Morgantown Beauty College

Buying a Massage Table

Picking a massage table out takes some consideration. This is the table you are going to hope to use for years. I bought my original table 15 years ago and it is still in good shape. I bought the best I could get at the time and never regretted it. I have gotten a lighter weight aircraft aluminum table for ease in travelling since the original is heavy wood. Both have their place in my practice.

For a good article on choosing a table: 10 Tips on Choosing a Table

One thing they say you should consider is re-sale value. I disagree. A used table is generally worth no more than $50-100 maximum. And the $100 is only if it is relatively new and in prime condition. Many folks buy a table and think they will get close to their cost back. Unfortunately, you lose warranty when you buy a used table, which decreases the value considerably. Namebrands matter. Popularity of size, material, foam quality also matters. Great tables can be had for under $450 now and that makes spending much more for a used one kind of silly. This is your only and most expensive piece of equipment. Don't scrimp.

Podcast: Music For Massage

Here you will find a few deals on purchasing music downloads as well as free podcasts of music samplers, etc. Some LMTs find that an IPod full of a variety of programs is easy to tote with speakers on massage outcalls and in the office allows for a wide variety throughout the day from a docking station. It sure beats lugging a boombox with cassette tapes! Been there, done that!

Check it out here: Music For Massage

Student Guest Blog: Pregnancy Massage

Chad had this to say recently:

I researched the ethics dealing with massage on pregnant women.  I found several informative websites, but the one that stuck out was: http://www.cortiva.com/locations/psmt/continuing-education/#ethics.  This website is for gaining CEU's in different disciplines, but it has lots of other good information.

  "Six million American women become pregnant each year, so it is likely that in the course of a massage therapist's career, he or she will have the opportunity and privilege to massage a pregnant woman... but, the massage therapist may not remember or may have never learned the client positions and massage therapy techniques that are safe in each trimester of pregnancy. Whether you want a thorough review of the basics or an introduction to the specialty of pregnancy massage, in this workshop you will learn safe and effective massage positioning, draping and techniques, as well as, precautions and contraindications to support women through their healthy pregnancies."

The ethical dilemmas one faces when giving massages during pregnancy are many, but can be dealt with if the massage therapist conducts themselves in a professional manner.  First, being a male and giving these massages you must take extra care in making the client as comfortable as possible, and following all the draping techniques at all times.  Also one has to take the baby's welfare into consideration.  If you believe there is even the slightest risk of causing harm to mother or baby you must have the strong ethical stance to say no to the massage.  As a professional massage therapist I believe you must communicate with the client and the client's health care provider when deciding on whether or not to give a pregnancy massage.

Massage Workshop: Feldenkrais Method

Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movements and body awareness to affect movement, comfort and posture.

"Awareness Through Movement" from 6-7 PM Mondays beginning April 12th at Healthsouth MountainView Regional Rehab Hospital Outpatient Department.

Cost is $8 per class. For more information or to register call 304-285-1049 or 800-388-2451.

Massage Therapy National Cert Test

Students gearing up to take the national cert test need to be sure to enter the proper school code on their application. This is given to you when you get your diploma. If you have any questions about this, give me a call at school.

Job Posting: Massage Therapist

Priority Care Medical Group is looking to fill an immediate position for a licensed massage therapist. This is a part-time position Monday-Wednesday-Friday.

Mail your resume to 918 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 9, Morgantown, WV 26505

Or Fax to 304-599-1952

Massage and the Flu

Siince I am home with the flu, I did a little research to find some help. Generally you shouldn't get a massage when you are sick as you will end up feeling owrse, here's a link to a traditional Chines medicine method of foot massage for the flu.

You can find it here: Chinese Foot Massage for Flu

Brown Sugar Scrubs

Before I left town, one of the students asked me for my sugar scrub recipe. Its perfect for this time of year as we pull our feet out of boots and prepare to face warmer weather. This recipe is easy to store in a sealed glass jar, but I usually only make enough to use at one time. So here it is!

Sugar Scrub

Choose a sugar: brown sugar, white sugar, turbinado sugar. Any sugar with crystals the size you prefer.

Choose an oil: olive oil (pomace, not extra virgin) is my preference, but sunflower, safflower peanut or plain vegetable oil will work.

Choose a scent: this is optional. I prefer essential oils. Pick one you like to fit your mood.

Place about 1 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle anywhere from 1-4 tablespoons of oil onto it. Add about 10 drops (or more to your preference) of essential oil. Mix well.

I use the tub/shower for the application---wash your skin and rub this mix anywhere you want to soften the skin. The whole body will enjoy it so don't limit yourself to the feet. Follow with a thorough rinse.

Enjoy!

Antibiotics and Massage

During the normal course of events in massage school you are bound to catch a cold or flu bug. One of the first questions is: should I give a massage and can I get a massage?

The first thought is for the client. If you have a runny nose, uncontrollable sneezing, fever or a constant cough you shouldn't be around clients. Protect them by taking a day or two off until you you are out of the woods. That is a tough choice when you work for yourself but your clients will appreciate your kindness in the end--especially if they don't get sick.

I remember being in massage school with a cold and getting a massage--even though I had been told by instructors that it wasn't a good idea. I thought it might make the sore muscles feel better. Within 6 hours I felt awful! That is a lesson I learned the hard way. I went from feeling bad to feeling miserable.

Which brings me to antibiotics. There is a good article in the latest issue of Massage Today that discusses the client who is taking antibiotics. No hard and fast rules here but a good thorough discussion to give yourself some information when a client calls or stops in during cold and flu season.

Find the article here: When is it safe to treat a patient taking antibiotics?

Massage Today

This is a free publication available online or mailed directly to you through the USPS. I love it for the overview it has for the entire massage profession as well as the opinionated editorials about everything from the state of licensure in the USA to the proliferation of massage chains.

We get a bundle delivered to the school for our students. To request your own copy or read it online: Massage Today