In the evolving field of massage therapy, professionals are often faced with the decision between enrolling in home study courses or attending live workshops. Both formats offer unique benefits and can significantly enhance a therapist's skill set and knowledge base. This article delves into the advantages of each educational path, providing insights and data to help therapists make informed decisions about their continuing education.
Live workshops provide an irreplaceable opportunity for hands-on learning and real-time feedback from experienced instructors. Participants can witness techniques being performed, ask questions, and receive immediate corrections. According to a survey by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), over 70% of massage therapists value live workshops for the direct mentorship and networking opportunities they provide (AMTA).
For many therapists, home study courses are a convenient and effective way to continue education. They allow for learning at one's own pace, which is particularly beneficial for those with tight schedules or living in remote areas. The Freedom From Pain Institute, for example, offers a range of NCBTMB-approved home study courses that cover advanced techniques in pain management and myoskeletal alignment.
One of the recommendations for massage therapists is to develop a personal library of educational resources. This library can include DVDs, books, and online resources from recognized experts like Ida Rolf and Philip Greenman. Regularly engaging with these materials can ignite new ideas and enhance practice. For instance, watching a technique video in the morning can provide fresh insights that can be applied in sessions throughout the day.
While live workshops can be invaluable, they often involve additional costs such as travel, accommodations, and meals. In contrast, home study courses generally require a one-time payment for all course materials, which can be significantly more budget-friendly. This is particularly advantageous for therapists facing financial constraints or those who prefer to minimize unnecessary expenses.
Both live workshops and home study courses offer valuable opportunities for professional development in massage therapy. By understanding the unique benefits of each, therapists can better plan their continuing education to suit their personal and professional needs. For more detailed information on specific courses and workshops, visit Erik Dalton's official website.
In conclusion, whether opting for the interactive environment of live workshops or the flexible nature of home study courses, continuing education is essential for advancing in the massage therapy field and providing the best care to clients.
Joint mobilization
Researchers do not know if impaired muscle function is the primary cause of joint dysfunction, or if the reverse is true. Nevertheless, a reflexogenic relationship exists between the deep myofascia and joints. Continued chronic neck pain seems to be primarily caused by facet-sticking and degenerative joint disease.
Refine Your Touch
As Massage Therapists, it is our job to make sure that we are always at the pinnacle of sensitivity. This does not necessarily mean that our touch is soft, or that our approach is gentle - but rather, our methodology is sensitive. Sometimes this is the most challenging part of the job of a bodyworker, yet it is also arguably the most
Myoskeletal Bodywork Strategies for Forward Head Posture
Frequently seen as a structurally subtle body segment, the neck is burdened with the highly difficult task of supporting the human head. Because of the tension, trauma, and poor posture inherent in the workplace today, it is no surprise that head-on-neck and neck-on-thorax imbalances serve as some of the most typical pain generators driving people into our bodywork practices.
