Pete Whitridge BA, LMT
We live in an increasingly STEM driven world, where research and scientific “proof” have become requirements for legitimacy. This emphasis on only the facts ma’am is seemingly at odds with our intuitive, touch-focused world of massage therapy. There has been a schism in the massage world for a while now, with the proof-requiring contingent (whose focus is entirely on scientifically proven physical benefits of massage and MT protocols) loudly denouncing the more “woo woo” practitioners who dare to explore energetic and nonphysical aspects of our profession. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education was roundly criticized for having James Oschman (well known researcher and author in the areas of energy medicine and alternative therapies) as keynote speaker at their 2015 conference. It’s been disheartening at times to experience this often-vocal polarization in our massage therapy world regarding research. Further, research can be a confusing arena to understand with its often obscure and erudite language.
Fortunately, you don’t need to turn your back on the heart of massage, nor your intuition, to take advantage of the beneficial information emerging from massage therapy research. The research has been confirming many beliefs we’ve held dear in massage as well as disproving other commonly held assumptions. It’s important to know what has proven to be accurate so that the information you share with your clients is correct. It’s useful to be acquainted with terminology and outcomes from this continually advancing arena to be able to integrate the knowledge into your own practice. So how DO you make sense of research studies and findings, and what difference can that make in your own massage therapy practice?
Having taught Research Literacy classes for the Massage Therapy Foundation for almost ten years, I realize I qualify as a research nerd! But this love of research has always been secondary to my love of the intuitive, deeply connected therapy that I offer to my clients. Bridging the gap between these worlds is a passion for me and I hope to instill an appreciation (if not love) for the benefits of all this recent massage therapy research in other LMTs. To do so, I’ve created a NEW hands-on class integrating various findings from the fields of massage therapy, anatomy and physiology, fascia, and pain education, into actual practice. The art of massage can be enhanced by the science of physiology.
This class will help you understand the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain, health and wellness, and help you deepen your relationship to your clients. In this increasingly stressful world our clients are looking for a refuge. Your clinic space is such a refuge and enhancing your practice is always beneficial. During this workshop, we will cover topics important in today’s world: fascia, pain and opiates, mindful attention, and creating a culture of self-care and loving kindness in your practice. You will become familiar with the nomenclature of research and deepen your understanding of terminology such as placebo effects, interoception, trauma and resiliency, and affective outcomes. You will review current research studies and learn to integrate useful language and practices into your massage therapy work.
If this sounds interesting, please join us May 19-20 for Improving Therapy Outcomes Using Current Research Findings. You can register for this 18 CE hour class by emailing Lee at bluemoonies@juno.com or call us for further information. 772-332-6116 (Pete) or 772-979-5828 (Lee)
