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14 Traits of an Exceptional Massage Therapist
The world of massage therapy is vast, encompassing a myriad of techniques, approaches, and philosophies. Yet, at the core of this profession lies a set of fundamental traits that distinguish an exceptional massage therapist from an average one. While some of these...
The Importance of Accreditation in Massage Therapy Education
In the world of massage therapy education, one word often stands out as a beacon of trust and quality: accreditation. Accreditation is a process of validation in which colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. The standards for...
The Impact of Massage Therapy on Mental Health
In today's fast-paced world, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults....
The Future of Massage Therapy: 7 Trends to Watch
The field of massage therapy has been evolving and growing at a rapid pace. With an increasing recognition of the benefits of massage therapy for health and wellness, the demand for skilled therapists is on the rise. As we look to the future, several trends are...
Tips for Successful Study and Time Management in Massage School
Studying in massage school requires dedication, focus, and effective time management skills. Aspiring massage therapists need to balance theoretical knowledge, practical training, and clinical practice to succeed in their studies. However, managing coursework,...
The Role of Massage Therapy in Sports and Rehabilitation
Enhancing Performance and Accelerating Recovery Massage therapy is widely acknowledged for its relaxation and stress-relief benefits, but its significance goes far beyond that. In the realm of sports and rehabilitation, massage therapy plays a pivotal role in...
Developing Strong Communication Skills as a Massage Therapist
Communication is an essential skill for any massage therapist. It plays a vital role in establishing rapport, understanding client needs, and ensuring a positive therapeutic experience. Effective communication helps create a safe and comfortable environment, builds...
Massage and Mental Health
Massage and Mental Health Massage therapy can do wonders for both your physical and mental health. While many peoplethink of massage as a way to relieve muscle tension and pain, research has shown that it canalso reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. One...
The Benefits of Online Learning
The Benefits of Online Learning Online learning has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. As technology advances and people become more dependent on the internet, online education has become hugely beneficial for both students and teachers....
The Multitude of Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been shown to have a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind. From reducing pain and muscle tension, to improving circulation and mood, and helping people attain a better quality of life, regular massages can lead to an overall improved...
Six Tips About Starting YOUR Massage Therapy Business!
Starting a massage business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Massage therapy services are in high demand, as more and more people seek natural ways to promote healing and relaxation. If...
Massage Therapy: Going Back To School
Going back to school for a second career can be a challenge, but it's also a great opportunity to learn new skills and prepare for a rewarding career. Massage Therapists are in high demand, as more and more people seek natural ways to promote healing and relaxation....
What is Diaphragmatic breathing and why should I do it?
“Diaphragmatic breathing” is a concept that can aid the body in many ways. When you breathe from your diaphragm, you get improved air and oxygen circulation in the body. The diaphragm muscle is located horizontally between the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity. ...
The answers to your questions answers about Massage therapy
Massage therapy produces numerous benefits, but many people have never experienced a massage before. These people may have questions or concerns that they would like addressed prior to signing up for a massage. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to...
Spring: the perfect time to recommit to your health
Spring has sprung! With the change in season, many people are looking for ways to recommit to their health and wellness. Sometimes this means that people want to set goals and reach them or to take action in a new routine or way of life. Other times, this means...
Massage therapy in the Winter Months
As we approach March we are thinking of Spring and getting excited for warmer weather and spring-time activities. However, in many parts of the country there will still be snowstorms and Winter weather for a bit longer. Massage therapy can be very helpful as a...
How Massage Therapy Improves Lives
Do you have a career you love? Imagine waking up each morning with a passion and calling for helping others and getting to LIVE that dream out each day! As a massage therapist you truly get to help people feel their best and live the life that they want to live. Here...
Top Tips for Optimal Health
There is no doubt that people are looking for tips to achieve optimal health and a happy and healthy lifestyle, where they feel pain-free and are able to participate in the activities that they love. Here are the top five tips for optimal health and wellness. These...
Top Five Ways to Reduce Post-Massage Soreness
You may have heard that it is possible for soreness to occur after a massage, and there are many reasons why this might be the case. It is not uncommon, but there are ways that you can limit or reduce the soreness you experience. In this write-up, we will discuss why...
Chronic and Acute Pain—The Role of Massage Therapy
Chronic and acute pain are common in society. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. This is often thought of as persistent pain that can be physically and mentally intrusive. Acute pain is new or recent pain, and can be defined as pain...
Top Three Reasons For A Chair Massage
Chair massage is a type of massage therapy that is performed on a client while in the seated position. The chair is often a massage therapy portable chair with face and head support that the client can comfortably sit or kneel on. Most people think of massage therapy...
How To Find The Right Massage For You!
Which type of massage is the right one for you and your clients? This depends on what clients are looking for, and what may benefit their goals and needs. This article will summarize five kinds of massages and how to find the best one for you! Swedish Massage Therapy:...
Consider Chair Massage!
Chair massage is a type of massage therapy that is performed on clients while they are in the seated position. The chair is often a particular massage therapy portable chair with face and head support that the client can comfortably sit or kneel on. Client Benefits:...
What Is Sports Massage And Why Do You Need It?
Sports massage is specialized for each athletic client. The massage is often tailored to meet the needs of the client via deep tissue massage combined with stretching techniques. The therapist determines which muscle groups need to be addressed related to the...
New Year, New You… New Career!
As we approach the end of the year, it's a great time to think about the previous year, as well as the year ahead. This past year, what went well? What could have been done differently? What are some highlights and items that you want more of moving forward? What...
What Are The Differences Between The Therapies?
You may have heard of the many kinds of therapies or therapeutic treatments. These include massage therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, just to name a few. When looking at careers, it is important to know what each entails, and which one is the right...
Massage Therapy During The Holidays!
Some people love the holiday season—the lights, the gatherings, the snow, while others do not look forward to it—the added stress, the tough relationships, the memories of hard times past. Whatever you think or feel, massage therapy is a great addition to your holiday...
Which Items Do I Need As A Massage Therapist?
Becoming a massage therapist is easier than ever before through PMA, and you can choose the curriculum path that best fits your lifestyle. You can become a massage therapist in as few as 15 weeks! You may be wondering what else is necessary in order to perform...
Service-Oriented Massage Therapists
There are many aspects of the client experience that are important, but one stands out far more than the rest. Can you guess what is the most valued reason clients return? The service that they receive. You can think of the client experience as a three-legged stool,...
Top 5 Ways to Garner Returning Clients!
Every massage therapist hopes to have a full schedule of clients, and especially clients that you know and have worked with before. Returning clients allow for a continued therapeutic relationship in which the massage therapist knows exactly what the clients want, and...
Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Massage Therapists
While the field of massage therapy is a unique and rewarding one, it is important that you are also taking care of yourself. Living a healthy lifestyle will keep you happy and allow you to work as a massage therapist far into the future. Here are some healthy...
Top 5 Tips For a Successful Educational Experience When Going to School For Massage Therapy
Whether going to school for the first time, or going back to school as a second career as a massage therapist there are certain things you can do ensure success in your studies. A career as a Massage Therapist is rewarding, offers flexibility, and is attainable based...
Top Traits of An Effective Massage Therapist
Let’s face it, there are some really great Massage Therapists out there. They are consistently booked with appointments, and even have their regular clients each week. How do they do it? On the other hand, there are some Massage Therapists who are not effective and...
Post-Massage Questions and Considerations
After the massage session, there are certain questions and considerations that should be brought up to be sure quality care is given to the client. These considerations help build rapport and ensure the client feels cared for and valued. Here are some of the top...
Top 5 Reasons To Work On A Team As A Massage Therapist
The massage therapy profession allows for a wide array of opportunities for employment. There are many settings one can choose to work in - from an office setting to outdoors on a beach! A massage therapist may also choose to be self-employed or work with a team of...
Massage Strokes and Their Benefits
There are many different types of massage strokes that a massage therapist can choose from, and different benefits as well. There are particular instances and situations when you would choose to use certain massage strokes on your client versus others. Here are a few...
Self Care For Massage Therapists
Massage Therapy can be a very physically demanding job. Depending on your client schedule, you can be working for many hours in a day, using your body which can lead to soreness or even injury if you are not careful. Just like any physical activity, it is important to...
Work Opportunities as a Massage Therapist
There are so many work opportunities as a massage therapist, depending on what your goals and needs are. There are ample different locations in which a massage therapist could decide to work. Some locations include: an already established massage business, a...
Benefits of a Massage Therapy Skillset
There are ample benefits of having a massage therapy skillset. In this blog we will go through some of the top benefits, to include knowledge of the human body, a rewarding career where you get to help others, career opportunities, and bettering oneself and your own...
MBLEx Exam: What You Need To Know
https://youtu.be/MEPEY_LECgY In order to become a licensed massage therapist, it is required to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or MBLEx. In this video, we will be going over the exam, what to expect and how you can be best prepared for it! For...
Body Mechanics For Massage Therapists
Utilizing proper body mechanics is imperative to having longevity in the massage industry. Proper mechanics makes the therapist techniques more effective. This helps to increase the quality of massage that you provide to your clients while producing safe movements....
Why Massage Therapy for Your Next Career
When it comes to starting school, changing a career path or adding on a second career, there can be many different obstacles such as time, money and location. Our massage therapy programs at The Professional Massage Academy (PMA) can help solve these common issues....
Postpartum Massage Therapy Benefits
Massage therapy is a great option for women who are pregnant, as well as those who have had their baby and are in the postpartum phase. Be sure to discuss with your OB or Midwife about when massage is safe to have performed after the baby is born, based on your...
Avoiding Carpal Tunnel as a Massage Therapist
Carpal tunnel is a disorder that is caused by irritation or compression of the Median Nerve. The symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both hands or arms. This can come about due to many factors, to include repetitive use of the hands or...
Foot Massage and It’s Surprising Benefits
Foot massage has many benefits for the entire body that may seem surprising! Today, we will be going over the different benefits of foot massage for both the body and mind and why they should be a part of your routine. Interested in learning more about our online...
Sports Massage: How to and Benefits
A sports massage is a massage that is focused on certain body parts or regions related to use of the body during a sport, active endeavor or workout. Usually, this type of massage is a bit deeper pressure. It may involve other techniques such as stretching, focused...
How to Be Professional as a Massage Therapist
When people come in for a massage therapy appointment, they want to feel like they are in the hands of a trained professional. The Massage Therapist should strive to come across in a professional manner, and realize that there is a lot of trust involved on the side of...
Massage Therapy Benefits for Arthritis
Many people have been diagnosed with arthritis. Some of those people have symptoms related to stiffness, pain, tightness or lack of movement related to arthritis. Unfortunately, arthritis-related symptoms can sometimes affect a person’s quality of life and daily...
What to Expect With The MBLEx Exam
In order to become a licensed massage therapist, it is required to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or MBLEx. This exam is an entry-level licensure exam administered in 46 jurisdictions nationwide. It is regulated by the Federation of State Massage...
Massage Care For Athletes
https://youtu.be/LaEwlgAzWrQ When thinking of getting a massage, it is mostly thought of as a time for peak relaxation. However, massage therapists and athletes who get regular massages know the benefits it can have for overall athletic health and performance. Learn...
Heart Health and Massage Therapy
Heart health is an important aspect of one’s overall health, and there are many ways in which we can promote this. You have probably already heard about a healthy diet with proper nutrition and aerobic exercise for achieving adequate heart health. But did you know...
Trigger Point Massage For Cold and Flu Symptoms
Trigger point massage is a technique that can be used in almost any part of the body, and is a very directed and specific technique. Did you know you can use this technique to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms? In fact, this is a great way to help with symptoms...
Anxiety Relief and Massage Therapy
Anxiety is very prevalent in our society, and is on the rise. Many Americans suffer from anxiety disorders and this can affect their quality of life. An anxiety disorder is diagnosed by certain factors. Generally, it is when the amount of anxiety is beyond what the...
Why You Should Move Slower When Massaging
When thinking about giving a massage, it is important to have a plan of action for what you will be doing throughout your session. This means knowing what massage type is best for your client and what specific strokes you will be performing. It's also important to...
Benefits of Remote Learning at PMA
https://youtu.be/o1-qdfhmzNc When it comes to starting school, changing a career path or adding on a second career, there can be many different obstacles such as time, money and location. Today, we will be going over how remote learning at The Professional Massage...
How To Market Your Massage Therapy Business
There are many great ways to market your massage therapy business. It is of utmost importance to have an organized plan. A proper business plan can keep you on track with your company and business, and can be updated as needed. This business plan often helps the owner...
How To Interact With Your Massage Clients
Interacting with massage clients is an important part of every massage. It is great to ask clients questions prior to a massage session, as well as throughout a massage. This will engage that person, and allow you to figure out their needs so that the massage session...
Why Massage Is a Perfect Part Time or Second Career
Massage therapy is a great career, and there are many various ways to go about structuring it to fit one’s needs and lifestyle. There are many people who perform massage therapy as a full-time career, and there are also many people who find it to be a perfect part...
How Does Our Online Massage Therapy Program Work?
PMA is a massage therapy program that combines online learning with hands-on training. This is a great option for people at home right now that are looking to start or change their career. You learn the theories and important concepts at home online, and apply those...
Deep Tissue Massage: What You Should Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2H4rQpb4Jw When you are scheduling a massage or advising a client on a massage, it can be difficult to pick the right massage for the circumstance. In this video, we will be going over Deep Tissue Massage; when to get it, what...
Healthy Habits to Add to Your Routine
There are many great ways that you can make your daily routine rich with healthy habits and activities. These items will help each day to feel fulfilled and keep you healthy and happy in the long-run as well. In no particular order, here are some healthy habits to add...
Different Massage Types and Their Benefits
There are many different types of massage techniques that can be chosen to employ, and certain benefits for each of these. The massage therapist will choose which techniques will work best with their clients in order to fit their needs. There are specific questions...
How To Succeed As A Massage Therapist
It is important to stand-out as a Massage therapist in order to succeed in the field. There are many ways in which one can do this. Some differentiating factors may include: quality customer service, your motto and vision, how you grow your client base, your special...
5 Tips To Maximize Your Massage Experience
There are many ways in which you can maximize your massage experience. Most people book their massage sessions with the expectation that they will “feel better” after the massage. This is the goal of the Massage Therapist as well! These five tips (in no particular...
Self Massage: How To and Benefits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VMz6C4NX9U If you don’t have the time to schedule a massage and need immediate relief, it’s hard to know how to help relieve your pain in a safe and effective way. Today, we will be going over different ways to self massage and the...
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
There are ample benefits of prenatal massage, and this is often highly recommended for pregnant women. Getting massages during your pregnancy can help with physical ailments as well as emotional, mental, hormone-related, stress-related and other potential ailments or...
Benefits of Aromatherapy and Massage
What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the term used for describing the ways in which certain smells can guide us - body, mind and spirit. Certain “aromas” or smells, can elicit particular responses. Aromatherapy is highly-used in massage therapy, as an adjunct to the...
What to Expect After Your First Massage
It is especially helpful to know what to expect after your first massage. This will give you a good indication of what is “normal” and expected, so that you are well-informed. It will also give you an idea of what is not normal, and thus more able to develop a plan in...
When Not To Get a Massage
There are times when massage therapy is not the right approach based on one’s condition or what they are going through at that current time. In our previous blog titled, “When Should I Not Get a Massage” we discussed instances when one should not get a massage. This...
How Massage Therapy Can Help You Sleep Better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE542TMcT1U We spend around ⅓ of our lives sleeping or trying to sleep. Sleep is vital for our bodies to heal, recover, and function during our day to day. We are always trying to find different ways to sleep better and longer to give...
Benefits of Meditation and Massage
Meditation and massage therapy are similar in that they get you into a relaxed and restful mindset. This “rest and digest” state of mind is helpful for our brain to be able to unwind and be less stressed. Our nervous system benefits from this relaxation response...
7 Effective Study Tips For Students
Learning how to study effectively can be a great skill for students that can really impact their ability to learn. There are many different ways to study and learn, and it is important to find the tools that are best for you. For example, some people are more visual...
6 Ways To Be More Present
Being in the present moment can help us to enjoy life and not worry as much about the past or future. There is great research that supports the importance of being present, and here are a few ways to prioritize presence in your life. 1. Listen to your body. Taking the...
5 Wellness Tips To Stay Healthy This Fall
There are many ways to prioritize your health and wellness this Fall. Here are some top tips to stay healthy and happy! Daily consistency is key with these tips, and starting a healthy routine now in the Fall season can also keep you going smoothly into the Winter...
Top 5 Facial Massage Benefits
https://youtu.be/ACjDvrNhH9g When thinking about booking a massage, many people might think about their back pain, or sore leg muscles and it is easy to forget the importance of massage for the muscles in your face. In a recent Facebook Live, went over the top 5 ways...
Advanced Massage Techniques You Should Utilize
There are a plethora of massage therapy techniques available to choose from, and often it is based on the needs of the client. The most important part of the time with the client before the massage is to figure out their needs. There are certain techniques and...
Chair Massage vs Table Massage: Which Is Better?
When deciding on the right massage for you or your client, there are many options to choose from. The type of techniques used, the amount of time and also, what type of table or chair to use are all things to think about before choosing the perfect massage for you or...
Trigger Points and Massage Therapy
Trigger points are areas in the muscles also referred to as “knots.” The definition of a trigger point, as described in Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual By Janet G. Travell, MD and David G. Simons, MD is, “a focus of hyperirritability in a...
6 Tips To Grow Your Massage Business
There are many ways to grow your massage business so that you are helping as many people as you can! Here are six tips to help you grow your business fast and effectively. 1. Offer Loyalty Rewards and Referral Programs People love to earn points, have a punch card,...
Top 5 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn5kPAJu9GU&t=22s No matter your age or hobbies, massage can promote a healthy lifestyle to help improve your performance in your daily activities. Not only is massage good for your physical health but also your mental health which...
First Steps to Your Massage Career
It is an exciting experience to work toward a goal and achieve it, especially when choosing a career path. A career in massage therapy is a wonderful and rewarding journey, and is definitely an achievable goal with some hard work and dedication. This article will...
Why Anatomy Is Important In Massage Therapy
Anatomy is “the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.” Human Anatomy courses are instrumental in many ways to massage therapists. Anatomy...
How To: Full Body Massage
Performing a full body massage for a client means that you are massaging all major body parts from head to toe. There can be variations on how to perform this, and you can always place more precedence on certain body parts based on the needs of the client. We will...
4 Tips for New Massage Therapists
There are many reasons why certain massage therapists are more successful than others. We will go over the top 4 massage therapist tips to know, so that they can rise to the top of their field quickly and with intention. 1. Listen to your clients. This may seem...
9 Post Massage Care Tips
https://youtu.be/RCxp0MLzRYw As a Massage Therapist or someone who is looking into getting a massage, it is important to remember proper post massage care. In a recent Facebook Live, we went over 9 different post massage care tips so you or your client can have...
5 Self Care Tips To Improve Mind and Body Wellness
Mind and body wellness are both very important focus points. Whether you are looking to just improve slightly or completely overhaul your daily routines, these five self care tips will help you reach your wellness goals. Learn these top self care tips to improve mind...
5 Tips For Tension Relief While Working From Home
Over the past year, many people have found themselves working from home more often or possibly full-time due to the pandemic. Many people have dealt with the tension, soreness, or even pain from this change in ergonomic set up. This change in routine to working from...
Relaxation Response: What is it?
Massage therapy is a great way to invoke the relaxation response. The relaxation response occurs when the body is no longer in perceived danger, and the autonomic nervous system functioning returns to normal. Our autonomic nervous system is divided into our...
How To Relieve Tight Muscles
Muscles can feel sore or tight for many reasons. The body can react this way due to repetitive strain or overuse, as well as poor posture or positioning, and/or lack of movement. There are many ways to prevent soreness and manage this as well. These are the top ways...
Why Massage Therapy at The Professional Massage Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIolS15RdRg When looking for a career, there can be many barriers such as interest, time, flexibility and money. Here at PMA, we wanted to create a program to show how amazing a massage therapy career can be while also providing the...
Financial Assistance: How It Works
As a student in our program at PMA, there are many benefits and assistance with finances. For example, every student receives a free massage table, shirts, lotions, water bottles and more when they are part of the program. The massage table is valued at over $500, and...
Craniosacral Therapy: What is it?
Craniosacral massage therapy is a very specialized technique that is often gentle in application and relaxing to the client. The therapist uses their fingertips to sense the cranial rhythmic impulse of the body, and often applies certain therapeutic techniques in the...
Interview Tips for Massage Therapists
There are many considerations prior to a job interview, and these will help you make the impression that you intend to make and get you the job you want. Here are some top tips for a successful interview for a massage therapy career. 1. Prepare beforehand. Research...
CPR and First Aid: What You Need to Know
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid are very important skills to know how to perform as a massage therapist. You may be in situations where you need to help someone - even a client while in your care. CPR is a known emergency procedure that can help save...
5 Benefits of Massage in the Summer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zstKucKE0eY As the seasons change, so do our bodies. With summer almost here, many people will be enjoying the heat and increasing their overall activity. All of this extra activity can lead to muscles that don’t get the recovery they...
Touch: Why It’s Important
Physical touch through therapeutic massage therapy is extremely beneficial for many reasons. The touch itself helps to ease physical symptoms such as tight muscles, improve circulation and decrease swelling. But did you know that touch is important for other reasons...
Scalp Massage Benefits
Scalp massage is a favorite of many people, as it is relaxing and helps to promote a feeling of reduced tension in the head, neck and face. Did you know that there are many muscles of the face and head? These muscles can become tight or tense, just like anywhere else...
Geriatric Massage Benefits
Massage therapy can be beneficial at any age, and in particular is very beneficial for the geriatric population. There are many physical as well as emotional benefits that one will receive through massage. As always, it is important to check with your Medical Doctor...
5 Conditions Massage Therapy Helps
Massage therapy treatment can help many conditions, and affect both the body and the mind. We will discuss five common conditions that massage therapists commonly treat. This will include: low back pain, sciatica, stress related disorders, tension headaches, and...
7 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself as a Massage Therapist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISyjzeeeplI Working as a massage therapist can be a physically demanding job. It is important to take care of yourself and practice the right techniques to prevent injury or pain while working. On a recent Facebook Live, we went over 7...
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