CE INSTITUTE LLC BLOG

According to the Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia).

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.

The cause of plantar fasciitis is poorly understood. It is more common in runners and in people who are overweight.

At one point of time, plantar fasciitis was known as policeman's heel, because police who walked and stood all day were commonly effected. 

Massage therapists should not manipulate acute or swollen plantar fasciitis.  Pressing into swollen or acutely torn soft tissue could further tear the tissue.  

Scar tissue often develops during the healing process of plantar fasciitis.  It is essential to attempt to "break-down" and thin the scar tissue to prevent further tears.  This advanced hands-on massage therapy practice training video with plantar fasciitis is a helpful and beneficial practice to attempt to break-down scar tissue that develops after tearing and swelling, when the client enters their chronic or sub-acute phase of plantar fasciitis.

To learn more, please register for training at: https://ceinstitute.com/ 

Corporate chair and onsite massage has moved to new types of offices, including poker tables for poker professionals and other gaming amateurs and experts in a casino. Enter massage.

Spending long hours at a casino table or slot machine can be "bad for the back". Luckily, massage therapists can now work in many casinos, and provide massage therapy services to casino patrons and staff.

In this chair massage training video, licensed massage therapist Kelley Stead of Winning Hands will share the basics of casino chair massage is offered in professional setting:

To learn more, please attend and complete CE Institute LLC's regular chair massage training at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/chair-massage-event-work

#casinomasasge #casino #pokermassage #chairmassage #onsitemassage #corporatemassage #painrelief #backmassage #massagetherapy #lmt #mt #massage #massagetherapist

Onsite chair massage is known to boost employee morale, attendance and productivity as well as relieve pain and stress. It is the perfect wellness perk to offer in turbulent times, especially at work. Studies have found that employee attendance was greater during days when massage was offered at the office.  Onsite chair massage is also much less expensive than some of the other benefits that employers have been recently providing to keep their staff happy.

Some massage recipients may be seeking chair massage at work for low back pain, however, working the low back can be difficult sometimes when providing services in a corporate chair.

In this training video, we will demonstrate knee knocking, which works the clients hips, and is provided while the massage therapist is standing behind the client. Knee knocking is an efficient method to work on the lower back, while preserving a massage therapist's body mechanics to make the physical work - easier for the therapists.

Keep in mind that practitioners work at their own risk, and any training that we offer to practitioners does not guarantee perfection nor will it eliminate risk of injury to the practitioner or client.  Please attend and complete CE Institute LLC's regular chair massage training in any of our regular classes to help improve your practical outcomes by registering for any one of these chair massage classes: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/chair-massage-event-work

#lowbackmassage #chairmassage #onsitemassage #corporatemassage #painrelief #backmassage #massagetherapy #lmt #mt #massage #massagetherapist

J-stroking is one of the earliest, and most basics strokes of myofascial release. Alphabet stroking was created by CE Institute LLC founder Selena Belisle, and was born and enhanced from the practice of J-stroking.

In this myofascial release instructor demonstration training video, you'll view how both J-stroking and alphabet stroking are applied to the skin and underlying soft tissues.

Myofascial release j-stroking and alphabet stroking are part of the superficial warm-up techniques that are applied prior to deeper work.

To learn more, please register for training at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/myofascial-release 

#jstroking #j-stroking #stretching #painrelief #medical #healthcare #myofascialrelease #generalmassage #massagetherapy #lmt #mt #massage #massagetherapist

Greater research studies are showing the efficacy of bolstering clients with swelling, particularly during the practice of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

Manual lymphatic drainage utilizes light-pressure manual manipulation of the skin and underlying tissues to promote the movement of lymphatic fluid, usually from one area to another towards lymphatic node regions. MLD is not to be confused with a traditional massage, especially given the pressure and work directions can be quite different in MLD. 

To learn more, specifically in how to apply manual lymphatic drainage, please register for one of our MLD classes at:  https://ceinstitute.com/collections/lymphatics.  Home study classes are immediately available 24/7, until your course access expires.

In this training video, we will show you the order in which to bolster extremities (both arms and legs) during MLD practice: 

#bolstering #bolsteringtechniques #orthopedics #orthopedicsurgery #MLD #manuallymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainage #bodywork #bodyworker #massage #massagetherapist #mt #LMT #lymphedema #postsurgical #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgery #swelling #edema #chronicswelling #lmt #licensemassagetherapist #massagetherapist #physicaltherapist

Strumping is also an active release technique, which is additionally called "ART". There is active movement on the behalf of the client, and the practitioner will then apply pressure and movement with their own hand, fist, elbow or othet tool, to manipulate the underlying soft tissue. We are STRipping soft tissues while a joint is PUMPING, moving back and forth through its normal range of motion.

Strumping is regularly practice in neuromuscular therapy, medical and sports massage therapies, and more, but can be used in almost any general massage therapy session.

To view and practice strumping, you can register in any of our neuromuscular or sports massage trainings at:  https://ceinstitute.com/ Home study courses are in instantly available after purchase and accessible 24/7, until your paid course access expires.

Here is an instructor demonstration of strumping hands-on practice: 

#SportsMassage #SwedishMassage #activerelease #activereleasetechnique #art #strumping #stretching #increaseROM #painrelief #medical #healthcare #myofascialrelease  #generalmassage #massagetherapy #lmt #mt #massage #massagetherapist

Some oncology clients worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true. Instead, research has shown that cancer does not spread through increased circulation through a brisk walk or hot shower, therefore, cancer would not spread through similar increased circulation from a circulatory massage.

That does not mean that there are not special precautions and contraindications when providing massage therapy to clients who have had cancer, or are currently fighting cancer or are in terminal hospice. Practitioners should avoid massaging any area that is receiving active radiation treatments.  Do not massage areas where the skin is broken, bleeding or bruised.

Practitioners should avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a build-up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly. This might be a result of surgery to remove the lymph nodes, or damage to the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels from radiotherapy.  There is a specific type of massage used for lymphedema called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

Complete oncology training should be completed prior to practicing massage on those who have cancer to review these precautions, contraindications and more.  You can find oncology bodywork and massage training at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/oncology

In this video, we'll review some oncology terms that might be helpful when working with people who have cancer: 

#bodywork #oncologymassage #oncology #cancer #oncologytreatments #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #oncologybodywork #bodywork #bodyworker #massageissafe #safetyfirst 

REFLEXOLOGY CHART DEPICTIONS

Some reflexology charts are old. Some are new. Regardless of age of a reflexology chart, there is no credible scientific evidence that shows one chart being more effective than another.

Never use a reflexology chart without expressed owner permission. Unauthorized use of a reflexology chart is unethical and could also be considered illegal use. Lawsuits could prevail when someone uses copyrighted materials without permission.

ALL foot reflexology charts show the bottoms of the feet. Some charts will also show the tops and sides of the feet too. Some reflexology charts are old. Some are new.

Reflexology Points That are of General Agreement

In a reflexology chart, the sole of the foot should match a map of the human body:

• Reflex points for the head would be found in the toes.
• Reflex points for the chest would be found in the ball of the foot.
• Reflex points for the organ area would be found in the arch of the foot, under the ball and before the heel.
• Reflex points for the pelvic area would be found in the bottom of the foot, or in and around the heel.

Eunice Ingham credited as the original creator of a specific reflex point foot chart. In Ingham’s chart, what’s important to note is she created a map of the foot in much greater detail than previously held. Individual reflex points for organs were not a customary part of the original foot zone therapy. These organ reflex points, which are now commonly depicted in foot reflexology charts, are largely contributed to Ingham’s work.

It is estimated that over 100-foot reflexology charts have been created since Ingham’s original depiction of foot reflex points. While most foot reflexology charts do not match, common similarities have created industry standards.

Foot reflexology charts follow a map of the human body. The top of the body is depicted in the toes and the lower body reflex points are depicted in the lower heel of the foot.

Charts should show a left and right foot. The spleen is found on the left side of the body and the gall bladder is found on the right-hand side of the body. These spleen and gallbladder reflex points should be depicted in their respective areas of the left and right feet.

Charts usually would not depict an organ that is primarily located on one side of the body on both feet, or the opposite foot from where the organ is located.

For complete reflexology training, please visit and register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/reflexology

Here is a free instructor training video teaching more about foot reflexology charts and depictions:

#reflexology #footreflexology #reflexologychart #footchart #footreflexologycharts #massage #massagetherapist #bodyworker #massagetherapy #foot #feet #footmassage 

The following is a general list of medical conditions where massage and bodywork is generally not advised/contraindicated.  Seek a physician’s advice about an individual’s specific medical condition PRIOR to providing bodywork.

Active Chicken Pox: Highly Contagious Virus – usually includes excessive skin lesions and broken skin. 

Cellulitis: Commonly Cause by a Bacterial Skin Infection 

Fever: Possible infection in the body (and potentially infectious to the therapist and their clients)

Flu/Influenza: Viral Infection of Respiratory System. HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS.

Impetigo: Bacterial Infection of the Skin.  Rash with fluid-filled blisters. HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. Ensure all lesions are healed before massage can be considered.

Infections and/or Inflammations: Appendicitis, Bronchitis, Fungal, etc.

Someone recovering from a recent infection (i.e. bronchitis) may be “okay” for massage.  It is always best to check with their physician FIRST, prior to providing bodywork. Discontinue bodywork services immediately if client with recent infection or inflammation shows any signs of medical or physical distress.

Lymphangitis: Infection of Lymph Capillaries

Meningitis: Infection of the Meninges. Viral Meningitis is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS.

Pneumonia: Infection in the lungs.

The Pneumonia itself may not be contagious; however, the microorganisms that caused the pneumonia could be HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. Anyone in respiratory distress is most likely contraindicated for bodywork services – check with a physician for greater information and direction.

Scabies, Mites & Lice: Parasitic Infection – HIGHLY SPREADABLE. No contact should be made until infestation is completely eradicated

Systemic Swelling/Edema: Individual could have serious organ failure, infection or other serious medical illness for systemic swelling. Obtain physician’s diagnosis, direction and approval with these clients.

Active Tuberculosis: Bacterial Infection that usually begins in the lungs but can infect other areas of the body. HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS when active. Generally considered not contagious in latent stage. Can lay dormant/latent/non-contagious for years. Seek physician approval and direction for “latent” infected clients who are coughing, or for any other concerns. 

This is a partial list of massage contraindications. For more information, please register for training with us on this website! 

To learn more, you can register for training at https://ceinstitute.com/

#massage #massagetherapy #massageprecautions #massagecontraindications