“Trigger Point Ninja ™” – He’s “Knot” Your Average Ninja

“Trigger Point Ninja ™” – He’s “Knot” Your Average Ninja

New Free Web Series for the “Stealth & Wellness” Community Serves Up Thrills, Chills, and One Heckuva TriggerPoint Smackdown

by Susan Epperly, B.A., L.M.T.I., C.M.T., Co-Owner & Creative Principal at Tiger Lily Studios & Creator of Trigger Point Ninja

Those of you who know me know that, in addition to being a Clinical Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Instructor, I’m a vocal advocate of using fun, humor, and creativity to spread the word about the virtues of massage & bodywork.  Not only do I believe in laughter as real medicine, but I also consider humor to be a powerful, unparalleled learning & teaching tool.  As far as I’m concerned, the wackier, goofier, and sillier the presentation, the better the lesson is learned and the longer the information is remembered.  My comic, “A Touch of Humor,” which is a regular feature in ABMP’s “Massage & Bodywork” magazine, is one example of my creative exploits.  And another recent example of my insatiable need to engage in arsty-fartsy endeavors is the web series that my husband & creative partner, Shane, and I have created through our production company, Tiger Lily Studios.

The all new show, Trigger Point Ninja™, chronicles the eponymous character’s single handed (in fact, single digited!) war on the worldwide terrorist organization known as Myofascial Trigger Points.  A great learning and teaching tool for health & wellness practitioners and laypeople alike, each five minute episode incorporates educational components as well as quirky humor and tongue-in-cheek action & adventure.  Episode one, “Deadly Traps,” focuses on the trigger point terrorists that harbor out in the trapezius muscle, while future episodes will feature the trigger point terrorist cells that terrorize a variety of other muscles.   

Happily, since having released the pilot episode on January 1^st, we’ve enjoyed phenomenally positive responses from our colleagues, clients, and even a variety of folks in the entertainment industry.  While some have wondered how on earth we managed to come up with this character and how we made the connection between Trigger Point Therapy, deadly ninjas, and worldwide terrorist organizations, if you’ve studied Trigger Point Therapy (the modality in which Shane and I specialize), you understand that it’s really not that far of a stretch. 

Trigger points can sometimes act as covert saboteurs (latent trigger points), or as spectacularly bullying “super villains” (active trigger points).  Despite being confined to their assigned “headquarters,” they are able to wreak havoc in a variety of remote locations.  They operate as members of terrorist cells, and have specific relationships with one another, including hierarchies comprised of “kingpins” (key trigger points) and “lackey henchmen” (satellite trigger points).  Their effects can spread from one territory to the next and “corrupt” neighboring regions  (creating complexes of postural dysfunction and compensatory patterns).  And as Trigger Point Therapists, we know that we must be stealthy and clever in order to outsmart and usurp these terrorists.  We know that we must first eliminate a key trigger point (the “kingpin”) if we stand any chance of defeating its satellite trigger point(s) (its “lackey henchmen”).  We also know that we must act stealthily and surreptitiously, so as to “slip in under the radar.”  (The nervous system’s radar, that is.)  We’ve all had experiences wherein we attempt to “attack” a trigger point too quickly, too aggressively, or too brazenly, only to find that our client’s nervous system “shuts us out” (by tensing up and guarding the musculature).  If we take a more furtive approach, however, we can patiently wait for the most opportune moment, and then gently, quietly, and stealthily slip in, zero in on the trigger point, and “assassinate” it, much like a shrewd and stealthy ninja silently and meticulously stalks and overcomes his prey.

If you haven’t seen Trigger Point Ninja ™ Episode 1, “Deadly Traps,” I hope you’ll check it out.  Whether you’re a seasoned Trigger Point Therapist, a practitioner who is just starting to explore this amazingly powerful modality, or even if you’re hopeful that Trigger Point Therapy can potentially help relieve your own pain, you’ll find plenty packed into each five minute episode to entertain, educate & engage.  Shane and I have five more episodes slated to be released throughout 2013, with Episode 2 coming out on March 1^st. 

The best way to make sure you don’t miss an episode is to subscribe to the Tiger Lily Studios YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TigerLilyStudios.  You’ll also find a variety of fun previews there, as well as the animated video versions of my “A Touch of Humor” comics.  Becoming a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/TriggerPointNinja) or following Trigger Point Ninja ™ on Twitter (@TrP_Ninja) are also great ways to keep up with this “stealth & wellness” hero, and joining “The Ninja Network” at http://www.TriggerPointNinja.com will ensure that you receive official briefings about this Myofascial Master’s noble missions and clandestine exploits, as well as lots of fun freebies.

I’d like to extend a big “Thank You!” to Cindy Iwlew and Bodywork Buddy massage software for the opportunity to share this project with you, and Trigger Point Ninja ™ is proud to count the Bodywork Buddy folks as allies in The War on Trigger Points!

Tweetable: zero in on the trigger point, and “assassinate” it

***

Susan Epperly, B.A.. L.M.T.I., C.M.T., is a Clinical Massage Therapist in private practice in Downtown Austin Texas, specializing in Trigger Point Therapy.  She and her husband, Shane, in addition to operating their practice, also own Tiger Lily Studios, LLC (www.TigerLilyStudios.com), through which they produce creative content for the health & wellness industry.  Tiger Lily Studios’ goal is to “Entertain, Educate & Engage” an audience of practitioners and laypeople alike.  Susan’s creative credits also include the Massage Therapy comic, “A Touch of Humor,” and creating “Trigger Point Ninja ™.”   

How Client Importing With Bodywork Buddy Will Ease Your Stress

How's your 2013 shaping up so far? We're discovering that a lot of therapists find January to be the perfect time to get started using Bodywork Buddy. (Although, any time is a great time to get more organized, right?)

If you've been thinking of making the switch, but are dreading inputting all of your clients into the system - you're in luck. Bodywork Buddy has always had the ability to import contacts via v-card, but now we have the added ability to do contact imports for you.  No need to convert the files to v-card.


Simply contact us, send your file and let us know what scheduler you're coming from, and we will do the import for you. Simple as that. Bodywork Buddy is excited to offer this free service to our members.



Tweetable: Any time is a great time to get more organized, right?

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.
www.BodyworkBuddy.com


Export pic: freedigitalphotos.net

Dealing With the Death of a Client

A fellow MT and friend had a client pass away last week.  As she was contemplating attending the funeral, and how to best go about being a support for the family - I realized that this is not something that massage school prepares us for.  (At least, not mine... did yours? If so, I'd love to hear more about your experience.) 

Dealing with death is difficult enough on it's own.  Add in the professional relationship (and in the capacity of a therapeutic one at that) creates it's own special challenges.  

The stages of grief are:

• shock or disbelief,
• denial,
• bargaining,
• guilt,
• anger,
• depression,
• acceptance/hope.

The funny thing about these stages is that it isn't always nice and organized - experiencing the list in order.  Often times, these feelings jump all over this list, bouncing around to different aspects with no rhyme or reason.  

I don't have any secrets for dealing with the death of a client.  It's a very personal thing and how to best deal with it will vary from therapist to therapist.  Whether or not you choose to go to the funeral, or simply send a card... so I guess, although it would be nice to have some kind of preparation for this situation in massage school ... What would that entail?  

Grief is a crazy thing. 

Myths and Facts About Grief

MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.

Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.

MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.

Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.

MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.

Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.

MYTH: Grief should last about a year.

Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.

Source: Center for Grief and Healing

This help guide offers some great tips for dealing with grief http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm

Coping with grief and loss tip 1: Get support

Family, friends, a support group, a counselor, etc.

Coping with grief and loss tip 2: Take care of yourself

This one is often difficult for massage therapists.  We're used to being the ones who take care of others.

Remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Eat right, get enough sleep, and up your appointments with your massage therapist.

Have you dealt with the death of a client?  How did you support yourself during that time?

Tweetable: Grief is a crazy thing.

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.

www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Picture: freedigitalphotos.net

Massage Without Borders

Massage Without Borders is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide immediate or temporary relief for the massage therapy and healing arts community during times of  natural disaster or other long term crisis. 

MWB gathers resources and funding to assist our massage therapy and healing community initiating and empowering local recipients to be self sufficient during recovery from disaster and trauma.

MWB is having an online concert and auction to raise funds to help our fellow MT's.  The free online concert will be aired on Massage Nerd on January 29th, 2013 at 8pm EST.

The online auction includes a lifetime subscription to Bodywork Buddy.  (Valued at $299/year).Check out the auction and concert, and donate or bid in the auction if you can.  It's all for a good cause - massage therapists helping massage therapists!

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.

www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Preparing for a Massage Interview - What Every Massage Therapist Should Know and Ask

Preparing for a Massage Interview - What Every Massage Therapist Should Know and Ask

By Laurie Craig

Before you can start working as a massage therapist, you have to perform a massage interview to get the job, and interviewing for a massage position is quite different than most other interview processes. For many massage therapists, the first job they hold directly out of massage school is for a chiropractor, or a spa / salon owner instead of working as an independent contractor, and it's important to know what to ask in order to accept the right position. Understanding if you will work as an employee or an independent contractor - especially when a massage therapist is beginning his or her practice - is helpful when deciding where to work.

Why You Need a Resume and Cover Letter When Interviewing for a Massage Position

While you will not be sitting at a desk or crunching numbers, you do need to prepare a resume and cover letter for your anticipated massage interview. Even though it is a non-traditional environment, your employer will want to see that you are a professional massage therapist who can represent himself or herself adequately, and a well-written cover letter can show that you have good communication skills - an invaluable asset when working with a diverse set of clients. Be sure to include information about your school, your modalities, and your intended certifications - the more a potential employer knows about you and your specific interests, the more you will stand apart from the rest of the crowd and the higher the likelihood that you will soon be interviewing for the massage position.

Coming in for a Massage Interview

When you receive a call to come in for an interview, prepare to actually give a massage. This might surprise some applicants, but you are interviewing for a massage position, and your employer wants to know what you can do and what your style is like. Because you want to be comfortable while giving the massage, be sure to wear an appropriate outfit for both a massage and an in-person interview. Often, clean, long black yoga pants and a collared shirt will do just fine. Unlike most interviews where applicants are expected to wear slacks and a button-down shirt, your potential employer will expect a massage therapist to be dressed for the test massage. Just to be sure, when you schedule the massage interview, ask over the phone what would be appropriate attire. Additionally, it is always a good idea to arrive at the massage interview fully prepared - a massage therapist should bring supplies to the interview such as sheets, and lotion or oil. While the interviewer will likely have these supplies on hand, it is always a good idea to be in control of the session by being fully prepared.

When interviewing for a massage position, depending on the size of the business, a human resources person or the owner will likely be the first person to sit down with you for a few moments and talk with you about your education and experience. During the massage interview, be prepared to talk about what you learned in school, what your strongest and weakest modalities are, what you envision for yourself as a massage therapist, and about your previous experience with clients. Then you will give a test massage, either an abbreviated (30 minutes or less) or standard (one hour) massage, showing your abilities to give Swedish and deep tissue massage. Interviewing for a massage position sometimes, but not often, involves you being asked to display competence in additional modalities that you have listed on your resume such as hot stone therapy, or sports massage.

It is important to be yourself during the massage interview. Just relax and give the same massage that you would give to a client. Do not be nervous, because it will come through in your touch. Your employer is looking to see your skill as a massage therapist, and the more natural and relaxed you are the better interviewing for the massage position will go.

Getting the Job and Working

If the massage interview goes well and you get the job, you will likely begin either as a full-time or part-time massage therapist. Be sure to speak with your employer up front about the method of compensation and your designation as either an employee or an independent contractor, because these are very different and can make a big impact on your revenue and tax filing at the end of the year. This is a very important question to ask when interviewing for the massage position as employees are expected to work during a set number of hours, can only work for one employer at a time, and must comply with the employer's standards of service and instructions about how to deliver massage therapy. From a financial standpoint, make sure that you understand during the massage interview if you will be an employee, as employers pay the majority of the employee's taxes, and the massage therapist is often eligible for benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time.

Unlike employees, independent contractors are typically able to set their own hours, and are paid a percentage of the total revenue they bring into a business. They tend to have more flexibility about the type of massage protocol delivered and the types of services offered. If this is the type of work environment you have envisioned, you should establish this when interviewing for the massage position. For example, a massage therapist who is an employee at a large spa will be expected to adhere to the standard services as listed on a published menu of services but a contractor should legally have more flexibility. During the massage interview, ask if customers expect to receive a comparable massage regardless of which therapist they see, and if therapists are expected to closely maintain a massage protocol. If a massage therapist works as an independent contractor in a smaller spa or for a chiropractor, he or she is more likely to be able to decide upon which services to offer, the rate of the services, and the hours during which those services will be available. Another reason to clarify your status as an employee or contractor when interviewing for the massage position is because independent contractors are responsible for their own client records, and have control over those client records when and if they decide to leave their place of business. It's important to understand this early on in the massage interview, because with this independence comes the expectation of independent costs - contractors do not have taxes paid for by their employers, and often pay a large amount of money out-of-pocket at the end of the year.

Longevity as a Massage Therapist (Employee or Contractor)

It is important to understand all of the different elements that go into interviewing for a massage position, and know which questions to ask before you get hired. In addition to being prepared to give a hands-on trial massage, you should also determine during the massage interview what your potential employer expects from you in terms of compensation, hours, employee status, massage type, and career ambitions. That way you can be sure to begin a long-term, profitable, and enjoyable job as a massage therapist, either as an employee or an independent contractor.

Laurie Craig, the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Jerome Perlinski American Massage Therapy Association National Teacher of the Year award and the recipient of the American Massage Conference 2011 Educator of the Year award, is a respected health science educator and co-founder of Georgia Massage School in Suwanee, Georgia. She brings more than 25 years of varied experience to the massage school, combining her unique teaching skills, professional acumen, and passion for teaching with a comedic edge that students remember and embrace years after experiencing her classes. She also serves as a subject matter expert and test item writer for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and has written test items for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. For more details, please visit www.georgiamassageschool.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurie_Craig


http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-for-a-Massage-Interview---What-Every-Massage-Therapist-Should-Know-and-Ask&id=6215186









Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Cold Weather Add-Ons

Well, we're officially in the Winter season in the U.S. ... although it's raining here in Michigan today, when it's normally snowing by now.  But, it's still chilly!  

So it's a perfect time to consider some ways to keep your clients cozy on the massage table.

Here's just a few ideas:

• Table warmer.
  I LOVE my table warmer from Earthlite.
  (And so do my clients! They comment on my heated table all the time.)
• Flannel sheets.
• Add in hot towels.
  One of my favorite MT's begins the session by placing a dry towel under my feet, and then wrapping each foot in a hot towel.  She leaves my feet wrapped until half-way through the session when she's ready to work on my feet.  Nice and cozy during the session, and added bonus of having the client's feet fresh and clean when you're ready to massage them.
• Add in hot stones.
  Amazing what a few strategically placed hot stones can do for warmth and relaxation.
• Heated herbal rice/flax seed packs.
  My favorites are from Mother Earth Pillows.  I like to use the large rectangle pillow on the back with some compression before starting the session.  Then I'll move the pillow to their feet while I massage their back.  It's a great way to add in some cozy!
• Paraffin dip for the hands and feet.
  This can be a great add-on service that you can charge more for.
• Add in a steam treatment before the massage.
  The Steamy Wonder is a great way to add value to your services and charge more.  It's a decent investment, but can be worth it if you use it often.  This is on my wishlist.  *hint*hint*

While some of the above ideas require some initial investment, many of them can be easily implemented into your current sessions without much money or time.

What ways do you like to keep your clients cozy during their massages?

Tweetable: Consider some ways to keep clients cozy on the #massage table.

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.

www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Customer service photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Free Holiday Timeline Pics

In case you missed these on our Facebook page a few weeks back, here are some winter/holiday timeline pics for your use on your Facebook business page or website.

Tutorial on installing a Facebook timeline.

Enjoy!

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years. www.BodyworkBuddy.com