Pathology Course for Massage Therapists

Every massage therapist encounters clients with various pathologies. Now you can enhance your knowledge through a 3 credit college course, MASS 222, Pathology for Massage Therapists which concentrates on recognition, assessment and treatment of common musculoskeletal pathologies.

This course covers assessment and identification of dysfunctions, creation of specific treatment plans, and ways that massage therapy affects both the diseases themselves and their consequences.

While this course is an integral requirement of the CCBC Massage Therapy degree program, currently practicing massage thereapists (both RMP and LMT) may enroll in this course individually, with permission of the program director.

If you are already a practicing RMP or LMT and are interesting in Studying Pathology for Massage Therapists for professional enrichment, call the program director at 443-840-1431.

Congratulations Massage Therapy Graduates!

Congratulations to the 2009 graduates of The Community College of Baltimore County's Massage Therapy Program. Graduates will receive an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Massage Therapy. A celebration was held on December 17th where the received Massage Therapy pins and a gift from their faculty along with their Massage Therapy Program completion certificates. Following the formal program family and friends enjoyed a bounty of wonderful food and refreshments as they joined in the celebration.

Graduates will continue their studies in the coming weeks as they prepare for their National Certification Exam, a prerequisite for applying to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Maryland. CCBC Massage Therapy department will host a free NCE Review Course on January 9th and 10th for graduates, and the CCBC Massage Therapy Foundation is funding the $225 NCE Exam fee.

Congratulations on your accomplishment, and wishing you continued success!

Congratulations Instructor of the Year

Theresa Pac-Marshall was named Massage Therapy Instructor of the Year at the CCBC Massage Therapy Graduation Celebration on December 17th, 2009. A highly regarded bodywork instructor who takes a very active role in teaching and encouraging her students as they develop knowledge and skill, Theresa has taught Massage Therapy for 8 years in the Associate's Degree program at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Photo: Theresa Pac-Marshall (L) and Cher Hunter (R)

Massage Pathology Corner - Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by an excess growth of epithelial cells of the outer layer of the skin. The patches can be localized in one area of the body or there can be extensive patches all over. The cause is unknown, however, there is a tendency for this disorder to run in families and autoimmune dysfunction does seem to be involved. It is not infectious.

The patches can be dry and scaly, with color ranging from pink to red with areas that can be white to almost silver. They have well defined edges and are most often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, back, chest and buttocks. There is often no other symptoms though some clients may have plaques that become dry, cracked and encrusted leading to itching and pain. Secondary infections of the areas can occur related to itching and cracking.

It is estimated that up to 3% of the U.S. population is affected by psoriasis. In moderate to severe cases, the client may also find that joint pain and inflammation occur. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder and ranges from topical corticosteroid or retinol creams to ultraviolet light therapy, special baths, antihistamines and immune system inhibitors.

Massage is indicated for psoriasis and the creams and oils used may be very beneficial to combat dryness and cracking. Avoid pressure that is too deep over the area. Massage can also help with self image and self esteem issues that can arise. Massage should be avoided locally if the area is inflamed, tender or there is secondary infection.

For further information on this disorder, visit the National Psoriasi Foundation Website

or The Mayo Clinic website

CCBC Massage Students Do Seated Massage for Charity

The CCBC Massage Therapy Students joined On Purpose Women at their yearly Holiday Vendor Fair on Dec. 2 at the Good Shephard Church in Towson to help out a good cause.

Five of our students attended the combination Vendor Fair and Networking Meeting held by On Purpose Women Networking. Over a hundred people attended to view the Vendor tables and attend the Network Group. While they browsed, many took advantage of the seated massages that were being offered by the students from the college. The only cost was a voluntary donation to The Light of Truth Center in Baltimore. The Center is a non- profit organization that assists women who are recovering from addictions and are expanding their facilities.

The students were able to get hands on experience, learn about handling large groups of people in a fair setting and also were able to observe first hand the wonderful business networking that goes on at On Purpose Women with the founder Ginny Robertson.

For more information on On Purpose or The Light of Truth Center click the links above.
You can also find out more about CCBC Massage Therapy by clicking on the Title of this article.

Pharmacology and Massage Therapy: Beta-Blockers

One of the most frequently prescribed class of drugs in the United States are the drugs commonly known as beta blockers. They are prescribed for a great variety of conditions that are approved by the FDA and are used "off label" for any number of other conditions.
Some common beta blockers that you may see on your client's medication list include: propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin).
The drugs block the effects of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) by stopping the effect of epinephrine/norepinephrine at the beta receptors in the heart and sometimes also in the lungs and adrenal glands. The SNS is part of the Autonomic Nervous System that regulates the functions of our bodies in response to internal and external factors. The SNS is the branch that stimulates the body to action and when overstimulated is the source of stress effects on the body. By blocking the effects of the SNS at the receptor sites the drugs decrease blood pressure, decrease the force of heart contractions, slow electrical impulse conduction through the heart, decrease heart output and oxygen demand. In those that affect the lungs, constriction of the broncioles can occur.
Side effects that are related to the blocking of the SNS include fatigue, sleepiness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fainting, fluid retention, wheezing, irregular heartbeat, edema, Raynaud's syndrome, gas, and nausea and vomiting.
Beta blockers are generally used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and long-term prevention of angina (chest pain) and heart attack. They are also used for such diverse conditions as migraines, anxiety, essential tremors, glaucoma, PMS and perimenopausal symptoms.
As a massage therapist recognize that the body may relax more quickly and deeply for the client taking these meds and that gentle stimulation at the end of the massage may be needed. A drop in blood pressure can also occur with massage, so care in getting the client on and off the table is needed. Other changes to how massage is applied may be required related to the client condition, severity of cardiac disease etc.
References: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/beta-blockers/HI00059 , http://www.medicinenet.com/beta_blockers/article.htm
Jean Wible, RN, BSN, LMT, NCTMB, HTCP Author of "Pharmacology for Massage Therapy" and "Drug Handbook for Massage Therapists"

Pathology and Massage: Scleroderma by Jean Wible

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects women 4 times more than men. While its cause is unclear, its symptoms are due to an overproduction of collogen and hardening (sclerosis) of the tissues of the body. Scleroderma can manifest in many ways. It can be local or systemic. It can affect the skin, blood vessels and organs. The most common symptom is changes in the color of the skin and tightening and thickening of the skin.
In localized scleroderma two types of lesions can occur; morphea, which shows as oval patches on the trunk, face and extremities that start as dry, thickened skin and progress to pale centers with purple edges, or linear, where a discolored line or band on arms, legs or forehead appear resembling a scar from a long cut. Localized scleroderma is usually self-limiting and may resolve over time.
Systemic scleroderma is a more serious form of the disease that can involve skin, blood vessels, and organs especially the heart, kidneys, lungs and digestive tract. There are 3 forms; limited systemic scleroderma which has a slow onset and progression but can eventually affect the organs, diffuse scleroderma which has a sudden onset and more rapidly involves the organs, and sine scleroderma which only involves the organs and doesn't manifest in the skin at all.
CREST is the acronym for the common symptoms of scleroderma and stands for Calcinosis, calcium deposits in the skin especially in the fingers, Raynaud's phenomenon, impaired circulation and vascular spasm in the extremities, Esophageal dysmotility or sluggish digestion with reflux, Sclerodactyly, which is hardening of the fingers, and Telangiectasia or discoloration of the skin.
Systemic scleroderma can cause major health problems as it progresses. Ulcerations of the skin can lead to infection and gangrene while fibrosis of lungs, kidney and heart can lead to failure of these organs. While most often a long term, chronic disease systemic scleroderma can be fatal.
Treatment is supportive with immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroids, pain relievers, and other drugs depending on the symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy are also utilized to help maintain movement and flexibility of the joints as long as possible.
Massage therapy will need to be adjusted depending on the type of scleroderma, the individual symptoms and the severity of the disease. Myofascial techniques will generally be ineffective due to changes in the tissue itself. Deep tissue may be cautioned or contraindicated if skin hardening is severe and circulation compromised. Gentle relaxation massage that is firm and rhythmic can help improve circulation and be soothing to tight tissues as well as help the client to deal with the stress and pain of a chronic disease. Passive and active movement of the joints can also be of help but should be gentle and never forced beyond the physiologic barriers. Energy work and breath work are some of the other modalities that may be used even when massage may be contraindicated.
Further information on this topic can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362 , http://www.scleroderma.org/ , or http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scleroderma/default.asp
Jean Wible is a Registerd Nurse, Nationally Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist and Healing Touch Certified Practitioner. Author of "Pharmacology for Massage Therapy" and "Drug Handbook for Massage Therapists" and faculty at the Associate Degree Program in Massage Therapy at The Community College of Baltimore County.

Massage Therapy Week in the News

Massage Therapy Week at CCBC was a celebration of wellness and an appreciation of how Therapeutic Massage can improve your quality of life. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a massage or to learn more about the Associate's Degree program in Massage Therapy at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Read the article in The Avenue

Yumm, Pumpkin Pie!

I love pumpkin pie! I have played with many recipes and concocted a few winners myself, so I was intrigued by this offering from Dr. Fuhrman and had to try it. Many pumpkin pie recipes are too heavy, this one doesn't make that mistake. And the cashew cream is amazingly good. Go ahead, try it!

Guilt Free Pumkin Pie

Eat well, be well!

Worst Massage Ever!

When I started talking to other Massage Therapists about the worst massage I'd ever received, everyone had a story to tell. "Oh, do you mean the one that was so light and fluffy it was annoying, or the one who left you with bruises?"

Well, yes, those too. The light and fluffy one tells me that poor therapist never learned the first thing about body mechanics and doesn't know how to apply appropriate pressure; it is sooo annoying, like a gnat I just want to swat away. Don't waste my time.

Then there is the steam roller who believes in applying deep pressure at 90 mile an hour - this person is clueless about "listening" to the client and never learned the secret to great deep tissue . . . the sloooow sink, the take all the time in the world, oh yes, that feels good sort of relief that knotted muscles are begging for. Is it any mystery why many people don't like Deep Tissue Massage? Slow down, breath, pay attention. The really bad Deep Tissue massage that I had was even more memorable because this guy worked out of his house . . . okay, nothing wrong with that, but there was the smelly dog, the music that wasn't at all massage music, and the fact that this guy wouldn't shut up and when I asked him to slow down, he told me that I wasn't the first person to tell him that. Well, Duh? And to make matters worse, this therapist had 17 years of experience. How can one have 17 years of experience and be so unskilled?

The worst massage I've had lately is one that I received while attending a National Convention. It was a text book case of all the things not to do in a massage. The room was cluttered and unappealing, the therapist talked too much, he alternated between too deep and too light, really did not appear to be paying attention, and he was really unprofessional with the draping. It seemed that he hadn't heard a word I said when I explained where I was tight and where I wanted him to focus. To add insult to injury he cut the massage short. Well, considering how bad the massage was, he may have done me a favor. My first thought was that this guy was really inexperienced - then on second thought I realized he may have been experienced but was just unskilled! I have had a number of very good massages at our student clinic by student therapists who are inexperienced, but surprisingly skilled.

What was your worst massage experience? And how do you find a good therapist when you are traveling?

Massage Therapy Awareness Week a Big Hit on Campus!

October 25th through October 31st was National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. The Massage Therapy Program at CCBC promoted Massage Therapy through several community functions and open houses during the week.
The CCBC Women's Soccer Team visited with faculty and students in our on site Massage Clinic at the Essex Campus for seated massage on Monday.
On Tuesday, a Meet and Greet saw the faculty and students of the School of Health Professions joining in the fun with the Massage Therapy faculty and students in our bodywork lab. There were hand massages, seated massage, refreshments and more! We had a great time!
On Wednesday, we held an Open House on the Essex Campus to which all were invited! We had visitors from on campus and from the general community. We even had family of some of our massage students visiting. Tours, question and answer, refreshments and seated massage were enjoyed by all.
If you would like more information on what Massage Therapy can do for you or on becoming a Massage Therapist, contact us at 443-840-1069 or 443-840-1431.
You can also e-mail us at massagetherapysc@ccbcmd.edu

Saving Money on Electric Utilities

Saving Money has never been a better idea - especially when you can save on something as mundane but necessary as electric utilities. A friend (who happens to work at BGE) told me about changing your electric supplier . . . in years past, businesses could do this, but not residential customers. Now, we can take advantage of savings by selecting an alternate supplier as residential customers as well.

You still get your bill from BGE, but you are actually purchasing the power from a cheaper source. It is as good as it sounds! It is easy, and the savings are significant.

Last June I changed my supplier from BGE to Washington Gas Energy Services, and I have been consistently pleased with the savings on my bill every month!

The process is easy. I went to the WGES website, called the 800 number, gave them my BGE account information, and they hooked me up with a cheaper rate.

I love saving money! Check out the alternatives. You'll love saving money, too!

FAQs:

The Amazing Human Body

How many times have you been to Body Worlds? This is the most amazing educational opportunity! If you missed it when it was in Baltimore, it now currently back in Philadelphia until February 10, 2010, and is well worth the drive!
http://www2.fi.edu/bodyworlds2/

As a Massage Therapist, understanding the intricacies of the musculoskeletal anatomy is essential. Even after taking the Full Body Dissection Seminar (Kent Health Systems & The University of Southern Florida at Tampa), I never miss an opportunity to view these amazing exhibits. What a great (inexpensive) way to deepen your understanding of the anatomy.

Baltimore's # 1 Massage School - 2 year AAS Degree

Start Now! If you are thinking about entering Massage School in the Spring, Come to the Open house on Wednesday October 28th between 4 - 7 pm to learn more. It isn't too early to begin the enrollment, placement and registration process.

We are located on the Essex Campus of The Community College of Baltimore County, 7201 Rossville Blvd, bldg J, Rm 323, Baltimore, MD 21237.

Pathology for Massage Therapists, a 3 credit course

Pathology for Massage Therapists concentrates on the recognition, assessment and treatment of common musculoskeletal pathologies; it covers assessment and identification of dysfunctions, creation of specific treatment plans, and the ways that massage therapy affects both the diseases themselves and their consequences. This course is a requirement in the CCBC Massage Therapy program, which leads to an Associates Degree in Applied Science.

However, the course may also be taken by experienced Licensed Massage Therapists and Registered Massage Practitioners who want to be better prepared to work with clients who have a variety of health conditions. If you have been practicing for years, you may not have had much training in Pathology, or you may just want a refresher course. You may enroll for credit, or audit this course, with the Program Director's permission.

Product Review: Microwaveable Hot Packs

When hot packs are appropriate, which one is best?
There are two that I particularly like: Elasto-gel, and Therabeads.
They both maintain heat well, and they both will last for years if properly cared for.
The elasto-gel packs are more pliable and conform very nicely to the shape of the body. Therabeads packs are firmer and do not conform as well, but have the advantage of a temperature-sensitive strip that tells you if the pack is too hot or within a safe heat range. I use both Elasto-gel and Therabeads, depending on the specific need. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are available at BMLbasic.com, a massage, spa and physician's office supplier.

Massage Therapy Continuing Ed for 2010 - More Choices!

More Choices, More Classes, More ways to complete

your CE requirements and make you happy.
Wow are we going to be busy next year!

Look at some of the goodies we have lined up for you:

• Nurturing the Mother (Claire Marie Miller)
• Authentic Thai Massage
• Trager
• Healing Touch
• Orthopedic Massage
• Better Body Mechanics
• Massage Research
• Feldenkrais
• Bodywork for the Dying
• . . . and much, much more!

CCBC - The Place for Massage Therapy Training in Baltimore!

Celebrate Massage Therapy Awareness Week October 25-31, 2009

We are celebrating Massage Therapy Awareness week with a number of events, including an open house from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Light Refreshments will be served and free Chair Massage will be available. Come learn more about our program and celebrate all the ways Massage Therapy makes your life better!

We are located in Building J, Room 324 on the Essex Campus.
7201 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21237

Passing on a Job Opening

Neha Threading - Salon and Spa
1430 Reisterstown Road,
Pikesville, MD - 21208
http://www.nehathreading.com/
email: neha@nehathreading.com
Contact Neha 410-653-BROW (2769), 443-722-0679

October 10th - NCBTMB Approved Classes -Meet Maryland Requirements

Ethics and Law for the Massage Therapist (3 CEUs - NCBTMB)

Course Number: AHL744 CRN: 83874
Jean Wible October 10, 2009 CCBC Essex 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $60

This course will meet Maryland State Ethics Continuing Education Requirements and may also be applied to NCBTMB Ethics requirements. Legal issues such as HIPPA, confidentiality, record keeping, lawsuits, risk management and more will be discussed. In addition, diverse topics will be covered in review of laws regarding the practice of massage therapy, scope of practice, standards of practice, business ethics and more.


HIV/AIDS Infection Control for Massage Therapists(3 CEUs - NCBTMB)

Course Number: AHL745 CRN: 83873
Jean Wible October 10, 2009 CCBC Essex 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. $60
This course will meet Maryland State HIV and Infection Control continuing education requirements. Topics covered will include pathophysiology of HIV/AIDS, how it is transmitted, current treatment and epidemiologic trends and what this means to the massage therapists work. In addition, Hepatitis, TB, MRSA, and other common infections and infection control standards will be presented and discussed.



To Register, Call 443-840-4700 Be sure to have the CRN and the course title.



For more information call Jean Wible at 443-840-1069.

Student Massage Therapy Clinic now accepting appointments!

The Student Massage Clinic

at CCBC is now

accepting appointments

for its Fall session!

Check out the dates and times on our Clinic Listing at the right side of our Blog!

We will be having clinic on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the Fall semester. All are welcome! Discounted massages are only $35!

Students get real life experience giving massage while supervised by our faculty here at the CCBC Associate Degree Program in Massage Therapy.

Make your appointment now at 443-840-1598!

or contact us at massagetherapysc@ccbcmd.edu

Complete calendar and details at: http://www.ccbcmassagetherapy.com/calendar

Massage Clinic

We operate a clinic for our advanced students to gain experience working with the public. Our fee is $35 for an hour long massage. There is a $5 discount for package purchases.

The clinic is filled for this fall, but you may be placed on a waiting list.

The Fall 2009 Semester Massage and Bodywork Clinic will be held on the following dates and times:

Thursdays:
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10
Appointment times: 1:00pm, 2:15pm, or 3:30pm

Saturdays:
October 3, 24, November 14, 21, December 5. Appoinment times: 10:30am, 12:15pm, or 1:30pm

For additional information about our clinic or to book your appointment call 443-840-1598

About Our Program

The Massage Therapy School at the Community College of Baltimore County prepares our graduates to become Licensed Massage Therapists in the state of Maryland.

Our program leads to an Associate Degree in Applied Science and is designed to prepare students to work as professional Massage Therapists in a variety of health settings and equip them with the additional skills required to be a holistically trained member of allied health and integrative medicine teams. Our students receive a well rounded education in Massage Therapy with a strong foundation in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofacial Massage. Studies include anatomy and physiology, Musculoskeletal anatomy, pathology, massage therapy research, medical terminology, clinical skills, and much more.

The program was approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission in November 2000 and is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).CCBC Essex also offers NCBTMB approved continuing education courses which also meet the license renewal requirements for Maryland Licensed Massage Therapists and Registered Massage Practitioners.

Questions? Please feel free to give us a call!
Cher Hunter, M.A., LMT, NCTMB
Program Director, Massage Therapy Program
443-840-1431

Jean M. Wible, RN, BSN, LMT, NCTMB, HTCP
Student Clinic Coordinator
443-840-1069

Ccbc Massage-Therapy Now on Facebook!

Join us on Facebook!
Ccbc Massage-Therapy

Check out our new website!

The Massage Therapy School at The Community College of Baltimore County has launched a new website at http://ccbcmassagetherapy.com/

More to come!!

Planning is now underway for NCBTMB approved CEU Courses for 2010. Let us know what courses you are interested in attending.

Plan Now for Your License Renewal

Was it just me, or did summer seem to fly by in a hot minute? Time for school to start again already and we are gearing up to welcome our new students!

Meanwhile, the countdown is beginning for all of us to make sure we have met our license renewal requirements. Don't get caught short! Plan now to take NCBTMB approved courses at the Community College of Baltimore County, Essex Campus.

Here are some of our upcoming courses:

• Bodywork for the Dying (8 CEU’s – NCBTMB)
• Ethics and Law for the Massage Therapist ( 3 CEU’s - NCBTMB)
• HIV/AIDS Infection Control for Massage Therapists ( 3 CEU’s - NCBTMB)
• Orthopedic Massage Lower Body: Contemporary Clinician ( 16 CEU’s - NCBTMB)
• Ohashiatsu, Beginning I ( 30 CEU’s NCBTMB)

For More information call Jean Wible at 443.840.1069.

Massage Therapy Program Students Graduate!

The Community College of Baltimore County
School of Health Professions
Massage Therapy Program
7201 Rossville Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21237

The Massage Therapy Program at CCBC would like to congratulate our students who will be graduating this Saturday!
This Saturday, May 30, 2009, CCBC will hold its Graduation Ceremony on the Essex campus. During that ceremony, 12 of our Massage Therapy students will receive their Associate in Applied Science in Massage Therapy degree. They have completed their studies and are ready to move forward in their careers. Several of them have already passed their National Board Examinations. We are proud of them and wish them the best of everything!
The future of Massage Therapy is bright!

If you are interested in a career in Massage Therapy, visit our website.
http://www.ccbcmd.edu/allied_heatlh/massage_therapy
or call: 443-840-1431

Continuing Education for Massage Therapist at CCBC

CCBC offers a variety of Continuing Education courses for Massage Therapists. We are an NCBTMB Category A provider of Continuing Education. All courses can be applied to your NCBTMB recertification education requirements, your Md State licensure renewal and your professional organization education requirements.
Some of the classes being offered in 2009 are:
"Massage for Athletes (and everyone else)"
"Bodywork for the Dying"
"Ethics" and "HIV/AIDS/Infection Control"
"Reiki for Health Care Professionals: Level I"
and many more.....
To register or for more information:
Contact LaV0nda Clemons at 443-840-1152

CCBC Students Graduate!

The Massage School at The Community College of Baltimore County had their graduation ceremony on Dec. 12, 2008. Family and friends as well as faculty and staff of the college joined together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.

As they go out into the workforce, we wish them well. We know all our students are well prepared for their work and will help to grow our profession with their knowledge and experience.

If you are interested in a career in Massage Therapy check out our Website or call us at 443-840-1431!