We have a different style of therapist these days. I find myself questioning how some of the schools set up their curriculum? How much the Instructor is allowed to add to the class room? I had the opportunity to meet with a therapist, now anyone that know me know that I can be a little anal about a few things, but I am for sure anal about my equipment, my massage room and supplies. Well, with that being said I have notice more of the rookie therapist either don't care or simply just don't know how thing work.
1. Do NOT use a massage therapist room and not return it to it's original state.
(a) re-dress the massage table.
2. Do NOT useall the oil up and not replace it.
(a) You should supply your own oil. ( never expect anyone to have massage oil for you.)
3. If you are nor familiar with using certain equipment then DO NOT use it or touch it.
I have come across many therapist who are not practicing any of these tips which I find very odd. How are we allowing our massage therapy students to go out and not be prepared to represent themselves properly? As instructors You need to understand that employers are aware of proper etiquette. I recruit massage therapist for many different massage settings. I expect the therapist to come trained, prepared and ready to go into a work environment.
As veteran therapist we need to make sure that we are working with the new therapist to help them to understand how to be prepared as well as display professional etiquette. Organizations like AMTA offer mentoring. You can sign up for a mentor to help you adjust to your new career. If you are a seasoned therapist you can also just sign up to be a mentor. What I like about their mentoring program you can choose gender, and demographic as well as whether you will mentor by telephone or in person. Please sign up to be a mentor if your a seasoned therapist. Let's assist in the advancement of a new therapist career.
If you are a massage therapist seeking employment or you know a facility that is seeking a qualified therapist please forward our information. We thank you in advance.
Tunisia Macklin
http://www.massageprofessionalsofillinois.com/
info@massageprofessionalsofillinois.com
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Successfully Placed
Yesterday I received clarity on why I work in recruitment and placement for massage therapist. I completed a successful placement of a wonderful gifted Thai Practitioner in a Acupuncture Clinic. I have never felt so sure and excited about anything career related since I started to practice as a massage therapist.
Starting as a recruiter in the massage industry has diffentily been an experience. I have met many brite and gifted therapist , I have also met many young therapist who are under qualified and not prepared to present themselves in the work force. There are several things that I have experience that if I could right a day and a life of a recruiter it would probably be the the top 100 book.
for instance, I have met so many very wonderful Massage therapist, Thai Practitioners and Shiatsu Practitioners. I have experienced some very interesting moments over the last few months. The funniest and yet very weird moments was when I met a Bodyworker who specialty was healing. Now I am a firm believer of the gift of healing and believe there are many therapist who have the gift of healing, However, you can not touch people and intrude in someones personal space to heal them without permission.
I interveiwed a female therapist who gave me a long list of credientals, as I displayed signs of being cold the therapist reached out and grabbed my hand. Ok!! So now I was a little concerned because I am a avid believer of not allowing just anyone or any therapist to touch me. She not only touched me but told me she transfered her energy to me. Now, I have to stay professional but was very upset that she did this without permission.
Can you believe that??? I felt violated.
After experiencing career fairs, school talks, cold calling and networking I have observed that many therapist are lacking some important skills. I hope that the massage schools will start to truely prepare their students for the work force. Considering the massage field is rapidly growing and filling with young therapist between the ages of 18-25 years old, the ME generation we have to be taught with a firm hand. Preperation is more than telling them the difference between independent contractor vs employee.
Please prepare them to the initial greeting:
1. Eye Contact
2. Firm Hand Shack
3. Speak Clear and pronounce your works.
4. Be Honest.
5.Do Not allow them to stack their resumes with modalities that they only had 2 day or 2 week training
6. Provide additonal copy of resume in case interviewer doesn't have a copy.
7. Dress appropriately.
8. Be prepared to provide demonstration massage for interviewer.
I hope this isn't to harsh and will assist someone new to the industry.
Tunisia Macklin, LMT
www.massageprofessionalsofillinois.com
Starting as a recruiter in the massage industry has diffentily been an experience. I have met many brite and gifted therapist , I have also met many young therapist who are under qualified and not prepared to present themselves in the work force. There are several things that I have experience that if I could right a day and a life of a recruiter it would probably be the the top 100 book.
for instance, I have met so many very wonderful Massage therapist, Thai Practitioners and Shiatsu Practitioners. I have experienced some very interesting moments over the last few months. The funniest and yet very weird moments was when I met a Bodyworker who specialty was healing. Now I am a firm believer of the gift of healing and believe there are many therapist who have the gift of healing, However, you can not touch people and intrude in someones personal space to heal them without permission.
I interveiwed a female therapist who gave me a long list of credientals, as I displayed signs of being cold the therapist reached out and grabbed my hand. Ok!! So now I was a little concerned because I am a avid believer of not allowing just anyone or any therapist to touch me. She not only touched me but told me she transfered her energy to me. Now, I have to stay professional but was very upset that she did this without permission.
Can you believe that??? I felt violated.
After experiencing career fairs, school talks, cold calling and networking I have observed that many therapist are lacking some important skills. I hope that the massage schools will start to truely prepare their students for the work force. Considering the massage field is rapidly growing and filling with young therapist between the ages of 18-25 years old, the ME generation we have to be taught with a firm hand. Preperation is more than telling them the difference between independent contractor vs employee.
Please prepare them to the initial greeting:
1. Eye Contact
2. Firm Hand Shack
3. Speak Clear and pronounce your works.
4. Be Honest.
5.Do Not allow them to stack their resumes with modalities that they only had 2 day or 2 week training
6. Provide additonal copy of resume in case interviewer doesn't have a copy.
7. Dress appropriately.
8. Be prepared to provide demonstration massage for interviewer.
I hope this isn't to harsh and will assist someone new to the industry.
Tunisia Macklin, LMT
www.massageprofessionalsofillinois.com
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Cool Heads Sleep Better?
Remember a healthy brain equals a healthy body... How healthy are you?
Cool Heads Sleep Better?
« Donating Blood May Be a Good Deed for Your BodyThe Brain-Skin Connection »
It’s summertime and across the country, people are flipping their pillows so they can lay their heads on the “cool side of the pillow.”
Perhaps, there’s a scientific reason behind our desire to cool off our hot heads when we sleep. A new study released this month at Sleep 2011, the 25th Anniversary of APSS: Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) suggested that people with insomnia may be able to find relief by wearing a cap that cools the brain during sleep.
According to the study, when metabolism is reduced in the brain’s frontal cortex while falling asleep, people tend to experience restorative sleep. Interestingly insomnia is associated with increased metabolism in this area. One way to reduce cerebral metabolism is to use cool the brain, a process known as “cerebral hypothermia.”
Participants in the study received all-night frontal cerebral thermal transfer by wearing a soft plastic cap on their head. The cap contained tubes that were filled with circulating water and the scientists experimented with differing temperatures to see what produced the best results.
The cool cap helped insomniacs fall asleep and stay asleep as well as the normal, average sleepers.
Many people would love to find a natural, non-pharmaceutical way to help them with their sleep at night. I’ve noticed that a variety of “cooling pillows” are already being sold online and in stores. Who knows what’s next? “Ice caps,” perhaps?
Resource: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2011, June 13). Cooling the brain during sleep may be a natural and effective treatment for insomnia.
Dr. Amen's
Cool Heads Sleep Better?
« Donating Blood May Be a Good Deed for Your BodyThe Brain-Skin Connection »
It’s summertime and across the country, people are flipping their pillows so they can lay their heads on the “cool side of the pillow.”
Perhaps, there’s a scientific reason behind our desire to cool off our hot heads when we sleep. A new study released this month at Sleep 2011, the 25th Anniversary of APSS: Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) suggested that people with insomnia may be able to find relief by wearing a cap that cools the brain during sleep.
According to the study, when metabolism is reduced in the brain’s frontal cortex while falling asleep, people tend to experience restorative sleep. Interestingly insomnia is associated with increased metabolism in this area. One way to reduce cerebral metabolism is to use cool the brain, a process known as “cerebral hypothermia.”
Participants in the study received all-night frontal cerebral thermal transfer by wearing a soft plastic cap on their head. The cap contained tubes that were filled with circulating water and the scientists experimented with differing temperatures to see what produced the best results.
The cool cap helped insomniacs fall asleep and stay asleep as well as the normal, average sleepers.
Many people would love to find a natural, non-pharmaceutical way to help them with their sleep at night. I’ve noticed that a variety of “cooling pillows” are already being sold online and in stores. Who knows what’s next? “Ice caps,” perhaps?
Resource: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2011, June 13). Cooling the brain during sleep may be a natural and effective treatment for insomnia.
Dr. Amen's
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Massage in the work place
Therapeutic Massage in the workplace was developed to relax muscles while stimulating the mind & body to become alert so you return to work refreshed, focused & with renewed concentration. Schedule massage for your next staff event today. http://www.massageprofessionalsofillinois.com/
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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To Your Health
June, 2011 (Vol. 05, Issue 06) Share
Stretch Your Limits
By Editorial Staff
If you're not a regular stretcher, you might end up on one someday. We're totally serious. Without adequate stretching, your body is much more likely to end up stiff and inflexible, particularly over time. That means you're more likely to be limited in your range of motion, and going outside of that range of motion could do damage. Here's why stretching should be a regular part of your daily wellness routine, and the best stretches to get you started.
Stretching Fundamentals
Let's consider a rubber band and a string of equal lengths. The rubber band is fairly flexible by nature, so it can stretch (within reason) to accommodate what you need it to accommodate (for example, a stack of paper). The same length of string, on the other hand, doesn't have much flexibility, if any, so if it's extended beyond its length, what happens? If it's stretched even slightly, it may start to fray; stretch it further and it will likely break (tear) into two or more pieces entirely. Bad news if that's your hamstring.
Many people exercise, but far fewer stretch. Perhaps it's because while exercise generally has visible benefits – you look better – stretching doesn't appear to do much for you on a day-to-day basis unless you're a gymnast, yoga instructor, rock climber or someone else who relies on flexibility. But that doesn't mean stretching isn't important. On the contrary; whether you're a professional athlete or a homemaker, proper stretching can help prevent injury and let you live your life to the fullest.
Benefits of Stretching
Stretching is important for several reasons. It improves flexibility, which can come in handy whether you're reaching down to pick up a pencil from the floor, climbing a ladder to the roof or trying to grab your overeager child before they run into the street. From a sports perspective, flexibility allows you to move more easily and with a greater range of motion while reducing the odds that you'll pull, strain or overstretch something in the heat of battle. It also can protect against long-term injury, in the sense that flexibility and range-of-motion deficits can cause overcompensation patterns to develop. For example, if your hamstrings and calf muscles lack adequate range of motion, it may affect lower leg and foot mechanics, leading to tendinitis or other issues over time.
Because stretching makes your body more flexible, it also has mental health benefits. First, picture yourself on the couch after a long day's work or a morning at the racquetball court, sore, stiff and in pain. Now picture yourself on the same couch after the same activities, but well-stretched, blood and oxygen circulating properly, able to achieve a superior range of motion despite your draining day. Now that's a reason to stretch, isn't it?
Which Stretch Is Best?
Traditionally, stretching routines have followed the principle of static holding; that means holding a stretch in a single position for 20-30 seconds or more.
These types of stretches, known as static stretches, were the only stretches in town for years. Of late, experts in the fitness world increasingly question whether static stretching, particularly before running or performing a sport, has value. In fact, they theorize that static stretching may actually increase injury risk if performed before participating in an activity.
The reason for this concern is because when your muscles are cold, they're at their most stiff. That makes perfect sense, right? Again, picture yourself heading out for a run – without warming up your body – after spending a sedentary day at your desk at work and another hour in your car coming home. Static stretching could actually overstretch the muscle, straining or tearing it.
The solution, according to more and more experts, is to warm up first, complete your physical activity (say, a run) and then perform static stretches, when your body can handle it. The bottom line is that cold muscles are much easier to injure than warm muscles; applying a prolonged, static stretch before you're adequately warmed up could do more damage than good.
So, does that mean you shouldn't stretch before an activity? Of course not. But you might not want to do static stretches. Instead, try dynamic active stretches – things like knee lifts, arm circles, walking lunges, leg swings, torso twists, etc. Think of dynamic stretches as a way to warm up your body in a gentle fashion that prepares you for your activity. Rather than holding a single area of the body in a stretched position for 30 seconds or more, you're stretching multiple muscles and muscle groups by way of continuous movement.
The best way to view static versus dynamic stretching is in terms of motion: When performing a static stretch, you're essentially holding a stretch in one position for a certain length of time, stretching one particular muscle or muscle group (e.g., the calf). When performing a dynamic (active) stretch, you're still stretching the calf muscle(s), but only for a few seconds at a time, and you're not really "holding" it in one place. And doing lunges, for example, doesn't just stretch the calf muscles, but also the lower leg, upper leg, hips, glutes and lower back.
Stretch Your Limits
Is a consistent stretching routine missing from your life? If it is, you're putting your health at risk. Remember, stretching isn't just for athletes; it's for everyone - that means you! Talk to your doctor about the benefits of stretching and how to properly perform static and dynamic stretches to maximize flexibility and reduce injury risk for a lifetime.
Printer Friendly
To Your Health
June, 2011 (Vol. 05, Issue 06) Share
Stretch Your Limits
By Editorial Staff
If you're not a regular stretcher, you might end up on one someday. We're totally serious. Without adequate stretching, your body is much more likely to end up stiff and inflexible, particularly over time. That means you're more likely to be limited in your range of motion, and going outside of that range of motion could do damage. Here's why stretching should be a regular part of your daily wellness routine, and the best stretches to get you started.
Stretching Fundamentals
Let's consider a rubber band and a string of equal lengths. The rubber band is fairly flexible by nature, so it can stretch (within reason) to accommodate what you need it to accommodate (for example, a stack of paper). The same length of string, on the other hand, doesn't have much flexibility, if any, so if it's extended beyond its length, what happens? If it's stretched even slightly, it may start to fray; stretch it further and it will likely break (tear) into two or more pieces entirely. Bad news if that's your hamstring.
Many people exercise, but far fewer stretch. Perhaps it's because while exercise generally has visible benefits – you look better – stretching doesn't appear to do much for you on a day-to-day basis unless you're a gymnast, yoga instructor, rock climber or someone else who relies on flexibility. But that doesn't mean stretching isn't important. On the contrary; whether you're a professional athlete or a homemaker, proper stretching can help prevent injury and let you live your life to the fullest.
Benefits of Stretching
Stretching is important for several reasons. It improves flexibility, which can come in handy whether you're reaching down to pick up a pencil from the floor, climbing a ladder to the roof or trying to grab your overeager child before they run into the street. From a sports perspective, flexibility allows you to move more easily and with a greater range of motion while reducing the odds that you'll pull, strain or overstretch something in the heat of battle. It also can protect against long-term injury, in the sense that flexibility and range-of-motion deficits can cause overcompensation patterns to develop. For example, if your hamstrings and calf muscles lack adequate range of motion, it may affect lower leg and foot mechanics, leading to tendinitis or other issues over time.
Because stretching makes your body more flexible, it also has mental health benefits. First, picture yourself on the couch after a long day's work or a morning at the racquetball court, sore, stiff and in pain. Now picture yourself on the same couch after the same activities, but well-stretched, blood and oxygen circulating properly, able to achieve a superior range of motion despite your draining day. Now that's a reason to stretch, isn't it?
Which Stretch Is Best?
Traditionally, stretching routines have followed the principle of static holding; that means holding a stretch in a single position for 20-30 seconds or more.
These types of stretches, known as static stretches, were the only stretches in town for years. Of late, experts in the fitness world increasingly question whether static stretching, particularly before running or performing a sport, has value. In fact, they theorize that static stretching may actually increase injury risk if performed before participating in an activity.
The reason for this concern is because when your muscles are cold, they're at their most stiff. That makes perfect sense, right? Again, picture yourself heading out for a run – without warming up your body – after spending a sedentary day at your desk at work and another hour in your car coming home. Static stretching could actually overstretch the muscle, straining or tearing it.
The solution, according to more and more experts, is to warm up first, complete your physical activity (say, a run) and then perform static stretches, when your body can handle it. The bottom line is that cold muscles are much easier to injure than warm muscles; applying a prolonged, static stretch before you're adequately warmed up could do more damage than good.
So, does that mean you shouldn't stretch before an activity? Of course not. But you might not want to do static stretches. Instead, try dynamic active stretches – things like knee lifts, arm circles, walking lunges, leg swings, torso twists, etc. Think of dynamic stretches as a way to warm up your body in a gentle fashion that prepares you for your activity. Rather than holding a single area of the body in a stretched position for 30 seconds or more, you're stretching multiple muscles and muscle groups by way of continuous movement.
The best way to view static versus dynamic stretching is in terms of motion: When performing a static stretch, you're essentially holding a stretch in one position for a certain length of time, stretching one particular muscle or muscle group (e.g., the calf). When performing a dynamic (active) stretch, you're still stretching the calf muscle(s), but only for a few seconds at a time, and you're not really "holding" it in one place. And doing lunges, for example, doesn't just stretch the calf muscles, but also the lower leg, upper leg, hips, glutes and lower back.
Stretch Your Limits
Is a consistent stretching routine missing from your life? If it is, you're putting your health at risk. Remember, stretching isn't just for athletes; it's for everyone - that means you! Talk to your doctor about the benefits of stretching and how to properly perform static and dynamic stretches to maximize flexibility and reduce injury risk for a lifetime.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Starting from the Ground up!!
To Your Health
May, 2011 (Vol. 05, Issue 05)
Support Yourself From the Ground Up
By Editorial Staff
Anyone who has experienced foot problems understands all too well that it can affect the rest of the body. The feet are your foundation, much like the foundation of a house. If that foundation suffers, the entire structure suffers right along with it; in some cases, it can come crashing down.
Fortunately, that same logic applies in reverse: optimizing foot performance and health is like strengthening your foundation; the result can be a stronger, more durable you from the ground up.
A recent research review provides an excellent illustration of this principle. It involves the example of patients suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, which can rack the entire body with pain, stiffness and movement limitations. According to the review, biomechanical evidence suggests that "foot orthotics and specialized footwear may change muscle activation and gait patterns to reduce joint loading. Emerging evidence suggests that orthotics, specific shoe types and footwear interventions may provide an effective nonsurgical intervention in rheumatic diseases."
The takeaway here seems clear: Support your feet and your feet will support you. An increasing body of research suggests foot orthotics can positively impact foot health (and thus whole-body health) in numerous ways. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
May, 2011 (Vol. 05, Issue 05)
Support Yourself From the Ground Up
By Editorial Staff
Anyone who has experienced foot problems understands all too well that it can affect the rest of the body. The feet are your foundation, much like the foundation of a house. If that foundation suffers, the entire structure suffers right along with it; in some cases, it can come crashing down.
Fortunately, that same logic applies in reverse: optimizing foot performance and health is like strengthening your foundation; the result can be a stronger, more durable you from the ground up.
A recent research review provides an excellent illustration of this principle. It involves the example of patients suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, which can rack the entire body with pain, stiffness and movement limitations. According to the review, biomechanical evidence suggests that "foot orthotics and specialized footwear may change muscle activation and gait patterns to reduce joint loading. Emerging evidence suggests that orthotics, specific shoe types and footwear interventions may provide an effective nonsurgical intervention in rheumatic diseases."
The takeaway here seems clear: Support your feet and your feet will support you. An increasing body of research suggests foot orthotics can positively impact foot health (and thus whole-body health) in numerous ways. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
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