East West College of the Healing Arts, Author at East West College

Interstate Compact for ��ý Therapists: Imagining a Future of LMT Career Mobility

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:07:23 +0000

Just imagine: if massage licenses were reciprocal from state to state, massage therapists could work across state lines. Students could graduate from massage therapy schools in Oregon and work in both Portland and Vancouver. LMTs could enjoy professional mobility, providing massages in different locations in the summer and winter, or facilitating retreats across the country. All of this is possible with the newly suggested IMpact – the Interstate ��ý Compact.

Defining the Interstate ��ý Compact (IMpact)

Just what is the IMpact? It’s a proposed system for nationalizing massage licensure, extending reciprocity from state to state. A cooperative agreement between states, the Interstate ��ý Compact (IMpact) would empower LMTs to practice in several states with a single multistate license, while maintaining each state’s initial licensing requirements.

The History of IMpact, the Interstate ��ý Compact

In 2020, the Department of Defense and the Compact of State Governments (CSG) provided a grant to the Federation of State ��ý Therapy Boards (FSMTB) to develop a reciprocal massage licensing system. Over the next two years, the FSMTB facilitated dozens of public meetings, feedback sessions, and consensus-based processes derived from dozens of other professional licensing compacts. After a window of public comment and finalization, the IMpact was published in January, 2023, and the CSG has since worked toward state-by-state legislative adoption of the IMpact.

Benefits of the Interstate ��ý Compact (IMpact)

For massage therapists, massage business owners, massage clients, and the massage profession at large, the Interstate ��ý Compact is a win-win situation.��

Benefits for ��ý Therapists: Under the IMpact, LMTs can enjoy the freedom of working between member states with one multistate license.��

Benefits for Clients: With the IMpact, professional standards for safety are enhanced. With cross-state license verification and information sharing, the public can feel confident in LMT professionalism. Moreover, people in remote areas will have more access to LMTs as massage professionals can work across state lines.

Benefits for the ��ý Therapy Profession and ��ý Businesses: ��ý business owners will enjoy a larger hiring pool of credentialed LMTs from several states. Spas and clinics with seasonal and multi-state locations will see increased hiring flexibility and streamlined onboarding. Compliance risk will decrease as states share information on disciplinary and license data.��

Adoption Process for IMpact (the Interstate ��ý Compact)

The FSMTB is spearheading national adoption of the IMpact. A coalition of states must pass legislation approving licensure reciprocity. At the time of publication, the IMpact has been adopted in Nevada, Montana, Arkansas, Ohio, and Virginia. New York, Illinois, and North Carolina have active legislation in process for adopting IMpact.��

States that do not require licensure for massage therapy are currently ineligible for IMpact adoption. Those states are California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming.��

Once the IMpact has been adopted in seven states, the inaugural meeting of the Interstate ��ý Compact Commission will be convened to oversee rules, manage data sharing, and oversee new multistate licenses.��

LMTs are expected to begin applying for multistate licenses as early as 2027.

Creating a Coalition of Support: Legislation Changes to Accelerate Adoption

The IMpact has had a slow rate of approval compared to other compacts considered by the CSG. In the three years that model legislation has been available, just five states have adopted the IMpact. To encourage more states to adopt the IMpact, CSG and the DOD are suggesting the following changes to the original legislation:

Grandfathering for Nationally Certified LMTs. Therapists who took the National Certification Board for Therapeutic ��ý & Bodywork Exam before January 1, 2015 would be eligible for a multistate license.
Exception for Practicing LMTs. Licensed massage therapists who graduated from state-approved programs with less than 625 clock hours would still be eligible for multi-state licensure if they have maintained a license in good standing for at least two years.��

These proposed changes preserve the IMpact’s original educational standards while also creating flexibility for experienced LMTs. The revised legislation also provides more educational requirement flexibility for military spouses. Finally, the requirements for compact commissioners have been revised for more flexible commissioner appointment, preserving state staffing capacity.��

East West College: Educating Tomorrow’s LMTs

At our northwest massage school and massage therapy schools across the country, instructors prepare students for their state’s licensure. Our home state requires a multi-step licensure process for Oregon LMTs, including 625 training hours, passing two exams, and fingerprinting. We look forward to educating tomorrow’s massage therapists, particularly as they’ll enjoy greater mobility and opportunity as the IMpact is adopted.

Sources

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Quick Hand, Wrist and Forearm Warm-Ups to Prevent ��ý Therapy Injuries

East West College of the Healing Arts — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:49:12 +0000

For many people, a career in massage is a dream come true! Healing others, calm work environments, and flexible hours—what’s not to love? Well, without proper self-care, injury can strike, debilitating therapists. As a leading Pacific Northwest massage school, we are dedicated to supporting all aspects of the massage therapy profession, including injury prevention.

As it turns out, therapists are especially prone to injuries in the hand, wrist, and forearm areas. That’s not too surprising, since these are some of the most commonly used tools at a therapist’s disposal. However, the prevalence of forearm, wrist, and hand pain may surprise you. A found that 85% reported experiencing work-related injury, with the majority experiencing wrist or thumb pain. If unaddressed, such pain may lead to incapacitating injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, saddle joint injuries, and trigger thumb/finger.

Preventive self-care can help reduce strain and support career longevity. The following warm-up exercises are intended to help LMTs prepare for each enriching, more comfortable workday.

Quick Warm-Up for Wrists and Hands
Even if you only have a minute or two, it is smart to do a few movements to increase circulation, gently mobilize joints, and loosen up muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The wrists and hands are some of the most complex joint structures in the body, with many moving parts in a limited area.

To quickly warm up between sessions, rotate your wrists, and open and close your hands for a minute or two. Finish with shaking out your hands for about ten seconds.

Quick Forearm Warmups for ��ý Therapists
Once you get the hang of these movements, they can be done in just a minute or two. Use these exercises to refresh your forearms between massage sessions.

Grasp the forearm of one arm with the palm facing up. Flip the wrist to face down. Continue this wringing out motion along the length of the forearm, and repeat from the wrist to the elbow two or three times. The pressure can be moderate; the point here is to get the tissues to move in a different way than they usually do. This will wake up nerves, create heat, and increase circulation in the forearm.
Cup a palm and place it on the thumb side of the opposite forearm. Take the wrist of the gripped forearm through its range of motion. Repeat along the length of the forearm, and then do the same on the pinkie side of the forearm. Use the thumb if you’d like increased coverage. This exercise creates a pin and flex action, and as a bonus, the hand that is massaging the forearm is also getting a warmup.

If you have more time, add more exercises. The following hand and wrist warm-ups would be a good routine to start a workday.

Hand Warm-Ups for ��ý Therapists

��ý each finger from the knuckle to the fingertip.
Push a fist into the other palm, bringing strength to each hand.
Hold a foam ball of medium softness between the thumb and first finger. Squeeze ten times. Then continue with the rest of the fingers.
Interlace your fingers behind your low back. Pull your interlaced knuckles up behind you while keeping your chest lifted. (This will also strengthen and stretch your arms, shoulders, and hands.)

Wrist Stretches for ��ý Therapists

Bring your palms to touch in front of your chest. Push one hand against the other, tick-tocking the fingertips from side to side. This can help mobilize and warm the wrists.
Lay one arm on a table, palm facing up. Roll a ball of medium softness over the wrist and forearm, using circular movements to explore between the radius and ulna. Apply moderate pressure to the wrist extensor mass. Repeat with the other arm.
Clench your hands into tight fists or grasp a small bar; count to ten. Repeat three times.
While kneeling, place your palms down on the floor in front of you, with the fingers facing toward your knees. Hold for thirty seconds while applying gentle pressure. To release, shake your hands.
Extend your arms, palms facing down. Use one hand to pull back the fingers of the other hand, lengthening through the fingers and wrists as much as possible. Maintain the stretch for twenty seconds, and then switch to the other hand.

Here are a few more general tips to keep in mind to protect your hands, wrists, and forearms from injury:

Avoid Non-Neutral postures. The studies on manual therapy reveal that, over time, non-neutral postures increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury for massage therapists.

Keep Wrists Straight. According to Save Your Hands! author , massaging with a bent wrist “stretches muscles and tendons and puts everything out of alignment.”

Consider using a massage tool rather than overloading your thumb. Speaking with the , SanGregorio explains, “For every pound of pressure that a massage therapist applies with their thumb, there can be 10 to 12 pounds of pressure concentrated on the CMC joint,” the carpometacarpal joint which makes the thumb opposable. Rather than applying 10 pounds of pressure on a sticky trigger point (and thereby exerting up to 120 pounds on their CMCs), therapists can use a larger joint, such as the elbow, or use a massage tool.

Take 15-Minute Breaks Between Sessions, at a minimum, to allow the dissipation of built-up tension.

Be Aware of your Limits. Pay attention to how many massages you can perform in a day and week without feeling exhausted and in pain.

Finally, general self-care is always important. Hydrate, sleep well, and eat nutritious food. If your forearm, wrist, or hand feels stiff at night, these exercises are good to do before icing the area.

For more in-depth information about massage therapist self-care, we encourage you to follow the CE offerings at our massage school. Portland, OR therapists will find a plethora of interesting courses tailored specifically to their needs. Visit our for details on dates and classes.

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Reflexology: Intro to this ��ý Modality

East West College of the Healing Arts — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:24:07 +0000

Updated March, 2026

Reflexology is a manual healing method in which points on the feet, hands, and/or ears are compressed to alleviate pain and treat medical problems. Although the mechanisms for how reflexology works in the body are not well established, this practice has been relieving pain and other stress-related conditions for decades. As with other CAM therapies, many accredited massage schools offer reflexology courses because this healing modality has brought relief to patients across the globe.

��ý therapists who add reflexology to their repertoire may serve spa clients or anyone looking to relax. This approach is less common in massage careers, so those with reflexology training tend to receive client referrals for their unique skill. Let’s take a look at the history of reflexology, and how it works.

Introducing Reflexology

Ancient healers in Egypt, India, and China worked with energy points in feet and hands to improve health. Egyptian hieroglyphics suggest foot treatments were part of Egyptian society as far back as 2330 BC. The idea of treating illness through massaging the hands was widespread in Europe by the late 1300s.��

In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, healers such as William Fitzgerald and Eunice Ingham developed reflexology as we know it. William Fitzgerald encountered reflex therapy while traveling in the early 1900s. (The term “reflexology” was actually coined by Russian neurologist and psychologist Vladimir Bekhterev in the early 1800s.) In 1913, Fitzgerald introduced his zone therapy to the West. He mapped ten vertical zones in the body where pressure could alleviate pain in corresponding areas.��

Twenty years later, Eunice Ingham was working with physiotherapist Dr. Joe Shelby Riley, who had mapped zones on the feet and hands. Ingham realized that the feet were highly sensitive. She developed detailed foot charts, and referred to her therapy as “reflexology,” distinguishing it from zone therapy. Her 1938 book, Stories the Feet Can Tell, popularized reflexology to the general public.

Reflexology ��ý Therapy: Basic Practices

During a reflexology session, the therapist applies pressure to parts of the feet, hands, and ears with the intention of improving health in referring organs. Reflexology identifies these areas as microcosms for the whole body. Applying pressure to specific points enables communication with any system in the body. (Shirley, 2023). For instance, if a patient is complaining of urinary problems, the reflexology practitioner might refer to his or her foot map, find the bladder point within the foot’s arch, and apply pressure there.

The foot, hand, and ear charts used in reflexology do not directly correspond with the Meridian lines found in other forms of Eastern medicine. Rather, Reflexology is a unique system.

How Reflexology Works: Biological Mechanisms

Research has not established exactly how Reflexology works in the body. However, as Whatley et. al (2022) conclude, the mechanisms for this and other CAM therapies are likely to be complex, and some combination of:

Therapeutic touch, environmental cues to relax, and the placebo effect;
Mechanotransduction, or the conversion of mechanical pressure into biochemical changes, potentially via the body’s matrix of connective tissue; and
Lymphatic flow changes through mechanotransduction.��

Benefits of Reflexology

While the mechanisms of Reflexology have yet to be uncovered, clients often report the following advantages:

–Pain relief (Kandemir, 2022).
–Improved Emotional Well-Being (Malone, 2025).
–Improved sleep (Whatley, 2022)

Researchers have found physiological changes following Reflexology sessions in a variety of circumstances, including:

Patients about to receive a stressful situation (a colonoscopy) experienced reduced anxiety and physiological changes including lowered systolic blood pressure and lowered heart rate (Golitaleb et. al, 2025).
Among Leukemia patients, foot reflexology was found to be helpful for�� “managing procedural pain and anxiety” (Mehri et. al, 2025).

For more complete research into the benefits of reflexology, we recommend .

If you’re interested in adding Reflexology to your massage offerings, consider learning about it through .��

Upcoming CE ��ý Classes related to Reflexology

At our massage school in Portland, Oregon we offer exceptional instruction from experienced instructors specializing in a wide array of approaches. Here are a few upcoming courses related to reflexology:

Reflexology I
Instructor: Shantika Bernard, LMT
Dates: June 27 – 28, 2026
Schedule: Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (1 hour lunch break);
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (1 hour lunch break)
In this two-day course you’ll learn reflexology techniques, methods for discovering affected areas, and a systemic approach to providing effective treatment while preventing overuse of your thumbs and joints. There will be plenty of time for discussion and practicing application as well.��

Sources:

Embong, N. H., Soh, Y. C., Ming, L. C., & Wong, T. W. (2015). Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(4), 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008

Golitaleb, M., Safdari, A., Rafiei, F., Yaghoobzadeh, N., & Mokhtari, R. (2025). Comparing the impact of foot and hand reflexology on anxiety and�� physiological indices in colonoscopy candidates: A randomized clinical trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 44(April).

Kandemir, D., Abdullayev, A., Seyhan Ak, E., Altun Uğraş, G., & Kanan, N. (2022). The effect of reflexology on low back pain in operating room nurses. Holistic nursing practice, 36(2), 112–118.

Malone, D. (2025, May 1). Beyond the physical: ��ý therapy for emotional health. American ��ý Therapy Association. ��

Mehri, M. & Golitaleb, M., Safdari, A., & Madadi, S., Rafiee, F., Shahbazi, H., Mokhtari, R., & Nejat, N. (2025). Effect of foot reflexology on pain, anxiety, and physiological indices in leukemia patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 44(4).�� DOI:

Shirley, C. (2023). How does reflexology work? ��ý Magazine. ��

Whatley, J., Perkins, J. & Samuel, C. (2022). Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 48.

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Integrative Care ��ý for Common Health Challenges

East West College of the Healing Arts — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:42:08 +0000

While preparing for new massage careers, aspirant LMTs consider work settings, including spas, private practices, and hospitals/clinics with medical massage. Licensure for massage in Oregon requires LMTs to study practical application classes covering this information. Today we’re focusing on massage as part of integrative care, a burgeoning medical model that includes alternative healing approaches.

What is Integrative Care?

Healthcare in the United States is transforming from a biomedical approach to a biopsychosocial model. While traditional biomedical medicine solely addresses physical disease, biopsychosocial treatment also emphasizes the emotional, mental, and cultural facets of healthcare (AMTA, 2017). Integrative care is a form of biopsychosocial treatment that focuses on the whole person, rather than just the pathology of their disease(s).

Also known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), integrative care may include massage, yoga, acupuncture and other therapies to enhance (not replace) traditional medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 36% of Americans use CAM services (Managed Healthcare Executive, 2020). That represents an 18% growth in the past two decades. Among alternative practices, massage is one of the fastest growing integrative care components, particularly for pain management (National Institutes of Health, 2024).

How ��ý Factors into Integrative Care

In integrative models, teams of professionals collaborate to optimize patient health. Under this team-based model, a physician may prescribe visits with different professionals, each working in their specialties to improve health outcomes (AMTA, 2018).

As an example, an oncologist may oversee a patient’s treatment team of radiologists, surgeons, massage therapists, nutritionists, and social workers. ��ý therapy is one step along a patient’s healing journey.��

Common Medical Problems ��ý Therapy can Address in Integrative Care

��ý therapists with a medical massage focus may work on teams addressing:

Behavioral Health challenges, including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance abuse recovery.

Rehabilitation and Physical Training, including rehab following cardiac treatment; joint replacement surgery, work-related injuries, and scar management.

Acute Medical Treatment for cancer, pain following surgery, lifestyle diseases, and postpartum maternity care.

Chronic Pain Management for headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and pain in the neck, shoulder, and back, as well as hospice care.

Overall, medical-related issues are the most common reason clients give for getting a massage (AMTA, 2018, p. 6).

Increased Demand for Integrative Care ��ý Therapists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapist employment is predicted to grow 15% through 2034. This rate of growth far outpaces job outlook in other professions. Integrative care massage is a key driver of this rosy job outlook, as more and more people appreciate how massage assists with pain management, chronic conditions, and more.

Exploring a Career in Integrative Care ��ý��

Do you dream of helping others heal? Our massage therapy classes empower graduates to work in all settings, including medical locations. Our alumni are noted for their depth of knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as their ability to�� collaborate with medical professionals. Our admissions team would be delighted to discuss your options for massage therapy education. Contact us today at 503-233-6500, or visit our admissions team online at .

Sources

American ��ý Therapy Association. (2017). ��ý as a component of integrative healthcare. ��

American ��ý Therapy Association (2018). ��ý Therapy in integrative care & pain management. ��

Managed Healthcare Executive. (2020). Higher percentages of Americans use alternative medicine. ��

National Institutes of Health. (2024, January 31). NIH analysis reveals a significant rise in use of complementary health approaches, especially for pain management.

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 19). ��ý Therapists. Occupational outlook handbook.

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How to become a Licensed ��ý Therapist in the State of Oregon

East West College of the Healing Arts — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:44:27 +0000

��ý therapy training requirements vary state to state. Here in Oregon, massage schools must provide hundreds of hours of classes to each student, and those hours must fit into different categories of knowledge. As one of several massage schools in the Portland, Oregon area, we are careful to ensure our program meets the state’s requirements for becoming an LMT. If you’re looking into massage therapy training, it’s necessary to understand Oregon requirements for body workers in massage.

Portland, OR ��ý School on State ��ý Therapy Licensure Requirements

Here are the critical components of earning your massage therapy license in Oregon.

1. Complete a Qualified ��ý Therapy Training Program.

The Oregon Board of ��ý Therapy requires 625 hours (25 quarter credits/15.74 semester credits) of education from an accredited massage school. The education hours must include:

–��ý Health Sciences classes including Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology must comprise at least 200 hours (8 quarter credits/5.34 semester credits).��

–��ý Theory and Practical Application classes including Clinical Practice, Business Development, Sanitation, Communication and Ethics must comprise at least 300 hours (12 quarter credits/8 semester credits).��

–A�� Additional 125 hours may be in any of the subject areas listed above.

Are LMT aspirants done once they’ve finished with classes at their massage schools? Portland, OR to Seattle, WA, the answer is no. You must also pass several massage exams.

2. Pass a National Examination approved by the Oregon State Board of ��ý Therapists.��

While the currently lists approved exams as the MBLEX , the NCBTMB, and the CESI, the vast majority of applicants will take the MBLEX.��

The NCBTMB no longer exists, as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic ��ý & Bodywork no longer offers an entry level exam. Instead, they now offer certification in a higher standard, the . The CESI (Certification Exam for Structural Integration) is for a subset of bodyworkers, namely those specializing in Rolfing techniques.��

The MBLEX is therefore the only option for those seeking to become licensed massage therapists in Oregon. Management of this exam is the primary raison d’etre for The Federation of State ��ý Therapy Boards, a national non-profit organization that regulates the massage profession. Learn more and sign up for the exam at . Note: To be accepted by the state of Oregon, your MBLEX results must come from the test provider.��

After passing this exam, you can .��

3. Pass the Oregon state exam on massage law and ethics.

The Oregon jurisprudence exam for licensing massage therapists is an open book test with 25 questions. Upon receiving your LMT application, the state will send you an email with login information for the jurisprudence exam.

There are a handful of additional components required on the journey to becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state of Oregon. The application process requires fingerprinting, three references, a current Basic Life Support certification, transcripts, and a 2” by 2” passport-sized color photograph taken within the last 12 months.

Here are the fees you can expect to pay during the Oregon massage therapy application process:

MBLEX exam fee: $265 per attempt
Oregon LMT application fee: $135
Fingerprint processing fee: $47.25
Initial Oregon ��ý Therapy License Fee: $135-270 (This is based on your renewal date; if it is in less than 12 months, the fee will be $135. If your initial license will renew in more than 12 months, the initial fee will be $270.)

If you’re interested in learning more about the massage therapy training program at our school of massage in Portland, OR, please reach out to our LMT admissions office online or call us at 503-223-6500. We would be delighted to speak with you about our classes, our instructors, and the experiences of our alumni.

Resources:

��ý Certification: Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Oregon ��ý Therapist

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Professional Boundaries: Practical Applications for Preventing Compassion Fatigue

East West College of the Healing Arts — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:51:02 +0000

Ethics are so fundamental to massage therapy that new LMTs must pass a jurisprudence exam on the legal boundaries of the profession. Moreover, to maintain their licensure, massage therapists must take ongoing massage therapy CE classes on ethics. Therapists rely on boundaries to create safety for all involved.

Without strong boundaries, massage therapists may find themselves exhausted due to taking on their clients’ problems. Clients may not feel safe enough to relax under the therapist’s healing touch. Ultimately, healthy boundaries create trust, the cornerstone of effective massage.

Let’s review the types of boundaries for massage therapists, as well as ideas on how LMTs can create healthy workspaces with clear boundaries. Finally, we’ll conclude with massage therapy continuing education opportunities through our Portland massage school.

��ý Therapy Training 101: Boundaries

Ethics are foundational in massage schools across the country because they protect clients as well as the profession of massage therapy.

Four Types of Professional Boundaries covered in ��ý Therapy Training

1. Physical Boundaries.

Physical boundaries can include properly draping your clients to protect their privacy. It can also apply to the physical space where you provide manual healing. Additionally, honoring client preferences and contraindications can fit into this category.

2. Emotional Boundaries.

Emotional boundaries exist for both the therapist and the client. While expecting more than a therapeutic massage is the classic reason for setting strong massage therapy boundaries, clients may also violate trust by using the therapist as a sounding board, or by seeking personal validation through their LMT.

3. Professional Boundaries.

Professional boundaries include dressing appropriately, keeping consistent financial records, practicing good personal hygiene, maintaining a clean massage space, following the letter of the law on massage, and honestly representing your abilities and the scope of massage therapy.

4. Social Boundaries.

LMTs may need to clarify which role they’re occupying—whether they’re speaking as a friend, or as a professional massage therapist. Social boundaries help therapists keep their personal and professional lives separate.

Here are a few tips on how to create a healthy workspace through setting specific boundaries.

How ��ý Therapists Can Create Healthy Workspaces Through Boundaries

Create a well-defined work area to communicate your professionalism and help clients transition into massage sessions.

Follow a consistent routine to communicate expectations to clients. This could include a reminder text or phone call the day before with a reminder of your late and no show policy.

Use sensory clues, such as custom essential oil blends, to help clients see your space as a professional healing zone.

Communicate specific timing boundaries to clients. For instance, upon booking, let clients know you will charge half the fee for missed appointments that are not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. This is the policy at many massage therapy schools, Michigan to California. And indeed this is how we arrange things in .

Check your attitude with three deep breaths before delivering a massage. If you walk in with a chip on your shoulder, you may end up passing it to the client.

Reflect regularly on what areas of your practice feel fuzzy or stuck. Journal on these topics to figure out how you can improve.

Take care of yourself through good sleep, good nutrition, time for play, receiving massage, regular exercise, and emotional grounding activities to help you release clients’ energy.

Portland ��ý Therapy Training: Continuing Education on Professional Boundaries

Our massage therapy continuing education site lists , including several on the ethics of massage. Each of these classes fulfills the Oregon and Washington LMT licensure requirements for four hours of Ethics, Boundaries, and Communication CE.

with Sarah B. Davis is being offered twice, on February 22 and March 18, 2026. If you’re looking for a guided way to examine your boundaries while also gaining new methods of creating professional boundaries for successful massage client relationships, this is an ideal class for you!

with Christopher Storey is available on March 14 and June 6th, 2026. Learn about how human territoriality and social weapons influence communication, and discover 10 communication skills you can use for peaceful self-defense.

with Sarah B. Davis will boost your confidence by honing your client communication skills. Gain new ways to include feedback, communicate the scope of practice, and explain the client’s right of refusal. This is an excellent class for deepening your understanding of the communication duties, challenges, and professional requirements in massage therapy. It is being offered on January 28 and March 28.

These courses, being taught at our Portland, Oregon massage school, would be perfect for body workers looking to brush up on their understanding of boundaries. Follow the links above to register, or give us a call at 503-233-6500.

Sources

Salamon, M. (2021, November 1). Ethics in the massage therapy profession.

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The Mechanics of Sports ��ý: How ��ý Promotes Recovery from Athletic Training

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:16:03 +0000

Post-exercise recovery is critical for athletes at all levels. Sports massage is a powerful tool for athletic recovery, as professional and amateur athletes know well. Dozens of as a critical component of their recovery regime. Many athletes report increased muscular flexibility and agility post-massage. Recovering from hard workouts is another commonly-cited reason to include massage in recovery rituals. But what is the science behind sports massage and muscular revival? Today we’re taking a look at research on how massage therapy works to support athletic recovery.��

Sports ��ý: Common Misconceptions

If you asked the average gym rat, they might say that massage helps with athletic recovery in two ways: 1. By increasing circulation for improved muscular performance, and 2. By clearing a toxin, specifically lactic acid, from taxed muscles. The common thinking goes like this: I’m sore after a workout, and massage helps by clearing the biochemicals that make me sore.��

However, as a recent explains, researchers have known since the 1980s that performance-limiting post workout soreness, or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), is actually caused by small muscle tears ripped during intense or new exercise. The body does use lactic acid during anaerobic exercise, but the lactic acid is burned away in that process. That means no lactic acid remains to cause the sensation of soreness.��

As for blood flow, athletes generally enjoy excellent circulation regardless of massage. Concerns about pushing blood out of the extremities is mainly a concern for sedentary individuals.��

Sports ��ý Mechanisms: What Research Does Show��

As athletes and LMT report, muscle feels different after a massage, suggesting that sports massage can improve recovery by relieving muscular tension. This change, while important, is hard for researchers to measure.��

Pain relief is another helpful outcome of massage for athletes. While the Gate Theory is used to explain how touch can reduce pain, a has proposed that vibration (such as from a massage) actually works by activating neural structures that register touch and modulate pain.��

All in all, the main mechanism for massage therapy appears to be stress release. Multiple researchers have found that massage therapy improves athletic performance by reducing stress. A literature review of 114 studies concluded that sports massage keeps athletes relaxed (Dakić et al., 2023).��

Additionally, Harvard scientists have found that massage promotes cellular healing in the muscles of mice (Brownell, 2021). After delivering precise compressions to the muscles of mice, scientists discovered treated muscles recovered faster and stronger than non-treated muscles. Examining the mechanism of muscle recovery, researchers hypothesized that repetitive pressure (which they called “mechanical loading”) helps clear muscle tissue of neutrophils, a type of cell which initially triggers inflammation and muscle regeneration. However, if neutrophils remain in muscle tissue too long, they can delay recovery. Mechanically applied pressure appears to squeeze neutrophils out of muscle tissue, increasing the rate of recovery.

While we are in the early days of research on the cellular mechanisms of massage, it appears the old misconception that massage “pushes toxins out” of tissue wasn’t totally wrong; it just misidentified the biochemical. It’s not lactic acid that’s to blame for lingering inflammation, but rather cytokines including neutrophils. It will be interesting to keep an eye on scientific journals as they continue to publish new research on the mechanisms of massage.��

Our ��ý School’s Resources for Sports ��ý

Overall, athletes find multiple benefits of sports massage therapy, regardless of what formal research says. If you’re interested in becoming a sports massage therapist, we recommend getting in touch with our Portland massage school’s admissions team. Our friendly admissions officers would be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. For local athletes looking for a relaxing way to effectively recover from training, is an affordable local recovery resource.

Sources

Aschwanden, C. (2025, April 9). ��ý can help after a workout, but not for the reason you think. The New York Times.

Brownell, L. (2021, October 6). ��ý helps injured muscles heal faster and stronger. The Harvard Gazette.

Dakić, M., Toskić, L., Ilić, V., Đurić, S., Dopsaj, M., & Šimenko, J. (2023). The effects of massage therapy on sports and exercise performance: A systematic review. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 11(6), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11060110

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Careers in ��ý: Skyrocketing Projected Job Outlook for Medical ��ý Therapists

East West College of the Healing Arts — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:57:39 +0000

As we discussed in a previous post, job outlook predictions are extremely rosy for massage therapists. What’s driving such strong numbers for employment growth in massage therapy? Today we’re unpacking the numbers by examining one subset of massage therapy: medical massage.��

What is Medical ��ý?

Medical massage is massage therapy targeting health issues diagnosed by a doctor. (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). A medical LMT is a certified massage therapist who works closely with doctors and nurses to provide treatment for those affected by illness, injury, stress, and/or pain. Oftentimes, medical massage therapists work in hospital settings. Patients with fibromyalgia, cancer, and many other diseases benefit from massage, which is increasingly covered by insurance.��

Medical massage differs from traditional massage in scope and setting. Medical LMTs often provide treatment in hospitals and medical offices. As such, they must commonly work at a patient’s bedside, working around medical equipment, under harsh lighting, and with interruptions. Scheduling may or may not be as predictable for medical massage therapists, who may be called to different bedsides at a moment’s notice.

Advantages of Working in Medical ��ý

Medical massage is considered one of the best medical and healthcare jobs for the future, and one that doesn’t require a huge investment in time and money (Staake, 2025). Unlike many other medical positions, work as a massage therapist in medical settings does not require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. And it is highly satisfying work, as it makes a difference in the lives of others.

Medical massage therapists don’t generally need to worry about marketing their services. A final perk: No laundry. Medical facilities typically handle linens.��

Factors Driving Job Growth in Medical ��ý

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects medical massage (and all categories of massage jobs) to grow at a much faster than average rate. (2025, Job Outlook). Here are a few reasons for the expected growth in demand for medical LMTs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Increasingly, research shows the utility of massage for medical purposes.
Doctors and patients are increasingly interested in promoting health, not just curing disease. ��ý and other alternative medicines have long emphasized this approach.
As more insurance policies cover medical massage, more hospitals and doctors offices are seeking licensed massage therapists with the credentials to work in medical settings.��

Increasingly, massage therapists are receiving more referrals from healthcare workers. According to the American ��ý Therapy Association, 54% of massage therapists receive referrals from hospitals and medical offices, and 48% of them get referrals from physicians. (AMTA, 2025).��

How to Get a Job in Medical ��ý Therapy
Each state has their own requirements for massage therapy licensure. Here in Oregon, massage therapy licensure requires 625 hours in massage therapy classes and passing a national massage exam as well as a state-specific law exam.

In addition to state requirements, medical establishments may have their own prerequisites for employment. Specialised classes and certificates may be needed.

East West College’s massage therapy program includes superb instruction in anatomy and physiology, as well as professionalism training in various settings, including medical programs. We are accredited by COMTA, a nationally-recognized accrediting agency that sets curriculum standards for massage therapy programs, including requirements for specific education in anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human body. Our graduates are well-prepared to work in medical settings. If you’re drawn to medical massage, we suggest getting in touch with the East West admissions team to learn more about how to turn your dream into a reality.

Sources

American ��ý Therapy Association. (2025). State of the massage therapy profession: 2025 fact sheet. ��

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Medical massage therapist. Explore healthcare careers. ��

Staake, J. (2025, March 17). 20 Best healthcare careers for the future in 2025. We Are Teachers. ��

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 19). ��ý Therapists. Occupational outlook handbook.

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Fungal Infections 101 for LMTs: How to Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread of Disease

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:15:31 +0000

There are certain truths about life as a massage therapist that the public may not recognize, such as just how much of the job is doing laundry! Reducing the risk of disease transmission requires clean sheets for each client. Fungal diseases mandate that LMTs pay such attention to hygiene. Let’s define fungal diseases, understand how they are transmitted, review symptoms to watch out for, and outline how massage therapists can reduce or eliminate the risk of spreading fungal infections.��

What are Fungal Diseases?

Fungal diseases are caused by pathogenic members of the fungi family. There are over 300 pathogenic fungi which cause all kinds of problems for human health, from the annoyance of athlete’s foot to death by aspergillus. Distinct from both plants and animals, fungi are characterized by: a. The presence of in their cell walls, and b. unique cell structures, which are either long and tubular filaments or single-cell, as in yeasts. Most fungi reproduce via spores, but a small number reproduce via budding or fragmentation.�� (“Fungi,” 2025).

��ý therapists must be on the lookout for superficial tinea fungal diseases which thrive in warm, moist environments and eat the keratin protein in human skin. Savvy LMTs must beware the following tinea fungi:��

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) – Scaly, red, raised skin patches in round or oval shapes, typically found on nonhairy areas of the body such as the limbs, face, and trunk. It is named for its rounded growth patterns, not any affiliation with a worm.��

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) – So-called because it is made worse by athletic activity and sweating, it is exacerbated by tight-fitting clothing. Typically originating in the groin, it may spread to the buttocks and inner thighs, and appears as itchy, dry, scaly skin patches surrounded by a red border. Jock itch may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, or through contaminated towels, clothing, and sheets.

Nail Fungus (Tinea Unguium) – White or yellow nails that may be elevated above the nail bed characterize this fungal disease of the foot. It is more common among people with challenged circulation, such as the elderly and those with type two diabetes. It may be spread by skin contact or contact with clothing, towels, and sheets.

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) – People often contract this fungal foot disease by not wearing shoes in public spaces, such as gyms and pools. It often appears as discolored, flakey skin on the sole and between toes, and causes a burning itch which only worsens when shoes and socks are removed. The skin may flake, crack, and ooze a clear liquid. If the person itches their infected feet, the fungus may move to their hands as well. Nail fungus may be comorbid.

How LMTs can Reduce the Risk of Fungal Diseases

Use barriers when working with infected areas and individuals. If you have contracted a nail fungus, wear gloves for treatment. If a client has an infection, use the sheet or gloves as a barrier. Ask the client how widespread jock itch is; avoid these areas.��

Disinfect all surfaces after the massage.��

Contaminated linens from such sessions should be labeled and kept in separate laundry baskets. Wash these linens as soon as possible with bleach on the hottest setting available; the water should be a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. If there is a sanitization setting available on the washing machine, use it.

Remove and dispose of gloves after treatment and wash your hands with hot, soapy water.
Wash and sanitize laundry hampers using the above specifications.��

Conclusion
To learn more about how to run a safe, clean massage therapy practice, we recommend taking CE on this topic of massage. Portland LMTs can sign up for massage therapy classes at our Portland campus, located in the education district. Browse our upcoming classes to keep your massage license current at our , or call us to learn�� more at 503-233-6500.

Sources��

Fungus. (2025, September 1). In Wikipedia. ��

Morien, A. (2013, March 1). Fungus facts. ��ý Therapy Journal. ��

Salvo, S. (2017, May 4). Fungal skin infections and massage. Susan Salvo’s ��ý Passport. .

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Demand for ��ý Therapists Projected to Boom in the Next Decade

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:13:25 +0000

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that the demand for massage therapists will increase by 18% in the next decade. That rate is considered “much higher than the average” job growth for all careers (2025, Job Outlook). According to the bureau’s statistics, roughly 22,800 new positions for massage therapists will be created every year in the decade between 2023 and 2033.

To put those numbers in context, all other healthcare support jobs are projected to have a 12% growth in employment for the coming decade. The average for all occupations across the board is projected at just 4% (BLS, 2025, Job Outlook tab).��

Today we’re considering the importance of job outlook data as well as the driving factors behind positive predictions for massage therapy.

Why should workers consider job outlook predictions when selecting a career?��

Job outlook describes future demand. It is a good indicator of whether a new worker will be able to find a position in their chosen career. A healthy job outlook also implies job security and advancement opportunities. According to the 2024 Best Jobs Report from U.S. News and World Report, the unemployment rate among massage therapists is just 1.6%.

Fields with a strong job outlook will also tend to have ongoing training opportunities. For instance, clock and watch repair is one of the lowest-rated professions according to current predictions.�� Because demand for this profession is low, fewer continuing education opportunities exist.

There are a few things to keep in mind about the limitations of job outlook data. First, the fact that there is high demand does not indicate market saturation. Your area may have many others with valid credentials, increasing competition for open positions. Secondly, economic factors change, shifting demand. For example, the current presidential administration is de-prioritizing access to solar power (Reuters, 2025). As such, the predicted 52% growth rate for solar photovoltaic installers may decrease (University of the Potomac, para 24).

What is driving the positive job outlook for massage therapists?��

More spas and massage clinics. According to U.S. News and World Report, the growing number of massage businesses is a factor in positive job outlook for massage therapists. (U.S. Best Jobs, n.d.).

Demand for Pain Relief.�� ý therapy is increasingly sought after as an accepted method of managing pain naturally and safely (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Replacing Current LMTs. The BLS suggests that there will be a need to replace workers who are retiring or exiting the massage therapy profession.

Considering a Career in ��ý? What the Job Projection Numbers Mean for You.��

A positive job outlook suggests educational investment is likely to pay off. If you’ve been dreaming about becoming an LMT, consider this your sign that now is the time. Our admissions staff would be delighted to get you started with a campus tour, funding information, and any other questions you might have. Call us at 503-233-6500 to connect, or visit East West College admissions online to learn more.

Sources

Reuters. (2025, August 7). Trump administration will end $7 billion solar energy grant program. ��

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 19). ��ý Therapists. Occupational outlook handbook. ��

U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) ��ý Therapists. 2024 Best Jobs Rankings. ��

University of the Potomac. (2023, December 8). Career guide: What is a job outlook?

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East West College of the Healing Arts, Author at East West College

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Portland, OR ������ý School on State ������ý Therapy Licensure Requirements

1. Complete a Qualified ������ý Therapy Training Program.

2. Pass a National Examination approved by the Oregon State Board of ������ý Therapists.����

3. Pass the Oregon state exam on massage law and ethics.

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How to become a Licensed ��ý Therapist in the State of Oregon

Portland, OR ��ý School on State ��ý Therapy Licensure Requirements

1. Complete a Qualified ��ý Therapy Training Program.

2. Pass a National Examination approved by the Oregon State Board of ��ý Therapists.��

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