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Why Is Education Needed?
I had an older therapist write me today and ask why everyone is saying we need more education. He claimed because he had never injured anyone, that massage could not hurt anyone.
I told him of the Florida therapist that used stones and injured a clients spine. I asked him why states started state boards to protect the public. And I asked him why we had to have associations that insure every one for millions of dollars. His answers were, he didn't believe the story about the stones, boards are to get rid of the perverts and greed was his answer for associations.
So I did some research on the class he was most agitated about having to take, "Medical Errors".
Medical errors rank as the eighth leading cause of death, killing more Americans than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.
What do you think?
I told him of the Florida therapist that used stones and injured a clients spine. I asked him why states started state boards to protect the public. And I asked him why we had to have associations that insure every one for millions of dollars. His answers were, he didn't believe the story about the stones, boards are to get rid of the perverts and greed was his answer for associations.
So I did some research on the class he was most agitated about having to take, "Medical Errors".
Medical errors rank as the eighth leading cause of death, killing more Americans than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.
What do you think?
Views: 225
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on
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I think he told on himself when he responded, boards are to get rid of perverts and greed was his answer for assoiciations. He is a pervert out for greed. He said so himself. We can truly only respond about our own selves. It scares me to think that there are unlicensed and uneducated folks out there doing and charging for massage. It is so against the law in the state of Florida. Yet it still happens. I won't even call them therapists because they really are not in my opinion. Every class I take, even the ones I have to repeat every two years, I learn something new that I did not the previous years. Repetition is good.
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Permalink Reply by Marissa on
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In Illinois, we have a doozy. SB318 states that anyone under the supervision of a licensed professional (Physican, Chiro) can do massage. Can you believe that? We just recently, in the last few years, became a licensed state and now they want to implement this. It scares me to know that someone that has absolutley no training in anatomy, massage and containdications of massage could be practicing! The potential of injury is astronomical! Education is the reason we are where we are. A Continuous Pursuit of education to better ourselves, our clients, and our profession should always be at the forefront in all we do.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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I agree with you Marissa. We have this stupid law in FL too. They even talk students into quitting school and getting paid money now, without the education. Until the CAs demand more money and then they are just as easily replaced. The Phy.s & Chiros are doing it so they can get legislation changed so that all therapists have to be referred to do massage. This is just one danger of beng under medical rule. It could get worse.
Marissa Macias said:In Illinois, we have a doozy. SB318 states that anyone under the supervision of a licensed professional (Physican, Chiro) can do massage. Can you believe that? We just recently, in the last few years, became a licensed state and now they want to implement this. It scares me to know that someone that has absolutley no training in anatomy, massage and containdications of massage could be practicing! The potential of injury is astronomical! Education is the reason we are where we are. A Continuous Pursuit of education to better ourselves, our clients, and our profession should always be at the forefront in all we do.
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Permalink Reply by Carma Nibarger on
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You know, I am all in favor of CEUs, associations. The more I work, the more I find I want to learn about massage, the psyche, the physical body, zones, chakras, and all. And the more people I work on, the more I realize how little I know.
The money thing makes me feel a little hard on the inside though, like how expensive the CEU classes are. I mean, I get that everyone needs to get paid... sigh.
I hope I'm not turning into the Debbie Downer of these forums. I think this website is great, and it's so wonderful to hear from MTs from all over. It really is becoming my new obsession!
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Permalink Reply by Julie Onofrio on
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The harm you are talking about is not significant - not that getting burned by stones isn't awful. There are few deaths or life threatening injuries due to massage.
The boards don't protect anyone from anything really do they? Most don't have much of a budget currently to enforce anything or do anything. Is there any proof that boards reduce prostitution? Even here in WA State where massage is pretty mainstream we still have an awful section in a few local newspapers just for prostitutes and other types of so called massage therapists - like this in the Seattle Weekly
I have never taken a medical error class - what medical errors would apply to massage? putting too much oil on a client and having them slip?
Julie
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Permalink Reply by Hillary Kate Arrieta on
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I think education is very important if you want to be an effective therapist. I hear therapists complain constantly that people think MT is a sexual thing or they don't take us seriously. Education will change this out look on our profession and legitimize what we do. If you complain about these topics, you should be all for educating yourself and becoming a "thinking" therapist. Understanding anatomy is super important. You wouldn't take your vehicle to a mechanic who didn't understand the inner workings of a car-would you?? The same logic can be applied to this. We cause physiological changes in the body- You better know what to do if your client has a bad reaction to your treatment. Some pathologies or medications have reactions to our manipulations, we can be held responsible for causing harm to our clients- and that DOES happen- not often, but it does. As far as boards go, what's wrong with getting rid of perverts?? I'm all for that. Associations are businesses, so I'm sure they are out to make a buck or two- but They also create these wonderful social media forums that we are chatting on today. You make your own decision whether or not to join.
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MT medical errors could be:
Not knowing your contraindications and performing a circulatory massage on a client with a history of blood clots- throwing a clot, and having your client stroke out on your table or having a pulmonary embolism. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY-
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Permalink Reply by Gerry Bunnell on
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I feel the degree of risk is relative to the type of modality you are using. Deep tissue, ART, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point all have different levels of risk compared to a basic Swedish Massage. This does not go to say there are no risks with Swedish. Education opens the door for a therapist to be more effective in resolving client issues. The more effective you are, the more referrals you will get. I personally would not waste my time getting a massage from someone with no education in massage. If there are people out there willing to do so and pay money for the risks they may be taking, more power to this guy. Stay focussed, keep doing what you are doing and don't let this guy who insists education is not needed rattle you. It is his loss, and unfortunately his clients' loss as well.
Peace
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Gerry, you hit it right on the button. Guys, without education, we die. Never stop learning. You think that deep tissue class or NMT, or whatever costs too much? The therapist actually broke off part of the client's spine with the stones. How much did that cost? The defense was, "They were trying to make it smooth". Sad, especially for the profession. Keep learning and keep growing.
Gerry Bunnell said:I feel the degree of risk is relative to the type of modality you are using. Deep tissue, ART, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point all have different levels of risk compared to a basic Swedish Massage. This does not go to say there are no risks with Swedish. Education opens the door for a therapist to be more effective in resolving client issues. The more effective you are, the more referrals you will get. I personally would not waste my time getting a massage from someone with no education in massage. If there are people out there willing to do so and pay money for the risks they may be taking, more power to this guy. Stay focussed, keep doing what you are doing and don't let this guy who insists education is not needed rattle you. It is his loss, and unfortunately his clients' loss as well.
Peace
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Permalink Reply by Beulah on
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Some of the CEU's are very expensive but everyone you do is important . I put so much aside each month just for CEU's and save up for the next one on my list . I do not think they should do away with the online courses , although I do think like some that are already in place to get your full credit you have to find someone who is certified in the modality to sign you off . Doing this ensures you are doing it correctly and have really understood the class. I know Im not the only one but I can't always find the time or the money to travel and get my CEU's although not for the want of doing so . I think we need the additional certifications in each modality we wish to practice to make sure we as professionals can give the best and safest care to our clients . not be jacks of all trades and masters in none and endanger our clients .We realy dont want out profestion to get as bad as the medical field where the malpractice suites are through the roof . Our insurances will go up and allot of therapists wont be able to practice because of it . education is important when dealing with other peoples well being . The National curriculum covers allot but doing your CEU"s for further education is priceless .
Mike Hinkle said:Gerry, you hit it right on the button. Guys, without education, we die. Never stop learning. You think that deep tissue class or NMT, or whatever costs too much? The therapist actually broke off part of the client's spine with the stones. How much did that cost? The defense was, "They were trying to make it smooth". Sad, especially for the profession. Keep learning and keep growing.
Gerry Bunnell said:I feel the degree of risk is relative to the type of modality you are using. Deep tissue, ART, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point all have different levels of risk compared to a basic Swedish Massage. This does not go to say there are no risks with Swedish. Education opens the door for a therapist to be more effective in resolving client issues. The more effective you are, the more referrals you will get. I personally would not waste my time getting a massage from someone with no education in massage. If there are people out there willing to do so and pay money for the risks they may be taking, more power to this guy. Stay focussed, keep doing what you are doing and don't let this guy who insists education is not needed rattle you. It is his loss, and unfortunately his clients' loss as well.
Peace
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You are right about costs. Most classes alone, that cover a four day period, would cost more than the entire World Massage Festival. This year is a chance for therapists to finally get that convention that they could not afford before including lodging and food for no additional charge. And the fun! OMGoodness!!!
Beulah said:Some of the CEU's are very expensive but everyone you do is important . I put so much aside each month just for CEU's and save up for the next one on my list . I do not think they should do away with the online courses , although I do think like some that are already in place to get your full credit you have to find someone who is certified in the modality to sign you off . Doing this ensures you are doing it correctly and have really understood the class. I know Im not the only one but I can't always find the time or the money to travel and get my CEU's although not for the want of doing so . I think we need the additional certifications in each modality we wish to practice to make sure we as professionals can give the best and safest care to our clients . not be jacks of all trades and masters in none and endanger our clients .We realy dont want out profestion to get as bad as the medical field where the malpractice suites are through the roof . Our insurances will go up and allot of therapists wont be able to practice because of it . education is important when dealing with other peoples well being . The National curriculum covers allot but doing your CEU"s for further education is priceless .
Mike Hinkle said:Gerry, you hit it right on the button. Guys, without education, we die. Never stop learning. You think that deep tissue class or NMT, or whatever costs too much? The therapist actually broke off part of the client's spine with the stones. How much did that cost? The defense was, "They were trying to make it smooth". Sad, especially for the profession. Keep learning and keep growing.
Gerry Bunnell said:I feel the degree of risk is relative to the type of modality you are using. Deep tissue, ART, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point all have different levels of risk compared to a basic Swedish Massage. This does not go to say there are no risks with Swedish. Education opens the door for a therapist to be more effective in resolving client issues. The more effective you are, the more referrals you will get. I personally would not waste my time getting a massage from someone with no education in massage. If there are people out there willing to do so and pay money for the risks they may be taking, more power to this guy. Stay focussed, keep doing what you are doing and don't let this guy who insists education is not needed rattle you. It is his loss, and unfortunately his clients' loss as well.
Peace
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Permalink Reply by Bert Davich on
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I would agree that education regarding medical conditions should be part of our profession, and it already is. There are definite contraindications that accompany certain medical conditions. The statement regarding medical errors to be the 8th leading cause of death I would challenge as not realistic when applied to the profession of Massage Therapy. I would be surprised (and interested) if you could document 3 cases of a death caused through medical error by a massage therapist.
Regarding the hot stone incident defense "they were trying to make it smooth". That goes to show that no amount of education can cure stupid. It would be a shame to let incidents like this bum rush us into moving toward a situation like Physical Therapist's where they need a PHd to be qualified to work most (good) jobs. I know several who changed professions because the expense of maintaining the PT educational requirement was greater then the potential additional income earning return over a period of 10 years or more. One is now a personal trainer and massage therapist. Some of the great contributors in our field were once PT's and changed to pursue innovative treatment. (Which the "BOK" will erode if not held in check; see Body Of Knowledge discussion)
Of course education is needed, but why limit yourself to only studies that award CEU's? There are many awesome courses and avenue's of study that do not award CEU credits. Check out Art Riggs, Erik Dalton or Doug Alexander just to name a few sources. Massage & Bodywork magazine has articles that offer a wealth of usable information for a therapist with a good foundation of knowledge & practice who takes the time to actually study/learn rather than just speed read it. Check out Ben Benjamen's (2 part) articles on Posterior Tibialis and Tibialis Anterior..... really enlightening. I don't subscribe to the notion that a therapist with more CEU credits and "certification's" is superior to one who has less. There are therapist's who have a litany of CEU courses under their belt, sometimes so many courses taken in such a short period of time they cannot possibly retain and integrate much of the course work in their practice. In conclusion there will always be some of us who live to learn so we can mindfully heal our clients, and those who are satisfied to have 'paper' qualifications and go through the motions mindlessly.
It sounds like you are one one of the mindful who lives to learn. Don't hold on to what the older therapist said. It's not important to your mission or studies.
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