Massage Therapy Institutions are frequently faced with the challenge of first finding and then often having to prepare new faculty to teach a variety of different course subjects, including specialty massage techniques and modalities. And that?s usually not too easy. Given the rapid rate of expansion of more than thirteen hundred schools and growing, finding qualified instructors to satisfy the needs of these specialty programs across the country is arguably one of the most important issues facing institutions running massage therapy programs, as well as the profession itself. Teachers that provide students with their entry level training shape this profession by the quality and outcome of the product they put out, their students.

Attracting and holding on to qualified faculty has become difficult for educational institutions especially because as we all know qualified practitioners can make a lot more in private professional practice than what they receive for instructing in massage therapy classes. Add in the required or necessary hours of preparation faculty must do for each course assigned (most school?s faculties are comprised primarily of part-timers who usually do not get paid for this) and it?s not difficult to see why massage therapy schools and programs are having a hard time building a qualified team of instructors.

As a result of this paucity of quality instructors and almost by default, many schools fill teaching positions with recent graduates who need and want work and want to maintain a good relationship with their Alma Mata. The problem is they usually are not qualified to teach. Sometimes schools may be truly lucky to find among their recent graduates the winning combination and when that?s the case it?s certainly worth the effort on the part of the administration to put in the time and money to cultivate and hold onto those individuals.

To make things even more complicated the growth in massage programs in career and community colleges have thrown a new difficulty into the mix. Faculty teaching in these programs must have an academic degree (not necessarily in massage therapy) and the requisite qualifications in massage. So then the search begins — finding massage therapists who are willing to and can teach and who also hold an academic degree to meet the requirements when teaching in a college degree program. Therefore a degree granting institution that actually does find a qualified instructor without the requisite traditional academic degree must pass.

Relying on academic degrees as a good indicator of teaching ability is about as equal to relying on a license in massage therapy as a good indicator of a massage practitioner?s ability to teach. So if academic degrees aren?t an indication of what qualifies someone to teach in a massage therapy program and being a licensed massage therapist isn?t either, then what is it that academic deans and directors who hire faculty should be looking for before they plop someone down in the front of a classroom?

In spite of the fact that there exists an enormous amount of literature and research on how to teach effectively, there is no complete list of “do’s and don’ts” that, if followed, result in quality teaching. Generally speaking effective teaching cannot be separated from the teacher him or herself. A faculty member?s personality, preferences, prejudices and overall self awareness will have an enormous influence on student success.

Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine is credited with saying ?The physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing.? Well suffice it to say that an instructor of massage therapy most assuredly needs to be well versed in the knowledge, skills and abilities of rubbing ? or massage. But being an expert in the subject does not automatically make someone a good teacher.

Discussion: Let?s hear from you, from your experiences either as a faculty member/instructor in a massage therapy school or as a graduate or student who has had the experience of learning from many different types of instructors — both good and bad. Indicate, comment, complain but also try to provide some good examples of your favorite teachers ? (names not necessary) and what attributes they had that to this day make them stand out in your mind as high quality teachers.

Hello all,

I’m not one to pour my energy into politics but there are times when something catches my attention.  Here is one such thing that I think deserves passing along and following because it could positively affect funding for complementary therapies in hospice and palliative care.  The following information is from this web link http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=HealthCare

In June 2009, Senator Warner introduced the Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, health reform legislation that will strengthen the quality and availability of counseling, support services, and care management for patients and families coping with life-limiting illnesses.  The legislation includes:

• Enhanced Medicare and Medicaid Coverage of Advanced Illness Care Management Services
• A Requirement for Physicians to Provide Certain Medicare Beneficiaries with Information on Advance Directives and other Planning Tools
• Incentives for Providers to Achieve Accreditation and Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care
• More Comprehensive Discharge Planning for Facilities
• Increased Public Awareness about the Importance of End-of-life Planning

Several prominent organization have endorsed the legislation, including the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. An important element of the legislation in my view is that it enhances much needed end-of-life education for physicians along with public education about advanced directive. 

I don’t bring this up to endorse a political stand but rather to shine a light on this important conversation taking place on a national stage about end of life care.  Take a look at the link– what do you think about its possible impact on funding for our services?

Until next time, enjoy the gifts of summer!
Many blessings,
Ann

In my new book due out October, 2009, Massage Therapy: What It Is and How It Works by Cengage Learning, one of the things I do is develop an idea called ?The Three Paradigms.? It was borne out of long, deep discussions in which I partook in 1990 as an original member of the Job Analysis Advisory Committee (JAAC), formed by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The JAAC ultimately led to the formation of the first National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and I served on that board as a founding member for almost five years. At that time, we presented the essential conclusions of our discussions in a brief article entitled, ?Three Paradigms, Five Approaches? in the Massage Therapy Journal, Summer 1991. It was co-authored by Carl Dubitsky, OBT, LMT, Patricia Benjamin, PhD, Raymond Castellino, DC, RPP, Jeffery Maitland, PhD and myself, Steven Schenkman.

Almost twenty years later, based on my own experience, observations, and thought and after years of further dialogue and discussion, I have greatly expanded on that initial idea in my book. I have always found ?The Three Paradigms? so central to understanding the scope of massage and yet no one ever took them and ran with them. That?s one of the things I try to do in my book. For years I?ve discussed them and often used them as the foundation of lectures and classes I taught.

For the purpose of this blog, I wanted to briefly touch upon an aspect of ?The Three Paradigms,? which opens up an important way to understand and view the entire field. When correctly understood, these three paradigms provide comprehension and insight into the full scope of massage therapy practice and its many positive, healthful benefits and outcomes. They are as classified as follows:  1) Relaxation and Stress Reduction, 2) Remediation, Therapy and Pain Relief and 3) Holistic or Integrative. These Three Paradigms together form an overlapping continuum of potential practice and treatment beginning at the most basic levels of touch, leading to the most comprehensive and advanced levels of therapeutic treatment and holistic care practiced in bodywork today. The idea of different paradigms in massage therapy is one that is intimately bound to the length and depth of successful education and training, continuing education, professional development and the extent of a therapist?s practical experience.

In Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, there is a fundamental principle that reflects and gives explanation to the inner process of what takes place, either consciously or unconsciously, during the process of learning and becoming a massage therapist. It is the principle of ?Li (pronounced lee)? precedes Qi (pronounced chee).? It means that Li, the underlying notion or the idea of any ?thing? must first exist before it becomes manifest into material being through Qi, — the energy or vital force used to bring it into reality. In short, — idea precedes manifestation. For example, before a skyscraper can be built it first comes into existence as an idea in the mind of its architect who then puts all the detail down on paper to create blueprints of the building. The blueprints are then brought to life through the energy or Qi of the builders who turn it into a three dimensional physical reality. So in a sense the Li of anything is really like an invisible blueprint. This parallels very closely how in massage therapy the depth, quality and the extent of how ultimately what manifests through a massage therapist?s hands will be a reflection of how well they have developed the ?Li?s? of understanding their paradigm of practice and the particular bodywork or massage therapy modality used to facilitate that practice.

As massage therapy students evolve into professional practitioners, they absorb and then integrate their training and practical experiences into a kind of ?blueprint of understanding.? With the right attention and efforts, this understanding grows into a comprehensive framework or paradigm that equals the efforts practitioners have made to embrace their education and hone their technical skills. In the end it?s the clients and patients who become the fortunate (or unfortunate) recipients of the paradigm of practice that emanates as intention (or LI) through their massage therapist?s hands.

Discussion: I would love to hear more of people?s thoughts on this important idea of the direct connection between the depth and quality of practitioners? understanding of their work and how it impacts their level of competence, excellence, sensitivity and palpatory skills and the overall results of their treatments in whatever of the Three Paradigms they practice from.

One of my concerns in the massage profession is the way massage therapists are treated by employers and also figuring out what is the appropriate status for a massage employee.  Most massage therapists work as independent or subcontractor status which is basically saying that you are self employed.   It is my personal belief from the research I have done through the years that most are being hired as subcontractors when they should really be full employees with full employee benefits.   I have yet to find a concrete legal reference and there is a lot of conflicting information.  After talking to and reading many questions from massage therapists there is not of course one clear answer.  Figuring it out is actually the responsibility of the employer because they are the ones who will be hit with back taxes and penalties.

There are many different criteria for figuring out your own status and I have a bunch more info on my regular blog citing articles online from many different sources -www.thebodyworker.com

There is the legal aspects of this that are important not only for who pays taxes but the legal aspects also fold into the ethical aspects – do you want to work for someone who may be taking advantage of you?   It will not only come out in how you are paid but also how much you are paid.  It will show up in how you get along with the person who hires you and the company itself.   Ethically speaking you want a nice place to work and one that also respects you and makes you a part of the team.

If anyone has any other legal references let me know and of course all stories you have would help others in trying to figure this all out!

The myodural bridge (MDB) is a ligament connecting a pair of deep muscles at the base of the skull to membrane surrounding the spinal cord, called dura mater. (Fig. A/B, click on image to enlarge) Harmful stress can be placed upon the delicate tissue of the spinal cord and brain when abnormal MDB tension is transmitted to the dura mater. This stress can cause neurological strain leading to a multitude of dysfunction, such as:
neck pain,
headache,
dizziness and balance problems,
movement disorders,
difficulty controlling eye movement,
visceral dysfunction,
high blood pressure,
chronic fatigue, or
emotional stress.

CranioSacral Therapy can help normalize MDB tension, which can decrease nervous system abnormal strain thereby helping the body heal and gain optimal function.

The area of the MDB is one of complexity, subtlety and sensitivity.  Techniques such as the thoracic inlet release, hyoid release, occipital cranial base release, and dural tube mobilization can help normalize MDB shape and tautness. Using the least amount of pressure needed, while sensing and following the response within the tissue, is an effective way to help the body correct abnormal strain in the MDB, dura mater, craniosacral system, and other tissue or systems.

Please look for Tad?s upcoming article, The Myodural Bridge, Small Size?Large Influence, in the Massage Magazine?s online ?Techniques? section, <http://www.massagemag.com/Resources/massage-techniques/>

Now is an excellent time to look ahead for marketing and networking opportunities related to National Stress Awareness Month.  The Health Resource Network recently disseminated this press release:

For the 17th consecutive year, April 2009 has been designated “Stress Awareness Month.” During this thirty day period, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

“Even though we’ve learned a lot about stress in the past twenty years,”says Dr. Morton C. Orman, M.D., Founder and Director of HRN, “we’ve got a long way to go. New information is now available that could help millions of Americans eliminate their suffering.”

Dr. Orman has invited leading health care organizations across the country to develop and disseminate helpful educational materials and other information about stress during the month of April. He is also promoting public forums, discussion groups,and other informative community events.

The Health Resource Network is a non-profit health education organization established in 1982. It consists of health professionals, health promotion experts, and educators committed to developing more effective programs for improving health and preventing disease. In addition to sponsoring Stress Awareness Month, the organization also sponsors National Stress Awareness Day, held every April 16–or the day after income taxes are due!

##

www.stresscure.com/hrn

Now that you know, what will you do to promote your massage practice as an antidote to stress?  I look forward to your creative ideas.

Dr. Upedger and I paused before going into the treatment room. Sammy, who had the left side of his brain removed to stop his constant seizures, was waiting inside with his mom. “Let?s work with Sammy?s stem cells to help him rebuild his missing brain,? Dr. Upledger said without reservation or apprehension. “Since stem cells can create any type of cell in the body, why shouldn?t they make a new brain?? He paused to let this idea sink in. ?You know, bone marrow in flat bones is a main site for stem cells, so his head is a perfect place to start. I?ll begin at his head. Will you start with his ribcage?? I nodded, ?Yes, sure.?

When we entered the room Sammy was lying on his back upon the treatment table, awkwardly trying to roll from side to side while crying and screaming. His mother, Alicia, introduced herself to Dr. Upledger, her eyes darting to Sammy then to Dr. Upledger, back to Sammy and then to the CD player. ?We Can Work It Out? by the Beatles seemed way too loud. Alicia, sensing our concern about the music, said, ?Beatles? songs help Sammy calm down.? Raising his voice a little Dr. Upledger said, ?I?d like to work with Sammy?s stem cells to see if they?ll rebuild his brain, OK?? “Sure, I’m open to anything that?ll help Sammy,” Alicia replied, her eyes continuing to fleet between Sammy, me, the CD player, Dr. Upledger, the wall, and back to Sammy.

We drew our chairs alongside the treatment table quietly so that we wouldn?t startle Sammy. Alicia, now singing along with the music to help calm Sammy, sat down, put one hand on his leg and began patting his leg just out of rhythm with the music.

Placing our hands upon Sammy, Dr. Upledger and I focused on sensing Sammy?s brain, body and stem cells. After about five minutes Dr. Upledger began to speak softly as he held Sammy? head, “Sammy, I’m John and I’d like to help you. Is that OK?” Brief pause. “I’d like to ask stem cells in the bones of your head to go and make new brain parts. Is that OK?” Pause. “Great, thank you Sammy.” Then, ?Sammy, you already know Tad, is it OK if he helps stem cells go from your chest into your head?? Pause. ?Great, thank you Sammy.? Twenty minutes or more passed. I could see Dr. Upledger?s mouth moving as he talked to Sammy, but I couldn?t hear what he was saying. Sammy was screaming louder, Alicia was patting faster, and she kept turning the volume up on the Beatles who were now blasting out “She Loves You”.

All of a sudden Sammy?s bones and blood began to vibrate as if the New York Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were playing and singing the same note. In that moment, like a switch turned, Sammy became still and quiet, his eyes softened and stopped moving all around; Alicia stopped singing and patting his leg, slowly stood, turned, and clicked off the music.

Then, after time passed in this quiet state, Sammy?s body signaled that he had finished his session?s work. Dr. Upledger said, ?Great job Sammy, we?ll see you tomorrow, OK? Thank you.? We slowly removed our hands and pushed our chairs slightly back from the table. Dr. Upledger asked Alicia if she had any questions. She was staring at Sammy as he lay quietly on the table and said, ?Well, yes, but right now I don?t know what to say, can we talk tomorrow?? Dr. Upledger smiled and nodded, ?Yes.?

After two weeks of daily treatment Sammy and Alicia returned home to Iowa. Sammy came back to the clinic with his mom two to three times a year for several years, and he improved with each visit until he could manage at home with local practitioners.

Dr. Upledger is constantly using his intelligence, clinical experience and research to create and perfect his ideas within a CranioSacral Therapy context. He has a remarkable ability to investigate current thinking and research, and then distill the information into practical CST technique.

Dr. Upledger has shown me that each one of us is uniquely creative, insightful and perceptive, and when we embrace these qualities in ourselves to help others then the possibilities for growth, both of our clients and ourselves, is immense.

    Some scientists say structure determines function.  Others say function determines structure.  The debate rages on.  Is it possible that it is both?  Is the effect of structure and function interchangeable? 

     Recent research has shown that the ground substance of the fascial system is the immediate environment of every cell of our body.  It has also been shown that an increase in the viscosity of the ground substance can change the shape and mobility of the cell.  The change in the shape of the architecture of the cell alters its function and the important bio-chemical reactions required for health.  Bob Mollica, PT has provided an important link to and an article titled, “An architect walks into the lab.” (  http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0109/feature1_1.html )

     You may also want to read my new article on the Massage Magazine website titled, “Myofascial Release Perspective: Therapeutic Insight?Fascia, a Liquid-Crystalline Matrix.”  To access my latest article,  go to www.massagemag.com and scroll down on the left side of the page to the box titled “techniques” and click on that tab.  Then you can click on my latest “Therapeutic Insight” article or you can click on the following link for direct access: http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=7057 .

Thanks.

     John

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.

Bee Healthy. Bee Happy. Bee Well…

A colleague and I were discussing the importance of documenting massage sessions this morning, so I decided to throw the question out there: How important is documentation?

I can tell you that in my practice, it is extremely important; I have more than a dozen practitioners, and clients may be seen by more than one person. We also file insurance and get a lot of doctor and dentist referrals, and you simply cannot conduct that type of business unless you are willing to keep careful documentation.

On the other hand, I know a lot of lone practitioners who don’t think it’s a big deal at all. I think I’ve mentioned before that I was the administrator at a massage school when licensure came into our state, and there was a grandfather period for people who had documented at least 4 years of practice and 400 documented massages. I couldn’t believe the number of students who called the school to ask, “What do you mean, documented?” My reply was massage that SOAP notes and other pertinenet documents, such as doctor’s prescriptions or other medical information was in the client’s file. I was appalled at the number of people who said, “Oh, that’s all in my head.”

That is totally unprofessional, and in many places, illegal. Most states with a practice act require documentation of sessions, including a statement of informed consent, proof of a privacy notice having been provided, and SOAP notes.

An important thing to remember is that the client file, in many states, belongs to the client. They may walk in the door and request their file, and  you are obligated to give it to them. Wouldn’t you feel silly if a client came in, announced that they were moving away and would like to have their file to give to their new therapist, and you had to say you didn’t do any record-keeping? I believe you would.

Keeping good documentation is one of the hallmarks of a professional. What would you think of your physician if he didn’t keep any notes? If you want to be thought of as a health care professional,  you have to conduct your practice as one.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen