California Massage Therapists

A place for California therapists to share thoughts and experiences concerning the profession.
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  • Keith Eric Grant

    Johnathan, the look of things being quiet is deceptive. A lot of info on AB1822 has been getting passed back and forth on a Facebook group started by Daniel Cohen. (http://bit.ly/8YKDeg).
  • Keith Eric Grant

    Massage Today article. Calif police chiefs rallying to kill state level regulation of massage therapy via CAMTC. http://bit.ly/b5BxsU
  • Keith Eric Grant

    In the California fight to save uniform, professional, state-level regulation, Massage Today added a NO on AB 1822 form. Please give it a spin. I believe it is helpful for stakeholders nationally and internationally to make opposition to AB 1822 known -- to let the author and appropriations committee members know that opposition to this bill has national and international extent as a detrimental move against the profession as a whole.
  • The Rev

    I find it interesting the AMTA-CA did not report spending anything on lobbying against AB1822 in defense of the CAMTC. http://tinyurl.com/kw8syy is where you can see the Amta-CA lobbying efforts over the years. They have spent quite a chunk of change advocating licensing and certification including a big chunk of money to the very lobbyist being used by the Chiefs of Police and other law enforcement agencies to advance AB1822. .

    John Lovell is an interesting character. Checking his site, I can see he does not have the Amta-CA listed as a previous client in spite of having received a minimum $23000 in payments from them. I checked only one year of Amta-CA lobbying expenditures. The Amta-CA is not even mentioned in any of his war stories. http://www.johnlovell.com/index.html Googling John Lovell brings up lots of information.

    I remember reading somewhere the reasoning for hiring Lovell to advance the Amta cause but, for the life of me, cannot remember where it was. .

    Hopefully Lovells familiarity with his "opposition" will not make it easy for AB1822 to advance.

    Thanks for the link Keith, it made it easy to write in opposition to the bill.
  • Keith Eric Grant

    A sampling of letters opposing California's AB 1822 sent via Massage Today's email form. Keep them coming.
  • Keith Eric Grant

    Rev,

    It's likely too recent for such a lobbying report in the opposition to AB 1822. AMTA-CA has contracted with Aaron Read & Assoc, LLC.

    Lovell was used in the final lobbying for SB 731 after Mark Rakich quit lobbying. The choice, to my knowledge, was made because Lovell had contacts with the League of Cities that would facilitate negotiation with that organization. That effort was apparently successful, because the League of Cities supported SB 731 and appointed Rick McElroy as it's representative to the board. McElroy has, in fact, turned out to be an invaluable resource to and advocate for CAMTC.

    Since Lovell's campaign against CAMTC is not truth-based, familiarity seems to be a moot point.
  • Keith Eric Grant

    Massage Pundit: Laura Allen points to the mendacity and need for accountability from the AB 1822 proponents.
  • The Rev

    The new lobbyist was hired on the 15th of March according to state records. It's interesting. http://tinyurl.com/2c8cojr shows the amount of money Amta payed Lovell to get their bill through. Amta CA was done with Lovell at the end of 2008 and then recruited Steven Lindsay of The Institute for Government Affairs and Public Policy LLC probably highly recommended by Lovell seeing as Lovell payed Mr Lindsay a huge chunk of change reflected here: http://tinyurl.com/277svzb Boy could I do some speculating. Since I am only observing and making comments, I won't.

    Since when has it been necessary for any political campaign to be truth based? I have never believed it a truth that even a 250 hour standard is required to do massage, never mind, legally.
  • Emmanuel Bistas

    So, if I am understanding this correctly... AMTA had paid Lovell to help with the passing of SB 731... After it passed, AMTA hired Lindsay.. and there was money flowing from Lovell to Lindsay?? why would that be? I don't understand that part...

    So, now Lovell who helped pass the SB 731 is lobbying for the people who oppose CAMTC... very interesting...

    I recall reading somewhere in Massage Today that Lovell was selected by AMTA because of his relationship with the organization of the police chiefs... Who recommended Lovell to AMTA in the first place? Did AMTA go out looking for him?
  • Keith Eric Grant

    I put up a new blog post last night on AB 1822. "Where's Joe Friday When We Need Him?"
  • Carl W. Brown

    Keith, If AB 1822 passes what with be the differences between the old city licensing practices other that you must still have the state certification to use the title? What will happen to cities that currently do not require any licensing?
    It seems like whenever anyone pushes for state control the cites push back harder. Is there a lesson to be learned?
  • The Rev

    There won't be a difference between the old and the new EXCEPT the 500 hour banner will be required in many more municipalities if the CAMTC is adopted. I wonder how many 1000 hour arenas (San Diego, Huntington Beach) have reduced their bar

    As Keith pointed out, the bill is being rewritten, so, it will be interesting to see what they come up with. Hopefully, it won't be picked up for this term making it a two year bill.

    I am a card carrying Massage Envy patron. I had a discussion with the franchise owner of the store in Alameda on my last visit. He was in a battle with the city because they have not adopted CAMTC and he had a few applicants that had CAMTC papers that he could not put to work unless they did the local level stuff. .

    btw... I am opening up a retail store front with massage within the next two weeks. I breezed through the Berkeley stuff for the massage arena because we are now considered healthcare. Because of the small amount of space I have dedicated to massage, I did not even have to provide parking, one of the healthcare provider hoops. For my doing the work, it was a simple no free transfer of an existing license.

    Onward and upward...

    The Rev
  • Carl W. Brown

    Keith,

    I think that one of the problems is that California does not define massage. I think that it should be defined as:

    “Any service that uses any form of the words ‘massage’, ‘masseur’ or ‘masseuse’ to describe the service or the person administering the service or any touch based service that is performed on a person is not dressed in a manner suited for public places such a wearing street clothes, gym outfits or dance costumes.”

    Thus it would exclude things such as stretching at the gym, dance training, most forms of energy work, forms of bodywork including chair work if they do not call it “chair massage” as well as shaking hands at a political rally.

    It would exclude things that are not associated with prostitution and at least take that part of the industry out of the gun sights.

    Carl
  • The Rev

    nahhhhh... I disagree. Massage is simply, "manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument". "for therapeutic purposes" completed the definition. Even stating "for therapeutic purposes" is going to far. Defining massage was NOT a problem until some folk came along and decided massage was not massage but Massage Therapy, a whole new ballgame.

    What needs to be defined is Massage Therapy. Let me take a stab at it. Massage Therapy is a ???? provided by a person that has completed a structured education/curriculum as mandated by law, that allows for them to call themselves a Massage Therapist.

    Call me a Masseur, Rubber, Holistic Healthcare Practitioner and Health Educator, Posturologist, Somatic Neuromuscular Reeducator, a Student of Integrated Touch, but, please do not minimize my work by referring to me as a Massage Therapist, a title easily obtained by complying with a bunch of hoops mandated by law. .

    Don't make me rant, Carl...

    The Rev
  • The Rev

    I have not looked at the 50 page document but will be indulging in it once I am set up in my new digs. My prayer is the BOK is not a WOI (wealth of information) that will be used as a guideline for curriculum for future generations of those doing this work. I have a very limited BOK but have a really tremendous WOI and sometimes a WOMI, a wealth of misinformation.

    Looking at the group that created the BOK is scary for me. Their credentials are impressive. How much of what they have is going to filter through into the MTBOK for their belief that what they chose to learn is what is required to do the work? (I think I asked that correctly.) Maybe it will become necessary to become a rocket scientist to do this work.

    The Rev
  • Carl W. Brown

    Rev,

    "“The Massage Therapy Scope of Practice Statement,” were specifically intended and drafted to describe and define the entire field of practice of massage therapy as it presently exists" in otherwords a laundry list of what could be precticed. However, it is disturbing that they also say "Over time, the MTBOK will be a source of information that legislative and regulatory bodies rely on to obtain the best information about our profession." We are in deep dodo because it will be construded as a real BOK.
  • Noel Norwick

    Carl & Rev: Apparently like you, I'm concerned about how the BOK will be used against us. Regardless, I think we shall still be able to find ways to continue helping other feel and function better!
  • The Rev

    Actually Noel, continuing to help others or practicing was never an issue. Nor do I think the BOK will be used against "us". Especially in CA, whatever "they" do will hardly impact anyone doing the work, whether legally or illegally. The laws will be close to unenforceable. I practiced "illegally in Berkeley, for 16 years. There are many that have done that much longer and are still doing so.

    What it will impact are those coming into the work. The ante for entry was too high @ 100 hours so far as I am concerned. Many of the first 100 hours of my training was not needed to do the work. The first 100 hours was enough for me to do the work legally under the license of the Berkeley Y. Because of the law programs such as the one I plugged into are and will (probably) never return. It is the public that loses on that one.

    Anywayyyy... keep on keepin' on. I think I have had enough of this thread.

    The Rev


    . .
  • Sue Heldenbrand

    I would like to extend an invitation to list in my holistic wellness directory. The basic listing is free. The premium listing is $20/year that allows you more exposure, links, a photo and submission of articles. The link is http://www.synergisticcenter.com/Directory-listing-form.html
    http://www.synergisticcenter.com/Directory-listing-form.html
  • M. Audrey Pino

    I l(((love))) this group. Thank You!
  • Boris Prilutsky

    Dear colleagues,

    I am happy to invite you to join my group:” Medical and Sports Massage” including FREE Medical and Sports massage lessons. Not alot of practitioners in the US are familiar with Russian Medical and Sports massage as it was proposed by a Russian physician professor of medicine Anatoly Sherback . I'm happy to offer you information about this methodology as well as some additional information about me. I hope that our friendship will be pleasant and mutual beneficial. I believe in sharing knowledge. In such a case you will be able to learn from me as well as I can learn from you . If after reading information about medical and sports massage, or viewing lessons you will have any question I'm encouraging you to make comments or initiate discussion topic . In such a case my replies will be available for many to read, as well as your replies. Looking forward for great relationship.

    Best wishes.
    Boris
  • Keith Eric Grant

    CAMTC is urgently requesting letters to CA State Senators to kill AB 1822. The details and background are in a blog post I put up a bit earlier today.
  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

    Teach Self-Care and Earn Additional Income as a
    Certified Injury Prevention Instructor (CIPI)

    Hi all - We're going to be holding the workshop portion of our Certified Injury Prevention Instructor (CIPI) program in your area, at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa (Corona, CA), Nov. 13-14, 2010. The affordable CIPI training will give you the knowledge and skills to teach our famous Save Your Hands!® Workshops in your region, at spas, schools, CE programs, conferences, etc. Create a new revenue stream and help your fellow MTs learn proven self-care and injury prevention techniques.

    In these tough times, this is a great new way to earn additional income in the massage field and give your own body a break. You can do your workshops in addition to your massage work, as much or as little as you like. Earning potential is nearly unlimited, as you will sell not only space at your workshops, but also the Save Your Hands! books, CE courses and products.

    You still have time to compete the online courses necessary before the live workshop, but don't delay. Contact us now for more information. Visit:
    http://www.saveyourhands.com/certified-injury-prevention-instructor or call us at 877-424-0994, email syhcourses@saveyourhands.com.

    Looking forward to meeting you in Corona this November!

    Lauriann Greene, CEAS
    co-author, Save Your Hands! 2nd Edition
    www.saveyourhands.com
  • Monica Leigh Six

    Greetings from the midwest! I'm hoping to eventually relocate to Cali..how hard is it to get license transfers? I think there are certain permits you need for specific counties, correct? any help is must appreciated, thanks!

  • Noel Norwick

    Hi Monica:  You can find this information by downloading  the pdf file paths to certification under the Certification button at:

    http://www.camtc.org/

  • Lara Narayani Golland

    Monica

     

    Its not hard if you got the $$. Good luck

     

    LN

  • Monica Leigh Six

    tks Noel!

  • Sue Heldenbrand

    I would like to extend an invitation to list in my holistic wellness
    directory. The basic listing is free. The premium listing is $20/year
    which allows you more exposure, links,  and submission of articles.
    Looking forward to networking with you. The link is http://www.synergisticcenter.com/Directory-listing-form.html.
    I have a separate directory for massage therapists and also for energy workers.
    http://www.synergisticcenter.com/Directory_massage.html
  • Kathleen Krueger

    Thanks Sue for the invite I will definitly look into it.
  • silvana marroche

    Hi all :)
    Does anyone know of any spa or salon that is renting out a room / space for massage? my friends and i want to rent out a room so that we can do  private clients :) thanks!  we live in OC :)

  • Misty Van Staaveren

    Is there anyone in or near the Los Angeles area that is available to work backstage at the Britney Spears concert tomorrow, Monday???  If so, please email

     

    I was asked to do it but since I am not local, I am unable to and they are in desperate need for someone.  Anyone?

  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

    LIVE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP IN MINNEAPOLIS, OCT 14-16!

     

    Earn additional income as a Certified Injury Prevention Instructor (CIPI)!

    Complete three online courses and attend one live weekend workshop to become certified. You will learn effective body mechanics and ergonomics methods to help prevent injury at work. Then, as a CIPI, you will teach your peers how to stay injury-free while generating extra revenue for yourself. Protect your health and prolong your career!

     

    There is still plenty of time to complete the courses before our October workshop in Minneapolis, MN.

     

    For more information visit us online or email me at info@saveyourhands.com.

     

    Hope to meet you in Minneapolis!

  • Jesse MacLean

    The International Cupping Therapy Association's 2012 Schedule is now available at www.cuppingtherapy.org.  Or, jump directly to the 2012 schedule here.
    You will find the Contemporary Cupping Methods scheduled all over the US (Long Beach, Bay Area and San Diego are scheduled) and several dates in Canada. 
    We are offering several Advanced Cupping Techniques classes in 2012 which will be 2 days of 90% hands on - 15 different treatments for Orthopedic, Sports and Stubborn Conditions.

    CUP ON!

  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

    Massage Therapy Ranks Among Top 50 Best Careers - http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.aspx?Id=10576&CatId=0&Page=...
  • Noel Norwick

    I suggest we as a profession/vocation might be more concerned about our future prospects!

    This is because according to http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm about 57% of us are/were self-employed, the median hourly income was $16.78, we worked an average of 15-30 hours per week and growth in employment of massage practitioners nationally from 2008 to 2018 is only expected to be 23,200 or just a 2,320 increase per year for the entire USA.  These statistics seem to me to make massage rather a tough vocational sell given increasingly public concerns about the cost (or debt incurred for a government vocational education loan) for approved programs, licensing, equipment etc. 

  • Wilson Jordan

    I'm returning to the profession after being away for quite a few years and doing a lot of things differently than I did before. I have a question for those of you in Cali. What is the best way to secure insurance payment with billing. I ask because originally I'm from WA and there insurance billing was no problem. What do insurance companies want from Bodyworkers in California. 

  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

    WEBINAR: THE MYTHS & REALITIES OF INJURY PREVENTION & SELF-...

    Join us Dec. 5 @ 8PM, EST for a live discussion on the myths versus realities of injury prevention and self-care for massage therapists. Hosted by the prestigious Ben Benjamin of The Benjamin Institute and lead by myself and co-author Richard W. Goggins, CPE, LMP.

    Registration includes:

    • 40-minute webinar discussion
    • 20-minute Q & A with the authors
    • 1 CE hour credit
    • Evidence-based information to help you protect your health and prolong your career!

    Reserve your spot TODAY!

  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

    2 MONTHS UNTIL THE NEXT LIVE CIPI WORKSHOP!

    Register today for the Certified Injury Prevention Instructor (CIPI) program, and start earning additional income in the new year!

    Next Workshop: Feb. 10-12, 2012 in Palm Beach, FL

    Click above or contact us for more info:

    info@saveyourhands.com

    877-424-0994

    www.saveyourhands.com

  • Lauriann Greene, CEAS

  • Joseph W Palmer

    Good evening everyone, 

    I'm starting a coalition of CAMTC certified therapists in Contra Costa County to counter the illegal massage fronts that have erupted in the area. (For more info please check out my blog posting from thursday.  It includes a link to a local article addressing the problems.)  Please feal free to contact me and join my group "Certified Massage Therapists Coalition" for more info.

    Thanks, Joseph

  • Adam gordon

    We are currently looking for massage therapists to work at two clinically oriented bodywork establishments in San Francisco:

    Oxygen Massage Therapy Http://www.oxygenmassagetherapy.com and 

    Deep Massage & Bodywork http://www.deepmassage.com

     
    These businesses were created to give gifted bodyworkers the space to practice in an environment where they are treated with the respect, consideration and independence due to them as the professionals they are.  We are not a spa, sports and clinically oriented massage is all we do, and as the owner I am currently practicing as well.  

    This is for a contract position paying 50% comissions (usually $45 + tip for a 60 min session, $62.5/90min, $80/2 hr).  

    We have an awesome team of professionals and have a great time working together, and are generally quite busy.  We are looking for someone with 2 years experience, and 500 hours of training minimum.   Must be insured and California State Licensed.

     

    PLEASE SEND RESUMES HERE:  JOBS@OXYGENMASSAGETHERAPY.COM

     

    Thank you for your consideration.  Please feel free to share, email, repost etc.

     

    With gratitude,

     

    Adam Gordon LMT

    http://www.oxygenmassagetherapy.com
  • Lisa Hubbard

    Next Oregon Contemporary Cupping Workshop May 26th-28th in PORTLAND!!! Sign up soon..... space limited to 16 students!!!! www.cuppingtherapy.org
    Be the first to get your hands on the NEW clearly Baguanfa cups and Bell Tools sets!!!
  • Will

    I received a email from the CAMTC stating that my application was "pre-approved" and that I have to wait for them to approve me and issue a certificate number. Does anyone happen to know what kind of time frame this takes?

  • Daniel Cohen

    It just means you are in the system. It may be 3 or 4 months or longer if your transcripts are questioned. Didn't they give you a number to login to check status updates online?

  • Will

    I do have access it was under review with PSD and they sent me a email saying I was per-approved and that it's being processed to the next step of being approved and issued a certificate number. So my question is how long does this last step take show up on the website/when should I expect my certificate?

    Sorry if my previous post was confusing.
  • Daniel Cohen

    Not sure how far behind they are running now. Anyone have recent information? Last I heard this was about 2-3 months. But that was a while back.

  • Walt Fritz, PT

    Hi All,

    I am excited to be visiting San Diego for a Foundations in Myofascial Release I Seminar this Fall.

    Foundations in Myofascial Release I

    San Diego, CA
    October 5-7, 2012

    20 contact hours
    Hours: Friday, 10/05/12 and Saturday, 10/06/12: 9:00am – 6:00pm (8:30am registration Friday), Sunday, 10/07/12: 9:00am – 1:00pm.

    Held at:
    Marina Village Conference Center
    1936 Quinvira Way
    San Diego, CA 92109
    1-619-222-1620
    www.marinavillage.net

    Full details and registration are at www.FoundationsinMFR.com

  • Lara Narayani Golland

     

    Bay Area Massage Instructors Wanted!

     

    I am in search of GOOD passionate instructors in the bay and south bay area in:  Shiatsu, AP, Pathology, Prenatal. Curious?

     massagetx@bayareacollege.net.

    www.BayAreaCollege.net

  • Boris Prilutsky

    Full-Body Stress Management Massage and Post-Event Rehabilitative Sports Massage by Boris Prilutsky

    Date: Saturday, Aug 4th, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Cost: $125/8 Massage CE Hours

    ***Valid for NCBTMB Renewal*** 


    Presentation Description:

    This seminar will combine techniques for both full body stress management massage and post-event rehabilitative sports massage. By taking this seminar, you will be able to provide your clients with much needed stress management procedures. You will also be able to provide rehabilitative massage procedures for professional athletes as well as the average person who works out on a regular basis and is suffering from exercise mechanical stress side effects.

    Most of this seminar will focus on hands-on training. By receiving a stress management and sports massage you will not only get health benefits, but it is also great way to learn through the sensations of clinical outcomes. At the seminar, under my supervision, you will practice on each other the full body stress management massage and post-event rehabilitative sports massage.  I can teach a maximum of thirty people in this seminar. Therefore please sign-up as soon as possible to guarantee your space. The cost of this eight hour seminar is $125 (Parking is included). I view any CE workshop as an investment that will give you an opportunity to help people and to advance your career including financial gain. I look forward to see you all at my August 4th seminar.

    Seminar Location: Southern California Health Institute
    5200 Lankershim Blvd., #150, North Hollywood, CA 91601


    Phone:
    818-980-8990

    Instructor: Boris Prilutsky

    About the Instructor:

    Boris Prilutsky has been teaching and practicing medical and sports massage for the last 40 years. He graduated from the Pedagogic Institute of Higher Education in Vinnitsa, Ukraine with a degree in physical education. He completed a postgraduate physical rehabilitation study at Lesgoft Institute of former Leningrad and graduated from Medical College in Ramat-Gan, Israel, with a degree in chiropractic medicine. Boris has treated numerous professional athletes, Olympians, Movie Stars and World Dignitaries. Currently, Boris is working closely with U.S. Olympic sprinter Rodney Martin who is preparing for this summer’s Olympics in London. Boris has been working with Rodney since 2010 after Rodney suffered a significant hamstring injury that kept him out of international competition for a full year.

    Boris Prilutsky also founded the Southern California Health Institute School of Massage and Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab Training in North Hollywood, California in 1996.

     

    www.sochi.edu            seminars@sochi.edu                                

     


  • Mike Hinkle

    Hello California! Join us for the 8TH Annual World Massage Festival Aug 4-7 on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA!

    http://worldmassagefestival.com/