Massage Therapy Foundation

A friend and fellow massage therapist asked me the other day, "If there was one thing I could change about the massage industry what would it be?"

My short answer... I would like to see more widely published research on the efficacies of massage therapy. Little did I know (oh young grasshopper) that there is a research and education foundation that has been in existence for at least 18yrs. No doubt, I have read articles and books produced in some way by the non-profit organization, The Massage Therapy Foundation. This foundation's mission is to bring the benefits of massage to the broadest spectrum of society...

The web site is fantastic, a well of knowledge for all.

Check it out...Better yet, Support It... "everyone needs a cause and a good back massage".

Until Later,

James

FSMTA Sports Massage Team

If you were present at the Pensacola Marathon, chances are you met Lee Thompson. Lee is our FSMTA Sports Massage Team Director. I recently caught up with Lee Thompson while dodging tornadoes at the marathon myself. Lee is a former Paramedic of 15 yrs, has been an LMT for 10 yrs, is a massage therapy educator and a Florida CEU provider.

Locally, he has been doing a lot of groundwork for the sports massage team. He has contacted area sporting event promoters/organizers and created the opportunity for Santa Rosa and Escambia County therapists to be a part of their events. Triathlons, marathons and tournaments draw a myriad of people from our community and, occasionally, from all over the world. At the Pensacola Marathon, for example, we worked with athletes from Germany. They were so glad to have someone carefully treat their soreness before their next long airplane ride.
The sports massage team gives its members more exposure to potential clientele. If you are interested in becoming a part of this dynamic team, the next official massage team training course is to be held Saturday April 19th, in Fort Walton. Sign up at the next meeting or by contacting Roberta Broussard, EC Sports Coordinator, for a class to be held in our area.

Wordless Wednesday

FAQ Friday

Another Frequently asked question I get asked is...
"What does your wife think about you being a massage therapist?"

Well, I believe when we first met I was wearing scrubs and she thought I was a doctor. Boy, was she let down when she found out the truth ;> .

No, that's not true about the whole doctor image, but I definitely think she had no problem with it.

In fact, I can say she is my biggest fan. She never fails to cheer me on. She's always there for me on the rainy days too. Come to think about it; she deserves a great massage. I think she has one of my gift certificates...

BTW- I will be working at the Pensacola Marathon doing pre and post event massage this weekend. Come out and cheer me on.

More so, come out and see the great athletes from here and all over the world competing in this 2nd annual race. I believe this race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Have A Great Weekend!

Thursday 13 #1--Deep tissue Massage contraindications

Certain areas should be avoided or caution used while receiving deep tissue massage.

In general infections and undiagnosed pain should be checked by a medical doctor.
Moreover, your therapist needs to be informed of certain conditions that would not be beneficial to your health. Communication is key.

1. Acute injuries- Sprains/ strains within the acute inflammatory stage. Within in the first few days of incident, injuries should be avoided. First aid, R.I.C.E. Rest, ice , compress, and elevate injured area. Very light massage during and definitely after this stage can speed recovery time, the healing process, and limit scar tissue formation.
2. Varicose veins.
   
3. Open wounds. Again, massage after the acute stage can help can limit scar tissue.
   
4. Areas with sensation loss.
   
5. DVT, deep vein thrombosis, i.e. blood clots
6. Eyes. Obviously a finger in the eye is not good. Also, care should be taken if contact lenses are worn. It may be better to remove them for treatment.
7. Tumors, benign tumors could be stimulated by deep transverse friction.
   
8. Areas of main arteries (i.e. the groin, armpit, and front of neck). Much care is taken while massage is being done in these areas.
   
9. Deep pressure over nerves.
10. Bony prominences. The styloid process behind the ear, spineous processes...
11. Lymph nodes.
    
12. Bacterial infections. Boils and or inflamed hair follicles.
    
13. Contagious conditions. Cold sores, fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm.
    

Colds and infections like the "flu" should not be shared even with your worst enemy. Please be kind and reschedule for a latter time.

To visit more Thursday Thirteeners, click here...

FAQ Friday

One of the most FAQ's I get as a therapist is: "Do your hands get sore from doing this work?" Most of the time I can confidently say "no" (thank God). But unfortunately some weeks are harder than others and/or I let my body mechanics slide a little. As with any one who works a skill, you develop strength as you practice. I'd say it's conditioning. When I am out of practice, that's when I feel it. After coming off of a vacation...

RSI's (Repetitive Strain Injuries) like carpal tunnel syndrome can be helped alleviated by massage; but also, can seriously limit a persons career.
I believe in my own medicine. I practice self massage. I like to trade with other therapists often.
And I appreciate all the helpful people that are making the difference in peoples lives by educating and teaching injury prevention.

A great book on this subject, Save Your Hands, by Lauriann Greene & Richard W. Goggins, CPE, LMP. I believe it's used as a textbook in some massage schools and the author(s) have regular workshops for allied health care workers.

And also by author Shogo Mocizuki, Hand Maintenance Guide for Massage Therapists, the art of an injury free career.

Have a great weekend.

Public Service Announcement from the AMTA

(photo credit: http://www.southernmuslimah.wordpress.com)

Massage Therapists Deserve Professional Respect

The practice of massage therapy is focused on health and wellness. It can help alleviate the effects of a broad range of health conditions, including pain, stress and muscle injury.

The growing popularity of massage therapy in recent years has attracted greater attention to the profession and its practitioners by the media and the public. While this increased attention has resulted in a wider recognition of the many benefits of massage, occasionally some public figures attempt to link the practice of massage therapy to sexual activity. Perpetuating this view not only demeans the profession of massage therapy, but also can threaten the physical safety of massage practitioners when an assumption is made that someone can demand sex from them.

AMTA and its members understand good-natured humor, but call on the media and public figures to not allow their comments to denigrate the massage therapy profession, stereotype massage therapists, or threaten their safety. Public comments about the profession should never imply an expectation of or a connection with sexual activity.

Massage therapists are trained professionals who have completed specialized education in their field. Those who belong to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), for example, have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and testing, adhere to a code of ethics and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership.

© 2008 American Massage Therapy Association^®

Fav Friday

So, what have I been doing lately? I've had a great opportunity to be working out at the Athletes' Performance-FL in Gulf Breeze. Actually I have not been "working out"/ training there; I have been doing sports massage. The Athletes' Performance institute is a sports training/conditioning facility located in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Click here to see pictures from a Pensacola News Journal article featuring some of the athletes we have the opportunity to work with this year. Some of the other therapists involved in this venture are Mindy Sargent and Scott Williams.

Thursday 13 #1--Massage Modalities

Thirteen Modalities

1. Shiatsu-literally means "finger pressure"
   
2. Medical Massage -doctor prescribed massage
   
3. Sports Massage- Massage to help athletes meet their goals
   
4. Trigger Point Therapy- Applied pressure to painful knots for relief
   
5. Swedish- (aka basic Westernized massage strokes kneading, hacking, gliding) Stress relief massage to restore wellness.
   
6. Aromatherapy- therapy enhanced by the healing properties of essential oils
   
7. Rolfing- holistic treatment aimed at restructuring the body and body movement
   
8. Craniosacral- branch of osteopathy that gently adjusts the head and pelvis to restore the CSF rythym, i.e. systemic cerebral spinal fluid circulation
   
9. Myofascial Release- elongating muscle fascia to release tension
   
10. Hot-Stone Massage- heated river rocks used to soothe aches and melt away tension
    
11. Reflexology- Feet/hands massaged to correspond to different body parts/organs
    
12. Onsite Massage- Therapist comes to you. (aka workplace, chair, out call)
    
13. Spa Therapy- the "get away from it all" and please pamper me massage

Check out other Thursday Thirteeners here!

And...we're live!

Today, our very first website went live. Stop by and take a look. We'll be adding an FAQ section, so think about what you would like to ask the massage therapist. Actually, any feedback will be much appreciated.

Massage Buzz

Wordless Wednesday

Check out other Wordless Wednesday participants here!

Other WWs to see...

BrightHaven Times

In tribute to John

Tribute

It's funny how we can meet someone for the first time and feel like we already know them, somehow. Maybe it's just because of contagious smiles and laughter. Perhaps it's a subtle peculiarity that makes us familiar or inviting. I recently had the pleasure of this occurrence with Mr. John Malinowski. He seemed very warm and open, telling us of his wife's illness and showing unashamed concern for her. He was on his way to visit her in the hospital.

Imagine my dismay to hear that John passed away suddenly last Saturday. Below is a copy of the obituary posted this week in the Pensacola News Journal.

JOHN MALINOWSKI
1932-2007

John Malinowski, age 75, of Pensacola, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2007. He was born January 27, 1932 in Erie, PA, and had been a resident of Pensacola since 1985.
John was a Teacher and Practitioner of Touch for Health, and a Professional Kinesiologist.
He was an avid Bowler, member of the Unity Church of Pensacola, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the U.S. Army. He was a Good Kind Man.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice F. Malinowski; two step-daughters, Pat and Denise Gary; step-son, Larry Friedman; two sisters, Annie Walters and Mary Smith; three brothers, Ray, Ed and Stan Malinowski; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2007 in the Unity Church of Pensacola with the Reverend Jamie Sanders officiating.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive family and friends Thursday, December 20, 2007 in the Unity Church of Pensacola from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of John to the Memorial Fund of Unity Church of Pensacola, 716 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32501

To sign the guestbook, please follow this link.

Massage Nerd

I found this info-site massage nerd a while back.

Actually, my beautiful web-savvy wife Becca (too fashionable and gorgeous to be nerdy--> disclaimer), showed me it.

Developed by a massage instructor, this index holds a wealth of knowledge. For anyone interested in massage therapy/practicing massage. It also follows the stars & universe of massage, check it out.

Sorry, no sci-fi news is posted on the site.

Blessings.

"It's kind of a big deal"

Today's my 30th Birthday! Three decades?! What if I don't want to feel thirty?!


More on this later.

Balancing Act--counteracting gravity

Keeping in shape and keeping myself fit is necessary for me to continue as a massage practitioner. The tendency of humans is to use and misuse the same muscles while doing our routines of work and life. Rarely do we exercise our remaining muscles.

Yes, the activities of daily living become our undoing when constant bad posture and body mechanics start to wear and tear at us. My hands get a great work out every day, so I must use different tools to help get the job done i.e. forearms, elbows, and the occasional jackhammer of sorts for mountainous knots :). More than anything though, my back and shoulders take the brunt of the work in my week and I have to combat that. I have to stretch out, yes. But mainly I have to bring balance back to my hunkered over posture. The core muscles on my gut (abs, quads, hip flexors) can get short and weak if I don't give them any attention.

Really, the reason I write all this is to remind myself to keep in shape or shape it up. Fight gravity! Do all I can to stand strong every day (mentally, physically, spiritually). I tend to get focused in on the task at hand and neglect other real needs. The idea, we know, is to break an old habit by adopting a better one. For as my pastor would say, Sow a thought reap a...destiny.

The law of the harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
~George Dana Boardman

Local Food in Pensacola?

Here is a short article from Steven L. Hopp. It is excerpted from the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.

It gives me an idea of how American votes in the marketplace can make a difference. Even though the Pensacola area does not have a real farmers market, the local natural food store does offer locally grown seasonal produce when they can get it. And then over in Elberta, Alabama, there is Sweet Home Cheese Farm. I don't drive by there very often, but I want everybody to know you can meet these fine cheese artisans and the dairy cows in the pasture. I want there to be a local cheese farm still in existence, so when I am out that way I can still stop in and take some home.

Oily Food

Americans put almost as much fossil fuel into our refrigerators as our cars. We’re consuming about 400 gallons of oil a year per citizen – about 17% of our nation’s energy use – for agriculture, a close second to our vehicular use. Tractors, combines, harvesters, irrigation, sprayers, tillers, balers, and other equipment all use petroleum. Even bigger gas guzzlers on the farm are not the machines, but so-called inputs. Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides use oil and natural gas as their starting materials, and in their manufacturing. More than a quarter of all farming energy goes into synthetic fertilizers.

But getting the crop from seed to harvest takes only one fifth of the total oil used for our food. The lion’s share is consumed during the trip from the farm to your plate. Each food item in a typical U.S. meal has traveled an average of 1500 miles. In addition to direct transport, other fuel-thirsty steps include processing (drying, milling, cutting, sorting, baking), packaging, warehousing and refrigeration. Energy calories consumed by production, packaging and shipping far outweigh the energy calories we receive from the food.

A quick way to improve food-related fuel economy would be to buy a quart of motor oil and drink it. More palatable options are available. If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country’s oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That’s not gallons, but barrels. Small changes in buying habits can make big differences. Becoming a less energy-dependent nation may just need to start with a good breakfast.

Steven L. Hopp

AMTA's National Massage Therapy Awareness Week Event

Makes you wish you lived in or near Crystal River, eh?

Presented by AMTA's Heart of Florida Chapter

The AMTA Heart of Florida Chapter is celebrating National Massage
Therapy Awareness Week by teaming up with Habitat for Humanity and
providing FREE CHAIR MASSAGES to the general public. The goal is to
raise awareness of the Massage Therapy profession and educate the
public about the benefits of massage, while raising funds for a great
cause Habitat for Humanity.

When: October 25th, 2007

Where: Crystal River Mall

1801 NW Us Highway 19

Crystal River, FL 34428

Time: 9:00am until 1:30pm

Who is Massage Buzz?

Massage Buzz is James A. Fritschle, LMT located in Pensacola, Florida. James has been practicing massage therapy for 7 yrs. With several years of experience as a Chiropractic Assistant, James is thoroughly versed in sports injury therapy and deep tissue work. Currently, James is a member of the 12th Avenue Massage Group, located in the heart of historic Pensacola.



12th Avenue Massage Therapy Group
2100 N 12th Ave Pensacola, Fl 32503

My current office hours are:
Mon.-Fri. 9am to 11:30am and Saturdays 9am-5pm.

By appointment (850)485-0552

Gift Certificates available!

MA# 48259 MM# 9764

Massage Research

Here is a link to one the leading massage research institutes.

Touch Research

Although massage research is lacking in mainstream US, likely b/c of financial incentives. Most of the doctors and therapists involved volunteer their time and give their services to the cause. Many people know that massage is more than a luxury.

I will be sure to pass on valid studies when I come across them.

Be Well.

Blue Angel Buzz

On Site/Chair massage is the main way I get out in the community and spread the good news of the benefits of massage. Although a good hour session can't compare to a ten minute pick me up massage, the benefits really show on the smiling faces of those having just received a brief back massage. Ahhhhhh stress-break.

One of my associates, Sue Shannahan LMT, and I had the opportunity last week to help out at a health fair. The technical aircraft crews of Pensacola NAS(home of the Blue Angels) and Whiting Field NAS (helicopter-craft "low and slow" training field). The crimpt-up necks and tired backs of computer workers and jet engine tweekers got some much needed attention. And you wouldn't believe it; right inside the hanger bays with the "blue and gold" F18's parked right behind us, we set up our massage chairs in awe.

Woo hoo! I really love this job. I get to work "hands on" with the most amazing people and way interesting places. Soon it will be the governor's mansion, then maybe I do a little work at the White House.