a community of practitioners

Welcome to ABMP, Students!

Welcome to Massage School!

Because you all have one common thread, lets talk about that. How is massage school going for you so far? What do you love? Do you have any fears?

Please post, and invite other MT students you know to join too!

Kindly,

Erin

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on October 30, 2010 at 10:10pm

One month into the school. But already getting some hands-on with fellow students, one 4-hour class per week of fundamentals of massage sandwiched between the necessary background classes. And at least once per week, my wife insists I give her a full-body massage. Swedish, with a we bit of deep tissue work in safe areas. I'm avoiding nominally vulnerable areas, such as the abdomen, until I know what the heck I'm doing.

Gary

Permalink Reply by John Cluck on August 6, 2011 at 10:06pm

Since this was the closest to a "Introduce Yourself" thread I found, I thought I'd post a "Hi World" message here...

I'm a male student, studying Crown Point, IN (about 40 minutes from Chicago). I'm currently out of work and changing careers - I've always thought about healing bodywork, and finally decided to go for it. I'm currently in my 8th (or so) week of classes, and I'm loving it! Coming home after doing 4-5 massages a day in Clinic leaves me feeling soooo high (a bit tired too, but emotionally really great)! My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner. Nothing beats seeing that half-sleepy post-massage face and hearing: "What's your name again? I'm DEFINITELY requesting you next time!"

I have been totally "ravenous" when it comes to finding information about bodywork and my eventually utilize my blog space to share (or at least organize) my findings. While I'm in school I'm (mostly) sticking to our "standard" Swedish Technique, but I'm already looking ahead to getting into other modalities - starting probably with Cranio-Sacral then on to some movement/kinesiology learning. I'm looking to get up-and-running with my own practice as soon as possible after getting licensed, so I'll also be trying to absorb as much business knowledge around here as possible.

I'm sure I'll be throwing out some questions - and hopefully be able to have some answers - as time goes on.

Thanks, Erin, for having this section for us "newbies" to hang out and get to know one another.

John

Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on August 6, 2011 at 10:24pm

John, welcome.

Advice? Consider massage as dessert. But do eat all your meat and vegetables too! The bookwork is vitally important. Kinesiology, anatomy & physiology, pathology, nutrition, ethics are even more important at this point in your education than learning the difference between effleurage and petrissage.

I too am a student, in my 4th quarter with 4 more to go. Enjoy your "dessert" but if you neglect your textbooks, you will eventually pay for the lack big-time.

Again, welcome, John.

Permalink Reply by Christy Vandiver on August 8, 2011 at 4:36pm

Hi Erin!! Thanks for the invite!! I love massage and massage school just not happy with the school I am going to.

Permalink Reply by Erin Romanin on August 16, 2011 at 1:00pm

@ John Cluck - Welcome! It gives me goosebumps every time that I encounter a bodywork student so obviously following their passion. Thank you for introducing yourself and yes, please use this forum as a place to share, ask questions, and bounce ideas around with other students, and with me. Keep us posted! If you're already receiving great feedback in your careers infancy, I can only imagine what a profound therapist you'll become!

Permalink Reply by Erin Romanin on August 16, 2011 at 1:01pm

Welcome Christy! Thanks for accpeting the invite! I hope you're loving youe experience in massage school so far! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you!

Permalink Reply by Frank Michel on August 18, 2011 at 9:38am

Thanks for the invite. I hear that men don't usally get hired to work as massage therapist. Am I wasting my time? And what's the best way to prepare for the National exam?

Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on August 18, 2011 at 9:58am

Can't say about the rest of the nation, but here on the Gulf Coast, most of my instructors started their careers in the spa industry; recent graduates have been hired at one of the local casino spas. But, yes, a majority of men exhibit reluctance to be "rubbed" by another man-- until they have been. Men generally speaking like harder pressure (the strength of a man). After the first experience with a male MT, they tend to prefer men. So, no, you are not wasting your time.

There are several commercial sites that offer for a fee practice exams. Bookstores carry a couple of books that include thousands of possible test questions along with CDs that provide instant feedback. Additionally, some states offer test reviews (MS charges $20, I think).

Permalink Reply by Frank Michel on August 18, 2011 at 10:00am

Thank you, Gary.

Permalink Reply by Erin Romanin on August 18, 2011 at 10:57am

i Frank! No, you are not wasting your time! Bodywork is not specific to women practitioners, although I do understand your perspective. Speaking frankly, when I was new to massage, I too felt more comfortable with a female therapist.It didn't have anything to do with the quality of massage I anticipated receiving, but rather, with my own comfort level. Women might be more self conscience around a male than around another woman, but you have to know that that problem lies within them, not you. Now that I have been worked on by many body workers, I can very honestly say that my level of comfort is equal between the sexes, and most receivers of regular bodywork should agree with that. In fact, 2 of the very best (and most successful) therapists I know are male! I would be happy to provide the names of some massage industry leaders who are male, if reading their stories might be helpful to you.

Permalink Reply by Erin Romanin on August 18, 2011 at 11:00am

See my previous reply about gender roles.

Regarding the exam review; there are two you should check out. The MBlex Study Guide (www.mblexstudyguide.com) and theMassage Review (www.massagereview.com). The Massage review is a little more expensive, but is relevent to both of the national exams; the MBlex and the NCE. The MBlex Study Guide is, of course, specific to that exam. Good luck!

Frank Michel said:

Thanks for the invite. I hear that men don't usally get hired to work as massage therapist. Am I wasting my time? And what's the best way to prepare for the National exam?

Permalink Reply by Frank Michel on August 19, 2011 at 8:07am

Thank you, very helpful.

Erin Romanin said:

H

i Frank! No, you are not wasting your time! Bodywork is not specific to women practitioners, although I do understand your perspective. Speaking frankly, when I was new to massage, I too felt more comfortable with a female therapist.It didn't have anything to do with the quality of massage I anticipated receiving, but rather, with my own comfort level. Women might be more self conscience around a male than around another woman, but you have to know that that problem lies within them, not you. Now that I have been worked on by many body workers, I can very honestly say that my level of comfort is equal between the sexes, and most receivers of regular bodywork should agree with that. In fact, 2 of the very best (and most successful) therapists I know are male! I would be happy to provide the names of some massage industry leaders who are male, if reading their stories might be helpful to you.