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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...
Headache Relief and Massage Therapy
A huge percentage of Americans suffer from headaches. There are many causes and types of headaches. A headache can be caused by muscle tightness or tension. Headaches can also be related to other health issues. Headaches due to muscle tightness or tension can be...
How to Strengthen Your Immune System
The immune system is a term used for our body’s defense system against infection or illness. This is a combination of cells and proteins that protects us from different germs. Here are some healthy ways to strengthen the immune system: 1. Don't smoke Smoking can cause...
Muscle Knots: What Are They and How Does Massage Therapy Help?
You may have heard the term “muscle knots” or trigger points. This refers to a spot in the muscle that is tight or restricted. The “knot” can be caused by decrease in oxygen to that portion of the muscle and/or a spot that the muscular fibrils are tangled. What Are...
6 Ways Sitting is Affecting Your Health
Sometimes it is hard to prevent sitting for long periods of time especially during the work day. It is really important to make sure you are periodically moving your body during the day to use your muscles and keep your body in the best shape possible. 1. Neck pain...
How to Recommend Massage to Clients
On a recent Facebook live, we went over how to recommend massage to clients. At PMA, there are many different massage techniques we teach and use regularly to help with many different problem areas. Sometimes, if clients...
Knee Pain Treatment Options: Massage Therapy
There are many different causes of knee pain. It can be caused by issues related to muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and connective tissue. There can also be knee pain related to poor movement patterns and imbalances in the body such as muscular imbalances. This...
5 Tips for Sleeping Better
We have all heard that sleep is important. But why? And how do we improve our quality of sleep? The “why“ is that when we sleep, our brain and our body are able to regenerate and heal, thus allowing us to function optimally. When we do not get enough sleep, it can...
3 Tips for Post Massage Care
Massage Therapy is often very relaxing and helps the body feel its best. After a massage, there are helpful techniques to employ in order to decrease the potential for post-massage soreness and to keep the good feelings continuing. Three tips for post massage care...
Can I Get A Massage With Sensitive Skin?
Massage therapy is helpful for many ailments and conditions, as it can help to eliminate pain, relax muscles, and help with immune function. With that, people with sensitive skin may wonder if a massage is ok for them based on their particular skin condition. There...
How to Manage and Relieve Stress
We all deal with stress, but what are some ways we can relieve stress in our daily lives? On a recent Facebook Live, we discussed healthy methods to dealing with stress! Read our top tips for reducing stress in your life! Like us on Facebook! Follow us on...
Feather Stroking and Massage: What Is It?
There are many types of massage therapy techniques that range from deep pressure with invigorating effects to light pressure for relaxation effects. There are also techniques used between other stroke techniques in order to make the massage cohesive. Feather stroking...
Tips for Taking Care of Your Hands as a Massage Therapist
You may think of massage techniques as being applied by hands only. Although Massage Therapists do often use their hands, if this is always the case then the repetitive nature of massage can lead to issues in the future. Certain tools and maneuvers can help to...
Myofascial Release: What Is It?
Fascia is the connective tissue structure that is between the skin and the muscle in our bodies, as well as surrounds internal structures in our body. The analogy often made is that it is similar to the “pith,” which is the spongy white substance that's between the...
Chronic Pain: How Can Massage Therapy Help?
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than six months. It is often a multi-system output, meaning there can be many aspects to one’s pain. Often, the pain is no longer indicating tissue damage but is now an output of the brain as well. Stress, emotional pain or...
Top Tips to Reduce Stress
Stress is prevalent in our society, both “good stress” and “bad stress” can make an impact on our health and wellness. Here are top five tips to reduce stress. How Can I Reduce Stress? Get quality sleep and enough of it. Sleep is so important to our overall well-being...
5 Tips to Find New Massage Clients
As a Massage Therapist, we love what we do and get to help people every day. Below, we will discuss five tips on how to find new massage clients. How Do I Find New Massage Clients? Find Referral Sources. Referral sources are people or organizations that refer clients...
Cross Fiber Friction Massage: How Is It Performed?
Cross fiber friction massage is a technique that massage therapists perform, and it is applied in a very particular way. This is performed often-times with the fingertips or a tool in order to create deep pressure and friction in the area being treated. The therapist...
Tips for Building Your Massage Client Base
On a recent Facebook live, we discussed how to build and retain a client base for your massage business! Read our blog finding new massage clients. Follow us on Facebook!
Self Massage: How To Relieve Pain
“Self-massage” refers to techniques that someone can perform on themselves in order to massage areas of their own body. There are many types of self massage techniques that can be employed. There also can be varying levels of depth to the techniques as well as...
Healthy Habits for the New Year
As we start off the new year, we discussed some healthy habits you can implement in your routine to feel your best on Facebook Live! Like us on Facebook to be notified for our next Live video. Learn more about our online massage program.
Massage Therapy and Pain Relief
Massage therapy can be very effective in helping with pain relief. There are many types of pain that a person may experience, and a few common areas are back pain, neck pain, and pain related to sports injuries. How Can Massage Therapy Reduce Pain? Back pain is very...
Healthy Habits for the Winter
The Winter season can be a time for celebrations and gatherings, as well as joy and cheer! With that, it can also be a stressful time, and is often easy to forget about our health and wellness. Here are a few reminders of healthy habits that will keep your priorities...
Questions to Ask Your Massage Therapist
Before your massage therapy appointment, here are some important things to note. You should always feel comfortable asking your massage therapist questions before your massage begins. What kind of massage do you specialize in? Massage therapists may specialize in a...
Stress-Relief During the Holidays
The holidays can often be stressful for many people, trying to figure out the best gifts to buy, organizing gatherings with family and friends, and even can be sad or evoke emotions based on previous holidays and loved ones that may no longer be with us. How Can I Be...
Massage Therapy and Pain Reduction: Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc0yQqJM8HI&feature=youtu.be Back pain, neck pain, or just general aches and soreness: we all suffer from pain occasionally. On a recent Facebook live, we discussed which massage techniques can target and reduce those specific...
Massage Therapy Product Recommendations
As a massage therapist, the tools you use are critical for ensuring a relaxing and successful massage for your client. Each massage technique requires a different approach, and you will use different products depending on which technique you’re performing. Lotion, for...
When Should I Not Get A Massage?
There are certain circumstances when it it advised to avoid massage therapy. We will discuss these circumstances below, in detail. Generally, please discuss with your Doctor as needed if you are wondering whether massage therapy is advised for you if you have serious...
How Do I Know a Career in Massage Therapy Is Right for Me?
Maybe you've been thinking about a career in massage therapy, but how do you know that it's the right career for you? Why Should I Consider A Career In Massage Therapy? Massage therapy is a career for people that love to help others. It is a great route for people who...
Thai Massage: What Is It?
Thai massage is also referred to as “Thai yoga massage.” This is a traditional massage technique that combines acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted movements and postures such as those in yoga. There are “energy lines” that are meant to be affected with...
Debunking Massage Myths
Massage therapy produces numerous benefits, but many people have never experienced a massage before. We set the record straight on some “myths” that exist out there regarding massage, and the truth may actually surprise you! Myth #1: Massages are only meant for people...
Massage Therapy and Veterans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiGnL4pPOBs&feature=youtu.be On a recent Facebook Live, we discussed some of the unique physical and mental health challenges veterans may face, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, and how massage therapy can help! Follow us on...
How Does Massage Therapy Help Your Overall Physical Health?
Massage therapy is a great way to reduce stress and feel more relaxed, but there are also many benefits it has on your physical health as well. How Can Massage Therapy Help My Physical Health? Injury Prevention Massage therapy can be a staple to injury prevention in...
10 Reasons To Get A Massage
Massage Therapy is beneficial in so many ways, and is an important aspect of your overall wellness plan so that you can feel your best. There are numerous reasons to get a massage, and here are just a few! 10 Reasons To Get A Massage Your muscles are tight. Massages...
Should I Get A Massage When I’m Sick?
Generally speaking, it is not appropriate to get a massage when you are sick. This is especially true if you are contagious and therefore could spread your illness to the Massage Therapist or other people getting massages in that same location. The CDC's...
Low Back Pain: When To See a Massage Therapist?
Low back pain (LBP) is very prevalent in the U.S., with some reports that say up to 80% of Americans have experienced LBP in their lifetime. There are varying degrees of symptoms related to LBP, and many different experiences as well. With that, you may be wondering...
Food and Massage: What to Eat Before and After Your Massage
Should you eat before your massage appointment? What are the best foods to eat after your massage to stay invigorated? On a recent Facebook live, Ashley discussed everything you need to know about food and massage! If you want to see and ask questions in real time,...
How Do Sunburns Affect Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy can be very helpful for many conditions in the body, including conditions related to the skin. People with certain conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can benefit from massage therapy. Also, some skin irritations could be increased with the use of...
Pathology: What Is It?
Pathology is defined in Wikipedia as “the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury.” The word pathology also refers to the study of disease in general. It is an important part of understanding the body, related issues, and even body symptoms and reactions...
How Can Massage Relieve Stiff Neck Pain?
Sometimes your neck is stiff and tight. Sometimes it is stiff and painful. Both conditions are not fun to deal with, as neck discomfort, tightness and pain is distracting and aggravating for most people. What does one do when you feel stiff neck pain? Stiff Neck Pain:...
How Does Massage Therapy Impact Mental Health?
Massage therapy helps multiple systems in the body. It is known to help increase circulation, improve flexibility and mobility, decrease muscle tightness and spasm and improve immune function. Lesser known is how massage therapy can impact mental health. How Can...
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy relaxes and de-stresses, but did you know that there are numerous health benefits to it as well? We're explaining how massage therapy can improve your health on one of our recent Facebook lives! Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Hear from our...
Deep Tissue Massage: Demo
Watch as our instructor Marie walks through proper thumb technique for deep tissue massage! This technique is one of many that students learn and perform with instructors during their hands-on, in-person training. Learn more about our massage therapy program!
Circulatory Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
How Massage Therapy Can Benefit Circulatory Health There are many benefits of massage therapy for one’s circulatory health. The circulatory system is responsible for the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. This system consists of the vital organs such as the...
What To Tell Your Massage Therapist Before A Massage?
It is important to communicate with your massage therapist prior to the massage in order to ensure you are on the same page. The massage therapist may ask you questions prior, and you are encouraged to expand on the information or ask questions as well. Here are some...
Low Back Pain: How Can Massage Therapy Help?
Thousands of Americans experience low back pain each year. This is one of the most common complaints in terms of orthopedic conditions. Back pain can also greatly affect one’s quality of life and relates to their ability to work, live an active lifestyle and be...
How Can Massage Therapy Relieve Tension?
Tension is a common complaint. We can feel tension in various parts of our bodies and related to various reasons or sources of tension. Often, people feel tension in their neck, shoulders, jaw, low back and hips. This can be of differing degrees from a low-grade...
Deep Tissue Massage: Demo
Watch as our Director of Education, Jason, demonstrates a deep tissue massage technique! Have questions about our online massage therapy program? Visit our FAQ page. Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook
Swedish Massage: Petrissage Demo
Watch as instructor Meagan demonstrates the Swedish massage technique petrissage! This fundamental technique is taught as part of our online massage therapy program. Learn more about our curriculum here!...
Intro to Swedish Massage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZvvYkugjRQ&feature=youtu.be On a recent FB Live, Ashley explained the basic principles of Swedish Massage, which is one of the core techniques taught at The Professional Massage Academy. Like us on Facebook! Follow us on...
Tendonitis: What It Is and How Is Massage Therapy Helpful?
Many people suffer from painful and intrusive tendonitis. This can affect many regions in the body such as the knees (patellar tendon), calves (achilles tendon), and elbows (common extensor tendon). Tendons are the connection between the muscle and bone in our...
Massage Therapy: Licensing in Minnesota
Currently, the state of Minnesota does not have a board to oversee the licensing of Massage Therapists while some other states have statewide licensing, such as California. There may, however, be city requirements for conducting business as a Massage Therapist. ...
What Is Cupping Massage?
As many people remember, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps had large red circles during the Rio Olympic games a few years ago. Cupping has been practiced throughout Asia for thousands of years, and is now a very popular technique that Massage Therapists perform. Cupping...
10 Fun Facts About Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a very important aspect of one’s health and wellness routines, and there are numerous benefits. Here are 10 “Fun Facts” about massage therapy. 10 Fun Facts About Massage Therapy Massage therapy techniques can stimulate the body’s natural...
Specialty Massage Techniques
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DJNjF08fmY&feature=youtu.be Students at The Professional Massage Academy learn speciality massage techniques such as lymph massage, reflexology, and more in addition to core modalities like Swedish massage and Deep Tissue Massage....
Carpal Tunnel and Massage Therapy
What is Carpal Tunnel? WebMD defines carpal tunnel syndrome as “also being called median nerve compression, a condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand.” This painful and often stubborn condition is named for the area of the body called the...
Massage Therapy as a Second Career
Massage therapy is a career path with a lot of benefits. One of the great parts about the nature of a career in massage therapy is that you could use it as a part-time or second career! Massage therapy is great as a second career for many reasons, like: Career...
How Can Massage Therapy Help Tendonitis?
Tendons are the connection between the muscle and bone in our bodies, and tendon fibers are what make up the tendon. The tendons can get injured or disrupted and cause pain and dysfunction termed as “tendonitis” or “tendonosis.” This is common in areas near joints...
Clients: How to Come Prepared for Your Massage
There are often many questions that massage therapy clients have prior to their first massage, and often people want to know how to prepare. There are few tips we can give you in order to get the most out of your massage experience and feel adequately prepared. Tips...
Introduction to Sports Massage: Video
Sports massage is a specialized massage therapy technique aimed at helping active clients prevent and heal from injuries caused by sports or other activity. In this video, learn about introductory elements to sports massage as well as how sports massage can help...
How Is Reflexology Different Than Massage?
What is Reflexology Massage? Reflexology is considered the use of targeted pressure points and particular reflexology points on the body. The overall effect can be to restore the overall flow of energy in the body, improve the effectiveness of the body’s innate...
What Does It Mean to Be a “Professional” Massage Therapist
Massage therapy students at The Professional Massage Academy take a twenty-five hour course called “Business, Law & Ethics" that discusses all things related to being a professional massage therapist. A massage therapist is trained to follow certain codes of...
Reflexology Series: Foot Massage
In reflexology, pressure is applied to certain points or parts of the body and/or foot. The theory of reflexology for feet is that these regions of the body have peripheral nerve endings that sense pressure and adjust. There are certain areas of the feet that...
The Principles of Chinese Massage
Chinese massage is thought to be the oldest system of bodywork and massage. This originated in ancient China, and is one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese Medicine. The other branches are acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine. Another name...
Interacting With Clients as a Massage Therapist
As a massage therapist, you have the opportunity to interact with many different clients and help identify their specific needs. On a recent Facebook live, Ashley discussed professional standards for interacting with clients as well as how to help assess what type of...
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is traditionally used in Chinese traditional medicine and targets certain pressure points called “acupoints.” The person performing the acupressure may use their fingers and hands to apply firm pressure to the acupoint. There should not be pain experienced...
Pressure Point Series: Hand Massage
There are thought to be many pressure points throughout the body. One area of particular importance is the hand. There are many sensitive areas of the hand as well as particular points that are considered to relate to other regions of the body. When these points are...
What is Lymph Massage?
Lymph massage is a special type of massage that assists the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating toxins and other substances from the body as well as providing the correct flow of fluids within the body. Our lymphatic...
Massage Therapy Jobs – What Are Your Options?
As a Massage Therapist, there are many options for employment and lifestyle. We will discuss possibilities here, but this is not an exhaustive list. The options are endless! Massage Therapy Jobs Private Practice Massage Therapists may choose to open their own private...
How Our Online Program Works and Why Online Learning Might Be Right for You
Our online massage therapy program allows you the flexibility of learning when and where you want while also providing hands-on training. Hear how our online program works as well as some study tips for learning at home! Read our course catalog here.
5 Types of Massage: Finding The Right One For You
What type of massage is the “right one” for you or your client? This depends on what the client is looking for and what may benefit their goals and/or needs in the best way. This article will summarize 5 types of massage and how to find the right one for you. 1.Sports...
Intro To Sports Massage
Sports massage is a very specialized technique for the athletic client and often specific for that person in their sport. The massage is often tailored to meet the needs of the client via deep tissue massage and combined with stretching techniques as well. The...
What is a Chair Massage?
Chair massage is a type of massage therapy that is performed on a client while they are in a seated position. The “chair” is often a particular massage therapy portable chair that the client can comfortably sit or kneel on, with a head and face support. How can this...
Sports Massage Series: Tennis Elbow
As previously noted in the blog titled "Sports Massage: The Basics", this technique would benefit active clients who want to help relieve pain due to muscular strain or a specific injury. There are many injuries or issues that sports massage could help with. In...
How You Can Benefit From Different Types of Massage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FjhoJucqh0&feature=youtu.be Different massage techniques offer various benefits for clients: some are looking for a relaxing massage, while others need a specific technique to treat a particular problem. Ashley explains which...
Top 5 Tips For Online Classes
You may be wondering if online classes are right for you. There are many benefits of taking online education classes, including the flexibility, being able to learn at your own pace, and many others. With that, here are our top 5 tips for online classes. Top 5 Tips...
Top 5 College Study Hacks
The Professional Massage Academy pairs an online curriculum with hands-on training. This allows our students to learn at their own pace. Studying is an integral part of learning something new. Although studying is important, it can be difficult to perfect. These study...
Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage
Learn the difference between two popular and commonly used massage techniques: Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage! “Swedish massage” is a popular form of massage therapy that was developed in Sweden in the 18th century. Swedish massage consists of effleurage,...
Top 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs
Owning your own massage therapy business is exciting and there are many benefits to this. You get to be your own boss, set your own hours, enjoy the flexibility and reward of running a business the way you think it should be done. The following are our top five tips...
Financial Aid and Tuition Reimbursement – Your Questions, Answered!
Hear from our Account Specialist Taylor as she explains different options for financial aid and tuition payments as well as the process for our tuition reimbursement program. Have questions on tuition and tuition assistance? Read more.
Prenatal Massage Benefits
Getting massage therapy while you are pregnant can be very beneficial. This is often referred to as “prenatal” massage*. Prenatal massage benefits are numerous and can help relief many symptoms associated with pregnancy. Prenatal Massage Benefits As for anyone,...
How Massage Therapy Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular health is extremely important. Cardiovascular health refers to the condition and health of the heart and blood vessels in the body. Unfortunately, according to The American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and...
Hot Stone Massage Benefits
Hot Stone Massage is a technique where a hot stone is used on the body to enhance the effects of the massage. The stone can either be placed on certain specific areas of the body or the massage therapist may hold the stone in...
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