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COVID’s Impact: More People Considering a Career in Massage Therapy

2021-07-20T13:26:52-04:00April 9th, 2021|

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed life in many ways. With people stuck at home during lockdowns, and enormous changes in workplaces, many are considering lifestyle changes. Priorities and career preferences are changing. The admissions office of our massage school in Portland has fielded many inquiries lately, and we’d like to share why so many people are curious about earning a massage license at this time. What’s Driving Admissions Inquiries at Massage Schools: Portland, OR to Portland, ME, people across the country are considering a career in massage. While this is always true, it seems the Coronavirus crisis has caused a major [...]

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

2020-04-29T12:23:53-04:00April 29th, 2020|

Early in the coronavirus crisis, many were hopeful that Oregon’s massage businesses would be able to reopen by April 15th, the original end date in Kate Brown’s first executive order. Then, on April 14th, the governor outlined three indicators 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 [...]

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

2020-04-02T18:55:54-04:00April 2nd, 2020|

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 [...]

Massage School Education and Regulation, by the Numbers

2020-01-14T17:26:47-05:00December 28th, 2019|

“Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet,” a recent release from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), is a treasure trove of information about the massage therapy profession. We have examined this document for information on what the modern therapist is paid, how much they work, and what common characteristics many of them share. We’ve also provided a portrait of the modern massage therapist, according to the average statistics from the AMTA. Today we’re taking a different view by reviewing what the AMTA has discovered about massage education. If you are researching how to become a massage therapist, read on for a bird’s [...]

Who are Today’s Massage Therapists?

2020-01-14T17:18:31-05:00December 21st, 2019|

Massage is a strong and growing industry, as shown by recent numbers from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). If you’re considering working toward your massage certification or license (according to state requirements), it may behoove you to read the following facts about the average massage therapist, according to the AMTA’s Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet. Massage Therapy: A Strong Industry The massage therapy trade took in $18 billion in 2018. Between 19% and 28% of the American adult population had at least one massage from July 2017 to July 2018. Growth in the massage therapy industry is expected to grow [...]

Massage Modalities: Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage

2019-11-14T17:06:51-05:00November 14th, 2019|

Even if you’ve never been to Hawaii, you’ve probably heard the word “Aloha,” meaning both hello and goodbye. Yet within these three syllables are many other meanings: honor, respect, unconditional love, and sacredness in all things. The Hawaiian form of massage therapy, Lomi Lomi, perfectly reflects this Aloha approach to life. And as with the term “Aloha,” while Lomi Lomi may seem simple—long, relaxing strokes to release tension and rejuvenate the client—with more experience, the deep beauty of this massage modality becomes apparent. Continuing our tradition of examining different types of massage, today we’re introducing the Lomi Lomi massage modality. Students [...]

Massage Modalities: Fijian Barefoot Massage

2019-11-14T17:00:33-05:00October 1st, 2019|

When you think of deep tissue massage, which tools spring to mind? Do you picture a therapist’s strong hands, thumbs, and perhaps elbows? Massage tools, such as cups and rollers, may appear on your list if you’re already a professional in massage. Portland, Oregon may not have considered a less common tool for deep tissue massage—your feet! Today we’re taking a look at Fijian Barefoot Massage, a massage modality similar to Ashiatsu barefoot massage, as we covered in a previous blog post. What is Fijian Barefoot Massage? In Fijian barefoot massage, the client lies on pads on the floor and stays [...]

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

2019-11-14T16:57:15-05:00September 15th, 2019|

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. [...]

Market for Massage Therapists: The Numbers According to the AMTA

2019-07-22T14:08:52-04:00June 22nd, 2019|

Can a strong living be made from massage therapy? Absolutely, as robust economic numbers from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) demonstrate. Below, we review the rosy figures from the AMTA, including market projections, labor rates, and projected career earnings. Drawing from government statistics, clinical studies, and surveys of Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) as well as consumers, the AMTA sought to deliver a big-picture review of the massage profession in their recent “Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet.” For students currently completing massage therapist schooling, the news is very positive indeed. LMTs already in the middle of their massage careers can also [...]

Challenges and Rewards of Sports Massage Therapy

2019-07-02T15:17:41-04:00April 2nd, 2019|

While becoming a sports massage therapist may seem glamorous—think of traveling with a team! Being on the sidelines! Celebrating wins with your massage clients! —the ins and outs of sports massage therapy can be challenging. Let’s take a look at the more difficult aspects of a job in sports therapy. We’ll also review the career rewards that successful sports therapists enjoy. Sports Massage Therapy: An Introduction Sports massage therapists provide massage to athletes at all levels, and many different venues. Some therapists work with a team throughout the season to keep athletes in top condition. Others may contract work for certain [...]

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