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Massage as a Treatment Tool for Opioid Dependence

2016-11-17T10:00:30-05:00November 17th, 2016|

Last month we introduced how massage therapy can help individuals who are drug dependent stay present in their bodies, rather than disassociating to the negative body outcomes of their substance of choice. We also discussed how massage therapy can break the cycle of stress and sleeplessness so common among the substance dependent, by encouraging deep relaxation and releasing serotonin, dopamine, and other feel-good hormones throughout the body. Those who abuse substances often rely on drugs to experience pleasure; massage, in contrast, helps people experience their bodies’ natural pleasure pathways. Today we’re continuing the conversation by taking a special look at how […]

Staff Profile: Robyn Baehler, Alumni Services Coordinator and Sports Massage Therapist at the Track & Field Olympic Trials

2016-11-08T11:00:49-05:00November 8th, 2016|

A massage therapist career can take you in whatever direction you wish. For East West College grad Robyn Baehler, sports massage therapy specialization lead her to treat athletes at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene this past July. Now, Robyn is also working in our Oregon massage school as our Alumni Services Coordinator and has a chance to help tomorrow’s LMTs find work after graduation. Today we’re delighted to share the story of Robyn’s connection to the massage world and working with athletes, including how she ended up providing massage to world-class running stars. Robyn also provides […]

Massage for Drug Addiction: A Primer for Massage Therapists

2016-10-11T13:52:49-04:00October 11th, 2016|

According to a survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 24.6 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population, used an illicit drug in the past month. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has stated that addiction impacts nearly half of American families. Illegal drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes cost the U.S. over half a trillion dollars annually, in the form of health care costs, accidents, criminal activity, and education special services. Clearly, addiction is an issue worthy of our national attention, and a worthwhile focus for any healthcare professional, including massage therapists.

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The Benefits of Pre-Race Massage

2016-08-08T21:00:15-04:00August 8th, 2016|

Picture this: you’re getting ready to run a 5k, you see a massage table set up, and next to it the massage therapist offering a, what you say, a “free massage!?” But wait. There are no lines? How could this be?

benefits of a pre-race massage to warm up the muscles

As a massage therapist, one of my main goals is to support optimum performance for athletes. Often, I set up my massage table at local runs. One thing I’ve consistently noticed is that far fewer people take advantage of massage prior to the […]

Legal Pitfalls to Avoid as a Massage Therapist

2016-08-02T21:23:00-04:00August 2nd, 2016|

Upon graduating from our Portland massage therapist school, newly hatched LMTs are excited to get to work! Many decide to strike out on their own as independent business owners. However, there’s plenty to consider when launching a new business, including potential legal snafus. This article reviews a few legal considerations for massage therapists, including contracts, choosing your business entity, and protecting intellectual property. Read on to learn how to avoid some common legal pitfalls in the massage therapy profession.
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Massage for Medically Fragile Clients

2016-07-21T17:16:15-04:00July 21st, 2016|

Medically fragile clients are those with frail constitutions due to chronic or terminal illness, advanced age, or injury. These patients have complex, serious medical conditions. They may also be referred to as “medically frail” or “medically complex.” Massage therapist and educator Julie Goodwin explains that clients who fit into the “medically frail” category often have “multiple health conditions from which recovery or rehabilitation is unlikely, medical treatments and medications that create side effects that interfere with daily functioning, and impairments to mobility and cognition.”

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Massage Therapy Schools Share Online Anatomy Study Tools for Students

2016-04-05T11:37:09-04:00April 5th, 2016|

When taking classes at our massage school, many students are pleasantly surprised at the depth of knowledge expected of them. As 2004 East West College graduate Nancy Failla explains, “When I came to East West, I had no idea how hard the anatomy and physiology classes were going to be. I actually thought it was mostly going to be massage and hands on. It was surprising, but in a good way, because the curriculum was so intense and so thorough that I felt like I was in premed school.” As a result of these high academic standards, many […]

Fibromyalgia: How Massage Therapy Classes Can Help Those Afflicted

2016-03-29T11:31:11-04:00March 29th, 2016|

More than 3 million Americans have Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition with no known cure. Fibromyalgia is defined by body-wide pain and sensitivity to touch. It is also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) because other symptoms are not uncommon. Women are far more likely to experience Fibromyalgia. Overall, Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that can be managed, but not cured. Let’s take a look at how taking massage classes can help Fibromyalgia patients. […]

Massage Therapy Training Self-Care Tips: Wrist and Hand Exercises

2024-08-02T17:14:41-04:00March 22nd, 2016|

Self-care is so important in the massage profession. Think about it this way: you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Your body and hands are the tools of your trade, and every tradesperson appreciates the importance of keeping tools in tip-top condition.

The importance of self-care for massage therapists is well documented. Given the hands-on, repetitive nature of their work, massage therapists are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries sustained while providing relief to clients. Even though massage therapy schools train therapists on the value of proper body mechanics, self-care, and proper positioning, they may still suffer […]

Improve Circulation with Arnica Infused Massage Oils, Creams, and Gels

2016-03-15T11:53:18-04:00March 15th, 2016|

A recent article in Massage Magazine caught our attention. It discusses arnica, and how arnica-infused products can help improve circulation. Today we’re summarizing that piece while also exploring how different groups of patients, specifically athletes, can benefit from improved circulation. For athletes, key benefits of a healthy circulatory system include an uptick in athletic performance. The benefits of arnica can be valuable for sports massage clients and others. Read on to learn more. […]

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