Massage May Contribute to Symptom Improvement for Anorexia Patients

Recent research shared in Massage Today has shown that individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa may benefit from massage therapy as a course of their overall treatment. Anorexia is a chronic illness affecting both adolescents and adults. People with anorexia may relapse and often need hospitalization if their weight drops so low that there is a significant medical threat.

Individuals suffering from anorexia can be a challenging population to work with through the treatment process, however, in several recent research studies, massage therapy has shown a positive effect on their nutritional health and dietary behaviors.

Research groups compared the effects of acupuncture, acupressure and massage in a population of inpatients with anorexia.

Treatment focused on healthy weight, eating behaviors and used a treatment team including nutritionists and psychologists. Adjunct therapies including massage therapy were used in order to help improve the effectiveness of existing treatments and lead to improved outcomes with the anorexia patients.

Patients received massage therapy treatments after acupressure sessions to the back and shoulders using Swedish massage techniques. After receiving massage, participants reported feeling less anxiety and depression, and an improvement in overall quality of life.

Participants described their massage therapy positively and also reported positive experiences regarding the interactions with the massage therapists, helping them to experience a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Research is showing good preliminary support for massage to safely improve well-being for anorexia patients. Massage may be beneficial in treatment of many anorexia symptoms, and a positive therapeutic relationship between patients and practitioners improves patient symptoms even more.

Oncology/Healing Touch Massage

Oncology massage is based on compassion and modification of massage treatments to help people dealing with cancer. Oncology massage can help cancer patients manage their physical and emotional symptoms.

With the proper knowledge and expertise, massage therapists and healthcare professionals can safely use touch to soothe pain, discomfort and anxiety. It is imperative for massage therapists to recognize the contraindications, indications, precautions and benefits of working with cancer patients, as well as what effects massage can have in their healing journey.

Oncology massage is a massage therapy approach based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer.  Studies have shown that oncology massage helps to improve quality of life for individuals with cancer.   Benefits include improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea.

With the proper knowledge and expertise, massage therapists and healthcare professionals can safely use touch to soothe pain, discomfort and anxiety. Massage therapists trained in oncology massage learn to tailor their therapies to the stage that their clients are in their cancer treatment in order to comfort, nurture and support them in their process.

The treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues including the physical, psychological and emotional consequences of cancer. Therapists must also take into consideration the person’s individual goals, specific aspects of the disease as well as the side effects associated with that person’s cancer treatment.

Because of the different considerations for massage with cancer patients, the massage therapist must have specialized training in oncology massage, in addition to being a licensed massage therapist. The massage therapist should work closely with the client’s doctors and treatment team to provide massage as part of the overall cancer treatment plan.

We are holding an Oncology/Healing Touch Massage class on October 26 from 9:30am-4:30pm. Gain knowledge about massage techniques that should be used on cancer patients, as well as the many considerations that must be taken during the course of the person’s treatment process. Call us for more information or to register for this class.

Enhancing Massage with Spa Treatments

Have you ever wanted to take your client’s massage to the next level? When you offer additional spa treatments, you can really lull your clients into a blissful state of relaxation! Providing spa treatments maximizes the benefits of your massage therapy services. Some popular spa treatments include dry brushing and exfoliating, body wraps, foot soaks, sugar scrubs, paraffin dips, and mud masks. From skin exfoliation and rehydration, to antioxidant-rich wraps and detoxifying clay masks, spa treatments help improve circulation, heal dry skin, stimulate cell metabolism, and leave your skin smelling and feeling beautiful.

Some of the many benefits of spa treatments may include:

Dry brushing and exfoliating: stimulates the lymph system, removes dead dry skin, increases circulation, improves appearance, reduces cellulite, relieves stress, improves digestion and kidney function, and invigorates the body.

Body wraps: rids the body of toxins, stimulates metabolism, and hydrates and softens skin.

Foot soaks: relaxation, soothes muscles, hydrates skin, relieves aches and pains, reduces swelling, prevents bacteria, and softens calluses.

Sugar scrubs: keeps skin vivacious and healthy, younger and fresher looking skin, helps to improve sun damage and offers support to aging skin.

Paraffin dips: soothes muscle and joint pain, soothes and moisturizes skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm.

Mud masks: removes dead skin cells, helps with acne, and stimulates circulation.

Spa treatments help clients to relax, rejuvenate and replenish their skin as part of their massage experience. Spa treatments can provide skin care that will address specific needs and concerns. Massage therapists can offer a custom treatment to address a client’s needs and concerns while enhancing the total health and vitality of their skin.

Offering spa treatments as part of a massage therapy session provides a multi-sensory experience for the client. We are holding a Spa Treatments class on October 26 from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm. Contact us for more information or to register.

Stretching Techniques

Clients love when you go the extra mile! Stretching covers that mile. Stretching and massage are two effective techniques that play a beneficial role in both strength training and flexibility training. Massaging a muscle, or group of muscles, immediately prior to performing stretching or strength exercises for those muscles, will increase blood flow and improve circulation, and relax the muscles. After overexertion or intense muscle activity, massage can help remove the accumulated lactic acid and relieve post-exercise soreness and painful muscle cramps.

A combination of massage and stretching can help lengthen muscle fibers that have contracted from lack of use/excessive use, restore flexibility to injured muscles, restore muscle balance, warm the muscles and increase overall flexibility.

The benefits of stretching can be felt throughout the entire body. Stretching helps stimulate the digestive organs, reduce inflammation in joints, relieve tension, improve concentration and posture and energize the body.

In massage therapy stretching, the therapist moves your muscles. Massage improves the benefits of stretching by allowing greater muscle stretch, controlling the intensity of the stretch, and enabling you to relax during the stretch. A massage therapist is able to focus on specific muscles and bring the body into balance so that muscles are properly aligned. The potential for muscle damage due to stretching is reduced by a massage.

Before stretching you should warm up your muscles to prevent muscle tearing. Assistance from a massage therapist will ensure that you do not overstretch or experience pain. If you learn how to stretch properly, there is almost no chance of injury. If you get a massage, good processes stimulated by the massage are increased with continued stretching.

We are holding a Stretching Techniques class on October 4^th from 9am-1:30pm. In this class, learn how to stretch a particular muscle group that may ail your client. Stretching tips and body mechanics will be addressed along with review of muscle origin, insertion, and action. Quads, Erectors, and Hamstrings are a few of the muscle groups that will be covered.  Please call us for more information or to register at 610-705-4401 or visit our website at www.massage-training.net.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the ancient art of foot massage. This type of massage originated in China and was also known to the Ancient Egyptians. It is believed that energy runs through the body in channels, also called meridians. Massage of the feet stimulates these energy channels, promoting healing and relaxation. 

Every part of the foot corresponds to an area of the body, and massage of the feet stimulates the corresponding part of the body. Receiving a reflexology massage is regarded as the equivalent of a full body massage.

The most obvious effect of reflexology massage is stress reduction. The techniques of reflexology include finger or thumb walking, where the reflexologist walks the finger or thumb over different areas of the feet in a set sequence, and massage and kneading of the foot using the whole hand.

Although results vary from individual to individual, the soothing action of reflexology generally leaves the recipient feeling deeply relaxed and peaceful afterwards.

Constant pain is debilitating. Reflexologists believe that that illness is caused by blockages in the meridians or energy channels. These blockages inhibit the flow of life enhancing energy, also known as ‘chi,’ causing the accumulation of negative energy, resulting in pain or disease. There are over 7,000 nerve endings in the feet, and these are connected to the whole body through the central nervous system.

Massage of the feet, and these corresponding nerve endings, stimulates the body, promoting self-healing. Reflexology massage restores the delicate balance between the different body systems and functions. Because of this, reflexology is very effective in pain relief, as tension is taken out of the body and stress reduced, which in turn reduces pain.

Reflexology can give you the feeling of walking on air afterwards. Reflexology increases the flow of energy, increases the circulation and stimulates the digestive system. 

We are holding a Reflexology class on October 12^th from 9:30am to 4pm. For more information, or to register, give us a call at 610-705-4401 or visit our website at http://www.massage-training.net.

 

 

The Benefits of Sports Massage

Fall sports are well underway. With this time of year comes the chance of many sports and fitness-related injuries. There are options to help alleviate the pain that is incurred in sports-related muscle strains and sprains.

Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It can be used both as a preventative practice, as well as to address pain.  It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries.

Sports massage is the specific manipulation and assessment of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. This type of therapy works to restore normal functional activity of the various structures of the body.

Sports massage helps athletes to maintain good physical condition and health, through mobilizing and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, stimulating circulation, and producing therapeutic effects on all systems of the body.

From a sprained ankle or twisted knee to muscle spasms or broken bones, massage can provide the opportunity for faster recovery. With the pressure of the therapist’s hands improving blood flow, muscles become warmer. By stretching tight tissues and breaking down adhesions, massage can help flush out the swelling in joints, allowing for quicker healing. 

For hamstring injuries, the effect of stretching out tightness and loosening scar tissue can aid in recovery. 

Athletes suffering from back and neck spasms or nerve pain can find relief through various types of massage such as Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage.

We are offering a Sports Massage class on November 14^th & 15^th from 9am-4:30pm. This class will help you to assess sports-related injuries and determine the best type of massage to address and alleviate the client’s symptoms.

 

It’s Back to School Time!

It’s that time of year again. Back to school time! Are you thinking about making a change? Perhaps considering going back to school to pursue a new career path? Now is the time to make a change!

Massage therapy has tremendous potential to enhance the quality of life for so many people. When the full potential of massage therapy is delivered to the client, there is a positive impact on not only the client, but also the massage therapist, and everyone they interact with.

As a massage therapist, helping people feel better can be very rewarding. You can also earn a good income, work in a variety of environments, and experience ongoing opportunities for continually increasing your knowledge and skills.

Massage education varies greatly from one program and school to another. Some programs meet only the minimum requirements. The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodywork offers education that is above and beyond basic licensure and certification standards. This allows our massage therapy graduates to provide high-quality care for their clients.

Well-trained massage therapists make a tremendous difference in the lives of those they touch. The differences include pain reduction or elimination, stress reduction that helps clients avoid chronic illness and emotional instability, and other life-changing benefits. 

What are you waiting for? Give us a call at 610-705-4401 to get started or to schedule a tour! We will answer any questions you may have and help you through the application process. 

We are committed to providing a comprehensive program that prepares our graduates to effectively provide massage therapy to help improve their client’s physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being! 

Still unsure? Give our FREE Intro to Massage Therapy Class a try on Sunday, September 14. The class will be held from 9-3pm. Lunch will be provided.

 

 

Is your CPR Certification Current?

Are you prepared to help your massage clients in the event of a medical emergency? You should be! Did you know that in order to keep your massage therapist certification current, you must also be certified in CPR?

Making sure that you know the latest effective life-saving techniques will give you, and your clients, peace of mind. You never know when someone may experience a true medical emergency that may require life-saving techniques until trained responders can arrive.

We offer classes for CPR recertification. This class is short in length, and meets the licensing renewal requirements for Massage Therapy. First Aid and AED are not covered in CPR Recertification, but it is always a good idea to get training in those areas too.

Be prepared for emergencies. Staying current in your CPR certification will help you to know the best way to respond should an emergency arise. It also will also meet the requirements for your massage therapy certification.

In order to meet licensing requirements, you need to attend a CPR Recertification class that is taught by a CPR instructor that is certified by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or the National Safety Council, or another provider with curriculum that is in compliance with nationally accepted guidelines established by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the National Safety Council.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) requires Massage Therapists to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR from the American Heart Association (AHA). Proof of the current BLS CPR Certification from a course approved by the American Heart Association is a requirement for applying for your license to the Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee.

Whether you take a CPR class to help family and friends or to fulfill professional certification requirements – your training will be your gift to the people around you, every day!

We are holding a CPR Recertification course on August 29^th from 9-10:30am. Contact us for details or to register at 610- 705-4401.

Affordable Massage

Did you know that here at the Academy of Massage Therapy & Bodyworks, we offer massage services?

At our massage clinic, our students are able to gain valuable experience as part of their curriculum. Students have scheduled hours in our massage clinic to provide and practice massage therapy.

Our massage rates are very reasonable, and we have hours that work to fit your schedule and availability.

Are you feeling tired, achy and fatigued? A massage may be just what you need! There is no better way to give a massage a try than with our very affordable prices, and easy to access location. If you’ve always thought about getting a massage, but weren’t sure, our massage clinic is an option. Since our prices are reasonable, you won’t be paying out a hefty fee for a massage. It’s a great way to give massage therapy a try, without emptying out your wallet.

In our massage clinic, one hour massages are only $35, and 90 minute massages are $50. Massage certificates also make great gifts for family and friends! The holidays are only a few short months away.  Get a head start on your holiday gift list by picking up some gift certificates…while you get a massage to alleviate your own stress and fatigue! Call now to make a massage appointment at 610-705-4401 or stop by to pick up some gift certificates!

 

 

 

Bamboo Fusion Massage

Bamboo massage is a technique that incorporates bamboo stalks of varying lengths and diameters to provide deep-tissue work. Some massage therapists combine elements of shiatsu, traditional Chinese medicine, Thai massage, and lymphatic drainage into their techniques. Bamboo sticks are usually heated and essential oils are incorporated into the massage.

Bamboo massage promotes circulation, sensory nerve perception, and lymphatic drainage. This type of massage can provide a deep relaxation.

An additional benefit of this type of massage is that the massage therapist uses bamboo sticks, which helps to reduce stress and strain on hands and fingers. The use of bamboo allows for deeply penetrating massage. 

Bamboo massage is also called Bamboo Fusion or Tian di Bamboo Massage. Nathalie Cecilia, a certified Thai massage therapist, is credited as being one of the first people to develop a bamboo massage technique specifically for clients here in the United States. Cecilia developed new ways to use bamboo sticks in massage, including using sticks of different lengths and compositions, which is now known as Bamboo Fusion massage. She created an entire massage routine using bamboo and rattan of different shapes and sizes. She found that using the bamboo helped to alleviate the pain she was experiencing in her hands and wrists while giving a massage.

Massage therapists can learn to effectively palpate the bamboo and adjust pressure to give deep tissue massage effectively. This helps to alleviate muscle tension and discomfort in clients. Bamboo fusion massage uses warm bamboo sticks. The bamboo sticks are frequently used with a massage oil or cream for added comfort for clients.

Bamboo massage uses techniques and materials that make use of a renewal and sustainable resource…bamboo. Bamboo massage reconnects us to ancient healing practices and reduces stress on the hands and joints of massage therapists.

We are holding a two-day Bamboo Fusion class on September 27^th and 28^th. This class will be taught by the creator of Bamboo Fusion, Nathalie Cecilia! This class will be held both days from 9am-6pm. Contact us for details or to register.