Archive for May, 2009
Massage and Pathologies
28 May 2009Sometimes I feel like I need to have an answer for everyone’s issues. Last night I was humbled to know that I do not know everything. WHAT!!! Yes its true, I knew this, but more often then not, my brain doesn’t know this. Go figure they need to get together, my thoughts and brain waves.
For the life of me I could not remember what Bells Palsy was last night. I kept thinking that it was an Auto Immune disease. No not so, this is precisely why I love the Green Monster A.K.A. The Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions. Ontario: Talus, Inc., 2000. by Fiona Rattray and Linda Ludwig.
This is every MTs best resource for knowledge about pathologies. If you don’t have it I suggest you spend the cash and get it, using it as a write off for reference material. Happy learning to us all.
EO Basics for Massage Therapists
20 May 2009Did you know that EOs (Essential Oils) Are not just for smelling? They also have Therapeutic actions. I recently took an Aromatherapy class of 16 credits. We covered the history and processes the first 8 hours, and 12 EOs the last 8 hours. Yup, can you say scratching the surface?
I was blown away, I went into the class thinking I will know everything I need to know to use EOs in my practice, Not so. For example, I learned that “Natural Oil” labels actually means that it is a synthetic, that the time and place the oils where derived is essential, how the oils are handled and distilled determines the functionality and potency of the oil, and how oils properties change with climate, weather and location. This is one of the reasons EOs are not used in the western medical profession= its not a constant chemical standard.
Working with EOs is an Art form. To be good at it and know what you are doing wont take 16 hours. An actual Registered Aromatherpist (RA) In the US has no less then 200 clocked hours and has passed an extensive exam. So, when you come across an “Aromatherapists”, the first question you should have is: Certified or Registered?
My next step is to get the oils (Natures Gift), some of the books that have been recommended for more research, and try blends out on willing participants. For I am 16 hours certified… hehehe Here is to learning 
However I don’t think I will make it a part of my practice until I have gained a better knowledge of the workings of EOs.
Physical Therapy vs. Massage Therapy
13 May 2009I was just looking over this PebMed research entry for CST (Craniosacral Therapy) and MFR Myofascial Release) being included in the entry-level PTs (Physical Therapist) Curricula. The majority of PTs were against having it. Could it be lack of education, or is it that they just want to leave the manual manipulations up to the Massage Therapists.
In the past I have talked with a few PTs that have given me this impression. I don’t know many and I have had only one say that he does actually use manual therapy techniques to release and strengthen his clients injured muscles. On the other hand the others told me they want to distinguish themselves apart from MTs and stick to helping them improve through exercise and strength training. My question to one PT was how many of her clients actually sought out an MT during PT treatments? She said she didn’t know any. Now this may be that she isn’t getting a full intake assessment or she stays away from referring clients to MTs or doesn’t really want a fast full recovery. Who knows, I have only had a few minutes to chat. The only PT I talked with at length was one on my table and he was the one who tried manual therapies to aid his clients.
In the beginning of Nursing there was in conjunction Massage curriculum, over time it was dismissed and PTs were born. Yet again Massage was part of the beginning stages of PTs but was also taken out of the curriculum. Now we have Massage that encompasses CE’s that can be obtained. Really any Manual therapy can be added to the base of Massage. So I wonder what CEs do PTs have to have. Is it refreshers on what they have already learned and are they limited?
In my quick look up of PT CEUs it was mostly wound treatment, stress management and Insurance billing info. While these things are important, what ever happened to broadening your horizons and helping the client’s quality of life in a more permanent effective way?
I probably need to talk to more PTs. I am sure their must be more that would encompass helpful tools for the enhancements of their treatments.
Lawsuit Settlement for FL Massage Board
6 May 2009Ok, this still is shocking, the NCBTMB had a lawsuit against the FL massage board and settled for a joint application submission with the MBLEx from the FSMTB.
Can’t we all just get along? Florida is the highest concentration of massage therapy growth, so can see why they would wine. This process could repeat in two years, but the board still has to implement the changes. The original goal was to only accept the MBLEx after May 1st 2009. Now we are told it may be August when applications are accepted.
The NCBTMB felt their was a conflict of interest, seeing how the FL board Pres. is a member of the FSMTB council. Well, that is to be expected. Government agency wanting a government agency MBLEx license rather then a personal organization’s certificate. Go figure?
The NCBTMB does have a place in the world of massage, CE certification and such. The fact remains, where do they get their support? Looking at tax records (open to public because NCBTMB is a non-profit organization) it used to be the AMTA who has seemed to have burnt that bridge. And other Massage organizations. But I think this message they have sent with this lawsuit is clear. They are winy babies who have bitten the hands that feed them, is it any wonder the FSMTB is gaining favor in the site of the massage therapy world?