Fungal Infections 101 for LMTs: How to Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread of Disease

2025-09-10T10:21:50-07:00September 24th, 2025|

There are certain truths about life as a massage therapist that the public may not recognize, such as just how much of the job is doing laundry! Reducing the risk of disease transmission requires clean sheets for each client. Fungal diseases mandate that LMTs pay such attention to hygiene. Let’s define fungal diseases, understand how they are transmitted, review symptoms to watch out for, and outline how massage therapists can reduce or eliminate the risk of spreading fungal infections. 

What are Fungal Diseases?

Fungal diseases are caused by pathogenic members of the fungi family. There are over 300 pathogenic […]

Triggerpoints vs “Knots”: Understanding Adhesions and How Massage Helps

2025-08-04T13:45:25-07:00August 4th, 2025|

Have you ever complained to your massage therapist about a knot, only to have them reply with words like adhesion or triggerpoint? Are all three words truly synonymous? Understanding such definitions can help us appreciate how these stuck spots are formed in the body, namely through muscular overload. Muscles can be overloaded through acute, sustained, and repetitive movements. After a primer on each, we’ll explore how massage therapy can provide relief, and invite you to experience tension release at our Portland school of massage’s […]

Clinical Research on the Benefits of Regular Massage

2024-11-12T16:52:01-08:00November 12th, 2024|

Unique mental, physical, and emotional benefits are enjoyed by those who regularly receive massage. But unless you’re attending massage school, you may not be aware of those advantages accrued when the body consistently enjoys the healing touch of massage.

Health Benefits of Regular Massage

A review of twenty-eight clinical trials revealed the following benefits of consistent massage.

  1. Relief for Work-Related Stress. Three different studies of Swedish massage found reduced occupational stress following regular massage sessions. In one study, sessions were just 15 minutes long, and yet due to their regularity, resulted in decreased work […]

Tips to Find a Great Used Massage Table

2024-09-27T11:16:32-07:00September 27th, 2024|

Given that tables represent big purchases in most massage careers, the lower cost of used massage tables is appealing. LMTs fresh out of massage therapist school can more likely afford a used table than a brand-new one. However, it’s critical to select a reliable used massage table; otherwise, it could give out on you during a session, bringing embarrassment to LMT and client alike. What’s more, if a client is injured due to faulty equipment, you could be liable, as used tables don’t carry warranties. Still, it is possible to find good used tables if you keep a few […]

Student Massage Clinic: Benefits of Receiving a Student Massage

2025-04-17T15:06:44-07:00July 24th, 2024|

Are you looking for massage treatment? A student massage clinic can be a great option. Our student massage clinic is located on the campus of our massage school. Portland, OR residents can sign up to receive student massage through our website, OurMassageClinic.com. There are many benefits of receiving a student massage.

Benefits of Student Massage through the East West College Massage Certification Program

  1. Increased consistency of massage. Because student massage clinic appointments are more affordable than other massage options, you may find you can book appointments more frequently. A review of 28 clinical trials found that regularly receiving massage […]

Swedish Massage: Introduction to this Massage Modality

2024-02-13T11:21:43-08:00February 13th, 2024|

Swedish massage, also known as classic massage, is the most common style of massage in the West. It is the image most people associate with massage. This gentle form of massage therapy uses several different strokes to address issues in the superficial tissues of the body.  Let’s review this most popular massage style, one that often forms the basis of treatment modalities taught at therapeutic massage schools. 

Introducing Swedish Massage

The history of Swedish massage is fascinating and somewhat murky. While many publications attribute its origins to Swedish fencing instructor […]

Career in Massage: Pros and Cons of Working as an Independent Contractor

2023-12-27T12:23:56-08:00December 27th, 2023|

You dreamed of a career of massage. You researched how to earn a massage certification or license in your state. You attended school, spending hours studying and even more hours in the clinic applying newly-learned massage techniques. As you graduate, what feels like an ending is really a new beginning–the dawn of your new life as a massage therapist. One big question looms: Should you take that gig as an independent contractor, or aim to be hired as an employee? Or would you rather run your own massage clinic or spa? In any case, understanding the difference between employees […]

Massage Therapy Careers: Pros and Cons of an Employee/Employer Relationship

2023-12-27T12:04:13-08:00December 27th, 2023|

You researched and applied to massage therapy schools. You scoured the web on how to become a massage therapist in your state. Now you’re ready to launch into one of history’s most successful massage therapy careers! But wait… should you start as an employee or an independent contractor? Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of each option, so you can make the best choice for your LMT career path. Those establishing a spa or massage therapy clinic will also appreciate this review of options from an employer’s standpoint.

After providing context, this blog lists the […]

Benefits and Contraindications of Postpartum Massage

2023-10-18T11:46:06-07:00October 18th, 2023|

Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows prenatal massage can be a lifesaver. But what about after labor? In the six weeks following giving birth, the body is adjusting to parenthood while also returning to its pre-pregnancy size. Many new parents experience pain in the hips, low back, shoulders, neck, and wrists, among other challenges. To inform both LMTs and patients, we’re listing the benefits and contraindications of postpartum massage.

Benefits of Postnatal Massage

Relaxation and Stress Reduction. New caregivers will appreciate the relief that massage delivers to all clients. By reducing muscle tension, massage can decrease stress hormone […]

MBLEx Test-Taking Strategies for Passing a National Massage Exam

2023-09-07T14:41:18-07:00September 7th, 2023|

After many months of study and clinical work, massage therapy students may see graduation from their school of massage as the finish line. Yet several more boxes must be ticked to earn massage certification. For those attending massage schools in Oregon, passing a national therapy exam, such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination), is a key step in licensure. (You’ll find our guide to getting licensed in massage therapy in Oregon here.) Most LMTs (in 46 out of 49 regulated jurisdictions) need to pass the MBLEx.

Considering that the current fee […]

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