Job Realities after Massage Therapy School

massage career and massage jobs
By Lana J. Russell

Typically, new Massage Therapy graduations think that after school, they’ll land a dream job and start a massage career making $60 an hour and start paying off those massage school loans. Reality often teaches us otherwise and after Massage School you become a sub-contractor, a percentage-based employee and clientele can be irregular. This might mean that you have to take on part-time jobs or bounce around hectically between different locations.

Its a good idea to prepare yourself to work that part-time job when fresh out of Massage Therapy School. This can actually be quite helpful for the new massage therapist, allowing for breaks between clients and not putting in long stretches of massage work. If you do land a full time massage job fresh out of school, your body and hands may not be ready for long days filled with client after client. There is also the risk of injuring yourself early on in your career from the physical demands, which can have long term effects.

There are several ways to balance massage jobs with part-time jobs by getting creative with your scheduling. This may entail doing massage work for half-days, every other day or only on the weekends. Starting out in your massage therapy career, income can be unreliable and unstable. In some ways this never really changes, its just that you build a larger client base and have more job connections with time. For your own piece of mind, don’t rely on massage work to be your main source of income to start.

It’s also important to remember that if you juggle massage jobs at different locations, there are certain contractual considerations. This means that the massage spa you work for on Tuesday may make you sign a contract that doesn’t allow you to practice massage within 25 miles of them. So, its important to make sure that another spa or clinic you are massaging at is not within that distance and not a direct competitor. If you’re going to take the leap and work at different locations, keep in mind the cost and time in travel distance, which in the end may not be worth it.

The very essence of finding balance here and the most important action you can take is to: Get Organized. This is as simple as getting a nice, big planner that can accommodate all your appointments and keep you on track. This goes without saying for some people and it may be an organizational skill you picked up while in school, but it must be emphasized. Get a planner, whether physical book or electronic device and make it your best friend.

Epsom salt foot bath before a massge with Lana

After a Stressful drive and needing time to sip tea before your massage, A foot bath is a Great way to settle in. Lana always offers traction roller table or a foot bath with rose petals and epsom salt. Here is what epsom salt can do for you.

Salt works website
http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.
What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?

The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Ultra Epsom® Salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include:
Eases stress and relaxes the body

Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They lower blood pressure, create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.
Relieves pain and muscle cramps

An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of our Ultra Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.
Helps muscles and nerves function properly

Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.
Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.
Makes insulin more effective

Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Relieves constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician.
Eliminates toxins from the body

The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.
What are some uses of Epsom salt?

Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily routine can add a whole lot of goodness to your way of life. To experience the numerous heath benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups Ultra Epsom Salt to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterwards. If you have arthritic joints move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.

As a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

Epsom salt uses: HEALTH

Athlete’s Foot - Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.

Remove splinters - Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.

Treat toenail fungus - Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.

Soothe sprains and bruises - Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.

Ease discomfort of Gout - Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.

Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY

Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.

Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.

Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.

Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.

Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Epsom salt uses: HOUSEHOLD

Clean bathroom tiles - Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.

Prevent slugs - Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.

As a hand wash - Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.


Epsom salt uses: GARDENING

Fertilize your houseplants - Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.

Keep your lawn green - Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.

Insecticide spray - Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.

Read on for more information on gardening with Epsom salt.

Introduction on MassageSchoolsGuide.com

Please visit www.massageschoolguide.com, an indispensable resource for anyone exploring Massage Therapy School. I was invited to blog for their site; read my introductory post.

When I first graduated from massage school it was exciting to be a newly trained professional. Even now 7 years out of school I still remember my first job in massage therapy. Although I had been extensively trained in sports massage and neuromuscular therapy, I was working in a spa. The spa had me doing 15-minute complimentary massages for $5 a pop to drum up some business. It was a typical job for a kid fresh out of school without any professional experience; and it was lot of work for little pay. Keep reading here....."Introducing Massage Therapist Lana J. Russell, RMT"

Sports massage for the Colorado athlete.

Living in such a beautiful state can be costly not only on such a diverse supply of activity equipment, but also on our bodies. The weekend warrior who has a difficulty of choosing rafting,skiing, hiking,soccer,yard work, amusement parks or climbing. Every day life or training for that marathon needs a certain type of assistants with overall body maintenance.

For reaching those sporting goals there are different types of massage that are more suitable for for maximum muscle performance. The two main types of massage that I integrate into my professional athletes are the pre-event and the post event. The pre-event Massage works on stretching the muscles and resetting the preprioreceptiors to help enhance movements. This is when the client will be actively moving into the massage to push out help flush the muscle. Instruction on mechanics and body awareness during training will help you prepare for your big day sporting event.Post event massage works well with rehab and balancing the body after strenuous work outs. Post massage is all about flushing the muscles and relaxing the client.

If you plan on being a part of the Colorado active lifestyle and you want to make sure that your body wont crumble in the middle of all your fun. Just make time to make sure you leave time for yourself to heal, grow, and to rest.

Learn about the Black Baltic Mud Wrap

This is a great video that shows a full Black Baltic Mud Wrap. It explains the process simply and thoroughly, helping you understand the benefits and what you can expect for the experience.

Black Baltic Mud Wraps

Purchasing the correct mud for massage therapy mud wraps.

What kind of mud or seaweed product would clients want painted brushed or wrapped along their extremities, torso and possibly even on thier face? While browsing endlessly on the web, in professional magazines, and across the world I've found a wide variety of different minerals, enzymes, scents and textures. A mud or a seaweed wrap may include an exfoliation before application. Then you are wrapped up in a heat blanket while the product pulls out toxins. A foot treatment or a scalp massage is performed before a quick rinse in the shower. Then Lotion is applied before you walk out on clouds. Before I make a large purchase, your input is valued: please comment below on what you would like to have lavishly painted across your epithelium (skin).

#1 Sea algae which has minerals, enzymes, stimulates circulation, improves skin elasticity. May have an algae smell. Would adding aromatherapy make this product more appealing for you?

#2 Mud made of Kaolin clay that draws out impurities with scents of lavender, camomile and rose. Helps to nourish damaged skin.

#3 Seaweed detoxifying with yeast and Spirulina for stimulation of the skin to help with cellulite. May have a seaweed scent which can have aromatherapy added.

#4 French green clay with blue-green algae to detoxify essential fatty acids to improve skin elasticity. Lavender aromatherapy already added.

Please comment on which of these products you have tried or would want to try?