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Choosing a modality

Hi,

I have a few questions regarding further training into other certifications and modalities.

Which certifications/modalities do you currently have?

Do you find them relevant in your daily practice?

Any courses you wish you would not have taken?

Do you charge your clients extra to use any of these techniques?

What modalities do you prefer?

There are a lot of options and I would like to determine which are have been more beneficial or useful for other therapists.

Thanks!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on April 5, 2017 at 9:23pm

There are are many different directions to go, when it comes to modalities. There are even modalities within modalities.
I've now, after all these years, created my own modality with its own unique assessment and procedures that are really effective and cool. I'm trying to figure out a name for it? Right now I'm calling it. Holographic Acupressure. But that may change. However that name describes it well.
But if I was starting out, I would learn a really good Lomi Lomi massage for my basic massage. I think it's just an awesome massage. There are a bunch of different kinds of Lomi Lomi out there. A long time ago I bought a DVD called Sacred Lomi , or something like that, that I was not impressed with. But a really good Lomi Lomi massage is awesome. Then on a more injury side of things, this guy has some pretty good material. It's simple and effective. I still use his system as my go to for carpal tunnel. http://www.softtissuerelease.com/
A system that I never learned that sounds interesting , and way different from the other two modalities I mentioned is Breema Massage. Google it and check it out.

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Permalink Reply by Mattias Crispién on May 12, 2017 at 9:41am

Great thread it'd help me as well..

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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on May 16, 2017 at 8:12pm

I don't have certifications but I have extensive training in CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Techniques (Til Lucau's work), and massage. I have taken Visceral Manipulation and Lympatic Drainage classes.

All of these are relevant every day. I use them all the time, many times within one session.

Any courses I wish I wouldn't have taken - no, I have learned something valuable from all of them.

I don't charge extra. Like Pueppi, I have a set fee. I use heated bamboo and heated stones (all are heated together in a big heating pad), and I don't charge extra for that either.

My preference for modalities is the first three I mentioned. They mesh very well together, and are an extremely useful combination for solving pain and mobility issues for clients.

The most important thing about modalities is that you find something you are passionate about. Obviously it's good if there is a market for that kind of work where you live, but if you are passionate about it and can bring about positive changes for your clients, you will create a market.

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Permalink Reply by Mattias Crispién on May 17, 2017 at 11:37pm

Pueppi Texas said:

Hi,

That is a lot of information to gather in one thread, but I will do my best!

Which certifications/modalities do you currently have?

Certs:
   1) Klose Training - Vodder Technique of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
   2) International Certification (ITEC) in Reflexology

I've also taken a number of courses that aren't certifications, but would be more than the average minimal continuing education required by my state:
   1) Hanna Somatic Movement Instructor
   2) Myopractic coursework
   3) Deep Tissue Technique including Nimmo, Travell, etc.

Do you find them relevant in your daily practice?

It all depends on the clients needs. I use a heavy mix of most all the techniques I know within most any given day.  I have been surprised that I use the reflexology work on most every client, even though I learned this work as a stand-alone practice.
    - I don't use much Travell or Nimmo as I incorporate a lot of long strokes in my work.
    - I don't use much Vodder in my work, as this is quite specific for particular needs.
    - I don't use much Hanna Somatic work in my practice, as I need about 1 full year to integrate it into my knowledge base so it will be functional. It isn't used in a massage session, but more as an adjunct.

    - I also know things like PNF stretching, Hot Stone work, Myofascial work and even some Craniosacral... but these are also not things I use in excessive amounts. However, I would say that within the deep tissue work I provide, I do incorporate a myofascial style of slow movement.

Any courses you wish you would not have taken?

Yes. I took a course last minute to complete some CEU's I needed, and it was a disaster. Worst class I've ever been in. Fortunately, I do not think this individual is providing CEU's anymore. I cannot recall her name, but I tried to look her up without success. I am sure I have the CEU paperwork still, but I am not at my office to get it for you. No matter... it's doubtful you'd ever run across the class. ;)

Do you charge your clients extra to use any of these techniques?

No. I like to keep payment as simple as possible. I charge set fees for 1, 1½ and 2 hour sessions, unless I am providing a full reflexology session (which is $20 less, because it is less work on me and only about 5% of my practice is reflexology work).

What modalities do you prefer?

My preference is for deep tissue work with interspersed deep Swedish consisting of long strokes. I also prefer deep tissue spot / regional work. Within this work, I consistently add in whatever fills the need at the time.

Additional info --- a few useful threads from BWOL:

Excellent CEU Courses

CEU's (main sub-section page of the BWOL forum)

Massage Pearls

Massage & Holistic Therapies (Techniques, Modalities, etc.) (main sub-section page of the BWOL forum)

Very helpful thanks!