What are you NOT learning in massage school? - massage and bodywork professionals2024-03-28T14:50:48Zhttps://massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A269376&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThere seems to always be time…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2012-08-06:2887274:Comment:2693762012-08-06T19:28:36.131ZGary W Addis, LMThttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/GaryWAddis
<p>There seems to always be time wasted on ridiculous textbooks--two pages of useful material hidden within 40,000 words of filler material. A textbook named Critical Thinking was the worst example.</p>
<p>Been nice if everything I studied directly related to massage therapy. But mine? Well, I did choose the degree program, which added things like college math, two classes in composition/communication, the Critical Thinking stinker, etc. </p>
<p>I was taught Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and…</p>
<p>There seems to always be time wasted on ridiculous textbooks--two pages of useful material hidden within 40,000 words of filler material. A textbook named Critical Thinking was the worst example.</p>
<p>Been nice if everything I studied directly related to massage therapy. But mine? Well, I did choose the degree program, which added things like college math, two classes in composition/communication, the Critical Thinking stinker, etc. </p>
<p>I was taught Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and other Eastern, NMT, PNF, Pregnancy, Sports, Geriatric-- a full quarter of each. I would have liked an intro to cranio-sacral, a course in manual lymph drainage and more emphasis in orthopedic evaluation and treatment. </p>
<p>Above all, the schools need to weed their curriculum, toss out the nonsense, replace the bad textbooks with works by established experts that include training DVDs--but useful DVDs. Frankly, some of the DVDs bundled with Pearson textbooks are a waste of plastic. Ludicrous, when so much free first class videos are available through youtube.</p>
<p>Especially useful would be a class that teaches students how to avail themselves of educational material on the internet. My school did a good job teaching what they teach. However, I dare say I learned more outside the classroom, through abmp webinars by Ben Benjamin, Tom Myers, Til Luchau, Erik Dalton, Doug Nelson, Thompson, et alial. </p>
<p>And the price needs to be reasonable: when I graduate in a few weeks, newly licensed, I will be burdened with $34,000 in student loans. A couple of years ago, that would have bought 4 years in a major university!</p> Try deboning a chicken with y…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-12-02:2887274:Comment:2426622011-12-02T01:43:56.552ZDaniel Cohenhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/DanielCohen
<p>Try deboning a chicken with your fingers. You will never doubt what is under your fingers that you are pushing on. The bones are there although shaped a bit different and the soft tissue is all identifiable.</p>
<p><br></br> <cite>Gary W Addis said:…</cite></p>
<p>Try deboning a chicken with your fingers. You will never doubt what is under your fingers that you are pushing on. The bones are there although shaped a bit different and the soft tissue is all identifiable.</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Gary W Addis said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A242923&xg_source=activity&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265#2887274Comment242923"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Some people need to hear it, some people need to read it. Touch, certainly, but it's kinda hard to isolate a muscle by touch alone--wall charts, skeletons and textbooks sure make the locating easier. And for studying, having printed material is essential: you cannot study between classes stuff that exists only in the mind of an instructor. </p>
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</blockquote> Some people need to hear it,…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-12-02:2887274:Comment:2429232011-12-02T00:19:47.668ZGary W Addis, LMThttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/GaryWAddis
<p>Some people need to hear it, some people need to read it. Touch, certainly, but it's kinda hard to isolate a muscle by touch alone--wall charts, skeletons and textbooks sure make the locating easier. And for studying, having printed material is essential: you cannot study between classes stuff that exists only in the mind of an instructor. </p>
<p>Some people need to hear it, some people need to read it. Touch, certainly, but it's kinda hard to isolate a muscle by touch alone--wall charts, skeletons and textbooks sure make the locating easier. And for studying, having printed material is essential: you cannot study between classes stuff that exists only in the mind of an instructor. </p> I cannot speak knowledgeably…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-12-01:2887274:Comment:2429222011-12-01T23:45:40.273ZJoycehttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/JoyceBryan
<p>I cannot speak knowledgeably about massage students in general, but I personally learn from both approaches. My brain needs to process information in different ways, i.e. touching, seeing, hearing, in order for me to retain it in long term memory. Of course the kinesthetic approach is always more fun! :)</p>
<p>I cannot speak knowledgeably about massage students in general, but I personally learn from both approaches. My brain needs to process information in different ways, i.e. touching, seeing, hearing, in order for me to retain it in long term memory. Of course the kinesthetic approach is always more fun! :)</p> Do you think that massage stu…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-12-01:2887274:Comment:2427252011-12-01T23:12:49.331ZErin Romaninhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/ErinMerelli
<p>Do you think that massage students, at large, are kinesthetic learners? Does the 'lecture and take notes' approach turn you off?</p>
<p>Do you think that massage students, at large, are kinesthetic learners? Does the 'lecture and take notes' approach turn you off?</p> Hi. I too am currently a stu…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-11-26:2887274:Comment:2410842011-11-26T19:39:04.977ZGary W Addis, LMThttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/GaryWAddis
<p>Hi. I too am currently a student. Out pathology textbook (by Ruth Werner) is an excellent resource, I scored a 96 in the class and refer back to the textbook often. But if memory serves it barely mentions drugs. In my limited experience, prescription drug usage of clients hasn't been an issue-- but it probably will arise sometime in my career. Besides, the knowing is worth the effort to learn. Laura Allen, you should get at least a long feature article out of this subject, perhaps a…</p>
<p>Hi. I too am currently a student. Out pathology textbook (by Ruth Werner) is an excellent resource, I scored a 96 in the class and refer back to the textbook often. But if memory serves it barely mentions drugs. In my limited experience, prescription drug usage of clients hasn't been an issue-- but it probably will arise sometime in my career. Besides, the knowing is worth the effort to learn. Laura Allen, you should get at least a long feature article out of this subject, perhaps a textbook-- Pharmacology for Massage Therapists.<br/> <br/>
<cite>hypnotiqu3 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A241214&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#2887274Comment241214"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hello - In response to your query...</p>
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<p>I've been enrolled in an affordable school with quality teachers. One of the thngs I've noticed is that we dont talk a lot about Pharmacology and drug contraindications (at least not yet we havent). I think this is a big deal to learn about because half of the USA is medicated and if we administer massage on clients with unknown drugs inside of them, we could potentially hurt them. <br/><br/>In my mind I imagine that when I process client intake forms I will research the drugs as they inform me of them. Anyone out there cross this issue? Is it really even a big deal to fuss about?</p>
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</blockquote> Hello - In response to your q…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-11-26:2887274:Comment:2412142011-11-26T18:53:06.323Zhypnotiqu3https://massageprofessionals.com/profile/hypnotiqu3
<p>Hello - In response to your query...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've been enrolled in an affordable school with quality teachers. One of the thngs I've noticed is that we dont talk a lot about Pharmacology and drug contraindications (at least not yet we havent). I think this is a big deal to learn about because half of the USA is medicated and if we administer massage on clients with unknown drugs inside of them, we could potentially hurt them. <br></br><br></br>In my mind I imagine that when I process client…</p>
<p>Hello - In response to your query...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've been enrolled in an affordable school with quality teachers. One of the thngs I've noticed is that we dont talk a lot about Pharmacology and drug contraindications (at least not yet we havent). I think this is a big deal to learn about because half of the USA is medicated and if we administer massage on clients with unknown drugs inside of them, we could potentially hurt them. <br/><br/>In my mind I imagine that when I process client intake forms I will research the drugs as they inform me of them. Anyone out there cross this issue? Is it really even a big deal to fuss about?</p> Hi Erin -- I was not aware of…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-10-11:2887274:Comment:2310442011-10-11T22:16:16.590ZJoycehttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/JoyceBryan
Hi Erin -- I was not aware of the CAMTC. I will check it out! My school offers a 250 and 500 hour MT program. They are preparing/guiding us to be able to apply for CA state certification as a massage practitioner upon completion of the first 250 hours, then encourage us to continue with electives they offer to enable us to attain the 500 hour certification as a massage therapist. As I understand it, the state is phasing in the 500 hour certification requirement over the next couple of years,…
Hi Erin -- I was not aware of the CAMTC. I will check it out! My school offers a 250 and 500 hour MT program. They are preparing/guiding us to be able to apply for CA state certification as a massage practitioner upon completion of the first 250 hours, then encourage us to continue with electives they offer to enable us to attain the 500 hour certification as a massage therapist. As I understand it, the state is phasing in the 500 hour certification requirement over the next couple of years, which seems like it would supersede local regulations, i.e. state certification seems like it would allow a therapist to work anywhere in CA. What we have been told is that each local government entity has it's own rules about the cost of a business license, but that is independent of state certification. It sounds like the CAMTC would be helpful for those who have not completed enough accredited hours for state certification, which could be very helpful in many cases.<br/>
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<cite>Erin Romanin said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A231030&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#2887274Comment231131"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">Joyce - thanks for keeping this thread going (and GARY too :)) In regard to local registration /licensure in California - I want to make sure you know about the CAMTC option. CA is one of just a few states that still allows local (city or county) license regulation. This was problematic because it allowed schools to offer bare-bones training programs, that didn't prepare their students to work in many of the cities with higher hour requirements....not to mention the disservice it does to the industry to graduate under-prepared massage therapists. As a solution, cities got together and with ABMP's help, created the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The first thing to know about the CAMTC cert is that it is optional. Therapists who choose to comply with local regulation only have the right to do so in city's that allow it. However, the CAMTC certification provides a statewide registration that allows therapists to work anywhere in California. It overrides local city regulations. Because schools in CA have historically varied in their hourly requirements, the CAMTC is a tiered system, offering different pathways to certification or licensure, depending on the the level of training and practice the applicant has. You probably knew about this - but just wanted to make mention in the even anyone out there doesn't. To apply with the CAMTC, start online at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.CAMTC.org" target="_blank">www.CAMTC.org</a>.<br/> <br/>
<cite>Joyce said:</cite><br/>
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A226041&page=2#2887274Comment229314"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">Lol--LA is wonderful..and you are right--big! So much about CA resonates with my family and me. Have been here for about 8 years now. As far as the MT profession is concerned, regulations are being updated, and I think each locale that has it's own governance decides who pays "city" permit fees. Some do; some don't. Also, I think you don't need a permit in each locale unless you have an established business there, i.e. if you do outcalls, it doesn't apply. It keeps changing. I suspect the "City of LA" will continue to get as much as possible for as long as they can....you know...to keep that infrastructure going! :)</div>
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</blockquote> Oh, and welcome, Sarah!
Sara…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-10-11:2887274:Comment:2310302011-10-11T16:04:27.921ZErin Romaninhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/ErinMerelli
Oh, and welcome, Sarah!<br></br>
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<cite>Sarah Fox said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A226041&page=2#2887274Comment230881"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Were touching on a lot of things but not going into depth with much. Like hot stones or TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine. Which i'd like to learn more about.…</p>
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Oh, and welcome, Sarah!<br/>
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<cite>Sarah Fox said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A226041&page=2#2887274Comment230881"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Were touching on a lot of things but not going into depth with much. Like hot stones or TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine. Which i'd like to learn more about. After i get out i need to find somewhere to get Hot Stone certified.</p>
<p>To answer your questions Yes i think over all it prepares me to get my licenses and a career. Were in the business mod right now and it's very helpful. My only problem is the current teacher i have is new to the school and teaching and doesn't know really how to teach. She just reads it straight from the book and has us read along. It's very high school in a way.</p>
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<p>I like the school but i wish they still taught TCM and you could get your stone certification there.</p>
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</blockquote> Sarah - that is unfortunate t…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2011-10-11:2887274:Comment:2311332011-10-11T16:04:11.716ZErin Romaninhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/ErinMerelli
Sarah - that is unfortunate that your teacher uses a lecture-style and doesn't make it more interactive. I hope that you experience other great teachers while you are there. You can definitely get the TCM and Hot Stone training you desire through a CE course during or after your training, and supplementing your basic training with additional techniques and modalities is essential if you want to grow a versatile practice down the road. TCM is really gaining headway right now - there couldn't be…
Sarah - that is unfortunate that your teacher uses a lecture-style and doesn't make it more interactive. I hope that you experience other great teachers while you are there. You can definitely get the TCM and Hot Stone training you desire through a CE course during or after your training, and supplementing your basic training with additional techniques and modalities is essential if you want to grow a versatile practice down the road. TCM is really gaining headway right now - there couldn't be a better time to get on board there. If you log on to ABMP.com, you can access our online CE calendar than helps you to locate CE courses in your area (or online). Take a look!<br/>
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<cite>Sarah Fox said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-not-learning-in-massage-school?groupUrl=massagestudents&groupId=2887274%3AGroup%3A109265&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A226041&page=2#2887274Comment230881"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Were touching on a lot of things but not going into depth with much. Like hot stones or TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine. Which i'd like to learn more about. After i get out i need to find somewhere to get Hot Stone certified.</p>
<p>To answer your questions Yes i think over all it prepares me to get my licenses and a career. Were in the business mod right now and it's very helpful. My only problem is the current teacher i have is new to the school and teaching and doesn't know really how to teach. She just reads it straight from the book and has us read along. It's very high school in a way.</p>
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<p>I like the school but i wish they still taught TCM and you could get your stone certification there.</p>
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