��ý Therapists Archives - East West College

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.

The post Quick Hand, Wrist and Forearm Warm-Ups to Prevent ��ý Therapy Injuries appeared first on East West College.

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.

The post Professional Boundaries: Practical Applications for Preventing Compassion Fatigue appeared first on East West College.

How to Apply for ��ý Therapy Licensure in Oregon

East West College of the Healing Arts — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:32:21 +0000

UpUEditEdited 3/6/2026 to include updated information.

While we have posted on the educational and assessment requirements for becoming a massage therapist in the state of Oregon, we’ve never discussed the actual process of applying for a license, which is complex. As this step is crucial in any Oregon massage therapy career, we encourage those working toward LMT status to bookmark this page for easy reference.

What is the process for applying for a massage therapy license in Oregon?

As in most government procedures, there are multiple steps to follow. A helpful frame of mind is to go step by step, crossing off one item at a time.

The (OMBT)has established the following steps to apply for a license of massage therapy:

Register your application and submit payment. . The application and background check fee is $147.25.

Complete electronic fingerprinting. Follow the instructions from the state for electronic fingerprinting. (See Fingerprinting section below.) By doing your fingerprints when you start your application, you let the OMBT begin your background check immediately.

Receive email with login info. After submitting your online registration request and fee, the website will redirect you to your application. You will also receive an email notification with your log-in information, namely your customer ID and a pin.

Complete your online application, including documentation. Fill out your application on the state’s massage . (See below to learn which documentation is required in the application.)

Note: If you said “yes” to any of the character questions on your application, you’ll need to submit documentation and a narrative. So gather court records, arrest reports, and other official documents before starting the application.

Wait for the Board to review. Sit back and kick your feet up as you wait for the Board to look over your application, fees, and supporting documents.

Look for an email with the Jurisprudence Exam login info. The state will send you an email with the link and login you’ll need to fill out the online Jurisprudence Examination.

Pay for your Initial License. If the above steps are completed, the state will send you a payment request for $100-$200. (See section below for costs.)

Receive your license! Once your initial license payment is received, your license will be issued as an electronic document via email.

What documentation will I need to apply for my initial Oregon massage therapy license?

Here are the items you’ll need to gather to support your LMT application:

Official transcripts, which must be in a sealed envelope
A passport-sized color photograph (2”x2”) that’s no more than 12 months old
A valid ID issued by the government; examples include a driver’s license or passport
A list of three character references who do not live with you; however they may be relatives
A copy of your current BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) certification
National Written Examination results. Qualifying exams including the MBLEX, NCBTMB, and CESI.
NOTE: The exam results must come straight from the exam provider; you cannot submit them yourself.

How do I complete Electronic Fingerprinting for my initial Oregon LMT license?
All new massage therapy license candidates in Oregon must complete a national criminal background check. This process requires electronic fingerprinting, including a $47.25 processing fee paid to the Board when you register your application, as well as a $12.50 fee paid to the fingerprinting service (Fieldprint).

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to schedule an appointment for electronic fingerprinting for an Oregon massage therapy license:

Go to and enter the Fieldprint code FPORMassTherapistsDAS.
Select the “Schedule an Appointment” button.
Create a new profile by entering your email address under “New Users/Sign Up,” and hitting the “Sign Up” button. Create a Password, select a security question, and select “Sign Up and Continue.”
Fill out the contact and demographic information (which is mandated by the FBI) and select a fingerprinting appointment and location.
When you’re done, print the confirmation page, and bring it with you to your fingerprinting appointment, as well as two forms of ID.

Questions about this process may be directed to Fieldprint; their customer service number is 877-614-4364, and their email address is customerservice@fieldprint.com.

How much does it cost to apply for a massage therapy license in Oregon?

As of August, 2022, you can expect to pay $259.75-$359.75 to apply for your Oregon massage therapy license. That breaks down to $100 for the application fee, $47.25 for the fingerprint processing fee, a $12.50 fee for the electronic fingerprint provider, and $135-$270 for the initial license fee. Why the range? Because renewal is based on your birth month and year. If you were born in an even numbered year, you will renew in your birth month even numbered year, no matter when your license was granted. Therefore, the fee is $100 if your first renewal will occur less than 12 months from the date of issuance for your initial license, and $200 if your first renewal will occur more than 12 months from your initial license. Note that these costs do not include your tuition, the costs of your written licensing exam, nor any costs incurred in obtaining your BLS-CPR certification.

If you’re still in the early days of researching how to become a massage therapist in Oregon, it’s smart to keep your end goal in mind. Becoming an LMT in the Beaver State requires 625 hours of massage education, a passing score on two different exams, and more, as our article on Oregon massage therapy license requirements explains. We recommend that you bookmark this site, as well as our earlier article, so that you can prepare early, and check off milestones as you go.

Finally, if you’re graduating from East West College of the Healing Arts, we invite you to reach out to our Alumni Services Department for assistance with the application process. Our Alumni Services Coordinator would be happy to help you figure out exactly what you need to submit, as well as advise you on timing, how to navigate the OBMT website, and more. Visit.eastwestcollege.com/alumni-services/ to learn more.

The post How to Apply for ��ý Therapy Licensure in Oregon appeared first on East West College.

The Great Resignation is Driving People to Launch ��ý Therapy Careers

East West College of the Healing Arts — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:05:37 +0000

Certain portals in history change how we think, live, and act. A world war, for instance, changes everyone who lived through it. COVID may be our era’s catalytic event. Looking back over the last two years, it is clear that many of us will never be the same. The pandemic has altered nearly every aspect of life, and the workforce is no exception. Let’s examine how the Great Resignation of 2021 has pushed many people to leave their positions, and why massage careers are attracting many to shift gears.

What is the Great Resignation?
In 2021, millions of people left their jobs, even though the economic outlook was not rosy. Although the Omicron variant loomed, and higher wages through job-hopping were not guaranteed, many Americans decided to quit. As explains, the labor department calls these “quits,” and tracks them month-to-month. Last year earned the moniker The Great Resignation because it broke records for quits. In September, October, and November, more than 4 million people quit each month.

What’s driving this collective abdication? As with many things economical, there is no simple answer, but data suggests several factors. In historically low-paying jobs, some wage increase occurred, allowing workers to quit for higher wages elsewhere. The service industry falls into this category. In other underpaid industries, such as retail, workers saw that they could switch careers for more pay and better benefits. Parenthood also influenced workers’ decisions, with “1.4 million fewer mothers actively engaged with the labor force” in September and October of 2021. Child care uncertainty required parents to stay home with children more frequently.

Overall, The Guardian article finds, there are “many reasons to suspect that many quit in search of better work opportunities, self employment, or, simply, better pay.” This conclusion is certainly reflected in the inquiries to our massage school admissions office.

COVID has Changed Priorities, Pulling many toward ��ý Careers

People from all over the country call our Portland, Oregon massage school, asking how to become a massage therapist. We’ve recently fielded calls from as far away as Florida, Minnesota, Canada, and Washington DC. People are talking to our admissions officers about why they’re massage-certification-curious. Here are the most common sentiments we hear on those calls.

Top 7 Reasons People are Kickstarting ��ý Careers Post-COVID

Common sentiments from people who have contacted the EWC admission department with interest in becoming an LMT include:

“Now my job is obsolete.”
“What I do is unfulfilling and now I want to do something meaningful.”
“Why the heck not pivot when I can’t keep doing what I was doing before?”
“When Plan A doesn’t work, this is a career that will give me usable skills.”
“I’ve just been sitting at home, why not follow through on my dreams?”
“I’ve always worked with people, and now I’m burnt out. I want a job where people are happy to see me and even happier after their time with me.” We hear this from those who are burnt out from helping professions (such as social work).
“I’m looking for a job that feeds my soul, and I’m not willing to wait anymore.”

Beyond these personal reasons, this is a practical time to start massage careers because demand is high. Our alumni network reports that current practitioners are extremely busy, with many booked out for months. Following quarantines, people are eager to receive touch. (As a side note, check out our reflections on how Coronavirus quarantines spurred touch deprivation.) Many massage companies are actively hiring, so there is a strong need for massage therapists, particularly knowledgeable and experienced LMTs from top-notch massage schools.

The bottom line is that many people find this is the perfect time to research massage programs. In Portland, East West College floats to the top. We’re accredited by COMTA, which means that we meet their strict administrative and curriculum standards, and that we’re able to offer federal financial aid to those who qualify. If you find yourself echoed in the statements above, we encourage you to call us at 503-233-6500, or navigate to our massage school admissions website.great resignation

The post The Great Resignation is Driving People to Launch ��ý Therapy Careers appeared first on East West College.

Forward Movement in Tricky Times: Tips for LMTs in the Age of the Coronavirus

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:23:53 +0000

Early in the coronavirus crisis, many were hopeful that Oregon’s massage businesses would be able to reopen by April 15^th, the original end date in Kate Brown’s first executive order. Then, on April 14^th, the governor outlined for when the economy can be reopened: 1) a “flattened curve,” meaning fewer recorded cases of COVID-19; 2) adequate protective gear for essential frontline workers, and 3) increased testing capabilities, to track any resurgence of the virus. When can we estimate these three items will be in place? Experts predict that flattening the curve will extend through at least mid-May, and Governor Brown mentioned that the “months ahead” will include a re-opening that “is going to move slower than any of us would want, but it’s the only way to protect the health and lives of Oregonians.”

Health is at the heart of every massage business. Manual therapists are driven by a deep desire to help others improve their health. So, while LMTs don’t want to put others at risk, many are also wondering how they can preserve their livelihoods in this strange, unpredictable time. Today we’re listing actions LMTs can take to put themselves in the best position possible. We’re supporting our beloved massage community by listing financial and personal wellness actions that therapists can take now to situate themselves well for the eventual reopening of the economy. Rather than perpetuate fear, we aim to empower you through information.

Financial Actions for LMTs during the Coronavirus Crisis
Triage your massage business.

First, contact your creditors, including…

Credit cards
Medical bills
Student loans
Auto loans

…and any other loans you may have. Request deferred payments, and if that isn’t available, inquire after lowered interest rates. Federally funded student loans can be put into administrative forbearance, allowing you to temporarily stop making loan payments. Your loan servicers can provide more information.

Next, call your bank and ask about the following financial safety nets:

Cash reserves which are lines of credit that will safeguard you against overdrafts.
Single payment loans, which can help you endure these tricky times.

Some banks are also offering waived banking fees, deferred loan payments, and zero interest loans. It does not hurt to call your bank and see how they can help you.

You may also use this time to prepare your business to reopen. Some spas and wellness centers are pre-booking appointments for when they reopen. Others are focusing on boosting their online presence. From setting up online booking to selling massage products online, there are many online tasks you can do now to make your business more successful once social distancing restrictions are lifted.

For more coronavirus-specific information on government resources, unemployment benefits, and small business loans, we recommend our previous blog on the CARES act. We also suggest this , specific to the massage industry.

Self-Care Practices for ��ý Therapists during the Coronavirus Crisis
This crisis has been difficult for everyone, and each of us faces unique challenges. Recognize that mental health issues are likely to resurface during these stressful times. From grieving the loss of long-anticipated events to missing human contact, each person in our locked-down economy is struggling. More than ever, it is critical to take care of yourself so that you can stay open and compassionate to those around you.

Prioritize daily exercise, home-cooked, nutritious meals, and rest. This is the perfect time to allow any lingering physical issues, such as repetitive use injuries, to heal. You may also consider picking up a self-care practice that you have always wanted to try, such as yoga or meditation. Many fitness centers are offering free online classes during this time; here are a few resources to check out:

has many types of prerecorded free fitness classes, from bootcamp to Tai Chi to boxing and yoga.

maintains a selection of complimentary videos, including a few meditation videos.

is a phone app that offers a versatile meditation timing tool as well as dozens of complimentary guided meditations.

Self-care will help you stay steady, to best protect your massage career.

“Pandemic Responses 101” is not a course at our massage school in Portland. When you first decided to become a massage therapist, you couldn’t have dreamed of this challenge. Be patient with yourself and others during this time. Have faith that with dedication and community support, your massage work can survive. Industries across the globe are besieged, and the massage business is no exception. If we can do anything to help, please reach out to our phenomenal staff, who are working safely from home at this time.

The post Forward Movement in Tricky Times: Tips for LMTs in the Age of the Coronavirus appeared first on East West College.

How the CARES Act Affects ��ý Therapists: Individual Payments, Unemployment Benefits and SBA Loans to Battle the Coronavirus Crisis

East West College of the Healing Arts — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:55:54 +0000

Congress worked fervently last week to complete the CARES Act. This $2-trillion, bipartisan deal, short for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act, includes cash payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans. If your massage therapy career is facing a major hurdle in the form of COVID-19, financial relief may be on the horizon. Let’s analyze how massage therapists can access the CARES Act’s resources.

Individual Cash Transfers
The CARES Act includes direct payments to individuals, to be distributed in the next couple of weeks. Eligible families will generally receive $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. For a personalized estimate, we recommend you read this , which includes a calculator you can use to figure out the likely amount of your CARES act check.

When can you expect this check? A specifies that payments will go out in the next three weeks and will be calculated according to 2019 tax returns. If you have not yet filed taxes for 2019 (the deadline for doing so has been extended to July 15), your check will be based on your 2018 taxes. Therefore, if you had a major change in revenue in 2019, particularly a major decrease, it behooves you to file your 2019 taxes ASAP. The check amount will be $1,200 per individual for those with incomes up to $75,000. That payment amount will be decreased by $5 for each additional $100 above the $75,000 threshold.

Expanded Unemployment Benefits
Traditionally, only full-time employees are eligible for unemployment. The CARES Act has eased these restrictions, so that part-time and self-employed individuals may also receive unemployment benefits due to coronavirus-related loss of work. As such, massage therapists who operate as sole-proprietors and contract workers will be eligible.

The rollout of this program is not crystal clear. For instance, when will these expanded benefits begin? In one section, the CARES Act specifies February 15 as the start date for increased eligibility; in another place it states the augmented eligibility will begin once each states enters into a contract with the US Department of Labor (which will likely occur in the next couple of days).

Unemployment benefits always include a portion of your recent earnings; however, the CARES act includes an additional $600 of special coronavirus relief from the federal government.

A final adjustment to traditional unemployment is when benefits may be collected. Typically, unemployment benefits are not paid for the first week of eligibility; the CARES act waives this requirement, allowing for faster payments.

In order to be eligible for unemployment payments, individuals must apply for unemployment benefits, continue actively seeking work, keep a record of job-seeking efforts, and register with the state. The CARES act requires states to “provide flexibility in meeting such requirements in cases of individuals unable to search for work because of COVID-19, including because of illness, quarantine, or movement restriction.”

You can .

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
Beginning March 26, small businesses may apply for long-term, low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Of course, these will need to be paid back, but they may allow you to keep your business afloat. Sole proprietors are eligible through June 30^th, 2020. They may apply for .

Partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability entities, and corporations may .

Find .

Additional Financial Resources

We recommend keeping an eye on the New York Times’ . This excellent resource includes information on receiving paid leave, which the CARES Act also expanded. (Note: Part-time and self-employed workers are also included in this paid leave allowance, although self-employed individuals will receive the benefit in the form of tax credits.) This site also includes financial advice on how to survive this crisis, including taking steps like pausing your federal loans.

Finally, we encourage you to keep abreast of state and local news, where you may discover additional financial resources. For instance, $2 million in grants is being distributed to Portland businesses. To be considered for this grant, apply by April 1^st through .

It is likely that additional loans and grants will be made available in the coming weeks and months. We will continue to keep an eye on developments and share them with you though our social media sites (we’re on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) as well as through this blog. Financial savviness in the face of worldwide epidemics is not a topic that is typically covered in massage classes, nor in massage continuing education, but we will be here to support you through these challenging times.

The post How the CARES Act Affects ��ý Therapists: Individual Payments, Unemployment Benefits and SBA Loans to Battle the Coronavirus Crisis appeared first on East West College.

Proactive ��ý: PNF, Range of Motion and Client Engagement During ��ý

East West College of the Healing Arts — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 21:03:39 +0000

Ask the average person why they get massage, and they might answer “for stress relief” or “to feel good!” It is unlikely that the first words out of their mouth would be “To improve communication between my nervous system and my muscles.” Yet mind/body proprioceptive learning is at the heart of proactive massage techniques. In proactive massage, the client participates through stretching, awareness of sensation, and mindful breathing. By improving the connection between brain and body, these unique massage approaches can successfully decrease pain, increase range of motion, and empower clients to become aware of their own muscular holding patterns. Let’s explore the workings of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) and Range of Motion massage modalities.

What is Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)?
PNF techniques include passive stretching and isometric muscle contractions. The PNF protocol involves a specific pattern of contracting, stretching, and relaxing. Typically, the therapist will first manually stretch a muscle or group of muscles for about ten seconds. Next, the therapist asks the client to activate the targeted muscle, using gentle resistance. For instance, the client could be asked to press against the therapist’s hand, typically for six seconds, followed by relaxation. Finally, the therapist stretches the muscle(s) again, bringing it past the initial range of motion.

Benefits of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
–Increased Range of Motion, accomplished in a shorter time span than some other approaches.
–Longer resting muscles, increasing relaxation.
–Improved biomechanics. Sports massage therapists often find athletes enjoy PNF for the resulting improvement in performance.
–Reduced joint stiffness.

Research on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Myofascial Work
According to an , PNF can provide “significant changes over time” for clients with myofascial trigger points, which many laypeople refer to as “knots.” Thirty active males were included in the study; all of them had tight hamstrings and at least one latent myofascial trigger point innervated by the lumbosacral, sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves. Participants were split into a control group which received no treatment, and a second group that received Myofascial Trigger Point therapy plus PNF massage. The PNF group showed multiple improvements over the control group, including lower pain intensity and increased range of motion. The researchers concluded that PNF/myofascial massage resulted in “immediate pre- to post-treatment benefits.”

When it comes to educating yourself on assisted stretching techniques, including PNF, we hope to be your top pick among Oregon massage schools. Portland, OR LMTs will find our new downtown location easy to access via public transit or car. We offer a legion of CE classes every term, taught by experienced, dedicated LMTs, in everything from sports massage to ethics. Our own Renee Stenbjorn is offering a PNF massage technique class in March, specifically on Neuromuscular Therapy for the Neck. To sign up for this and other PNF and range of motion CE classes, visit , or call 503-233-6500.

The post Proactive ��ý: PNF, Range of Motion and Client Engagement During ��ý appeared first on East West College.

��ý Therapist Self-Care Questions to Assess Injury Risk

East West College of the Healing Arts — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 20:44:39 +0000

Did you know that three out of four therapists have experienced work-related pain or discomfort in the past two years? It’s true, according to a . The same survey found that 64% of LMTs have sought medical treatment for their injuries. To enjoy a long, successful massage therapy career, therapists must cultivate good self-care habits, including injury prevention. Today we’re examining workplace injuries for massage therapists. We also include a list of questions therapists can ask themselves to understand their risk.

Let’s begin with a review of injury in the massage profession. reports that soft tissue injuries common to massage therapists tend to fall into two categories: muscle/tendon injuries and nerve impingement injuries. Overuse is the most common cause for both. Injuries may be categorized as cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or overuse syndromes. An overarching term which includes all of these is “musculoskeletal disorders” (MSDs). MSDs can happen suddenly (ex: ligament strain) or over time (ex: tendonitis). MSDs are the second cause of missed work among LMTs, just behind colds and the flu. Four out of ten LMTs have already been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).

Frequently injured body parts among massage therapists include shoulders, thumbs, lower backs, necks, and wrists. The most common injury types tend to be overuse syndrome, tendonitis/tenosynovitis, and low back strain. What causes these injuries? Applying pressure, standing for long periods of time, and positioning clients’ limbs or head, among other workplace habits. In response to an injury, 19% of massage therapists cut back on the amount of massage work they do, and 18% have considered leaving the profession due to injury or fear of injury. Overall, more than two thirds of LMTs suffer ongoing symptoms stemming from injuries.

Self-awareness is a vital tool in the battle against LMT injury. Therapists can reflect on their own tendencies prevent injuries. To assess your risk of injury, ask yourself the following questions, grouped around the most common causes of injury for massage therapists.

What Repetitive Movements do I Perform Regularly? Repetition increases your risk of injury.

Is my massage table at the proper height? If not, you are making your job harder every day.

Am I using the same massage techniques every day, with every client? This is a recipe for injury. Variety is the key in avoiding repetitive strain injuries.

Can I vary my massage schedule more? Taking breaks and changing up techniques will keep you fresh and therefore delight clients.

What can I do to reduce repetition? Consider your work at home, at your massage practice, and doing hobbies or sports. Everything from computer work to doing laundry to talking on the phone to pumping gas to doing gardening will have an impact on your body.

When Do I Use a Significant Amount of Hand Force? Sudden and long-term injuries are more likely when you are pressing hard.

What duration are my massage sessions? Am I providing all back-to-back 90-minute massages? This may tire your muscles and put you at higher risk for injury.

How many clients will need deep tissue work this week? If all your clients demand deep-tissue work, you may consider adding other approaches to your repertoire, to reduce your chance of injury.

How can I vary light and deep force within the same massage session? This approach will give your muscles and joints a break.

When do I repetitively take or stay in Awkward Postures? Poor alignment increases the likelihood of injury.

Am I keeping my elbows close to my body? (To prevent rotator cuff injuries.)

Am I keeping my wrists straight? (To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis.)

Is my body stacked in line with gravity? This will make your work more effective, in addition to protecting you against injury.

If I am leaning over the table, can I apply core strength and maintain a flat back? If not, consider building core strength.

Are my neck and head in a neutral position?

When do I hold positions that require Static Loading? (Applying pressure without movement)

When do I place Contact Stress on my soft tissues?

When do I regularly perform Awkward, Heavy, or Frequent Lifting? Consider movements such as adjusting a client’s limbs or head, as well as secondary tasks such as moving or transporting massage tables.

What Prior Injuries have I sustained? In addition to any therapy-related injuries, don’t forget to consider, car accidents, sports injuries, etc.

How often am I prioritizing my own overall fitness? The better your overall health, the less apt you are to injure yourself on the job.

Therapist self-preservation should be included in every massage class. A massage therapist certification or licensure program that doesn’t address the risk of therapist injury isn’t worth its salt. And therapists in all styles, from Swedish to sports therapy massage, must prioritize their own self-care in order to effectively care for their clients. If reading through our self-assessment questions put up some red flags in your mind, we encourage you to sign up for a CE class on self-preservation. For instance, Debbie DeNardo, LMT, has a class coming up this April on massage tools to help your hands. To sign up for this or any massage CE class at East West College’s downtown Portland location, call 503-223-6500, or visit us online at EastWestCollege.edu and select Continuing Education from the top.

The post ��ý Therapist Self-Care Questions to Assess Injury Risk appeared first on East West College.

Self-Care: Tips to Unwind and Reset between ��ý Therapy Sessions

East West College of the Healing Arts — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 22:06:52 +0000

For most therapists, earning a massage certificate or license means they are finally ready to provide excellent care to others. However, the truth is that therapists must take good care of themselves if they wish to heal others effectively. You can maximize the sustainability of your massage career though self-awareness and self-care.

Too often, “self-care” is equated with yet more work. It’s not unusual to feel frustrated when self-care is just another item on your to-do list. But even a moment or two of sincere self-awareness and compassion can turn a day around. As you become more practiced in self-care, you will better understand what is most effective for you. From yoga to hot baths to nourishing food, there are endless ways to bring delight and healing to your own body. While you may not have time every day for an hour-long yoga class, you likely have a few minutes between massage sessions to take care of yourself.

A happy, healthy therapist will have the energy to deliver more effective massage. Ultimately, self-care translates into improved client care.

Let’s review some quick “reset” exercises that can help you refresh before your next massage session.

Fast Self-Care for Licensed ��ý Therapists
In an ideal world, you would schedule at least ten minutes between massage sessions to release and relax. However, even taking just a minute or two to focus on your own needs can make a huge difference in refreshing your mind and body. Here are a few quick exercises you can use to reset.

Set Clear Energetic Boundaries. Physical pain is often linked with emotional pain, and as you work a client’s tissues, their emotional histories can surface. Without care, their issues can transfer to you. To guard against this, set an intention for your massage space prior to each session, for healing for your client as well as yourself. Take measures to clear the space after each session, as well. This may be as simple as airing out the room while taking a walk.

Stretch and Shake Out. Counteract your manual work with stretching. You may develop a short routine of basic stretches to alleviate the muscles you use most frequently, or you may find it more helpful to follow a short YouTube or Gaia video. Shaking can also help you reset, as it reminds your body that it can move in many ways, not just the patterns of massage therapy.

Over time, you will figure out which movements are the most helpful for you. Consider partnering these movements with tasks you must do between sessions. For instance, you can roll out your neck after changing the sheets. On your way to using the restroom, pause for a pectoral stretch in the doorway. While a client is changing position, take a breath or two to check in on your own body sensations.

Hydrate. Mindfully drinking cool water is a fast, effective way to nourish every cell in your body.

Breathe Deeply. Even if you only have a spare minute or two between clients, you have time to reset through your breath. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through your nose, feeling, your belly press outward as the air reaches the bottom of your lungs. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. You can visualize roots growing down from your feet through the floor, or imagine any difficult experiences/pain leaving your body through the exhale. Just three rounds of deep breath can make a difference!

Schedule Wisely. Leave more time to reset after challenging clients, or schedule them at the end of the day. Maintain a strong limit for yourself regarding how many clients you can see per day.

“Walking the walk” as massage therapists includes living a healthy lifestyle. Your dedication to self-care will serve as an excellent example for your clients. In addition to these quick between-session release techniques, it’s a good idea to get regular massage work for yourself as well. Finally, apply the advice you give to clients to yourself as well. Ice your forearms, hands, shoulders, and other body parts as needed to keep your musculature working well over a long, healthy career in massage therapy.

To conclude, we invite you to increase self-care knowledge through the massage therapy continuing education offerings at East West College. Our range of upcoming self-care courses for massage therapists includes:

Mastering the Art of Boundaries with Sarah B. Davis, LMT.
The Peaceful Self-Defense System for Communication with Christopher Storey, MSW.
��ý Tools to Help your Hands with Debbie DeNardo, LMT.

A massage class focused on self-care will enhance your practice, as your clients will certainly detect your increased energy and enthusiasm for your work. Visit eastwestcollege.edu or call 503-233-6500 to sign up for a continuing education course today.

The post Self-Care: Tips to Unwind and Reset between ��ý Therapy Sessions appeared first on East West College.

Grief ��ý: Reconnecting with the Body Through Healing Touch

East West College of the Healing Arts — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 22:00:44 +0000

The significant loss of a loved one often flows through every part of a person’s life. Grief often manifests as a stress response, complete with sleep disruptions, immune system suppression, changes in eating patterns. Physical symptoms may include headaches, and lingering tightness in the jaw, shoulders, and neck. Physical touch through massage therapy can be a powerful way for a grieving person to reconnect with their body. This blog will offer research on grief massage, as well as intake form tips, treatment suggestions, and communication techniques for working with grieving massage therapy clients.

Grief massage helps a person heal by allowing them to shift out of the stress response and into the relaxation response. Following a major loss, grieving individuals often find it very difficult to relax on their own. Here’s where a massage therapist can help.

��ý Helps People Cope with the Loss of a Loved One. A study of eighteen people, ages 34-78, who had lost a relative to cancer participated in a Science Daily study. They received massage therapy for eight weeks. Every participant reported that the massage helped them find balance and adapt to life following their loss.

Unification is another positive outcome of grief massage. The loss of a loved one leaves a person feeling shattered. Re-integrating the body through massage is an excellent goal for massage therapists working with the bereaved.

Rather than working on “fixing” a physical symptom, grief massage therapists may instead focus entirely on relaxation, using gentle, predictable strokes on the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, lower legs, and feet. These areas are typically perceived as safe, even during a grief-induced stress response. Work may be done over clothing to maintain a sense of security and comfort. Creating a secure, relaxing environment is a major factor in providing grief massage.

Communicating with the Bereaved
From the moment a client enters your space to the time they depart, it is critical that they feel safe. Begin with a warm handshake, and an explanation of what to expect at different moments in the massage. Invite the client into your massage space as you would invite a friend into your living room.

Deep listening is also important. Practice listening to understand, rather than just waiting until your conversation partner finishes so that you can make your next point. Be comfortable with silence. Finally, use metaphors and stories when explaining what you’re doing, to make clinical information more accessible.

Treatment Ideas for ��ý Clients in Mourning
–Flat-hand vibration
–Gentle rocking
–Comfort holds

These techniques can assist the bereaved by bringing calm relaxation to stiff areas.

Leslie Freeman, a massage therapist who specializes in bereavement massage, also uses reflexology, hand-and-foot massage, the Trager approach, craniosacral work, and more to bring a client a feeling of release. Grief can feel very heavy, and Freeman’s clients often report a sense of a weight being lifted off them during bereavement massage sessions.

Finally, Freeman has found that a predictable, consistent sequence of strokes helps a grieving person feel safe. If they know what to expect, they can relax more deeply.

Through massage therapy training, you can help others move more gracefully through grief. ��ý therapy schools, including our own COMTA-accredited school of massage in Portland, OR, provide in-depth training to empower the therapists of tomorrow. If you would like to learn more about how to take the first steps toward becoming a massage therapist, we invite you to speak with a member of our admissions team today. Call 503-233-6500, or visit our admissions department online to set up an appointment for more information.

The post Grief ��ý: Reconnecting with the Body Through Healing Touch appeared first on East West College.

������ý Therapists Archives - East West College

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

Professional Boundaries: Practical Applications for Preventing Compassion Fatigue

������ý Therapy Training 101: Boundaries

How ������ý Therapists Can Create Healthy Workspaces Through Boundaries

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

How to Apply for ������ý Therapy Licensure in Oregon