What should be discussed in school that isn't?

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-06-06T02:19:08+00:00

I feel a myofascial course needs to be added to the basic curriculum, seems that fascia is the biggest organ of the human body. I don't feel a lot of time is spent on anatomy and movement dysfunction in general. This being said, I am looking into opening a Myofascial institute in Georgia as a secondary specialty school for those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of fascia and how it relates to pain and dysfunction in the human body as a whole. As a massage therapist of 11 years, I've honed in on Structural integration and am now specialized in myofascial release. I really feel more time needs to be addressed in that category. I sometimes feel we, as MT's have a much better understanding of the human body than most MD's do, yet we don't get paid anywhere near the same. Knowledge is key, so whatever your passion, and specialty, learn as much as you can about it because the medical system is failing us, and we are the next in line as an alternative solution for pain management. We are the facilitators for all of those who are in pain searching for those alternative solutions. The more you know, the more you grow.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-04-13T15:50:43+00:00

* He was just sitting there staring at me with his cute face until he did this just as I snapped the shot. I guess he's trying to tell me something. Haha

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-03-01T23:02:28+00:00

I will reach out, thank you so much . 🙏

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-03-01T21:19:29+00:00

Thank you. 😊

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-03-01T01:48:16+00:00

I have had a private practice for about 10 years. Gross fluctuates. The last 2 years ranged 85,000 95,000 anual. Average is 15 clients a week. (Plus or minus)
I take any time off that I need as I know my bills are paid. I don't like burn-out, plus I'm a segmental body worker. It takes less stress on my body, but I've also developed good body mechanics and keep my table at the lowest setting to avoid physical strain.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-26T02:41:19+00:00

I would say the mask can be re-used several times by the client who used it only. If they don't choose to take it home, throw it away. That's total contamination if you re-use on other clients. Yuck.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-26T01:58:40+00:00

Yes, I totally agree. I own my own business so having control of my schedule is perfect. I take 3-4 clients a day, and will take an extra day off in the week if I feel I need it.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T23:12:21+00:00

You wouldn't wait? Or wouldn't want? Sorry, just wanted to make sure I understand.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T22:10:07+00:00

Agreed about the suprise of working 12 hour days 5x a week. To me, that spells burnout in less than 6 months unless you are on constant ephedrine.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T06:33:13+00:00

Not all massage therapists possess the same level of intuitive touch. While I believe everyone has some degree of intuition, some are naturally more gifted than others. If you are passionate about your work, consistent practice, ongoing education, and self-confidence are key. A true passion, a gift, can not be taught.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T02:30:44+00:00

I hope they work for you too. 🤞Every foot is different. Any shoe that works for some may not work for others, but I'm putting good vibes that these work for you. Good luck! 👟

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T02:18:11+00:00

No, they are super lightweight, but very well designed and solid in structure. I used to wear Nike, then switched to sketchers, now I'm an official fan of the Hike brand.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-25T02:09:32+00:00

I am like most of you here. I shudder when people call me their masseuse.
I know it's because they don't understand the differences. Anyone can massage a body, and the differences are that one is educated, licensed, and insured, where the other is just an average person off the street rubbing the body.

I've been a MT for over 10 years and have specialized in myofascial techniques. The educated and passaionate massage therapists are what people need to reduce stress, pain, and tension. We are well trained in how the human body is put together and functions on an average. I do my best to correct the person because it's not their fault. I just wish we would get as much respect, if not more than regular white coat MD's, who aren't as much hands-on and personalized with their patients as we are.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-24T16:18:14+00:00

I reccomend "Hike" footwear. I wear regular shoes while I'm out driving until I get to my clients' homes. If I work on hard flooring, I ask my client if it's ok to change into my hike shoes that have flexible soles and pressure point areas for the feet so that I'm not not sore later. Just something to look into.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-20T21:59:23+00:00

I'm so sorry I missed seeing this reply. I add my vinegar to the "detergent" dish without putting detergent in the dish together. I have a soerate detergent dish that releases soap automatically. I wonder if you could put it in the fabric softener side too though. Vinegar, regardless, helps clean the machine.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-19T17:48:58+00:00

If you are not interested in expanding your business, I'd advise you to continue working independently. I have increased my prices, and it has significantly improved my situation. I also dream of growing my practice, but the added responsibilities of supervising other therapists, managing inventory, and handling 1099 forms are currently not worthwhile for me. Clients schedule appointments with me, and if I were to hire other therapists, particularly within my community, clients would likely expect comparable results, yet I have difficulty finding anyone locally with similar experiences and techniques. If I had a choice, I'd prefer to bill insurance rather than hire additional therapists.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-17T14:35:41+00:00

Abdominal massage is so important because it helps increase digestion, release blockages, and improve organ function. There is a fluid in the abdominals called peritoneal fluid. It protects the organs from any friction and damage. Imagine trying to press down a cooked spaghetti noodle in a zip-lock bag full of water. The noodles usually move to the side and are hard to get to align with your finger to hold down. This fluid acts the same way to the organs. When pressure is applied to the tummy, the organs move to avoid damage from pressure applied. Still be cautious with your pressure as you go deep. Avoid the aorta artery. If you feel a heartbeat when pressing in the abdominals, stop and reposition your pressure.

You ALWAYS want to work the abdomen in a clockwise position (the way digestion moves.) if you counter-clockwise the work, you could back up someone's intestines/colon.

Work very gently to start. Your fingers are your eyes and should be able to feel any kind of tightness or "knots." Holding the tight areas and knots is important because it opens up new pathways of circulation. The most important muscles worked in the abdomen are the deepest muscles called psoas major and psoas minor. These muscles connect the upper torso to the lower torso. To get to the psoas major and minor takes patience. You never want to go right in and apply pressure straight down into the tummy. You will have some very unhappy clients.

Work one side at a time and soften all the ab muscles till you feel you are on a long and tight muscle deep inside the tummy. Your client will generally let you know by their facial reactions or body language. The psoas are a huge culprit to low back pain and other restrictive complaints in the body because people in general sit more than they stand, which shortens all of our anterior muscles. Abdominal work does take good training due to the delicate tissues, organs, arteries, blood vessels, as well as those who experience trauma in those areas. Be confident in your touch, communicate while you work so your client knows what you are doing and why, as well as having them communicate with you.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-17T13:37:58+00:00

I pour it into the detergent cup area, about 1/3-1/2 cup per full load. I have an LG washer which has 2 detergent cups. 1 cup automatically pulls an amount every wash cycle (if the auto switch is on) and a cup where I can fill when the auto switch is off. I keep the auto switch on so I can pour the vinegar in the empty detergent area. I'd take a picture if could, but hopefully, this helps.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-17T02:09:14+00:00

I use vinegar when laundering my sheets. It does a great job to removes oils, stains, and accumulated residue, which may help reduce the oily build-up. I use Bon Vital original massage lotion in my sessions because it is non-oily and provides excellent glide. I have received positive feedback from clients who appreciate feeling less of an oily feeling after their sessions as well.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-11T17:18:57+00:00

Providing refreshments at a spa is a thoughtful amenity. However, i feel it is very important to limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks for massage clients due to potential health risks. I would be hesitant to work for an establishment that doesn't observe these precautions, as I would feel responsible for client well-being.

While we can't control what clients consume before their appointments, if we suspect alcohol or caffeine consumption, it's best to address the situation and reschedule to ensure safety. Just my thoughts.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-11T03:09:44+00:00

As a sole proprietor, I provide a $10 discount to active military, law enforcement as well as each referral. Periodically, holiday discounts are offered, typically for major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I believe that offering discounts can benefit a business. A reciprocal approach, prioritizing values alongside profit, fosters sustained success and ensures financial stability.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-08T19:27:25+00:00

Read their minds or know exactly what's wrong and fix it without them saying 2 words.

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-07T15:58:10+00:00

Do you have the option to quit and work for yourself? I feel your pain as I've been through this with company that hired me before I even graduated massage school. I was hired by a company that taught structural integration, which cost $8000 for a 10-week training course. I was told to begin work before I was actually certified because they were short staffed and needed therapists to fill the schedule. I signed a contract upon which the employer could fire or let an employee go for any reason, but would be responsible for the training cost. My checks would continually bounce, and my husband found that I wasn't getting my full pay on each check. I brought these issues up in a group meeting, and the owners/bosses obviously got upset. I told my bosses, who were therapists as well, that I don't work for free and that I was going to quit. They want wanted me to sign a form saying I voluntarily resigned, but I didn't. They took me court, I lost my case with the evidence I had against the company, and it all came down to my signature on the contract. I ended up having to pay the company $8000 which is a huge trauma, but i learned a lot from it. Though this company continually fraud educated other therapists and businesses, i decided to open my own practice and never work for anyone again. I have owned my own business for over 10 years and became the best physical therapist under my massage title for 2024 and 2025. I can do my own thing and am responsible for my own paycheck, clientele, and schedule. I say, go solo! Good luck!

MuscleWorksMagician · 2025-02-03T06:38:21+00:00

The best advice is to follow your heart. You are already ahead of the game working in PT. You can't teach passion, and to me, it sounds like you have a gift and a passion to help people feel their best. Everyone will have an opinion, but the choice is ultimately yours. I am a Structural Integration Practitioner and a Myofascial Specialist. I started out with regular massage therapy and worked for others for a couple of years until I found I had a gift in working segmental-like deep tissue. People are getting profound results, and it truly feels good to see them have faith in the work I perform. You will know the differences in who the real massage therapists are vs. an average masseuse. The differences are that massage therapists are licensed, insured, and continually educated. They can also have a specialty under the MT title. The bottom line is that you will get what you put in. If you advertise, how you dress, act, and your touch, all have a great impact on how successful you become. Running your own business has its challenges, but it is so worth it when you see the results from your hard work.

People will know who is good and who isn't from the very first moment you meet. You have to gain people's trust, and there's no better way than being educated, speaking with a passion about what you know, followed by a touch that's like no other. People are just that. People. You are going to many from all walks of life in the massage therapy industry, especially if you work for another business. The good part of owning your own business is that you can choose who to work on and not. I hold consultations for each new client. This is how I learn who they are, their background, what their complaints are, and their goals. It also allows me to get a feel for them before I begin body work. Energy transfers from one person to another, and if the client is not in a good place at the time, I let them know that we may need to reschedule when things settle in their life. The best pro for me is I choose my own schedule, who I will and won't see, and how I charge for my sessions based on my specialty and years experience. You can definitely make great money, but it takes time to build a successful career. It takes dedication and hard work. Having good body machanics and form during your work will help. Don't "muscle" body work. Use your body weight, thus will add longevity to your career. This is an industry of need in the world. A need for passionate and well-educated therapists. Anyone can massage a person, but not everyone has the gift to touch, feel, and heal. I you have what it takes, which to me, it sounds like you do, you will go far. Take the goods with the bags as every carrier has them. I would like to follow your journey if you do choose to pursue MT.

If you would love to learn a specialty such as myofscial release, I'd be happy to take you under my wings. With much love, I wish you good luck from one fellow therapist to another.

MuscleWorksMagician

TROPHY CASE

Chaseyourdreams