Jun
18
2008
Laboring women have so many options available to them for coping with labor pains. One of the most beneficial tools to use to help a woman be more comfortable during childbirth is caring touch.
This article explains the benefits of massage during labor and why it is so helpful for the birth partner, or a doula, to be there helping the mother during her childbirth process.
This article gives specific tips and ideas for using massage during labor to help a mother cope. These basic Labor Massage Guidelines will help a birth support person feel more confident using massage during labor.
Jun
15
2008
A big question for many bodyworkers right now is whether home study courses are an acceptable means of continuing education for massage therapists. What about online massage classes? What about distance training with videos and books? What are the pros and cons of these types of education courses?
The Potential Benefits of Home Study Massage Classes:
- A greater audience potential
- Easier to attend a classes - especially for massage therapists in rural locations.
- Flexibility of time and scheduling the class.
- Access to a greater variety of techniques and specialties.
- Massage therapists can “sample” a specific technique for less before investing in a more expensive, hands-on workshop.
The Potential Downfalls of Massage Distance Courses:
- Massage therapists do not have expert teachers overseeing their techniques to be sure they are doing them properly and safely.
- Some massage techniques require advanced training to be safe.
- A massage therapist could feel ready to perform a massage speciality even when they are not and do not understand all the contraindications.
- The potential for misrepresentation about the massage therapists certification and knowledge.
Jun
14
2008
Deep tissue massage is a sort of buzz word amongst massage therapists today - many of whom often charge more for a “deep tissue massage” vs. a “relaxation massage”. But what exactly IS deep tissue massage? How does a deep-tissue therapist work differently from the general Swedish massage taught in most massage schools?
One of the best set of resources I’ve ever seen for learning to safely and effectively give deep tissue massage that will truly effect a lasting change in a client’s body is the Art Riggs DVD Set
and Visual Guide Textbook. Together they serve as a comprehensive and invaluable tool for increasing your effectiveness as a massage therapist.
The portion about body mechanics is one of the most well presented I’ve seen and I use many of the techniques in my daily massage practice. I have found that clients appreciate leaving the table and KNOWING that they had specific needs addressed. If they had a particularly tight calve muscle - I had the tools ready to address that. If their neck was troubling them from too much time on the computer - I would be able to spend a little more time there and the work being done would be effective.
Other Resources:
