Massage Therapist Tulsa rubs and kneads the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons and ligaments. Research shows it decreases pain, reduces stress and anxiety, increases immune function and aids healing.
A deep understanding of anatomy and physiology is the backbone of any good massage school program. These two classes teach therapists how the body is structured (anatomy) and how it functions (physiology). Having an accurate map of the human body is essential for any therapist, as they can then learn the proper techniques to apply and understand how those techniques will affect a client’s muscles and tissues.
A massage therapist will also need to be familiar with the nervous system, as this is what helps control muscle movement and coordinates body parts. Massage can stimulate the nervous system, increase oxytocin levels and improve neural transmission to promote relaxation and decrease tension. Massage can also aid in lymphatic drainage, which is vital for immune function.
The skeletal system is another important area of study for massage therapists, as it enables them to understand how the bones of the body connect and interact with each other. It also helps them develop an awareness of how a patient’s posture and movements might impact their muscular imbalances.
Anatomy and physiology help massage therapists recognize problems that might arise during a treatment, such as when a muscle or tissue has been stretched too far or pushed past its limits. This is especially useful when working with clients who have chronic pain, as it allows the therapist to better evaluate their symptoms and determine whether they are due to a traumatic injury or an age-related health condition like osteoporosis.
Anatomy and physiology are not only the cornerstone of any massage therapy training program, but they should be a lifelong pursuit for all therapists. As they continue to work, anatomy will come into play when they notice that their own shoulders or wrists are sore after an hour of client work or that a specific muscle group seems tight. Understanding anatomy will enable them to make the appropriate adjustments to their own stance and technique, which will in turn benefit their own health and comfort. It will also give them the confidence they need to discuss a client’s symptoms with other medical professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists and osteopaths.
Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene practices is crucial for Massage Therapists. They have frequent contact with clients and must protect themselves from harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that could spread from one person to another. This includes wearing gloves and cleaning and disinfecting their hands, equipment, and work environment.
A clean environment helps to prevent infections and creates a comfortable atmosphere for clients. This also demonstrates to clients that the Massage Therapist is taking their comfort seriously and cares about their well-being.
In addition to wearing gloves, a Massage Therapist should wash their hands before and after each session to reduce the risk of germs from touching unwashed skin. This practice is particularly important when massaging an individual with open cuts or wounds. Massage therapists should use antibacterial soap and warm water to wash their hands and fingers. They should avoid using colognes, perfumed hair products, or scented lotions that might cause an allergic reaction in their clients. They should also use a towel to cover their legs and feet in case of any accidental splashes during the session.
They should sterilize their massage table and equipment between clients to minimize the transfer of germs. This includes using alcohol-based sanitizers to wipe down the surface of the massage table and chairs, as well as cleaning and sterilizing their towels and linens. If they use reusable tools, such as hot stones or cups, they should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized between sessions as well.
Lastly, Massage Therapists should always use fresh, clean linens and towels that are changed between each client. This demonstrates professionalism and ensures that the client is draped properly to limit their exposure to other individuals in the spa.
In addition to maintaining good hygiene, Massage Therapists must be aware of local and state regulations regarding their work. They should stay informed about and comply with these rules to avoid being subjected to fines or other penalties. In addition, they should be able to respond to any inappropriate behaviors from their clients in a calm, professional manner while respecting the client’s right to privacy and dignity.
Professionalism
A massage therapist manipulates clients’ soft tissues to reduce stress, relieve pain and help promote relaxation. They may use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows or feet to perform massage techniques that vary by style, focus and client need. Lotions and oils are often used to enhance a client’s experience during a session. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings including spas, hotels or resorts and healthcare offices such as chiropractors and physical therapy centers.
Regardless of the setting, every massage therapist is expected to practice ethically and professionally. They are also expected to adhere to the laws and regulations of the state in which they practice, if applicable. Most states require a massage therapist to obtain a license, which is typically earned by graduating from an approved program and passing a licensing exam. Many massage therapists choose to pursue voluntary board certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). This is not required by any state, but it can elevate a career by demonstrating dedication and expertise within the field.
Massage therapists are expected to have knowledge of anatomy, physiology, massage technique and hygiene. They must be able to communicate with their clients, explain the benefits of massage, listen to and understand the needs of each individual and customize their approach accordingly. Massage therapists are also expected to demonstrate compassion and empathy for their clients.
Whether they are working in a spa, at home or at an event, massage therapists must be able to set aside their personal life and be present for each appointment. They may also need to travel between locations, and they often work evenings and weekends.
For many massage therapists, especially those who own their own private practices, marketing is an essential aspect of the job. They must be able to attract and retain clients, which requires a strong understanding of marketing principles and an ability to adjust their marketing strategy based on the current economic climate.
The demand for massage therapists is high, as more people recognize the value of noninvasive healthcare and are seeking alternatives to medication. For NWHSU alumnus Kevin Rebman, a massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic, promoting his services and building his business is just as important as the actual work he does with clients.
Time Management
A Massage Therapist needs to be able to juggle their client schedules with the time needed to perform a thorough treatment, create and store paperwork, attend workshops and other business related activities. It’s important for a Massage Therapist to understand and use the principles of time management to increase productivity, decrease stress levels and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
A good massage therapist is in top physical condition, free of aches and pains which may affect their performance and ability to interact with clients. They should also allow for regular breaks during their working day, especially between appointments to stretch and relieve tension. This can help them avoid fatigue and improve the quality of their work, which leads to better client experiences.
Creating balance between life, family, friends and work is key to professional longevity and productivity. Massage therapists need to understand that they are not their job, and that if they are not happy, their work will suffer. The best way to avoid burnout is to plan, create and implement effective systems for balancing all of these areas.
In addition to planning ahead for appointments, a Massage Therapist should develop a system of storing and retrieving paperwork to minimise the amount of time spent on these tasks. Keeping records organised will make it easier to manage and track progress, which in turn helps with productivity.
While it’s important for a Massage Therapist to be punctual and maintain an organised schedule, it’s also important to recognise that the world isn’t always going to go according to plan! It’s okay to be flexible and adapt a schedule when necessary, but it’s essential for a Massage Therapist to set firm boundaries on their time, so they are not distracted or pulled away from the most important elements of their job.
When a Massage Therapist understands the importance of setting firm boundaries and sticking to their plans, they are more likely to be successful in their profession. They are more likely to have a happy, loyal client base which will grow their business, referrals and reputation. They are more likely to have a successful practice that allows them to create a satisfying work/life balance, and live a happier, healthier life.