Podcasting the Massage Message – AMTA & NIH broadcast

Here’s another article on how the internet and massage therapy go together to promote massage therapy.  And this relationship for broadcasting is achieving a national level.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is collaborating with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on an educational podcast about the benefits of massage therapy for stress relief.

Read more of Massage Today’s report, HERE…

Craigslist Applauded by AMTA: MT safety & professionalism improved

Today, the AMTA released to its members a bit of good news for the interest and safety of practitioners in the massage industry: Starting in Illinois, and assuming it changes in other states in the future, the ‘erotic’ posting section is being removed by the Craigslist company on their site. The AMTA is strongly discouraging an alternately suggested ‘adult’ section, but basically applauds Craigslist effort to minimize delineating, illicit, and illegal massage advertising in the majority of the states in the U.S. by posters who are not legally able to provide the services or identities they assume through the current posting place on Craigslist.

Here’s the email: (Leave your comment here after you read it!)

“For many years AMTA has sought means to clean up massage listings on Craigslist and protect both the public and massage therapists who advertise legitimately on the service. Previous direct efforts with the company have had little effect. Meanwhile, AMTA has continued to cooperate with law enforcement officials in their efforts to control ads on Craigslist. Yesterday, it was announced that Craigslist will drop its ‘erotic services’ section in the state of Illinois and this appears to indicate an overall change by the company in other states.
AMTA has issued the following press release expressing its view of the decision and calls for Craigslist and others to respect the massage therapy profession and protect the professionalism and safety of massage therapists. AMTA President, Judy Stahl has already been interviewed by news media and we are convinced that our view will receive media attention.
AMTA encourages members to look at listings in the ‘therapeutic’ section of Craigslist in their area for ads that use the word massage and promote something other than legitimate massage therapy. You can flag such ads as inappropriate. Several flags of an ad usually result in the ad being removed.
Your association will continue its efforts, and its contacts with law enforcement officials, to restrict massage therapy advertising to legitimate massage therapists and protect the safety of practitioners.

For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009
AMTA Applauds Craigslist Decision
Calls for Protection of Massage Therapists
Evanston, IL – The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) views the decision by Craigslist to remove its ‘erotic services’ section as an opportunity to clarify for the public that prostitutes who claim to provide massage are not massage therapists. “The public and massage therapists have a right to know that advertising for massage should only be the right of massage therapists,” says Judy Stahl, AMTA President. “We hope this decision will ensure that massage is only advertised on Craigslist through its ‘therapeutic’ section and that any new ‘adult’ section will not allow posters to use terms related to massage therapy.” Most states regulate the massage therapy profession and restrict use of the term ‘massage’ in business and advertising to legally practicing massage therapists.
The recent publicity surrounding the murder of a call girl who called herself a masseuse on Craigslist has confused many people. Massage therapists have had clients and patients question their professionalism and raise concerns about them advertising their massage practices through Craigslist.
Unfortunately, prostitutes frequently claim to offer massage and use the term ‘masseuse’ to appear as legitimate therapists. While most massage practitioners prefer the term massage therapist, some still use the older term, rooted in European health traditions, of ‘masseuse’.
AMTA believes these terms related to massage should only be used by those with a legal and professional right to do so. The non-profit professional association wants the public to feel confident that anyone who claims to provide massage is a trained professional who practices legally. “We call on Craigslist, the media and other online services to respect massage therapists and to protect the public from misrepresentations of massage. And, we continue our support for the efforts of the state attorneys general to protect the public from inappropriate advertising,” says Stahl.
The American Massage Therapy Association is a nonprofit professional association of more than 58,000 members founded in 1943. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. AMTA provides information about massage therapy to the public and works to improve the professional climate for massage therapists. It advocates fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states.”

Please: exercise your rights as a member of the Public to flag inappropriate ads that use the word “massage” as well as the inappropriateness of other text or pictures that do not represent massage therapy.

Craigslist will not accept an over-zealous flaggers of posts, and considers that terminable behavior or at least behavior that will be ignored, so if your thinking about being a ‘vigilante’ by going in and flagging hundreds of ads today, your success rate will be much lower.

If each public member and massage therapist flagged just one ad in a responsible manner, Craigslist will be busy getting the message that there are inappropriate and inaccurate listings that need to be removed – the more flags, the more messages. Getting non-MTs out of the Therapeutic Massage section entirely is impossible, but with enough monitoring, it can be reduced greatly and the safety of your client, yourself, and your industry will be better insured.  It only makes things better for the Client and for legitimate practitioners.

• Has Craigslist ’stepped up’?
• What is your experience with Craigslist?
• Do you think the national attention on the media-touted “Craigslist Killer” has brought the medium of Craigslist under scrutiny and given the massage therapy industry the edge it needs to demand action for the safety of the people who are working in or benefiting from massage therapy?

Tools for Determining Where You Can Practice Massage

Though simple, this diagram is helpful for visualizing the licensing requirements…in just one more way.

Employed LMTs are registered with one address (the Employer’s) and are included on the massage establishment license as a practicing LMT at that Employer’s address: no other than the State professional license is needed if that is the only address/establishment at which the LMT is practicing.

Many MTs tell me they don’t believe that they need to have certain licenses to perform at specific [other] addresses – ‘for’ or ‘not for’ money. The fact is: MTs have to have AT LEAST a State professional license to put their hands on anyone as a certified Massage Therapist (then you are an LMT). All the other licenses are “unbelievable” but necessary to earn money or ‘volunteer’ in each jurisdiction in which your own business operates (then you are an LMT practicing in Las Vegas, Clark County, etc).

IF you are performing massage therapy outside of an employment/Employer situation, you are [also] an Independent Massage Therapist, and the second fact is: to make money doing massage (including ‘tips’), you must have a Local business license that applies to the address at which you want to practice – ‘for’ or ‘not for’ money. If an LMT is not doing it for money, s/he is promoting her/his service and providing a regulated professional service, which is considered ‘doing business’. If an LMT is giving away massage – ‘donating’ – then s/he has to be working for her/his own company (self-employment connotates an IMT business license) in order to give away ‘free massages’ and have appropriate legal means to provide massage therapy. Liability insurance is strongly suggested and sometimes required for the location at which you are providing any type of massage therapy services.

Exceptions to being certified and not licensed AND practicing differ slightly in each jurisdiction, and may include: immediate household residents and/or family or family up to two generations outside of the practitioners (eg. son/grandson or aunt/niece) – check with each jurisdiction for these exceptions to the licensing/practicing requirements.

The legal differences between MTs practicing as Employees and/or IMTs can be confusing. When you consider performing massage therapy, using the information you gained as a certified massage therapist, you can boil it all down to one question: “what license to i need to perform a massage at ___________(insert address here)________?”

The answer to this question may be found here, at a GIS map that is used by the City of Las Vegas and other municipalities to determine ownership and LOCATION of a property [owner] address in the Las Vegas Valley: http://major.lasvegasnevada.gov/website/clvcamps/viewer.htm

Here’s an easy, 4-Click process to find out what jurisdiction an address is in:

Step one: Visit the GIS map (link above, too) – I save this in my Bookmarks for easy access.

Step two: see the diagram below for the 4-Click process to finding out which jurisdiction the address is located

4-Click Process diagram (page 1)

4-Click Process diagram (page 2)

Step three: based on the outcome, ask yourself: “Do I have a license for that jurisdiction?” If the answer is ‘YES!’, then go to your massage therapy appointment. If not, then find out how to get a license BEFORE you attend to your client at that location.
The above method is one that I use and have success with – legal records (tax map) cross-referenced with the same jurisdiction’s massage therapy business license requirements keeps my conscious clear, and what I believe to be legalized.

Good luck!

Practitioner Safety Measures in the Wake of ‘Masseuse’ Murder

Philip Markoff, accused of robbing, assaulting, and murdering Julissa Brisman on April 14th, has been arrested and held without bail, pending an investigation that provides enough evidence to bring him to trial.  Amongst the other items found relating to his alleged crime in his home was a semi-automatic pistol that may have been used during the crimes he’s been accused of committing – another victim, who survived his alleged robbery and assault by Markoff, has come forward with her story.

Read more about the current state of the case here (on MSN.com news).

The common thread in Markoff’s suspected attempted robberies and assaults, and in the last case: murder, is the method of contact for the claimed ‘masseuses’ he was contacting for services: Craigslist.  Thus, he has been dubbed the “Craigslist Killer” by the media – and massage therapy is involved, as well.

It is unclear to authorities at this time as to which section of Craigslist that he obtained contact information for the victims, but contact was initiated through email first, then by phone.  All reports indicate there was a massage table, set up, in the room in Boston, but it was also indicated that Brisman rented the room in the upscale hotel under her name.

In a recent email sent to members of the AMTA, they explain that, in response to many questions coming into their organization from members about the murder and assaults; they are “continuing to research means to have Craigslist remove all advertising that links massage to illegal activity.  This includes ongoing contacts with national, state and local law enforcement agencies.”  AMTA also states that in November 2008, 40 states’ Attorneys General came to an agreement with Craigslist site owners to “clean out prostitutes and posters of other illegal activity.”  The efforts and results of the site owners have a long way to go.

Law Enforcement is encouraging any victims of assault or robbery through Craigslist or any other means of contact with a massage therapist or person that’s been a victim of crime to come forward, make their complaint, and allow law enforcement to do their job of protecting citizens from violent crimes.

As a concerned MT in an industry that is constantly fighting the battle for its own identity, disassociating itself with illicit behavior and prostitution, I STRONGLY encourage massage business owners to be aware of their surroundings, situation, and who their client really is (to the best of their ability), and act on your gut.  Intuition is often neglected or ignored and can be a driving mechanism that keeps an MT out of harm’s way…if acknowledged AND acted upon.

How do I ‘know’ who my client is?

I get new clients by referral from people that are already clients or whom I already know.  It never hurts to talk about what you do or start a conversation about massage with someone (a friend, family member, or co-worker) who will ultimately remember you as an MT and refer new clients to you regularly.  Offer an incentive to referrers to ‘help’ their memory remember you as an MT when the time is right.

I do not advertise on Craigslist or in the yellow pages, so my risk is not as high for getting in touch with people I do not know.  But I was almost a victim of fraud (that would have cost me thousands), almost been in a situation where I would have worked and not been paid, and almost been assaulted, several times.

Here are a few of my suggestions for how I know to follow my gut AND end a session when I felt it was needed (for my own personal safety):

Before The Session

How did you get your call? In spas and places of business, it’s a little easier to see them coming.  Listen for requests for a specific type of therapist:  Blonde, a particular nationality, even gender are some signs to make an MT aware of potential misconduct.  In private practice, asking “how did you hear about me?” should be answered immediately and without hesitation, as most calls are made soon after trying to find an MT by conventional advertisement means.

Do you ‘walk the talk?’ Making your client aware of your intent for the session prior to (like on the phone, talking about what they want out of the massage or what areas they want worked on) and immediately prior to (like on an intake form) the session.  Many therapists also state that it is a ‘non-sexual’ massage:  I really cringe at this statement, because if there is a question or the MT has had experiences in the past with [attempted] sexual assault or innuendo, then part of the problem could be that there may not have been effective communication prior to the session, either through advertising, conversation, or other written forms of informed consent about the session.

Do you confirm your appointments? Restating your intent by verbally recognizing the massage needs of the client on the phone the day before the appointment reaffirms your intent and the fact that you’ve ‘got their number.’  If you are responding to a call the same day, you may verify their number by calling back, something you might make a habit for every client, but especially those of whom you may be suspicious.  Remember: the gut never lies.

Do you take credit cards? Another way to identify the person with whom you are doing business is to take credit card payments…and require them for everyone whom you do not know initially, or maybe for everyone in general, or for only outcalls, or for whomever you think needs to have their identity bolstered a little more.  The cost of taking a credit card varies, but I think the cost of doing business will pay for itself if you have even 1 fraudulent or non-payment per year.  Credit cards require the person holding the card to be the cardholder and to actually have the card in their hand.  Further verification of cardholder information is open to you as a merchant and requires you’re asking for their ID and the credit card used to verify identity of the cardholder to the purchase by way of codes on the card, signature, and embossed names.  I use Paypal: free, effective for encrypted purchases (from the client’s standpoint), and secures information about the purchaser – a paper trail.

During The Session

Got Buddy? If you are not communicating with someone that you know or whom is outside of the actual session, you may consider harnessing the power of the ‘buddy system’ when going to outcall massage sessions.  Call your Buddy while you’re in the room:  let your client know you have to check in with your Buddy/spouse/friend/etc and that the phone call/text will just be a moment.   You can do it while you’re washing up, but it is important to let your client know that you are in contact with someone who knows where you are and what time you are to be done with the session.

Especially for those going to hotels where environment is not as under control as the client you are meeting for the first time (or subsequently), checking in with the front desk or concierge may be your best buddy, as they are a direct line to help when you need it.  By them knowing you are there and what time you should be down to check in with them again after the session, they can be the fastest and most secure way of assuring that assistance is close by.  Also, if you confirm the guest name on the room (that you were told by the client), then that could be another way to dispel any suspicions.  The agent will not tell you what the room is, in case it is not the same, so be sure to ask the client PRIOR to asking the front desk in whose name the room is listed, in case the client’s name is not the same on the room.

Mobile Phone as luggage. Take your cell phone with you – in a spa, this is not possible for liability reasons…but, if you are a private practitioner, it is a necessity for safety reasons.  You may ‘appear’ to be confirming your location and attendance in the session, in front of the client, as part of your process when you go to a hotel room by calling or texting a buddy – or you may [i]actually[/i] be calling/texting someone of your location.  In case of emergency, it may be the only/fastest way for you to get in contact with someone.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign. The client is showing signs of committing or commits the act – STOP THE SESSION!  Go outside your Self, Go outside your ego, practice doing this outside the situation by having the conversation with another professional or confidant.  When it happens, STOP THE SESSION!  If you are in imminent danger, flee.  If you are not sure of the intent of the client, pack up and leave.  If you decide to ask for or wait to collect your money – if you haven’t already collected it – you are taking an unnecessary risk – your safety is worth more than your fee for one massage session!

These are just a few things that you can do to help keep you safe and practicing without risk of mental or physical harm.  If you have any things that you use to assure you peace of mind when working with clients whom you do not know (or even know), post them here – it’s sure to help out someone to see many different successful ways of being safe.

Abdominal & Pelvic Massage and Women’s Health Issues

Massage Therapists are trained to do abdominal and pelvic massage – this type of massage on the area of the torso can be physiological or energetic in nature. A therapist can assist in the movement of blood, toxins, muscle tissue, and visceral structures physiologically, and move energies related to the Hara, kidneys (Jing), and aura.

Several structures in the lower female pelvis are the apparatus that allows a woman to bear another human being. The ovaries produce and release eggs that travel down the uterine (Fallopian) tubes monthly, taking a 5-day journey to attempt to attach to the tissue nest of greatly-available blood and nutrients, the endometrium lining that the uterus has prepared all month (approximately every 28 days). The eggs are most likely to be fertilized in that journey down the uterine (Fallopian) tube. If the eggs are not fertilized within a certain amount of time, hormones communicate that the nest of blood and nutrients needs to be shed in the menses and the cycle starts at the beginning again.
No matter the reason for a massage therapist to choose to work on the abdominal and pelvic area, there are some conditions a therapist and their client need to be aware of when addressing the female reproductive system. Several conditions that women regularly and/or naturally experience in the pelvic area and that are of concern in the area of massage therapy include: use of birth control, dysmenorrhea, spontaneous and elective abortion, endometriosis, and fibroid tumors.
Birth control pills are used to tell the brain that the body is pregnant, thereby stopping the flow of hormones that prepare the body for fertilization and pregnancy. Massage in the pelvic area is appropriate when considering this form of health affectation.
Dysmenorrhea, referred to more commonly as a painful menstrual period, is defined by the woman’s experience of limiting activities for at least 1 day every month because of symptoms of dull aching or sharp severe lower abdominal pain – accompanying nausea and vomiting are also signs of dysmenorrhea. It is not advisable for massage to be done on the area of localized pain within the first two days that symptoms show – it is advisable to use reflexive techniques and massage all other indicated areas of the body.
Spontaneous Abortion, an unintentional termination of a pregnancy, can happen in many stages of pregnancy and for many reasons, many having to do with the overall & systemic health of the mother and the ability of the egg or fetus to survive in the health of the mother’s uterus. Elective Abortion, an intentional termination of a pregnancy, can also happen for many health-related reasons. In either the case of spontaneous or elective abortion, the lining of the uterus is disrupted and needs time to heal. Massage in the pelvic region is not appropriate after a spontaneous or elective abortion until after bleeding has stopped and there is no sign of infection. Client and therapist should be aware of doctor recommendations for massage therapy if an abortion occurred less than 6 weeks ago.
Endometriosis is a resultant condition of the non-exiting (in menstruation) tissue fragments of the endometrium (of the uterus) attaching to other cells and structure in the body. Circulation and implantation of the endometrial cells produces “blood blisters” or clear vesicles in early years – in later years, the implanted cells will grow over, appearing black and scarred. Massage therapy is not advised in the area of the diagnosis of endometriosis, especially during menstruation. Diagnoses have been known to displace structures in the area of endometriosis (usually in the pelvic region), so care in providing and receiving pelvic work is suggested for locally diagnosed endometriosis.
Fibroid Tumors grow in or around the uterus, mostly undetected (because of their small size) and exist in a postulated 20-30% of women between 30 and 50 years old¹. Symptoms of small fibroids are unrealized while in diagnosed cases of larger fibroids can reveal symptoms of mechanical pressure on other structures (including nerves) in the pelvic area and increased menstrual bleeding. Massage is suggested in pelvic areas other than the uterus if there is a diagnosis of fibroid tumors – as large fibroids can displace other structures in the pelvic area, massage is not appropriate in the area of the uterus.

Here are some points to consider when going for your therapeutic massage and your therapist does pelvic work:

1. Deep work in the pelvic area is not generally practiced in massage therapy, although a few modalities address the pelvic region using deep tissue techniques. A client should always ask and the therapist should always explain what the intent of their work is deep in the pelvis.
2. Deep work in the pelvic or abdominal area is generally not advised on days of heavy menstrual flow. Many other massage therapy techniques can be used by a therapist to alleviate symptomatic experiences of pain and discomfort.
3. Let your massage therapist know if you’ve been experiencing conditions related to your health as a woman, so your therapist may best serve you and deliver the most appropriate method to improve your health and well-being.
4. Your therapist may also let you know about structures s/he feels (literally) may be abnormal or out of place; the therapist may also refer you to a qualified health care provider that s/he knows personally in order to assist you in achieving a level of wellness or “peace of mind” – listen, and visit that doctor or qualified practitioner who can help you determine what the issue is and how to improve your overall health.
5. As with all other areas of the body, the pressure should be delivered by the therapist and experienced by the client at a level that is comfortable and expected. Any level of discomfort beyond acceptable standards of the client needs to be recognized and addressed by the client so the therapist can respond appropriately.
6. Most of all, enjoy your pelvic massage! It increases the internal health of the abdomen, strengthening, circulating, and stimulating movement in the organs and musculature, making your entire body healthier!

¹”A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology,” Ruth Werner, 1998, p. 331

Multiple Sclerosis & Massage Therapy, Reflexology

Good news for Multiple Sclerosis patients – Massage Therapy helps your inflammatory, fatigue, muscle spasticity, and motor control symptoms, with regular sessions! There are several manual techniques for addressing and improving the symptoms of MS with which a massage therapist can assist.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the myelin sheaths around the brain and spinal nerves of the central nervous system (CNS) are initially inflamed, then are gradually degenerated, causing symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, eye pain, tremors, and progressive loss of vision, sensation, and motor control. This condition is diagnosed in about 8,800 new patients every year – about 350,000 cases are known in the United States.¹

Sclerosis is a hardening of the myelin sheath when it is replaced by a plaque or scar tissue. Electrical impulses that characterize the method by which the body communicates through the nerves are literally “short circuited” because of the inability of the plaque or scar tissue to conduct the impulses. Symptoms are more or less depending on how much of the sclerosis occupies the nervous system, where myelin sheaths used to be. The “short-circuiting” effect causes motor and sensory paralysis, which shows in the lack of motor control and feeling in the skin and other perceptive organs.

Massage Therapy is indicated in a sub-acute stage of MS – that is, when the symptoms are not heightened and when the patient is in a remissive state. It improves many aspects of the symptoms, like inflammation control and stress or depression symptoms. Heat is not indicated at any time, as heat is an agitator of muscle activity, causing spasm in any stage of MS. In areas where there is little or no sensation, light massage (effleurage) is indicated in order to affect the neurons and keep them firing.

The Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami has issued two studies that show that massage therapy improves specific conditions shown in MS patients.

The first study, conducted with 24 adults with MS over 5 weeks, receiving a 45-minute massage twice a week, resulted in “the massage group ha[ving] lower anxiety and less depressed mood immediately following the massage sessions, and by the end of the study they had improved self-esteem, better body image and image of disease progression, and enhanced social functioning.”²

The second study showed the effect of reflexology on 71 randomized MS patients: “Significant improvement in paresthesias, urinary symptoms and spasticity was detected in the reflexology group. Improvement with borderline significance was observed in muscle strength between the reflexology group and the controls. The improvement in the intensity of paresthesias remained significant at three months of follow-up.”³

Amazing results from using massage therapy gives hope to the MS patients suffering MS’s debilitating conditions. You may read more about the details of the TRI studies at the University of Miami or visit the National MS Society to learn more about how reflexology is impacting the pain symptoms of MS patients.

¹Werner, Ruth (1998). Multiple Sclerosis. A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, 135-139.
²Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., & Theakston, H. (1998). Multiple sclerosis patients benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2, 168-174.
³Siev-Ner, I., Gamus, D., Lerner-Geva, L., & Achiron, A. (2003). Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study. Mult Scler., 9, 356-61.

Bodies on the Table: Blood Circulation

The second article in this series addresses another way your body responds to bodywork, massage therapy specifically – it is the aspect of circulation.  Increasing circulation of many of the body’s fluids is a benefit that is innate to the pushing, pulling, and stretching that accompanies most massage strokes – blood transport is the focus of this segment.

In Swedish-style massages, effleurage, petrissage, compression, and muscle stripping all share the goal of moving fluids.  Fluids can be defined as blood, lymph, water, or extra-cellular fluid; all forms transport nutrients, bacteria (good and bad), and waste in and out of the body.  Effective transport indicates good health – the cells are healthier and cellular-aging and -death is reduced.

Massage enlivens the theory that moving blood, specifically, toward the heart increases vasodilation (venous circumference) which increases the volume of the vein which means transport of nutrients and waste in the blood will increase.  Movement is life, so moving the fluids is important for the health of the surrounding and affected cells.  Also, moving fluids toward the heart increases waste production, since the kidneys are in line to the return blood flow to the heart – needing to urinate after a bodywork session is a normal and healthy response to the work you just received.

Another aspect of blood circulation that is an important feature of healthy, comfortable, and safe bodywork is the direction of the stroke.  Since veins occur mostly toward the most-surface areas of the body, they are the most directly affected structures during a massage.  Although the direction of energy strokes is dependent on the theory in use, tissue-manipulative strokes are most effectively and safely delivered when applied toward the heart.

The reason for this is that veins have structures inside that prevent backflow of blood and fluid.  The heart is not able to effectively assist the blood return through the veins, just the blood delivery through the arteries, which is strongest at the point of origin – the pumping heart muscle.  In blood return to the heart, the body is designed to assist through contraction of muscle surrounding the veins to move the blood back toward the heart and lungs for recirculation.

Another function of and safety mechanism for preventing the back flow of blood (especially during sedentary states) is the pockets or valves on the interior of the veins.  If pressure is applied in the direction of backflow (against the direction of flow), the structure of the pockets and valves is compromised and the veins stretch and strain under the pressure.  If there is too much stress on the vein in one application or over time, damage can occur to the vein, causing it to weaken or break.  Varicosities can occur or, at worst, bruising of the area where the vein was compromised.

As we get older, the elastin is depleted and not easily replaced in our entire body.  Veins are an important place to have elastin, as they expand and contract based on our environment and state of physical exertion and health.  If undue pressure is applied in the opposite direction of blood flow, permanent damage can be caused by which it becomes more difficult to recover.

What’s most important is that you feel good during and after your massage.  The old adage “If it feels good, do it” is most applicable when considering the direction of the massage stroke you are receiving.  If it is irritating or annoying, there is a reason it feels that way – talk to your therapist and ask why you may be experiencing that feeling or sensation.  Trust your body to tell you what is good for it – safe, effective massage “feels good.”  The circulatory system plays a major role in how you feel during or after your massage, so make it an important goal, whether it’s to invigorate or relax it, for your overall health and well-being.

In the next article, we’ll talk about another circulatory system that is affected by bodywork and massage – the lymphatic system.  We’ll see how edema, lymph nodes, and the liver, kidneys, and your tonsils all play a part in the physical response and benefits of receiving bodywork!

Winds of Change Blowing: Professional Association & State Boards Support New Benchmarking Tool – the MBLEx

Wouldn’t you just love to be able to walk into a state board – ANY state board – and hand them [your state’s license] credentials, including the passing of one test recognized by all states, and they say “No problem! Here you go,– now: go out and do massage.”

Although that scene could have been difficult to imagine 5 or 10 years ago, that seems to be where the massage therapy industry, where regulation is concerned, is heading.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), a leading professional association operated for and by more than 58,000 massage therapists, announced last week its support for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), the newest American massage therapy professional exam on the block. The AMTA has supported the industry- & jurisdictionally-recognized National Certification Exam (NCE) and  finds that the newest licensing exam, developed & administered by the FSMTB (whose membership is primarily composed of state massage boards) is the next evolutionary step and “the best choice” in national credentialing for massage therapists in America.

It seems that the AMTA (a major influence in the areas of professionalism, professional representation to other fields of healthcare, and largest representation by mere numbers of a massage-therapist-only organization) is also supporting the entity of choice of the state boards that are moving to a more unified and portable licensing situation, which I can say has been and is a dream for our industry.

Just to recap:

· The MBLEx is the test given by the FSMTB

· The NCE is the test given by the NCBTMB – two versions are NCETM (Therapeutic Massage) & NCETMB (Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork)

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) administers the MBLEx, which is comparable to the NCETM/B, administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).

Although the NCBTMB uses massage instructors, allied professionals (like chiropractors and physical therapists), the public and federal jurisdictions in developing the NCE, the development of another non-credential-bearing version of the NCB’s ’stamp of approval’ for passers of the NCE, the NESL, has come a little late in the development of the reigning Certifiers of professionals in the massage therapy industry.

It seems that the NCBTMB does not include State Boards of Massage Therapy in the development of the benchmark testing of their NCE, and that there is not a like mind shared by all State Boards of Massage Therapy that agrees on the applicability of the NCE in each of the State Boards’ jurisdictions.

The MBLEx and the FSMTB is fast becoming state massage therapy boards’ preference for a professional benchmark to determine whether an MT is competent enough to practice massage therapy in the specific Board’s state.

Last year, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists (NSBMT) became a member of the Federation of State Boards of Massage Therapy (FSMTB), joining the fast-growing numbers of state boards of massage therapy in the US.

Stats:

o 42: States Massage-Regulated in the U.S.

o 32: States Massage-Regulated in the U.S. and using the NCE

o 25: State Massage Boards also FSMTB members

What does this mean to [Nevada] Massage Therapists?

In my opinion, immediately, it will mean that in the next few years, the exam taken for applying for Nevada’s massage therapist professional license will be changing. Ultimately, it will mean interstate portability for a massage therapy license. And in the big scheme of things, a national professional license. And in the universal application of the implications, the universal (intra- and inter-national) ability to practice massage professionally with the same credentials. Now EVEN BIGGER that Universal implications could be BUSINESS LICENSEs are Universal, too – but I think that’s pushing it…just a bit.

Most of us have “grown up” with either the local business license office or state board requiring the NCTM/B credential: taking the NCE and getting the certificate to take copies to their offices. It does not mean (at least to the AMTA) that the NCE is not a valid exams: the AMTA clearly stated in their email (dated Jan 26^th, 2009) to its members:

“The national certification credential needs to be an important part of any grandfathering process.”

Will the MBLEx replace the NCE?

Who knows for sure? It is an Act in a Play that we are seeing for the first time – and we/ve read no reviews! The happenings in our field are new and changing, like a road on a trip that you’ve never taken before – destination: Unity.

The process of new licensing in Nevada may be changing slightly. A note: Change is inevitable…and it is also very slow in our industry, where regulation is associated; it doesn’t happen overnight.

The State of Nevada’s NSBMT is a member of the FSMTB, but they are not using the MBLEx as a benchmark at this time for regular application, but have stated that they will consider applicants that are relying on having taken the MBLEx for their NVMT application in individual review. I project the notice of complete change of requirement from the NCE to the MBLEx will come when the Nevada Legislation is passed, changing the requirements for exam to be taken by applicants for massage therapy license. Please refer to the posted NSBMT record of minutes in the October 24^th, 2008 meeting.

One way to know where the test requirement is in the process is to keep up to date with the NSBMT by attending their meetings open to the Public or reviewing the approved minutes for each NSBMT meeting, available online here.

Viability of the MBLEx

I have no idea how the tests compare – without actually taking the MBLEx after taking the NCETMB, I have no springboard to base any opinion on which one is more credible, researched, relevant, or easy. Although…I am VERY tempted just to take the MBLEx to see how I do – It’s been so long since I’ve studied for an exam!

Learn more about the MBLEx here

Learn more about the FSMTB here

The Choice of a Premier Professional Association

Through the AMTA invention, convention, direction, and redistribution of volunteer time and non-profit funds paid for by members and vested partners, they have established themselves as a motivator and leading performer in the massage therapy and professional association industries.

In my opinion, this is a fundamental commitment on behalf of the AMTA. Which means, if, in the estimation of more than 58,000 massage therapists, more state boards are being formed all the time, the state’s MT Boards opt to become member of the FSMTB, and the MBLEx is the test of choice because of unification of regulation and legislation factors, then endorsing the MBLEx and educating all its members and making information about the MBLEx available to the public and the association’s members is a good choice.

Models from Abroad Strike Again!

In my experience, which does not include losing thousands of dollars like other MTs around the U.S. but right up to that “point of no return,” the following email has not the scent of an Italian model, but rather that of a rat.

I have 8 unique attempts at fraud in my file – unique in their origin, but very common in their M.O. The following email is another attempt. Some key elements of this type of email fraud that I’ve found evident in every fraudulent email are:

• Non-Domestic – best characterized by the email domain that is not .com, .net, .us, .biz, .info, .org, .gov (or other “dot” that you recognize more often), and also characterized by the broken English writing & unofficial “official” statements [like the "confidentiality" statement at the end of this email],
• Model – the model him/herself or their agent (friend, manager, travel agent) is not necessarily a model, but is someone travelling from abroad to Nevada,
• “U.S.” is where they are traveling to – a specific address is never stated as to where they will be staying so you can go to them to do your massage, and they most likely will agree to come to you,
• Referral – they will mention that they got your name from someone else that knows of you, but your name will never be used in the email (unless you give it to them),
• Introduction & Correspondence emails are different – the introduction email is a template filled in with basic information they have about the state you’re in; the city and your name remain unknown and unacknowledged by the writer (unless you give it to them).

Here’s the Email:

From: marcetocca@tiscali.it [mailto:marcetocca@tiscali.it]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:04 PM
Subject: Massage Inquiry

Hello,
How are you today? My name is Mrs Marcella Fedelle, i live and work here in italy, i am 36yrs old. I have been doing massage since 1989. I do a deep relaxation massage in which the muscles relax without pain, I also do energy massage that helps people feel great when I am done. I am certified to do pregnancy massage .I have lots of happy clients here in italy , I have a client Miss Alessandra Amato A Model here in italy ,She will be coming to the U.S in three weeks time for a modeling job and she will be residing in Nevada temporarily until the neccesary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves,she will be needing massage therapy 1hr session three times a week for one month

Miss Amato asked me to come with her to the US but i told her i would not be able to go with her to the US as i have a course i will be going for in a week time and the course will last for three months.So i promised to help her get a good practitioner in your Area.

I have been looking for a massage therapist for over two weeks till i met an old friend Mrs Jessica Claire at the Cosmetic Surgery And Beauty Conference that was held over the weekend in Milano. I spoke with her about my client and was referred to you. She gave me your referral.

Pls tell me a little more about yourself,how long have you been a massage therapist?and would you be able to provide her massage therapy?

I will also need you to get back to me with the amount you charge per session and also let me know if she can pay you via Us Certified Cashiers Check

Pls send your reply to my personal email address ( __________@yahoo.it ) because i do check it frequently.

Thank you very much and do have a nice day..

Marcella Fedelle
Via Cusani, 26

20123 Milano ,
Italy

———————————–CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:——————————————————The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential, and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure,copying,distribution, electronic storage or use of this communication is prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify us immediately by email, attaching the original message, and delete the original message from your computer and any network to which your

Telefona e naviga senza limiti con Tiscali Voce 8 Mega a soli € 15 al mese per i primi 12 mesi. In seguito paghi € 29,90 al mese. Attiva entro il 6/11/08!

_______________________________________________________________

The idea and the M.O. is for you to agree to perform a series of massages, “costing” them $500+, usually in the thousands. You will give them a bill prior to meeting them, and they agree to send you a certified or cashier’s check. You get the check, never performing the services, and they ask you to deposit it, because… due to the mistaken travel arrangements with the agent, you’ve been overpaid through the check that has been cut and it on its way to you. They want you to deposit the check and send the difference to someone else. To incent you, you can keep a couple hundred “extra” (in addition to your bill) for your trouble.

Unfortunately, the official-looking check you deposited 30 days ago will be returned to your bank and you will owe the bank the amount of money for which the fraudulent check was written. You will have written a “good” check and mailed it to the travel agent for the thousands in difference on the “official” check, that same check will have cleared your account, and you will have never seen your “client” because they postponed their trip. You will probably never get to do your massage with them.

Ways to say no:

1. “no.”
2. “no, thank you.”
3. “I’m sorry: I don’t take checks.”
4. “I’m sorry: I don’t take checks from people I’ve just met and/or that don’t have a NV ID/DL.”

To read more about this method of email fraud, visit Wikipedia’s page that describes this and most types of fraud: Advanced Fee Fraud

To understand what the Federal Trade Commission is doing about email scams or to report an attempt, please visit their website.

HIPAA On the Horizon

Client safety and confidentiality the intent of HIPAA – improves alternative health care industry

If you’ve ever thought twice about filling out a health questionnaire that your massage or bodywork practitioner has asked you to complete, you are not alone. It is within the scope of a Practitioner to ask questions about your health in order to provide you with the best service possible – safeguarding your state of health, knowing and practicing the contraindications for you and the bodywork you are receiving, and preventing any complications in providing that service. With rising fraud crimes and use of electronic filing systems, it is a valid concern of the Client and Practitioner that information can be misplaced, mishandled, and miscommunicated.

In 2003, the healthcare industry adopted a government standard for getting and keeping your personal health information for purposes of practicing medicine and filing insurance claims. It is named HIPAA: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA has three major purposes:

1. To protect and enhance the rights of consumers by providing them access to their health information and controlling the inappropriate use of that information;
2. To improve the quality of healthcare in the United States by restoring trust in the healthcare system among consumers, healthcare professionals and the multitude of organizations and individuals committed to the delivery of care; and
3. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery by creating a national framework for health privacy protection that builds on efforts by states, health systems, individual organizations and individuals.

Bodyworkers and Clients alike will be satisfied to know that the HIPAA law in place today protects the Protected Health Information (PHI) of the Client in every aspect of the healthcare information-gathering process when insurance claims are filed with companies such as BlueCross and BlueShield.

At this time, compliance is not mandatory for Bodyworkers in the industry of Alternative Healthcare (unless the information is used in an insurance claim situation), but many Information Technology systems are developing in order to accommodate the eventual governmental requirement. If you didn’t know already, currently it is industry-standard to get a written release form from the Client in order for the Practitioner to give or receive health record information from the Client’s doctor.

Look in the near future for your practitioner to have HIPAA information and compliant forms with his or her intake form to assure you that your information is handled with the level of concern and confidentiality it deserves.

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