The Importance Of Licensed Massage Therapy
Many people looking for massage therapy services are not even aware that they should be looking for licensed professionals. The incongruity between state requirements and a lack of federal regulation has resulted in confusion for the massage-buying public. And though it is in no way practical for a potential client to research every detail of his or her state's laws regarding the requirements for licensed therapists, there are some questions a consumer can ask of a prospective therapist before committing to his or her care, and there are some additional steps that can be taken to further research qualifications for a given therapist.
Questions For Consumers To Ask
Starting very simply, ask outright
* Are you licensed in massage therapy?
* Who granted your license?
* Is your license valid in this state?
* Where did you complete your training in massage therapy?
* What did your training include?
* If you are interested in specialized massage therapies, ask about the therapist's background in specific types of massage. You might ask, do you specialize in any types of massage? Do you have specialized certifications?
* Are you certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)?
It is important to understand that not all states have a requirement for licensure to practice massage therapy; only 37 states and the District of Columbia have requirements regulating it. While this means that a therapist may not be legally required to hold a license, it does not mean that receiving therapy from an untrained "therapist" or "masseuse" is a good idea. If the answer to the first question above is 'no', ask 'why not', and continue to ask what training and certification (such as an NCBTMB certificate) proves his or her professional abilities and expertise. Certification by the NCBTMB and membership in a professional organization (namely, the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA) can be taken as a respectable substitute for a state license, as these are the standards that are used by most states that require licensed massage therapy for the licensing of massage therapists (just be sure the certification is current and in good standing).
Certain safeguards online can be used to double-check information as provided by a massage therapist. In most states, licensing status for licensed massage therapy providers is accessible through state databases, and the AMTA can also be queried regarding certification status of individuals. Of course, an easy online search is a quick way to determine whether a training program looks legitimate as well.
Surely, taking the steps to learn about licensed massage therapy does take some added effort, but the time is worthwhile; after all, more than relaxation is at stake, health and safety are as well.
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How A Massage Therapy Picture Can Inspire You
What You Can Use It For
A massage therapy picture is one way of informing clients about who you are, what you do and the services you offer in your massage clinic. Most people would naturally think that a massage therapy picture can be used only for marketing and advertising. A good picture however is first and foremost an image and reputation building tool. You simply have to post a massage therapy picture strategically to make the best use of it. The most common places to put a picture would be on a website, brochure, business card or promotional ad.
Where to Get Pictures
Some massage therapists can use royalty free images which are readily available online for them to use in their massage therapy business. You can easily do that too but it is always a better idea to take your own pictures. You are, after all, talking about your business and you would like people to see the real set up of your services.
You can take your own massage therapy picture of your own clinic. All you need is a good light and a high quality camera. It would also make a lot of sense to shoot numerous angles of just one area or pose so you can easily choose the best massage therapy picture to use.
People Pictures
Massage, by its very nature, is person-oriented. Thus, it's only a must that you include people in your photos. The best kind of promotional pictures for your web site would be actual shots of people undergoing a treatment or service. It would be tempting to use beautiful models for a massage therapy picture promotional shot. It would however be better if you asked permission from real patients and took shots of them. This would give potential clients a glimpse of men, women and children from all walks of life enjoying your services.
Other Pictures
There are also many other massage therapy picture subjects you can use. Promotional ads and website backgrounds can feature relaxing pictures that can send out the message that your services promote a soothing and healing experience. You could also take a massage therapy picture of your staff and equipment to make people know that they are in good hands and in a good facility.
Your Picture
It would seem that household names in almost any area of life have their pictures on their products. It may not be such a good idea to have your picture splashed everywhere especially if you are not yet as well known as you would want to be. It might be good though to at least have your picture on your business card. Your massage therapy picture on your card is a personal touch that many people would appreciate.
Article Source: http://www.articlenorth.com
Even a massage therapy picture can coax you to a moment of relaxation. Learn more about massage therapy technique that work and the art of relaxation.
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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome And Massage Therapy
| In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Thoracic Outlet Syndrome responds very well to massage therapy and bodywork. What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Though many people with this condition think they may have just "slept wrong" and awakened with a numb hand, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the name given to a group of painful nerve impingement conditions in which the nerve bundle to the arm (brachial plexus) is placed under abnormal pressure by the muscles in the front of the neck (scalenes), by the collar bone and first rib, or the pectoralis minor muscle in the upper chest/armpit area. The most common symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are pain and numbness in the arm and hand of the affected side; however, those who suffer from this condition may have only pain or only numbness. In some cases Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also encompass a dangerous restriction of blood flow. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. What is the cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? There are a number of causes for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome including whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Postural issues, especially a forward head posture like that maintained by office workers and computer users, can also trigger the onset of this syndrome. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also be the result of over stressing the muscles in the thoracic outlet area during exercise, or by impact injuries to the shoulder or upper chest area. Additionally, though it is rare, a "cervical rib" may be the blame for this condition. Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example, the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the scalene muscles and other muscle of the front of the neck. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release fascial adhesions in the area of the thoracic outlet and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the scalene muscles and other affected neck, chest, and shoulder muscles. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. Ortho-Bionomy is particularly effective when the nerves are being compressed by the clavicle (collar bone) and first rib. In addition to working on the scalene muscles and pectoralis minor muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles adjacent to, or opposing the scalenes or pectoralis minor to improve muscular balance. Treatment for postural issues may also be needed. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Other Treatments for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician: 1) Muscle Relaxer medications; 2) Anti-inflammatory medications; 3) Surgery Other Names for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 1) Anterior Scalene Syndrome; 2) Costoclavicular Syndrome; 3) Pectoralis Minor Syndrome; 4) Thoracic Inlet Syndrome The information in this article has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Thoracic Outlet Syndrome that could require immediate medical intervention. |
| Author Resource:- Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his other articles. |
| Article From New Ezine Articles |
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