Texas Massage Therapy Law Update

In the most recent term of the Texas Legislature the legislators finally took positive action regarding the laws governing Massage Therapy in the state. Many Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy associations in Texas have been asking the legislature to increase the number training hours required for massage therapy licensure in the state. Prior to this legislation only 300 hours of training were required for massage therapy licensure in the State of Texas.

On June 17th, 2007 Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 2644. The bill amended Texas Massage Therapy law in a very positive manner. Effective September 1, 2007, candidates for massage therapy licensure must now have completed a more comprehensive training program of at least 500 hours in length, a significant increase over the previously required 300 hours. The new 500 hour training programs will meet the following requirements:

1) 200 hours taught by a licensed massage therapy instructor and dedicated to the study of massage therapy techniques and theory and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, with at least 125 hours dedicated to the study of Swedish massage therapy techniques;

2) 50 hours of anatomy;

3) 25 hours of physiology;

4) 50 hours of kinesiology;

5) 40 hours of pathology;

6) 20 hours of hydrotherapy;

7) 45 hours of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, and professional ethics standards;

8) 20 hours of health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and

9) 50 hours in an internship program.

Additionally, the bill eliminated the practical (hands-on) examination requirement. The elimination of the 6-minute practical exam eliminates the requirement for all massage therapy licensure candidates to travel to Austin to take the exam. Therefore, all massage therapy licensure candidates may take the written licensure exam near home instead of having to travel to the state capitol.

As written, the new law's requirements do not affect any of the approximately 20,000 currently licensed massage therapists. The law also does not affect any massage therapy student pursuing a massage therapy training program provided the student was enrolled in the program before September 1, 2007.

The new requirements are meant to improve the quality of massage therapy provided in the State of Texas and to improve the professional image of Licensed Massage Therapists in the state. The new requirements also bring Texas' massage therapy regulations more in line with other states regulating massage therapy and with the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). So, it is likely that the new laws will improve license reciprocity, allowing Texas Licensed Massage Therapists to more easily relocate to other states and separately licensed municipalities.

Author Resource: Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his blog.

Article From Mister Article

Christmas Is Coming Get Your Gift Certificates

Yes, it's that time of year. Christmas isn't far away and you're going to want gifts for your friends and family while celebrating this holy time of year. What should you get them? In my opinion you should get them the gift of Massage Therapy.

Massage Therapy makes a great gift because it shows you care about the well being of the gift's recipient. Giving the gift of Massage Therapy says "I wish you good health" and "I really thought about the best gift for you."

Like many Licensed Massage Therapists I offer Massage Gift Certificates throughout the year and offer Christmas Gift Certificate specials beginning in November. So, if you're in San Antonio, Texas and/or have friends or family in San Antonio, Texas see my website for your Christmas Massage Therapy Gift Certificates. They'll be glad you did.

Aren't You Tired After Doing Massage All Day?

A very common question asked of me and countless other massage therapists is "Aren't you tired after doing massage all day?" It's a perfectly valid question and one that I'm happy to answer. Many people believe that massage therapists obviously must be tired after a day's work. After all, they reason "Don't you have to really work hard to rub out all the knots and get into the deep tissue?" The short answer is "No" and the explanation is really quite simple...I use proper body mechanics when I work.

The use of proper body mechanics helps to keep me, as a massage therapist, from getting tired. Body mechanics is akin to having an ergonomic chair and workstation in your office. For the massage therapist this means using a good stance to keep the back straight, head up, and weight distributed correctly. This use of a good stance also enables me to tranfer weight through my body to the client. In other words I use gravity and leverage to my advantage when I need to increase pressure, using less muscular power. I also ensure that I keep my shoulders down and relaxed, my joints well aligned, and moving my entire body with the massage stroke - not just my hands. Working in this manner helps to keep me fresh for each client and results in better, more consistent, massage therapy.

When choosing a massage therapist make sure he/she isn't tired and unable to give their best massage. I make sure to stay fresh so you, my San Antonio clients, always get the best. Contact me for your next massage at 210-269-3314 or see my main website at Massage By Ben.

What Is Ortho-Bionomy?

Have you been experiencing pain? Maybe you've got some low back pain, neck pain, or hip pain? How about chronic tension in muscles and joints? Would you like to be able to bend over to put on socks or shoes? Do you want to feel good again? If so, you might be ready to try a type of therapeutic bodywork called Ortho-Bionomy. For several years now I've used Ortho-Bionomy in my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice to relieve pain and stress.

What Is Ortho-Bionomy and How Does It Work?

Ortho-Bionomy is a non-invasive, gentle, and very powerful type of therapeutic bodywork. Ortho-Bionomy works with the body's own self-corrective reflexes to effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, chronic tension patterns, and stress. Ortho-Bionomy is done most often with the client relaxing fully clothed on a comfortably padded table while the Ortho-Bionomist performs releases by positioning the client's body and joints in positions of comfort then applying gentle motions and/or compression. The result of an Ortho-Bionomy session is less pain, reduced muscle tension, greater circulation, greater flexibility, and an overall sense of wellness and relaxation.

Where Did Ortho-Bionomy Come From?

Ortho-Bionomy, both the name and the body of work, is based on the work of Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls. Dr. Pauls was an Osteopathic Physician and Judo instructor. After a presentation of the work of Dr. Laurence Jones regarding "Spontaneous Release By Positioning", Dr. Pauls became fascinated with the body's self-corrective reflexes. He drew upon his knowledge of Osteopathy, Homeopathy, and Judo to find ways to work with the body instead of attempting to force change. After several years of work and experimentation Dr. Pauls began teaching Ortho-Bionomy in the U.S. and Europe. Today Ortho-Bionomy is taught and practiced around the world.

What Can Be Treated With Ortho-Bionomy?

Ortho-Bionomy is generally used to treat various painful conditions, postural distortions, chronic tension and stress. That covers a lot of ground doesn't it? As a Licensed Massage Therapist who has studied Ortho-Bionomy for some time I've used Ortho-Bionomy to successfully treat:

1. Back Pain - low back and upper back
2. Neck Pain including whiplash
3. Hip and Knee Pain
4. TMJ Dysfunction - Jaw Pain
5. Headaches and Migraines
6. Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff issues
7. Leg Length Discrepancy and Functional Scoliosis
8. SI Joint Pain and Sciatica
9. Chronic Stress and Tension...and more.

As you can see, Ortho-Bionomy is effective in treating a wide range of complaints. However, while Ortho-Bionomy is very gentle, non-invasive, and compatible with all healing systems you should consult with your physician prior to receiving an Ortho-Bionomy session or any other form of massage or bodywork. Ortho-Bionomy practitioners welcome working in conjuction with your health care team.

Where Can I Get An Ortho-Bionomy Session?

If you're in San Antonio, Texas or the surrounding area you can get an Ortho-Bionomy session from me at my Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice Massage By Ben. If you don't live in the San Antonio area you can find an Ortho-Bionomy practitioner near you by contacting the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International at Ortho-Bionomy.org

Ortho-Bionomy is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI) and is used with permission.

Trigger Point Therapy

In my San Antonio, Texas Massage and Bodywork practice many of the people that come for treatment are seeking someone to help them with muscular pain and chronic tension from Trigger Points. Not all of these people have heard of Trigger Point Therapy but some have heard that Trigger Point Therapy is an effective method of naturally relieving their muscular pain. What they've heard is absolutely true.

Like many Massage Therapists I use Trigger Point Therapy when Trigger Points are present in a person's muscles. Trigger Points are hyperirritable spots in muscles associated with a palpable "knot" or "taut band" in the muscle tissue. Trigger Points are painful on compression and can refer pain and tenderness to other areas. Trigger Points are usually ischemic and often cause an entire muscle to be painful, too tight, weak, and more easily fatigued. Trigger Points can result from overworking or overstressing muscles, direct trauma to muscles, or sustained chills. Trigger Points are often either the cause of, or a contributing factor to, a wide variety of painful conditions.

Trigger Point Therapy directly targets the trigger points and the muscles in which they're found. In Trigger Point Therapy the Massage Therapist carefully seeks out the trigger points in a muscle with their fingers and uses specific compression techniques, friction strokes, and stretches which make the trigger points release and seemingly melt away. The release of the trigger point usually results in a rapid decrease or complete elimination of muscular pain. Trigger Point Therapy is a versatile technique and is often used to treat back pain, Jaw (TMJ) pain, headaches and migraines, whiplash, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Trigger Point Therapy can be used by itself as a stand-alone treatment, or it can be used during a Swedish massage, Sports massage, or Medical massage and as part of Neuromuscular Therapy or Deep Tissue Massage procedures.

Trigger Point Therapy does have a reputation as being a painful therapy to receive. However, despite its reputation as a "no pain, no gain" type of technique Trigger Point Therapy can be quite comfortable to receive. Some clients may experience some mild discomfort during the treatment. This mild discomfort is often described by people receiving Trigger Point Therapy as a "good pain" that rates low on a standard pain scale. Often this "good pain" is actually welcomed by those receiving this work.

Try Trigger Point Therapy. You have nothing to lose except your pain.

Piriformis Syndrome and Massage Therapy

In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Piriformis Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Piriformis Syndrome responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition in which the sciatic nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum bone of the low back to the top of greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone) and lies on top of the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the muscle, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sometimes from the S-I Joint in the low back. Pain from Piriformis Syndrome is usually found in the extreme low back, buttocks, hip, and often the back of the thigh. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. Additionally, people with Piriformis Syndrome often have trouble sitting for long periods and the pain may worsen when walking or squatting.

What is the cause of Piriformis Syndrome?

There are a number of causes for Piriformis Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the buttocks, prolonged sitting while working or driving, Morton's foot, or S-I Joint instability. Frequent or prolonged running on canted surfaces and participation in sports requiring quick lateral movement such as tennis, skiing, and basketball may also overstress the piriformis muscle and lead to Piriformis Syndrome.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Piriformis Syndrome

There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Piriformis Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the piriformis muscle. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the piriformis muscle. Piriformis Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the piriformis muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles near piriformis and even to muscles opposing piriformis to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Piriformis Syndrome.

Other Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome

While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Piriformis Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anesthetic and Steroid Injections
• Surgery

Other Names for Piriformis Syndrome

• Pseudosciatica
• Back Pocket Sciatica
• Deep Gluteal Syndrome
• Hip Socket Neuropathy

The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Piriformis Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Piriformis Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.

If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Piriformis Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, or contact a Massage Therapist near you.

New Client Special

Have you been wanting to get a really good therapeutic massage here in San Antonio but don't know whether the massage therapist is any good? Well, here's your chance as a new client to try out one of San Antonio's favorite massage therapists at a $10 Discount on a 1 hour, 90 minute or Hot Stone massage. That's right $10 off of the regular charge for a 1 hour, 90 minute, or Hot Stone massage just because you're a new client!

That $10 discount applies to more than just the usual Swedish massage. It applies to Hot Stone massage, Deep Tissue massage, Sports massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Ortho-Bionomy too.

What's the catch? Nothing really...except this discount applies only to massage sessions in my office (no housecalls), does not apply to gift certificate sales, and you have to ask for the discount when you make your appointment. Additionally, you have to show up on time to your appointment...arriving late may cost you the discount and the appointment. Oh, you have to do all of this by October 31st, 2007. Yep, it expires at the end of October so make your appointment now by calling 210-269-3314...Massage By Ben - San Antonio.

Massage Strokes

Did you know that the many different types of massage therapy in the world share 5 basic massage strokes? Of course there are a number of variations on these five basic strokes and each system of massage has different ideas on how they are used - but there's only 5.

Effleurage - This is probably the most often used stroke in all of massage, it's the gliding stroke. The gliding stroke of Effleurage may be done with the Massage Therapist's fingers, thumbs, palms, knuckles, fists, and forearms. Sometimes it's even done with the upper arm or by using a foot. Effleurage is often considered to be a relaxing or sedating stroke most often used at the beginning and end of a massage, or as a transition between body parts. It's often so sedating that it's use on athletes immediately prior to a sporting event is usually limited. Effleurage gliding is a primary stroke in Swedish massage, and is a very useful stroke to apply slow, deep pressure in a deep tissue massage or sports massage. It's also a vital component in some forms of Lymphatic Drainage massage.

Petrissage - This stroke is not only very therapeutic, it feels good too. It's the kneading stroke. Petrissage can be done with the fingertips, palms, or the whole hand. Some Massage Therapists liken Petrissage to kneading bread dough. Petrissage kneading is very good to loosen and stretch muscles and fascia that are "stuck" together and stimulate deep circulation of blood and lymph.

Friction - Strokes in the friction category are usually thought of as either superficial or deep in nature and are the "rubbing" stroke in massage. Friction strokes may be performed with fingers, thumbs, knuckles, fists, or elbows and are used to increase local circulation, increase heat in the tissues, broaden tissues, and separate tissues that have become adhered to each other. This is done by moving the various tissues against each other...friction. While useful in any form of massage therapy, friction is especially valuable in rehabilitating scar tissue from muscle tears or sprained ligaments.

Vibration - The Vibration strokes amount to a continuous jostling, rocking, shaking or trembling movement applied by the Massage Therapist. Vibration strokes can be very relaxing or very stimulating depending on the stroke used, and where it is applied. Vibration strokes are especially useful in gently encouraging movement of joints throughout the body.

Tapotement - The striking motions in massage fall under the category of Tapotement or Percussion. Some types of Tapotement include hacking with the side of the hand, beating with loose fists, slapping with the palm, tapping with fingertips, cupping with a cupped palm, and sometimes pincement where the Massage Therapist's fingers lightly pinch the tissues. Tapotement is used to increase circulation, improve muscle tone, and stimulate the nervous system. Massage Therapist's use these striking motions in many types of massage including pre-event sports massage to stimulate the athlete prior to competition, and to gently stimulate clients lulled to sleep during the massage.

Compression - I know this would make six strokes when I said there was only five; however, compression is categorized differently depending on who's setting up the categories. In some jurisdictions, or some schools, compression is placed in the Petrissage category while in others it's placed in the Friction category. I've even heard of compression being called "static friction". So, really it's generally thought of as a variation of another stroke...so there's still just five strokes. No matter how it's categorized compression is very useful in massage therapy. Like many other strokes, compression can be performed with fingertips, knuckles, or even elbows. Compression is very commonly used to soften muscular attachments and to release trigger points in muscles.

There you have it. Just five strokes, and many variations, in all of massage therapy. Each stroke is a valuable tool in the Massage Therapist's tool box allowing them to relieve your stress, reduce your pain, increase circulation, and improve wellness. See your Massage Therapist today for a hands-on demonstration! If you need to find a Massage Therapist try MassageSoup.com

In San Antonio, Texas you can try out these strokes by calling me at 210-269-3314 or you can check out my webpage at Massage By Ben for more information.

The Best Type of Massage

What is the best type of massage to get? I hear that question a lot in my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice from people who are new to receiving massage therapy and bodywork. Many have heard that they "are supposed to get" a deep tissue massage to truly relax while others have heard that one technique will solve everything permanently in one hour. They don't know how to choose and Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers haven't made answering the "best massage" question any easier. There are dozens if not hundreds of massage and bodywork techniques and some therapists enthusiastically claim that their favorite technique is the one best treatment. So, which is best type of massage? How do you choose?

The best massage treatment is the one that helps you achieve your goals and feels good to you. The answer truly is that simple but seems like a way for me to side-step the question doesn't it? I have to stand by that answer though because the best massage is often quite subjective even if the results can be objectively measured.

For example, Bob goes to his doctor because he just feels run down and things are getting to him. Bob's doctor runs some tests, thoroughly examines him and concludes that Bob suffers from stress due to 16 hour days and family concerns. Since Bob's doctor enjoys getting massage for his stress he recommends that Bob receive massage too. What kind of massage is best for Bob? Since Bob isn't experiencing any pain it might be that Bob will benefit from a soothing type of massage like Swedish massage, or he might do well with Hot Stone Massage. These relaxing treatments may be just the thing to help Bob with his stress. After interviewing Bob, his Massage Therapist recommends that Swedish massage with a little bit of Deep Tissue Massage for trouble spots.

How about another example? Jill runs marathons and is currently training for one but has developed a hip pain issue. She sees her doctor who concludes that running on canted surfaces has caused some hip muscles to spasm. The doctor recommends she see a massage therapist to treat the hip. In this case Jill might feel good by getting a relaxation massage like Swedish massage, but it's not as likely to address the hip issue as other techniques. Jill may prefer a Sports Massage to address the hip muscles, or she may do well with Trigger Point Therapy or Neuromuscular Therapy as they would target the appropriate muscles. Jill thinks the targeted treatment is the best for her because she can continue her training.

Milicent works in an office eight hours a day with few breaks and a short lunch. By day she sits in an uncomfortable chair that the manager swears is ergonomic, by night she sits on her less ergonomic couch. She has low back pain. The low back pain lessens when she's up and moving around and isn't so severe that she wants to see her doctor. Milicent is unsure about receiving massage. She has a skin condition that she finds embarassing and doesn't like the feel of oils or lotions, but her pain cries out for treatment. When Milicent explains her situation to her new Massage Therapist he recommends she try a treatment technique called Ortho-Bionomy. The Ortho-Bionomy, he explains, is relaxing and excellent for relieving pain while remaining fully clothed.

As you can see from the examples, the best massage treatment is the one that's tailored to you. Customizing your massage therapy and bodywork treatment should be a cooperative effort between you and your Massage Therapist. Choosing the type of treatment is as easy as explaining to your Massage Therapist what your goals are and letting them know what feels best to you.

If you need assistance in choosing the best type of massage for you and you live in the San Antonio, Texas area please call me at 210-269-3314. You might also want to see the website for my San Antonio Massage Therapy practice Massage By Ben

When Should You Get Massage Therapy?

When should you get massage therapy or bodywork? The question comes up a lot more than you might think. People ask whether they should get massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or the evening. They want to know if they should come in for massage therapy before they start hurting, or wait until their muscular pain is unbearable. Some ask if it's better before, during, or after a workout or sporting event.

In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, I answer each and every one of these questions by saying "You should come in every day". My answer is, of course, tongue-in-cheek. I then explain that getting massage therapy everyday would be nice but unnecessary and maybe cost prohibitive. Further, when and how often you get massage therapy is based on the goals you would like to achieve with massage therapy. How we achieve your goals with massage therapy is a little more involved than just a simple Q&A in this article. That should be a live discussion between you and your Massage Therapist or Bodyworker, but what about the basic questions? Let's answer those:

Q1. Should I get my massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I don't want to fall asleep at work, but I'd like to feel better during the day.

A1. A lot of people are concerned about this one, but you shouldn't worry. Massage Therapy is relaxing and some people do fall asleep during the session, but that doesn't mean you're going to be sleepy afterward. In fact many people feel more energized as well as relaxed after their massage therapy session. Still, no matter what time of day you get your massage you'll probably sleep better when you do finally go to bed. So, get your massage therapy when it's convenient for you.

Q2. Should I get my massage therapy before my muscular pain starts, or should I wait until it really hurts before I get massage therapy?

A2. In my experience it's much better to get massage therapy to prevent muscular pain or prevent a recurrence of muscular pain. Some Massage Therapists and clients believe that waiting until you're experiencing moderate pain allows them to find the source more easily; however, this is seldom true. Get help early.

Q3. Should I get massage therapy before, during, or after a workout or sporting event?

A3. Yes. There are specialized massage therapy techniques that are designed to assist you in your fitness and athletic endeavors. Sports Massage is often broken down into pre-event, inter-event, and post-event techniques to improve performance and aid in recovery. If you don't have access to massage therapy during each phase of your activity just pick what's most important to you - performance or recovery. I still believe you should come in everyday if you can because if an "apple a day" is good then a "massage a day" is really, really good. Of course the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork are available to you even if you receive it only once.

When it's time for you to receive your massage in San Antonio please give me a call at 210-269-3314. If you're somewhere other than San Antonio check out MassageSoup.

Hello and Welcome to my Massage Blog

Welcome to my Massage San Antonio Blog. I'm your blogger Ben Crabtree, LMT, CNMT. This blog is dedicated to informing the public about Massage Therapy and Bodywork in the San Antonio, Texas area. Entries in the blog will vary from information about different massage therapy and bodywork techniques, benefits of massage and bodywork, medical conditions and pain syndromes helped by massage therapy and bodywork and much more.

I'll even write about my own massage therapy and bodywork practice in San Antonio, Massage By Ben and possibly about Massage Therapists I receive massage therapy and/or bodywork from in other areas. I'll do my best to keep this blog interesting and accurate. I'm sure my training and experience as a Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, and Reiki Master will be of benefit to you, the reader. As this is a new endeavor for me it might start off a little slowly. However, my Massage San Antonio Blog will remain current and I'll try to liven it up with photos and links. Stay tuned dear reader. Oh, by the way...If you need a massage in San Antonio, Texas give me a call at 210-269-3314.