Julie Laico studied Massage Therapy at the American Institute of Massage Therapy in Pompano Beach, Florida and graduated in 2002.
During her career she had extensive training in Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports and Prenatal Massage.
Over the years she has worked from clinical settings, working on auto injury patients to spas as well as mobile and chair massage.
Julie believes in tailoring a massage towards the individual needs of each client by using multiple modalities to get the best results possible. Her massages are designed to promote both healing and relaxation.
Julie continues to expand her knowledge, experience and expertise in bodywork and attends workshops and classes as often as possible to enhance her skills to better serve her clients.
She truly loves her work and looks forward to helping each client improve his or her well-being.
There is nothing like learning something new to stimulate our mind/body with fresh impressions from which to grow, and to shock it out of old patterns of thinking, learning, feeling and doing. This is essential for massage therapy professionals since the quality of what we do not only impacts the effectiveness of the treatments we give our clients and patients, but also directly influences the living we make in doing it. Most of us are familiar with the expression, ?if you don?t use it, you lose it,? and that certainly holds some validity. However, I think that massage therapy practitioners are less inclined to accept another similar truth, which is, if you do not seek to grow, even that which you know and do well will over time deteriorate and weaken — become stale. It?s not very different from body-builders who stop working out, soon after all their muscles begin turning to fat.
Becoming a health care practitioner, such as a massage therapist, is a commitment to life long learning and professional development. It is a responsibility that comes with being called a professional which is defined as ?possessing great skill or experience in a field or activity.? Although we know that children are naturally curious, as adults we can become complacent about learning new things, and it doesn?t usually get easier as we age. It should be no surprise that habits and patterns become more fixed as we become older and more settled and ?uncomfortably comfortable in our ways.? Every massage therapist forms habits and patterns of treating after doing what they have been doing for years. Therapists can easily become fixed and reach a point of stagnation. This doesn?t mean that practitioners are not doing a good job at what they do. Many have reached a high level of skill and get wonderful results. However, if nothing is done to continue to cultivate that, then it will eventually begin to wilt. What is worse, is that you may not even realize it until you notice your practice dwindling.
Brushing up on old knowledge and techniques after years of experience will often lead to greater and deeper insight into what you already know and do which will immediately reflect positively in your treatments. Expanding your knowledge and technical base with training in new specialty areas is another powerful way to enhance your level of skill and breathe new life into your practice. The trends in our field are changing rapidly. Getting stuck in old patterns and habits of doing massage therapy, thinking that you know enough or that you are good enough can quietly leave you years behind relative to the speed and direction in which the Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Profession is moving. It won?t be long before clients are asking you questions about techniques and forms of treatment you haven?t heard of yourself. You really must keep up!
We owe it to ourselves as professionals to continue learning and training in our chosen profession. It is vital that all massage therapists hold a view that it is their personal and professional responsibility to seek continuing education. Most of all, we owe it to our clients and patients who depend on us for the best and most effective treatments possible. Make it your personal commitment to seek self-improvement and continue to serve your clients with safety and competency. Give your self the gift of Continuing Education this year. The massage therapist in you will deeply appreciate it, and so will all your clients.
Discussion: At one time or another every massage therapist experiences periods in which his or her practice becomes stale. Boredom sets in, and treating becomes mechanical and rote. I’d love to hear different experiences related to this and what action, if any, was taken to combat your “massage fatigue” and to renew and reenrgize your love for Massage Therapy and Bodywork. Did you find that taking new or refresher CE courses in your modality helped? Did attending a regional or national professional association conference or convention where you could be around many of your peers rejuvenate your passion for the field? Let’s hear!!
My infatuation with form began when I was a child and still is a constant wonder and focus in my work as a CranioSacral Therapy practitioner.
My parents owned a small Chinese antique store in Washington, D.C. A tiny repair room crammed full of damaged objects was in the back of the store. Stuff was everywhere: broken statuary made of porcelain, wood or bronze; stained or ripped paintings; tattered silk robes; fragments of jade; pieces of carved ivory, and dented cloisonné vessels. The floor was taken up with pieces of teak furniture and two huge ceramic foo-dogs so large they loomed over me.
I spent hours with these things. Their shape, color, and texture carried me into a realm of wondering. When I held the woman carved of ivory, I wondered about her, not in a specific way like who carved her or what happened to her. I wasn’t trying to create anything, I’d just wonder and wait… accepting anything that arose in my mind’s eye.
Before I knew it her missing hand would spring forth with its delicately pointing finger, or her smooth face would glisten suddenly, as if illuminated by the moon, pastel colors of pale green and poppy yellow emerging upon her gown. I’d pay close attention and hear stories murmered by water flowing over creek stones. At times her voice whispered sounds that I didn’t understand, yet somehow I felt better, as though wrapped in a warm blanket.
Eventually I became an artist making imagined things into objects drawn and sculpted. Yet something was lacking. I didn?t understand what it was until I began to learn and use CranioSacral Therapy. Then I realized what was missing, it was life?s motion.
Movement characterizes life. While practicing CranioSacral Therapy I am awe struck when feeling the life force within each cell which can be expressed as blood coursing within our vessels, oxygen filling our lungs, nerves conveying information, or particles entering and leaving our cells. This majestic motion is the way form makes itself known to me.
So when I work with clients, a state of wonder permeates each second of time. I feel the human being is majestic and our life force unfathomable, yet somehow palpable. I marvel at the depth of motion within each cell and I wonder and wait. As I wait images arise of cells moving freely, fluids energizing and vibrant. Other images may emerge of brain parts twisted, membrane coiled or stuck, nerves stressed, or vessels congested. I may see the entire body crumpled by a snagged string of fascia. A large part of my work is to gently support shapes as they shift and untangle.
I am constantly amazed how form is a gateway into the ordinary, the extraordinary, the glorious and the therapeutic.
My original background and training in Massage and Bodywork was in Asian Bodywork Therapy, specifically Amma Therapy, a very complex and sophisticated form of ABT. I learned through the apprenticeship model, living and studying at the feet of the founder and master of the art in the early 70?s and throughout the 80?s and practiced in a very large holistic health center for almost 20 years. Without going into a lot of detail and story telling, I became involved in the late 80?s with other groups throughout the country practicing different forms of Asian bodywork including several different styles of Shiatsu, Tuina, Jin Shin Do®, etc? and eventually we formed the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of AsiaTM (AOBTA®) which continues to exist today. The AOBTA is a non-profit, professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, schools and programs, and students of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT). You can visit its website at www.AOBTA.org. I became its founding president and served as such for five years until 1995.
So what?s the point?? The organization has been in existence for almost 20 years and by now I would have thought that given the profundity and scope of what is possible to accomplish with clients/patients once expertise is gained in ABT that the various forms of ABT would have by now spread like wildfire and that there would be full scale (minimum at least 500 hour) programs running in schools all over the country. But that does not seem to have happened!? There are several really excellent programs out there but besides those mostly very short courses, tastes, or tracks of ABT forms are being offered as part of a full western based massage therapy program and/or in basic CE courses.
Asian Bodywork is one of the main limbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and many of its forms are thousands of years old. It follows the same underlying principle of all the limbs, that the body is capable of healing itself once the proper conditions are provided. Whereas the acupuncturist assesses according to the principles of Chinese medicine and then inserts fine, sterilized needles into acupuncture points in order to achieve balanced energy and heal the system, and the Herbalist employs natural substances such as leaves, bark, roots and flowers to move the energy system towards the same goal, balance and healing, thereby producing an optimum state of health in the physical body, the Asian bodywork therapist assesses the patient and then applies the hands to treat the energy system using specific techniques and manipulations of the body to balance the energy and heal the system.
In my view Asian Bodywork is an incredible opportunity for practitioners of massage therapy who wish to evolve their perspective, knowledge and skills beyond the limits of treating the physical body to include the energy body. While most all massage treatment focuses on the soft tissue, i.e., muscles, ligaments and fascia, Asian Bodywork modalities move things a step further by including (like acupuncture and herbalism) the study and manipulation of the energy system, considered to be the underlying and enlivening layer of the human being complex. A working knowledge of the energy system, its principles of assessment, and skillful manipulation of the channels and points greatly broadens the scope of the kinds of conditions that a massage therapist can learn to treat way beyond those of the neuro/musculoskeletal systems. Although most all massage and bodywork therapies when mastered can be used along with other adjunctive modalities including nutrition, vitamins and supplements and exercise to treat different conditions, training in one of the ABT modalities can, I believe, provide a path to a greater scope of practice. This is because of the expansion in scope of treatment when a comprehensive education of the energetic system is included as part of one?s training and overall perspective.
Discussion: I am not sure I understand why ABT isn?t being taught all over the country at a higher level then it presently is and why students or practitioners already in the field aren?t clamoring to learn it. I have some ideas of course, i.e., it boils down to business and the market and if the market isn?t asking for it, it will not be taught. Or its underlying perspective of energy or qi as the basis of everything is a little strange for people and requires a real mind/paradigm shift to study it and finally grasp it. But I’m looking for feedback and people?s experiences on why this is so. To me right now ABT seems to be the best kept secret in the world of massage therapy and bodywork! Let?s hear what you think and feel!
?What if we think of gravity as a spiritual force of belonging? Gravity offers each of us a place called here, where we can let go of effort and rest in the ?lap of belonging? of the larger earth?s body. By turning our attention to an inner awareness of the attractive force of gravity, and to felt sensations of this ongoing connection to the earth, we can tap into an innate sense of belonging.?
Thus, Susan Harper began our time together this past weekend in the Meeting the World with Heart workshop. I was reminded over and over as the days progressed, of the enlivening effect of simply directing my attention to what is happening in each present moment in my body as it is an integral part of all of nature. It was wonderful, restful and rejuvenating.
Then we dived deeper into the consciousness of open inquiry ? exploring how our hearts have such a capacity for seeing the beauty in everything around us ? the beauty that is deep within, not the surface Hollywood definition of beauty. The inner intelligence of the heart is stimulated each time we perceive our world with fresh eyes ? not pre-judging something. We all played with turning off the auto-pilot and navigating with no set preconceptions. The weekend deepened and got richer with a wonderful balance of movement and stillness, reaching out and resting back to receive deeply.
I am reminded, yet again, of the importance of taking periods of time away from my normal life to deepen my own relationship with myself at a deep core level – my Spirit, my Soul ? this is the primary place of belonging for each of us. When it is not fed and valued all else starts to suffer. Often I feel as though I get off course (slightly or dramatically) when I forget to tune in regularly, drinking in what my inner wisdom is telling me in each moment.
What are you doing this Spring to start this new cycle of nature inspired and renewed?
In my last post, I commented that, for the most part, retaining clients is easier and cheaper than obtaining new ones. In the same vein, it may also be easier and more cost-effective to reactivate clients than to recruit new ones.
Clients stop coming for massage for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s a financial decision, especially in economic times like these. People move or change jobs and your location is less geographically desirable. They take on new responsibilities, and massage appointments fall off their radar. Occasionally, they stop because they’re no longer satisfied with the results they’re getting from your sessions. I think this last reason is fairly rare, but it does happen.
Practitioners use a variety of methods for converting inactive clients back to active status. Quarterly newsletters, postcards, and special discounts are a few of the ways that can have positive results.
Other more personal interactions are also effective. Sometimes a simple phone call to remind a client they’re overdue is all it takes. I’ve done this many times over the years and am usually pleasantly surprised when the client thanks me for the call, then goes on to apologize to me (!) for not coming in, and sets an appointment or two, or three.
Another way to be in touch with inactive clients is by sending them information that may be of special interest to them, from a newspaper, a magazine, or a website. People appreciate it when you know their interests and care enough to pass on information that’s relevant to them. You don’t even need to ask for the massage appointment in this kind of a communication, simply attach a note that let’s them know you’re thinking of them.
I know you have a plethora of ideas and methods for reactivating clients. Care to share?
Five Tips for Creating Effective Massage Therapy Brochures
Some MT?s think if they invest thousands of marketing dollars into a high-quality brochure, patients will be attracted to it simply because it?s there and looks nice. The truth is that massage therapists should really use a brochure as an educational marketing tool that patients can use to answer questions on their own. They key to an effective massage therapy brochure is to provide patients with something new that makes them want to pick it up, read it, and keep it around long after they leave your office.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating a massage therapy brochure:
Include helpful information that makes clients want to keep it, such as three tips to reduce neck pain, or five steps to stay relaxed after your massage.
Share benefits rather than updates on new features or equipment. For example, describing new technology or equipment available in your office doesn?t attract interest, but showing clients how and why the new equipment helps them through less pain, faster appointments, etc will make them want to learn more.
Provide a strong sales message on the front cover. For example, ?Your health is our priority?. This is your chance to grab the patient?s attention and make the brochure keepable.
Move the reader forward in the sales process. Accomplish an objective, such as answering common questions, and then ask the reader to call to make an appointment or visit your website for more detailed information.
Ensure your contact information is easy to find and up to date. Always include your phone number, web address, hours of operation, location and directions.
Don?t print expensive brochures simply because you should have them. Set objectives and make sure your brochure leads the reader to specific and helpful information about your practice.
Contact Kelly to receive her free report, ?5 Critical Mistakes Healthcare Marketers Make that Lose Sales and Plummet Profits? at www.AMarketingConnection.com or 303-460-0285.
Starting a business is really challenging for many reasons,. Somethings can be avoidedn but one thing you will always need for any business is customers. Not just any customers, you want to attract the right customers. Some people might confuse massage therapist for (lack of a better word) “prostitutes”". Please keep in mind that you are educated, you spent your hard earned money to get that education, along with your time to become a proffesional, don’t let anyone insult you and your proffesion. One thing that is really important to me in my practice is proper draping. I tell all potential clients that I use proper draping, and some people become clients and others don’t. If they decide not to get a massage from me because I drape, I don’t take it personally, its their loss, and I don’t want them as clinets anyways. For those people that do become clients, I find that they really appreciate the draping. It makes them feel safe that they are in the hands of a proffesional.
Many struggle with losing weight or when they do lose weight, too many times it just comes back. There may be some hidden factors to consider to help people to become more effective in being healthier. Please refer back to my blogs on “Are you having difficulty losing weight”? and “Pouring Water on a stone”.
The following is a response from Owen Dodge, who is an excellent Myofascial Therapist:
“My reflections on this thread steer away from the focus on emotional considerations with respect to compulsive behavior such as overeating, and focus more on John?s title relating to general difficulty losing weight.
I recently heard glowing feedback from a client I treated with Myofascial Release who had for years tried to lose weight with diet and exercise modifications. She?d lose weight to a certain level, but could never get to her modest target weight.
Adding this aside to her history of neck surgery earlier in life and whiplash from a car accident, I wondered if maybe her thyroid function could have been affected by these traumas and associated scarring.
Several weeks after our one MFR treatment focusing on cervical balance, this client called to tell me how delighted she was to have finally dropped more weight without any special effort than she ever did with diet and exercise regimens.
Of course, this outcome leads to more questions than answers. But, at least in the eyes of my client, it also adds another piece of anecdotal evidence to the growing mountain of favorable treatment outcomes seen worldwide from those who put John Barnes? ?unproven? but straight-foward theories to the test”.
While it could be assumed that people with back pain should not be exercising frequently, a new study by Robert Kell, professor of exercise physiology at the University of Alberta found that working with weights four days a week provided a significant decrease in the amount of pain and improved quality of life.
In the study, groups of 60 men and women with chronic low back pain exercised with weights in two, three or four-day weekly programs, or not at all. Their progress was measured over 16 weeks. The level of pain decreased by 28 percent in the 4-day a week group, 18 percent in the 3-day group and 14 percent in those who exercised two days a week. What do you recommend for your clients?
Many times I am asked about using essential oils for autism. There are various theories on how autism presents itself, Some of these are: mercury from vaccinations, allergic reactions to wheat, corn, soy, or high glycemic sugars, and other environmental factors.
The question is will using essential oils help someone with autism?
Essential oils contain powerful constituents that can clean out receptor sites that contain agents that block the body from performing natural hormonal functions. These constituents can help detox the body and regulate proper signals to and from the brain and various organs.
In addition, stimulation of the limbic brain through inhalation of essential oils may help to open up the emotional and hormonal centers in the brain, leading to clearer thinking and greater concentration.
In my practice I have found that using essential oils in combination with massage are very beneficial for autism as well as other neurological disabilities. Essential oils induce emotional responses through their ability to directly access the limbic brain, as well as their vibrational frequencies that work energetically on the whole being. This is a potent combination that can sooth, relax, restore self love and self confidence.
People with autism can tend to be touch adverse, but when you present an oil for them to smell or hold this creates an atmosphere of trust and playfulness. From this base of trust you can then introduce touch, very gently by massaging the feet or hands. I put the oil in the persons hand and then take their hand and have them rub it on their feet. The feet carry the oil through the body providing a wonderful therapeutic effect.
Emotional factors are very evident in people with autism and other disabilities. Working with essential oils that can deliver emotionally healing properties as a lead in to whatever other work you would like to do is not only rewarding for the practitioner, but can be life changing for the recipient as well.
The essential oils used must always be pure, unadulterated, unaltered, therapeutic-grade. Please see my past posts for more information.
