies to bend to express or demonstrate these hurt or influence my body to create a to our will, perform when and how we connections. After almost a year I had compensation pattern. Yes, I felt some ask, push beyond limits—and we expect the opportunity to put my theory to the pain—but it was no more than a 3 out our bodies to last forever. We never think test. of 10. By the end of the day I had only of our body as our partner. minimal swelling. I have come to respect the body and Pain, Up Close and That evening I had Debbie, my co- see it as our host that is always trying Personal teacher, do my Structural Relief Therapy to help us. Stub your toe, and the body It was a Saturday morning, and I stepped protocol on my pelvis, because I could immediately adjusts your gait so you on the side of a hard mat in front of my feel it was not functioning correctly, and don’t put pressure on the area of pain. It clinic. My foot quickly tipped to the I knew getting a good night’s sleep was will create visions to produce feelings of outside, and I felt a sharp pain in my imperative for healing. I did a longer and comfort or lie to us to save face.

38 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Most of all, it is trying to keep us alive. our understanding of the brain, the share your outcomes with me (haptics@ Our body is ready to act or react, what we central and autonomic nervous systems, comcast.net). This might be the basis for call fight, flight or freeze. and even the placebo effect on pain new direction in research and another Through observation and personal perception and treatment. Most health perspective on pain. M experience, I have come to believe that professionals have never seen a patient without the distraction of my emotional with Teri’s condition because it is so reaction to pain or perceived pain, my rare. My hope is that by sharing this Taya Countryman, L.M.T. body will immediately decrease tension encounter with Teri it can be a vital (structuralrelieftherapy.com), has owned and symptoms. By accepting my body as clue to inspire researchers to better an active massage practice since 1977. my partner, I can communicate with it understand pain and create innovations She specializes in complex and chronic and assist it in the process of healing. for treating it. medical conditions, and is a Structural In the meantime, I have calmed Relief Therapy continuing education A New Research my emotions and listened to my body instructor. She was awarded the American Direction? to assist in my own physical healing, Massage Therapy Association Washington My journey through the mysteries of the many times. I have also suggested this Chapter’s Service to the Profession 2003 body continues. I have been studying the to my clients with beneficial results. award; the Service to the Chapter 2006 connections between emotional pain and I would love for you to try this with award; and the Chapter Meritorious 2010 physical pain for years. I have gained yourself next time you are in pain, and award. She is a 2013 Massage Therapy understanding from clients, books, Hall of Fame inductee. conferences and research. New studies on pain communication Read “The Real Differences between Science-Based and Outcome-Based and sensory response are changing Massage Practice,” by Taya Countryman, L.M.T., at massagemag.com/ scienceoutcome.

rtifica l Ce tion a B on o ti a a rd N I Choose PROUD TO BE

f BOARD CERTIFIED k o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y & Bodywork d ra o BOARD CERTIFIED. pe B u & tic Massage

I choose Board Certified because it is an outward symbol of a very inward commitment to the highest standards in our profession. As the highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve their needs.

Personally, after 38 years in practice, it is an inward symbol of many years of dedication to constant learning and growth to this wonderful discipline of massage therapy. Board Certification represents a constant desire to be the best massage therapist possible for the clients who grace my doorway. Douglas Nelson LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

39 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Are You in a Hurry to Hurt Your Clients? Let’s Redirect Deep Tissue Culture from Pain to Wellness by Kyle Spain, L.M.T., M.T.I. ADOBE STOCK

40 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com When a client tells a massage therapist, “Don’t worry, you can’t hurt me,” it can feel like the proverbial gauntlet of deep tissue expectancy has been thrown.

here exists a mindset on the part of some massage therapists today that supports a flawed idea: Pain equals progress. While some massage therapists have embraced this idea, Tothers are eager to condemn it. Regardless of your school of thought, we can agree that the concept has produced a culture of clients with goals that are not oriented toward wellness.

41 MASSAGE Magazine | DecemberMASSAGE 2017 | massagemag.comMagazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com 41 Effective communication begins with listening.

Despite our approaches as professionals, which can be as In extreme cases, repeated and prolonged frustration of this type diverse as our clientele themselves, are we really helping anyone can drive an otherwise talented therapist to quit the field. These by supporting this culture? incidences strain our entire profession. Sometimes it can seem like our clients are posing as ascetics, Unfortunately, client blaming is a common response for why intent on illustrating their tolerance for pain: “You can go as deep the session didn’t go according to plan. Our role as professionals, as you want.” “Just press through this spot until your elbow hits however, demands more of us. We must take a look at the roots the table.” “I want you to pretend that I am a 500-pound sumo of what is inhibiting us from producing results capable of shifting wrestler with knots the size of bowling balls.” a client’s attitude toward our approach. And when a client tells a massage therapist, “Don’t worry, I feel a great wave of satisfaction when a client is shocked to you can’t hurt me,” it can feel like the proverbial gauntlet of deep discover their pain is gone and their mobility is restored while tissue expectancy has been thrown. emphatically saying, “You didn’t even have to hurt me!” Yes, we Clients with these demands can be intimidating. Every find tender spots and there can be brief discomfort—but the massage therapist eventually encounters a request for pressure relief should outweigh the pain exponentially. beyond their capability, or finds their own knowledge of I can credit such results to three important actions: client bodywork insufficient to develop an effective session plan. Either communication, professional development and advanced of these scenarios can be awkward. continuing education. Let us consider these avenues with an When both instances are happening with regularity, it can open mind to find the chinks in our deep tissue armor. be so disheartening that we question whether or not we are fit to carry the mantle of deep tissue therapist. This article suggests Client Communication that we set a goal of shifting the attitudes of clients who believe This is the area that most of us feel unprepared for. We all have that high levels of pain during massage are an inevitable part of a duty to convey the benefits and approaches of massage to our finding relief. clients. Clarity of intention can make the difference in facilitating the body to heal. Relief Should Outweigh Pain For us as the professionals, effective communication begins Let us consider what our goals are as massage therapists. with listening. Next, gain an in-depth grasp of where the client Most of us just want the confidence to understand a client’s is hurting and why. Assure them that any questioning, even if it complaint and have a clear plan for providing them the relief results in less massage time, is for the purpose of finding them they are expecting. relief. Think of what muscle groups they are using the most. The truth is, most of us are perfectly capable of this—but we Which ones are they using the least? Is there balance? often find ourselves hindered by requests for more and more Remind them that the true problem is rarely where the pressure by clients who have been trained to expect invasive, pain is. Hyper-focus on one area of pain will typically bring impatient techniques that force their way through soft tissue short-term relief, if any. Redirect the conversation to help the instead of finding a cooperative balance with the body. Sessions client understand that you are doing them a disservice by not then seem to go awry regardless of whether our methods were addressing other areas like antagonistic muscle groups. ever effective or not. Most clients can easily relate to poor posture, so don’t Throughout my 12 years as a massage therapist, I have discount your observations of postural distortions when experienced and witnessed a multitude of encounters with this communicating with clients. Wherever you see distortions population of the pain persuasion. Many times the result has like elevated scapulae or femurs rotated too far laterally, you been one of frustration on the part of both the client and the have possibilities for which muscles are hypertonic and pulling massage therapist. This frustration has done worse than ruin structures off their planes. You therefore also have an idea of someone’s session; it can deter a person from receiving future which muscles are weak and failing to stabilize those bones in massages. their natural positions. For the therapist, it can sour one’s attitude toward the work. Work above, below and 360 degrees around those

42 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com problems—and most importantly, explain why. Our skills have Release Technique involves passive and active range of us play detective in the who-done-it of myofascial pain, so motion while sustaining pressure on adhesions or soft why not reveal the trail of clues that lead us to our culprit? Of tissue restrictions. course, in order for clients to be receptive to our information and Through palpation and visual assessments, specific recommendations, we have to know what we are talking about. muscles are identified for focused work. Active Release Technique will first have us manually shorten the Professional Development muscle, apply pressure at the point of restriction, and How many times have you reopened your textbooks since you then lengthen that muscle passively or actively while graduated massage school? It’s OK—you don’t have to answer— sustaining pressure over it. This gets the client involved but the question highlights an issue. As health care professionals and produces an unmistakable sensation of release. You’ll we have a duty to remain vigilant about our professional rejoice to remind your client that the sensation they feel development. is progress. Now, I will admit, a client has never asked me to explain the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum or the intricacies of action • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. This is potential. But synergists and antagonists to major muscle groups, an exciting take on muscle release that does not involve gait patterns, the inflammatory process and fiber direction are direct pressure at all. Originally designed as a form merely four examples of the wealth of knowledge it takes to of rehabilitative flexibility training, Proprioceptive develop an effective session plan. We should know these things— Neuromuscular Facilitation involves stretching and but if you don’t, or if you don’t remember them, you do have the contracting a targeted muscle group to restore a normal resources to re-learn them. resting length through resistance. I know some people will say, “Massage is an art, not a science.” For example, a supine client could lengthen their I’ve even heard someone say, “All of that left-brain focus is hamstrings through full hip flexion and knee extension stifling my chi.” and attempt to extend their hip while a therapist While massage is undeniably an art, it is also a craft with offers resistance. This isometric contraction will lead real science at its core. Whenever you consider how hard it is the hamstrings to expend elastic energy and restore to review your notes or study a muscle chart, consider first the a normal tension and resting length to the muscle. anxiety and embarrassment of leaving every one of your client’s There’s no need for elbows here—or even lotion, for anatomy questions hanging in the air before you reluctantly that matter. admit, “I don’t know.” A well-rounded massage therapist does not occur without There are many ways we can reinvent our approach to ongoing professional development. If you are unable to construct deep tissue massage. If you are interested in doing so but you an elegant blueprint for your session with the supportive don’t know where to begin, consider which of the previous scaffolding of kinesiology know-how, then of course the client is topics made you the most uncomfortable to confront. That is likely to take control and contribute nothing but brick after brick probably the area where you need the most work—just as when of “Just go deeper!” exercising, the workout you dread the most is the last one you should skip. Advanced Continuing Education Today I have set a bit of a challenge: Convince clients there Below is a short list of modalities that offer virtually painless is another way. Let’s get our industry, our own minds—and therapeutic approaches with minimal physical effort from the especially our clients—to understand that pain is not a goal for therapist. Anyone who feels that they are not strong enough to massage, but relief is. M perform classic deep tissue techniques should consider these for their next continuing education course: Kyle Spain, L.M.T., M.T.I., is an instructor at American Massage & • Myofascial Release. This involves the slow application Bodywork Institute (ambimassageschool.com), in Vienna, Virginia. of pressure over fascial restrictions to reduce pain and He has been trained in medical massage and teaches continuing restore motion. This can be the perfect warm-up to your education to massage therapists. Spain was awarded 2015 deep tissue techniques to ensure the dense web of fascia Massage Therapist of the Year by Massage Envy for the North surrounding each muscle does not put up a bitter fight. Virginia/Washington, D.C. region. Outwitting fascial tension this way allows for direct access to deeper muscles with less force. Read “Mindful Bodywork: Bring Awareness to Your • Active Release Technique. This is a patented system Touch,” by David Lauterstein, at massagemag.com/ of specialized soft tissue mobilization techniques. mindfulbodywork. Sometimes called pin-and-stretch techniques, Active

43 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Spa Success Why You Want to Work at a Resort Spa

by Catherine Strange Warren PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS BY

44 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com When working in a large resort setting, plenty of resources are available to offer valuable development.

Selina Couillard, also a massage therapist massage therapist may choose to work in at Carillon Miami. “For a massage settings ranging from private practice to therapist, it is extremely rewarding to be able to assist someone along their path to courtside to a hospital to a spa to a cruise wellness.” ship, and more. Of the locales a massage therapist One of my favorite parts of my job A is training a team. I care very deeply can choose to practice, one of the most rewarding about the growth of the therapists I am fortunate to manage. When working can be the resort spa. A resort spa’ s atmosphere, in a large resort setting, plenty of resources are available to offer valuable training and special perks combine to offer personal development. I feel the education on and professional development opportunities that customer service, protocols and conflict management, for example, positively most other employment settings do not. impact therapists’ personal lives just as much as their professional lives. “I choose to work in a spa resort A Balanced Lifestyle with my personal life, and it is an area because it is busier, and I can see more One reason to choose to work in a resort that I am able to best assist others with guests,” says massage therapist Angelina setting is the opportunity to guide guests finding that balance,” Iacco adds. Miranda, a massage therapist colleague of on their personal health journey. Iacco’s comments are in alignment with Couillard’s and Iacco’s. “Bigger companies “I chose to work at a luxury wellness the feedback I hear from the majority are often more organized, they offer spa, which is closer in line with my own of massage therapists I’ve managed in benefits and the work is more consistent.” personal philosophy,” says Nadine Iacco, a resort setting. (I’ve worked in the spa a massage therapist at The Spa at Carillon industry for nearly two decades; almost Types of Training Miami Wellness Resort in Miami, Florida. 10 of those years have been spent at In order to be happy and feel appreciated “Guests and residents visit here to detach resort spas and have included managing in their positions, everyone needs to and embrace a balanced body, mind and hundreds of massage therapists.) keep growing and learning. Training spirit lifestyle into their world. “One of the main reasons people visit opportunities are plentiful in a resort spa “This type of atmosphere aligns with spa resorts is for the focus on the wellness setting. Let’s look closer at the training in how I prefer to incorporate my work life aspect of the treatment offerings,” says a spa that is located in this type of setting.

45 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Spa Success

At a resort spa, vendor training tends to occur often and the property’s guests—and just as you should take care of anything vendor’s team is more likely to come on site. You have the best that is borrowed, those guests should be treated with the trainers in the industry working with your team, which sets your utmost professionalism. spa apart—meaning this work experience will help set you, and Of course, customer service training is a large part of the your résumé, up for success in the future. Five-Star Program. As a spa team leader (which is a position “Many times, the training that is offered in spa resorts is not available to an employee who shows initiative and dependability), offered in day spas,” says Miranda. “Working in a spa resort how do you get the right people on your team to offer customer exposes massage therapists to multiple luxury product lines and service? A question I ask to figure out the customer-service their associated service trainings.” potential of a job candidate is, “What’s the last nice thing you Product companies are also more open to creating special did for somebody?” You will be surprised what you can find out. protocols for the resort spas that carry the brand as a means of Sometimes people have an instant answer, while others have to supporting luxurious offerings. think a bit or can’t answer the question. “Spa treatments and the specialized equipment used in a spa The response doesn’t eliminate the candidate, but it does let resort are typically more exotic compared to smaller day spas,” you know if the customer-service training process will be simple says Couillard. “These specialties allow the massage therapist the or challenging. opportunity to explore alternative methods of wellness for their guests.” Succeeding on the Spa Team There can also be the wonderful opportunity to receive Does customer service extend to teamwork? Not necessarily. Forbes Five-Star Training. I have enjoyed being part of this The way therapists are viewed by clients can vary greatly from training program, which is very specific and can’t be taught how therapists are viewed by their peers. For example, when I in a school or even learned over time from being a therapist. started working at one particular spa, there was a therapist whom To receive the training, it’s necessary to work somewhere that everyone on the team said was difficult and combative. However, offers it. the customers adored her. Many important topics, including service standards, I spoke with the team member, told her she was very good at cleanliness and attention to detail, are covered in the Forbes what she does and engaged her in a chat about what she would Five-Star Training. The standards set by Forbes enable a like to do to further her career. When I moved to another spa, I spa team to take care of the resort’s guests. I like to tell my brought the therapist with me. She built a huge following at that team that in a resort or hotel setting, you are borrowing the property as well and became the highest-earning therapist there.

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ACADEMY OF CLINICAL MASSAGE www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

46 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Yet, she wasn’t what you’d typically refer to as a team player at The Ideal Position? this property either. A resort spa is an ideal position for many massage therapists, While an employee with this type of skill set is not the one due to all of the benefits of working for a large, sophisticated you would ask to help set up rooms for other therapists or plan property. For example: team-building events, they are the ones you assign to VIPs and count on to build repeat clientele. • Many resorts offer full-time work and paid time off. This story and other experiences have shaped me into leading • When therapists build up enough repeat clientele, their with the mindset that the perfect employee is not what any team hours are often dictated based on that status. needs. Instead, a spa or massage clinic needs a diverse team that • Hotels often offer valuable employee trainings, such as those includes many skill sets. If everyone on the team is the same, the focused on Forbes standards and the property’s internal team will lack in areas. Instead, an employer should aim for an branding standards. array of exemplary employees to fill in areas where there is a gap in • Employees are invited to large holiday parties and events. service. Here are a few ways to determine how you will work within a At Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, therapists are also given resort spa team: complimentary access to the state-of-the-art fitness center First, consider your personal pet peeves. If you realize that and more than 300 classes per week. Plus, most large spas are you oftentimes don’t enjoy working with other therapists, then also exquisitely beautiful, and it is always nice to work where you might be someone who tends to create conflict in work everyone else aspires to vacation! M environments. (And if so, then that is an attitude you should address before you apply for another job.) However, some traits that may be viewed as a potential Catherine Strange Warren is the vice president of Spa and Wellness conflict for teamwork may actually be leadership qualities. for Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (carillonhotel.com). With nearly Someone can have very high expectations and as a consequence two decades of award-winning work in the spa industry, Warren push everyone around them to excel, for example. manages a team of more than 100 professionals in the property’s If you are that therapist, you are likely to be seen as bossy or spa, fitness, salon and wellness facilities. demanding by the team. You may thrive in a leadership position, but you should also strive to deliver constructive criticism—and be able to take it as well.

rtifica l Ce tion a B on o ti a a rd I Choose N PROUD TO BE

BOARD f BOARD CERTIFIED k o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y & Bodywork d ra o p B eu & CERTIFIED. tic Massage

As the highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve Douglas Nelson their needs. LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected] 47 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Product Focus Lubricants oday’s massage therapists can choose from lubricants Tthat feature an ever-growing variety of ingredients and consistencies. Your primary need might be workability, or pain relief could be paramount for your practice. With the evolution of lubricants happening right now, these and many other benefits are at hand.

Bon Vital’ Complete Massage Crème Combining a blend of premium ingredients to benefit the client CBD for Life Rub— and therapist, this product Lemongrass restores, moisturizes and soothes Use this product for aches and pains. skin and sore muscles for the Just apply a quarter-size amount of ultimate therapeutic, relaxing product to the area that hurts for instant massage. relief. Use for external relief only. $17.50 for 14 ounces $25 for .9 ounces Bon Vital’ CBD for Life

Nut-Free Massage Oil An allergy-free alternative to Analgesic Mild Massage Oil traditional nut oils, this product Help treat clients’ pain and discomfort has a light feel with a smooth with Analgesic Mild Massage Oil. This glide. It is effective for all oil contains powerful terpenes that massage modalities. It is water penetrate to pain receptors in the body dispersible and washes easily without interrupting pain signaling. from sheets. $76.76 for 12 ounces $12.95 for 8 ounces CBD Clinic Earthlite

RockRub A combination of massage balm, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization emollient and skin repair balm, RockRub repairs calluses and scar tissue with ease. It’s made with Australian beeswax, vitamin E and canola. $35.00 for 14 ounces RockTape

48 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Sombra Warm Therapy Natural RockSauce Pain Relieving Gel RockSauce instantly delivers strong This product helps relieve minor muscle- hot-and-cold sensations to soothe minor and-joint aches and pains associated muscle-and-joint discomfort for hours. with arthritis and backaches, with unique, It’s designed to work with RockTape warming and cooling ingredients. It is kinesiology tape without interfering with quickly absorbed and has a refreshing the adhesive. orange scent. $14.99 for 3 ounces $17.78 for 8 ounces RockTape Sombra

Arnica Relief Massage Lotion Arnica Relief Massage Lotion gives you grip and control with a clean, non-sticky and residue-free finish. It is skin-soothing and nourishing with its base of pure aloe vera gel, apricot kernel oil and golden jojoba. $24.95 for 8 ounces Pure Pro

Foster (10) Unscented This ultra-luxurious, professional massage cream has aloe vera in place of water in order to harness aloe’s amazing healing properties. It has excellent Sombra Cool Therapy workability and longevity to give a Natural Pain Relieving Gel better glide and feel to skin. This cool therapy gel provides controlled cooling without freezing or $10 for 8 ounces irritation. It is perfect for acute injuries Foster (10) and has a refreshing lemon scent. $17.63 for 8 ounces Sombra

Biotone Dual Purpose Crème This crème combines the desired features of an oil and lotion in one. It is formulated to have an effortless glide and luxurious consistency, offering excellent versatility, workability and absorbency. $14.35 for 14 ounces Biotone

49 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Living in Balance If You Don’t Listen to Your Body, Who Will?

by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, C.M.T., C.S.T.-D.

uring my intake conversation with a new The concern and tension in her demeanor in this moment was palpable. client, Grace* leaned forward, her face Prior to sharing this revelation I had the impression that she was a happy, active pinched with anxiety, and shared in a person. quiet voice, “What does it mean that my chest feels She clearly either hid her pain well or D had trained herself to ignore it until it was heavy all the time?” so bad she could no longer put it out of ADOBE STOCK 50 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com The intelligence within our cells is just waiting for us to show up and listen.

her mind. She is not alone in this way of dealing with the signals I say this to reassure you that you are not alone. I still learn our body gives us every day. about my body’s signals everyday. It is a lifelong commitment as Jack* arrived next and said about halfway through his session far as I am concerned. that his chest and gut felt really buzzy in an uncomfortable way, So where does that leave us today? How can we change the and that it had felt like that for about two weeks. agreement we may have unknowingly made with our body? By My final client of the day was Helen*, who was having following these four steps: spasms in her midsection that left her unable to stand up Step one is choosing to listen from this moment forward. straight at times. It had been this way ever since she had visited The second step is to cultivate a healthy curiosity when a new her second home two months before. She also was periodically sensation shows up. The mind can be our greatest ally or our feeling some very sharp pains of trapped gas all the way up to worst enemy on this one. Do you get that gut hunch loud and her scapula. clear and then second-guess it? Helen was clearly anxious about it all. She could relieve the Curiosity is an attribute that will take you a long way if you pains only by twisting her torso until she finally burped. return to it regularly, leaving your judgmental mind behind. Whether it is out right pain, background anxiety, surprising Delete the “need to know” or the interpretation of what you fatigue, emotional distress or simply unhappiness, there are a receive from your body until the signal is fully received. And thousand different ways that our body can be trying to tell us keep listening as it may take time for your inner wisdom to speak something is just not right inside. to you clearly. The third step is if the answer does not pop right up, journal The Body Knows or draw what your inner signals feel like, look like, and sound The body does know exactly what is going on in any given like. In this way you are acknowledging what you are receiving moment. The intelligence within our cells is just waiting for us from your body. Journal or draw in stream-of-consciousness’ to show up and listen. If we want this valuable asset to operate style—let it all pour out onto the page without stopping to judge optimally, it is up to us to establish and nurture an ongoing it or edit it. dialogue. Putting color and texture to your inner signals is also a The problem is that most of us don’t have a clue how to wonderful way to flesh them out so that their meaning can listen. In fact, many of us are actively taught to ignore, override, become clearer. Grab an art medium you love or explore a new invalidate, shut down or fear these seemingly mysterious signals one and give yourself permission to play with this process. when they appear. Step four is to cultivate a level of embodiment that is large Sensing what we are feeling inside may have been down right enough to hold whatever your system is trying to tell you. This painful or overwhelmingly frightening at some point in our lives, might be a calming breath process, or a grounding exploration, so we have turned down the volume until our inner landscape or anything that fills your inner energy reservoir so that you have went mute. contact with parts of yourself beyond what is currently ailing In my most recent book I outline the five main body myths you. This is a key part of successfully listening to your body’s that keep us from turning back up the volume so we can hear our signals. body’s wisdom. In three decades of working with thousands of This might include any bodywork that grounds and fills students and clients, there are definite patterns of how and why you. Have you ever had someone have an epiphany on your we are not listening. treatment table as they relaxed and refilled? Sometimes these

51 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Living in Balance

“aha” moments can be accompanied by tears or simply by a deep some ideas about what she could do to repair the relationship. recognition of something they had been missing. Grace left feeling more hopeful than she had since it all began. When someone wants to cultivate this deeper relationship with their inner wisdom, it is vital to have the resources to meet Jack’s Buzzing Torso whatever shows up. In Jack’s situation with the buzzing sensation throughout his All kinds of bodywork that nurture, as well as acupuncture, torso, we both were puzzled initially. Then, with my hands on his naturopathy, integrative medicine, and somatic psychology can chest, he suddenly saw his blood pressure meds in his minds eye. be resources in this journey. I asked him if he had recently changed it, and he said he had just gotten the prescription refilled two weeks before. He got Remember Grace with the Heavy the sense that something was wrong with it. When he got that Heart? answer, the buzzing decreased significantly. When he went home, To help Grace discern what she was sensing, she began by he discovered that his prescription had an error and was twice grounding and filling herself. As her inner energy reservoir filled the dosage he had normally been taking. she felt confident to explore without fear. My hands on her heart The buzzing was a side effect of taking too much medication. were anchoring and filling her as well. The added benefit is that By correcting that, it all disappeared. I could feel what was happening in her tissues in order to be able to affirm her in what she might otherwise have thought she was Helen Learned to Stand Up Straight just imagining. In Helen’s case once my hands were on either side of her Then I asked her to drop her awareness inside, to her heart diaphragm, we didn’t even have get to the list of questions. area, and to be curious as I asked her a series of questions. I She said she would have laughed if it didn’t hurt so much. explained that she was probably going to feel like some things She instantly saw herself happily out in her garden in the cool I suggested were not at all true. Others might make a small stir sunshine weeding for hours at their vacation home. It was so inside. And then others might make all the bells and whistles go satisfying to see her garden in good shape again that she had not off. I also explained that what she received in terms of signals or registered just how long she had been out there, bent over and images could guide her next steps in terms of her inner healing. weeding. This could open new possibilities that she could follow up with As we talked, her solar plexus tissues pulsed and then relaxed in appropriate ways after our work. under my hands. Then her chest tightness released as well. As I slowly ran down a list of possibilities, she was simply “Honestly, I was secretly afraid that I might be having a gall noticing eyes closed and relaxed, which ones rang true for her in bladder attack. My mom and grandma had their gallbladders that moment. removed and they talked often about that pain.” When we I asked things like: interpret the signals we are getting as something that scares us, it can inhibit the curiosity process, as was the case with Helen. She • Is this heart heaviness due to inflammation? made her pain and tightness worse by stressing out about what it • If so, what started it? meant! • And what is continuing it? She sighed with relief as her diaphragm relaxed and returned • Is it a medication side effect? to normal. She was able to breathe deeply without pain for the • Is there a bacterial or viral issue here? first time in two months. • Is it trying to tell you that something in your diet is not It is possible for all of us to learn the language of our body. good for your health? The rewards are many when this relationship is cultivated. Your • Is it your exercise routine or lack thereof? body is speaking to you all the time. Are you listening? M • Is it a signal about something in your personal life? • Is it a direct result of trauma that has left your system * Clients’ names were changed. stuck or frozen from the overwhelm of the experience?

As I quietly, compassionately asked her the questions, Grace Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, C.M.T., C.S.T.-D., is the author of felt a quickening and then slow release of tension when I asked Reclaiming Your Body and Full Body Presence. Her Healing from about her personal life. She had been estranged from her adult the Core curriculum (healingfromthecore.com) combined with daughter for over a year. It felt like a heavy burden on her CranioSacral Therapy and other bodywork modalities creates a heart. complete, body-centered guide to awareness, healing and joy. She As she shared I simply listened and witnessed her pain. I teaches around the world and lives in Reston, Virginia. could feel her heart slowly lighten up under my hand. When she was done, she felt better. Not perfect, but much lighter to Read “Your Inner Landscape: A Brief Walk Through have shared her story and been heard while being touched in a the Body’s Wisdom Areas,” by Suzanne Scurlock- nurturing manner. During the session she spontaneously had Durana, at massagemag.com/innerlandscape.

52 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Earn your specialty certificate in Clinical Rehabilitative Massage

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ACADEMY OF CLINICAL MASSAGE

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected] Massage Research Massage Improves Shoulder Range of Motion

A meta-analysis of seven studies found types of massage used in these studies included sports massage, that adult subjects with shoulder pain manual pressure release and soft tissue massage. The number of massage sessions ranged from five to 36, and session length showed a significant improvement in varied from five to 45 minutes. Comparison groups across the seven studies received either shoulder range of motion—especially no intervention, a placebo intervention or an intervention other flexion and abduction—after receiving than massage, such as acupuncture, exercise, physical therapy or hot-pack application. massage. The main outcome measures of the research centered on shoulder range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, he study, “Effectiveness of massage therapy on the internal rotation and external rotation. Results of the meta-analysis range of motion of the shoulder: a systematic review showed a significant improvement in shoulder range of motion, and meta-analysis,” focused on seven published studies particularly flexion and abduction, following massage. with a total of 237 participants, all of whom were 18 “The study results suggested that there is evidence of the Tor older and experiencing shoulder pain. Within these studies, efficacy of massage therapy for improving the shoulder ROM, subjects were assigned to either a massage group or a comparison especially flexion and abduction,” state the authors of the review. group. “The effect sizes for flexion and abduction were large and robust.” For the intervention phase of each study, massage therapy was As far as which method of massage was the most effective, provided alone or in combination with other interventions. The the authors of the meta-analysis report that sports massage had the largest significant effect on all outcomes related to shoulder range of motion. In the paper, they define sports massage as a

rtifica l Ce tio a n B modality that includes techniques such as effleurage, petrissage on o ti a a rd I Choose N and friction. PROUD TO BE Another factor highlighted in the review is the link between age, pain, limited function and lower quality of life. Among the f BOARD CERTIFIED k BOARD o r r o T Board Certified in h w e Therapeutic Massage y ra & Bodywork d seven studies analyzed, three involved subjects ages 60 and older. p Bo eu & CERTIFIED. tic Massage The authors of the meta-analysis point out that older people often report greater pain and reduced physical function—and

I choose Board Certified because it is an that massage may be a valuable tool when it comes to increasing outward symbol of a very inward commitment their overall quality of life. to the highest standards in our profession. As the “In particular, shoulder pain and shoulder ROM limitation highest voluntary credential in our profession, Board Certification is an outward symbol of causes independent competence disability, including in dressing achievement for clients who are searching for a or hygiene management, which elderly people must conduct by therapist who can best serve their needs. themselves in their everyday lives,” state the review’s authors.

Personally, after 38 years in practice, it is an “Elderly people’s inability to manage themselves without the inward symbol of many years of dedication help of another person causes their … depression and may have a to constant learning and growth to this significant impact on their quality of life. Therefore, it is thought wonderful discipline of massage therapy. Board Certification represents a constant desire to that massage that increases the shoulder ROM can improve the be the best massage therapist possible for the quality of life of elderly people.” M clients who grace my doorway. Author: Young-Ran Yeun. Sources: Department of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Korea. Originally published in February 2017 in the Journal of Douglas Nelson Physical Therapy Science, 29(2), 365-369. LMT, BCTMB

www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

54 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Massage Eases Asthma, But More Studies are Needed

A recent meta-analysis of 14 studies function in children,” conclude the authors of the review. on massage for children with asthma “Considering the poor methodological quality, small samples and lack of follow-up data of included studies, more randomized showed significant improvements controlled trials of multicenter, large sample and enough follow- M in asthma and pulmonary function up duration are needed to better confirm current findings.” Authors: Ji Wu, Xi-Wen Yang and Ming Zhang. among children who received massage. Sources: Tian Shan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Long However, the review also found a high Hua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, risk of bias within these studies and China. Originally published online in May 2017 in Evidence-Based emphasized the need for better quality Complementary and Alternative Medicine. research on this topic. Visit massagemag.com/newresearch to read this month’s online Research Exclusive, “Compression of he meta-analysis, “Massage therapy in children with Myofascial Trigger Points Alters Brain and Nervous asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” System Activity.” focused on 14 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,299 subjects. These studies assessed the efficacy of Tmassage for children with asthma. The age range of the subjects, all of whom had been diagnosed with asthma, was 6 months to Earn your specialty certificate in 15 years. Results of the meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in asthma and pulmonary function among the Clinical children who received massage in these studies as compared to Rehabilitative those who were assigned to control groups. Specifically, subjects in the intervention groups showed a “remarkable increase” on Massage FEV1 and PEF pulmonary function tests. FEV1 stands for forced Stand out: Top educators bring you the Clinical expiratory volume in one second, and PEF stands for peak Rehabilitative Massage Specialty Certificate - a new national credential symbolizing advanced training in expiratory flow. musculoskeletal pain and injury treatment. The results of the meta-analysis also point toward the use of Earn up to 165 hours: Prepare for work in settings requiring advanced clinical skills. Show stakeholders—insurance massage for improvements in pulmonary function parameters companies, employers, clients—your specialized training. Work with nationally recognized educators on your of the large airway, reduction of plasma concentrations of schedule to expand your career. platelet-activating factor and prostaglandin, and increases in Innovative, Hybrid Education: Bringing together clinical science with hands-on protocols through convenient, the levels of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase and DP1 innovative online and classroom study. Develop Your Clinical Expertise: Courses cover a wide prostaglandin receptors. variety of musculoskeletal conditions, their assessment and treatment, and key rehabilitation science concepts. Learn However, along with these improvements, the authors of advanced hands-on skills with experienced educators including Whitney Lowe, Judith Delany, James Waslaski, the review also found a high risk of bias within the studies, and Douglas Nelson. particularly in terms of poor blinding among participants Specialty Exam: The program culminates with NCBTMB’s convenient online Clinical Rehabilitative Massage and practitioners when it came to knowing whether they had Specialty Certificate Exam. been randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The authors of the review also determined that larger sample Advance your career with a specialty sizes and more follow-up were needed across the board, and certificate! they recommend further research with better methodological quality overall. ACADEMY OF CLINICAL MASSAGE “In the meta-analysis, our results show that massage therapy can effectively treat asthma and significantly improve pulmonary www.ncbtmb.org | 1-800- 296-0664 | [email protected]

55 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com Conventions and Events

2018

San Diego Pain Summit Zero Balancing Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association Feb. 6–11, 2018 Annual Benefit of North America San Diego May 4–6, 2018 Breath of Life Conference sandiegopainsummit.com Location TBD Sept. 5–9, 2018 Reisterstown, Maryland Diversified Business Communications zerobalancing.com craniosacraltherapy.org Integrative Healthcare Symposium Academic Consortium Annual Conference for Integrative Medicine RockStock Feb. 22–24, 2018 and Health Movement Summit New York, New York Congress Sept. 21–22 ihsymposium.com May 6–11, 2018 Huntington Beach, California Green Spa Network Baltimore rocktape.com/rockstock imconsortium.org Annual Congress Southwest Symposium March 11–14, 2018 Florida State Massage Therapy Association Integrative Medicine Symposium Carmel Valley Ranch Convention Sept. 21–23, 2018 Carmel, California June 13–17, 2018 Austin, Texas greenspanetwork.org Orlando, Florida aoma.edu The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family fsmta.org International SPA Association Spring Conference Touch for Health Kinesiology Association April 13–14, 2018 Conference & Expo Conference Sept. 24–26, 2018 Washington, D.C. July 11–14, 2018 thebowencenter.org Phoenix Malibu, California experienceispa.com touchforhealth.us Society for Oncology Massage Oncology Massage American Society for the Alexander Technique Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards Healing Summit International Conference Annual Meeting April 27–29, 2018 July 29–August 4, 2018 Oct. 4–6, 2018 Bloomington, Minnesota Chicago Salt Lake City s4om.org amsatonline.org fsmtb.org National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Reflexology Association World Massage Festival Aug. 6–9, 2018 The World of Aromatherapy VIII Conference of America Oct. 24–27, 2018 Conference Las Vegas, Nevada worldmassagefestival.com Salt Lake City April 27–29, 2018 nahaconference.com Chicago American Massage Therapy Association reflexology-usa.org National Convention Fascia Research Congress Aug. 9–11, 2018 Fifth Annual Reiki Alliance Washington, D.C. Nov. 14–15, 2018 Conference amtamassage.org Berlin, Germany May 1–8, 2018 fasciacongress.org M Orillia, Ontario, Canada reikialliance.org

56 MASSAGE Magazine | December 2017 | massagemag.com