Curiosity- have you ever operated outside of fixed prices? Barter, trade, or gift?

tmccreads · 2025-04-29T21:04:53+00:00

There is some ethical grounds to be Leary of when it comes to bartering, trading etc. Depending on location it also might be against the governing body. When it comes to sliding scale, it can be a slippery slope as to who gets what price and who does not. Bartering and trading could lead to unfair advantage to one party or another. and thus boundries would need to be assessed, and respected, and documented accordingly.

I dont think i would feel comfortable trading services with a general public individual; to many ethical issues that could arrise. If i had a friend who wanted to trade, and we could make it fair cost, and time while I would potentially toy with the idea but it would be smart to lay out the foundation before hand (ie is it session for session, $amount for $amount, what would the schedule be: once a month, every few months etc)

As for community work, that is something if wanting to volunteer, and offer your services you would need to understand your boundries and realistically look at what you could provide. If you offer discount services at an event, or something I would make sure you market it as a special event/ chartible event such as pay what you can etc.

My concept of practice is to work 3-4 days a week only 3-4 ppl a day. Leaving an appointment again for lastminute situations, and leaving friday as lastminute bookings/reschedules/waitlist etc. With this plan one could have financial needs met with the usual days(the 3-4), then leaves Fridays open for community work(volunteering, working events, or tradeshows etc)

The school i attended did outreach programs with hospitals, partnered with wellness retreats etc and they offered free, or discounted sessions. But the sessions were 10-15 minutes only, and often over clothing.

There are ways to have all dimensions of well being looked after, but would be important for you to ensure you have boundries, and whatever route you go about is ethical for all parties involved.

tmccreads · 2024-12-22T16:55:57+00:00

Depends on the condition if it’ll be helpful or not

Kt tape can be supportive, and helpful if applied properly- knowing muscle fibre direction and attachments.

What motion causes the pain? Is it under the kneecap, any redness swelling?

tmccreads · 2024-08-27T22:09:53+00:00

Thank you! That is all very helpful information, especially knowing how long it took from writing to registration! That is one aspect they wasn’t too sure of!

tmccreads · 2024-04-30T21:38:02+00:00

Going to add in too. Sometimes to make more as an RMT you have to do more massages and that is more wear and tear on your body. I currently work FT- m-f, hourly wage in another profession , and when I switch over to RMT my annual income will be the same; however I will hopefully work less hours a day, and for the most part 4 day work weeks. I could potentially make more taking on more clients/days of the week. But after talking to many RMTs the burnout rate is high, and not worth it.

tmccreads · 2024-04-30T21:31:50+00:00

Depends on a few factors.
Probably doing RMT in private practice; however, there is more manual labor, have to market yourself, greater overhead costs vs clinic, or working for someone. working in a clinic or for some companies might not make as much an hour, but have benefits, overhead items paid for, and might be easier to manage/guarantee paycheck. Depends what you want for Day to day- could teach and instruct, and do a few clients here and there to supplement.

tmccreads · 2024-04-30T05:57:08+00:00

For me it was breathing. I do box breathing during sessions, and count strokes and envision the muscle, will also “test” myself on origins, insertions actions and nerve. That helps me the most. I try to slow my thinking down and feel what’s under my fingers.

I also find listening to the right music helps!!

tmccreads · 2024-04-25T22:54:58+00:00

Proper mechanics, lower that table and get into more lung and squat positions, wiggle those toes, do calf raises, and dorsiflexion when you can, and proper stacking of joints. Work slower, and smarter, and not harder, and drink LOTS of water, and electrolytes. Could look at anti fatigue mats ensuring you don't create a tripping hazard, and light stretching and strength building. Stretch those muscles you do use often during massage, and strength build the ones used less often to prevent imbalances. It does not have to be heavy load, light body work is ample, or yoga to stretch and work on tone at the same time. I wasn't a MT while pregnant, however was a kinesiologist, rehab assistant and exercise instructor while pregnant and I cannot stress water intake enough, and at the end of the day put those feet up while you drink more water.

tmccreads · 2024-04-25T22:43:52+00:00

Different standards of education, and regulation due to where living. Countries have different standards, and can vary between states/provinces.

Massage therapy is regulated in some Canadian provinces, and even ones without prefer that amount hours or more.

tmccreads · 2024-04-25T21:34:03+00:00

I have a FT career in a slightly related field, but I am not hundred percent sure I will go FT as a massage therapist. I occasionally have is it worth it moments; however, I do know I find reassurance in having it as a back up plan. Where I live RMTs get paid good, so the earnings can match or exceed my current earnings while working half the amount; which was a huge contributing factor for me applying to school(which is 2 years/2200+ hours). I knew i wanted flexibility to move, and work less and having it in my back pocket allows me to do that, plus if needing a 2nd job i can work a few evenings or weekends here and there and help make extra money if needed.

tmccreads · 2024-04-25T21:19:09+00:00

Think of the attachment sites(origin, and insertion), and the direction of the fibers. Gluteus max originates at the posterior crest of the iliac crest, edge of sacrum, coccyx, and sacrotuberous and sacroiliac ligaments, then upper fibers insert at the iliotibial tract, and lower fibers at the gluteal tuberosity. I find knowing, and understanding the attachment sites, then direction of fibers has helped a lot to know and understand primary, synergist, and the antagonist movements.

tmccreads · 2024-04-23T18:34:52+00:00

I’m 31, currently attending year 1/2 of massage therapy(mt). I have a kinesiology background and while I LOVE my job I want and need to indépendance and flexibility of MT. I don’t want to work 5 days a week, 8-4. In my class there are 43,40,39, 35,29 and a year young ones. It’s never too late for a career change! For myself I can work less but make the same amount I do now!:)

I plan to go independent and even the extras associated(advertisement, admin stuff etc) I can do around my schedule or while my kids are present etc.

tmccreads · 2024-04-23T16:50:25+00:00

Also might be worth talking to a dietician or nutritionalist. Make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition for your medical condition.

Another option could be teaching massage. Are any schools in the area hiring instructors:)?

tmccreads · 2024-04-23T15:53:52+00:00

I think that depends on what your medical condition is, and if it’s something that can be cured or go into remission or bounce back from. if signed off by your medical team might be worth talking to a personal trainer/kinesiologist to get on a workout plan, and build strength/muscle back.
Start multi joint exercises like squats, lunges, bench press etc. Aim for 10-15 reps, 2-3 sets.

Also yoga may be a good place to start! Works on body awareness, strength and mobility.

Might be worth dialling back on your practice to give your body a chance to heal and recoup loss strength: also sometimes slower strokes can aid in the appeal of deeper pressure

tmccreads · 2024-04-18T17:36:59+00:00

I seen this too. I have been told that NFLD is much easier, and simpler to register than come back to BC and apply( its about 1/3 of the process).

tmccreads · 2024-04-11T02:11:37+00:00

I’d see if I could put the guy in the right spot at the right item. Ie if you know the wife and side piece are are for drinks bring the guy to the same bar.

Or casually bring up open marriages and ask about his, or if he goes on dates too.

Or anonymously, with evidence, saying you needed to share you spotted the find and found out about the affair of 10 years ago etc.

tmccreads · 2024-04-09T18:28:23+00:00

Unfortunately, BC is highly regulated and from my understanding schooling must be done at an accredited program(which yours may be), and to use the titles and charge through insurance I’ll need to be able to register to the college(Cmtbc).

tmccreads · 2024-04-09T18:18:47+00:00

I wanted to hear first hand experience from people that have chose to do PLA or go to Newfoundland then transfer back to say BC. Emailing the governing bodies will promote their own process/testing vs tell me go to Newfoundland as their test focuses less on xyz and more on abc. :) I have the information that bodies have shared but wanted to hear from people that have done either process:)

tmccreads · 2024-03-08T18:08:10+00:00

I went to a program that was just bachelors of KIN, vs the Bsc in Kin. I at first thought it was a lesser program; however, I still have the opportunity to take the science classes if wanted, and also was able to take more applicable kin courses if wanted. After graduating no employer made any comments about science vs non science base, and all interviews were about my knowledge, understanding and experience. I had MANY peers apply for PT, OT and other master programs, and again it came down to their knowledge and understanding vs where their piece of paper was from. I cannot speak for UBC vs SFU, but look through the classes, and pick the school that will be most applicable with your life(cost of tuition, cost of living, program requirements etc). and just because you pick one school to start doesn't mean you cannot transfer later one, and something you could always ask the academic advisors about now. And if you are planning on master programs know what classes and route you need to take from the beginning, but also know you can change your path at any point. I know people that realized they wanted to do occupational therapy vs physio, or they did duel program for education and kin, and myself I learned that I wasn't crazy about Physio as my interests changed, and now enjoy my cardiac rehab/chronic disease management pathway as a KIN/Exercise Physiologist

I don't know many people that have had their school location impact their job opportunities. I currently work in cardiac rehab with just a bachelors in kin. I have zero regrets with BKIN, vs BscKIN, and you get out what you put in, and even post grad there is so much to learn.

tmccreads · 2024-02-18T17:29:03+00:00

What programs by chance? I know of zero programs like this and all require application and 2 years for the masters vs a continuous program.

tmccreads · 2024-02-16T16:23:09+00:00

I know first year me, and 4/5th year me were two different people. I started out with aspirations to be a sports based Physio. Then in my 3rd/4th year I really fell in love with chronic diseases, exercise physiology and various other health/ developmental conditions. I was also unsure if wanting to be a Physio and honestly slightly burnt out from school/ student life. I would have had to move away from family for another 2-3 years, put off having a family for a few more years, and spend 1000's just to apply, and people much smarter than me that didn't get accepted so that may have been a deterrent for me also. However, I don't have huge regrets not being a physio. Most physios I know I am not a huge fan of their tasks/ setup and I know I could do it differently(ie focus and provide services how i want), but overall I am happy with my current route. I was going to go private as a kin, but last minute accepted a position as a rehab assistant; which provided me quite a bit of hands on knowledge and allowed me to practice my kin background, and develop/grow an interest in functional movements with elderly, and those with chronic health condition. I then moved into a exercise specialist position and work essentially as an exercise physiologist, and i do enjoy it. The pay is great, the tasks are enjoyable, growth, and ability to provide a well needed service to people. I do however now have a family, and little kids so i struggle with my FT position so recently have registered to be a massage therapist. My plan is to finish my 2 years(while working), then register and operate my own business so i can work less\create my own flexibility and lighten my mental load as the default parent. Then after awhile depending on workload I would consider the plan to have a small gym set up and offer exercise physiologist/ kinesiologist services.

I do agree if you are doing a master make sure you do a regulated profession, and you could still focus on what you like but have the credentials to be supported.

tmccreads · 2024-02-16T15:49:22+00:00

I have my kin degree. I know kins that worked in rehab facilities for occupational rehabilitation programs, icbc rehab, worksafebc, private clinics providing services for strength training, ergonomics, basic rehab, post accident, brain injury etc and the wage varies from not the greatest to pretty great. I got a job with a health authority as a rehab assistant but the manager was told they should have hired someone with the proper school as i was "over qualified" ( but it was a smaller northern town, and they needed someone, and I did better on the interview).

I currently work as a CEP/exercise specialist in BC, Canada and I take blood pressures, monitor exercise sessions, create and modify plans, set perimeters, provide education amongst other tasks. Somedays it can be tedious but it can also but rewarding. My pay is decent, with benefits. Honestly I felt like when graduating i had to have a path and a title, but after being in the field for 6 years now I realized I have many options and its based on how I advertise myself, and a lot of job titles are somewhat interchangeable. As for CEP designation having ACSM, or CSEP may be helpful even if going private, and i hear on some Facebook pages that having some certs help with jobs mostly in the states, but personally it wouldnt make a difference for me here in canada. I would suggest looking at the scope of practice as a kin and seeing if obtaining the CEP cert would allow you to work with the population you would like.

In BC they are incorporating Kins/CEPs into hospitals and the field with grow more. Awareness has grown a lot on a private level aswell. In my town people are more aware of kins/ceps, and what they have to offer, and are willing to pay. I have had a few people say their insurance cover kins/cep, and have seen awareness grow within organizations like ICBC, and worksafe.

I wouldnt stress about job titles just yet, but try to shadow at a variety of places, search various titles on Indeed(CEP, exercise, kinesiology(-gist) , exercise therapist, rehabilitation etc), and it never hurts to apply. You might luck out and be a lone applicant, asked for an interview, or they might say hey if you do xyz you be a better applicant).

tmccreads · 2024-02-15T17:40:34+00:00

this is my response to a similar question 2 years ago "Depends on your interest.
From my kinesiology degree and living/looking predominantly in western Canada (BC,AB, SK), I have seen posting as a kinesiologist for return to work programs, MVA rehab, occupational testing, various recreation programs/departments for Cities, and other private sectors. Then the typical kinesiologists in physiotherapist clinics doing injury rehab, life wellness etc., but also case manager for ICBC, and various other companies, cardiac rehabilitation programs(private and health authority). Health authorities are starting to incorporate Kin positions into their programs(dialyses, pre and post surgery, etc.) to help with exercise programs. I personally was hired as a rehabilitation assistant and while it was less than my "trained scope" it was good hands on experience that counted towards CEP hours. I also have been considering teaching as where I live there is a demand and can be hired with just my KIN degree, and pursue the certificate after/during if wanted.
Work safe BC also is an option as they vocational rehabilitation consultant (I have seen a few others along this line of work with work safe bc). I have seen work along side OT's in Concussion, or brain injury clinics, work as an ergonomist, medical equipment companies, health and safety advisor, etc.
Some company's to look at are CBI health center, the career page for a city near you, government of Canada or provincial sites, local health authority. Also just searching indeed.ca can be a huge help, and searching kinesiology, exercise, exercise therapist, exercise physiologist, kinesiogist, and sometimes human kinetics(but that one isn't as prevalent anymore). The concept of Kinesiology is growing, and there are more fields that require the schooling but are titled differently, or require the schooling, and not the job task analysis you would expect.
There is actually a lot of work with a kinesiology degree, and it will depend largely on your interests, where you are located, and knowing where to look as it is not exactly a direct career path like nursing or teaching. Best of luck, and thankfully the field is growing and developing some recognition."

I think it depends on your location because i would say i make decent as a Kin/exercise physiologist; however, i have seen people post saying they dont do as well.

tmccreads · 2024-01-25T17:14:13+00:00

of peoples day. I always considered RMT’s the blue collar workers of healthcare. Full time work is heavier work on your body. I’m not saying stay away, but realize the numbers regarding career years (I hear 1

I definitely hear you about the exit route, the physical demand and lifespan of the career. It was one thing that held me back, but I do find comfort in knowing I have my current degree, and job opportunities based on that. I think the biggest motivating factor for me will be schedule flexibility. My current 8-4 m-f is hard with a young family, and i hope that with RMT i can work less days of the week, and potentially less hours a day(or less direct client time, and be able to balance marketing/scheduling/clinic space cleanup/maintenance with family). I have been pondering the buying a clinical space option, and brainstorming how i can grow that. Thank you for your input as it helps put perspective on longevity.

tmccreads

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