Welcome to our new site! Take a look around and let us know how what you think. Register to receieve our newsletters and keep up with what is going on at the Tennessee School of Massage.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

SPORTS MASSAGE      

By Cissie Pryor June 3, 2010                                                          

Sports massage is one of the top specialties in massage therapy.  Sports massage is the application of specific techniques used at specific times.  A good sports massage therapist will take into account the athlete’s training schedules, rehabilitation schedule, the goals of his exercise whether it is for recreation or professional, his over all health and bio-mechanics, and financial responsibilities.  Repetitive movements are predictable, and in an athlete’s muscles are well defined textural patterns that will also affect their tendons and ligaments.  If a client is finishing a race or preparing for a race, sports massage therapist understands when and when not to massage a sore muscle and specific techniques that can be used to treat tendinitis, adhesions, trigger points and how to prevent their return.  Delayed muscle soreness, which can occur up to three days later, may be treated long before it develops and timing, again is important.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER                                             

Sports massage also depends on the amount of massage an athlete has had.  Very hard working athletes often fear massage because their initial relaxation response may have been too overwhelming.  They feel sluggish, other athletes cramp or tense up, and muscle guard when first being touched.  It’s a massage therapist’s responsibility to define an athlete’s previous experience and assist in transitioning the athletic from exertion to relaxation.                                                                

Trust of the massage therapist is also important.  Athletes need to trust that they are not going to be hurt.  Relaxing means, “letting go”, and this is important for the athlete to become fully restored.  Most athletes will see the same therapist for months at a time and many will see the same therapist year after year.  Working together weekly will allow the massage therapist to know the athlete’s preferences in massage techniques and will help in knowing trouble spots and potential problems.  Familiarity between the athlete and the massage therapist creates an important bond that will often give an athlete the edge in their sport.                             

Training schedules for the professional athletes are governed by the trainers, coaches, and the sport itself.  Massage therapy has to be scheduled and the best time is during the precious down time, which often competes with the athlete’s family time.  It is not an easy schedule.  Recreational athletes generally have less demanding schedules and there is more freedom to experiment with the “best time” for massage therapy.                                                                                            

The three stages in sports massage evolve around the competition or heavy workouts.  Pre-event and Post-event massage can both can be done on-site at the sports competition and maintenance is done in a private facility.  Most people are familiar with post-event. Massage is done thirty minutes to six hours after an athlete’s activity.  People love the way massage feels after they have worked really hard and seeing a group of tables and well-trained therapists on-site is part of the fun.  Pre-event massage is usually performed six to twenty-four hours before the training or competition and is done in a private clinic.  Maintenance massage, the most importance to athletes, is timed forty-eight hours before or after the activity.  In a clinic, a blend of general soreness reduction, and specific work, it addresses the problem areas and it is a time when the athlete can relax fully with no distractions.  This is the time to bring full recovery and promote healthy muscles by reviewing chronic areas of soreness, pain, spasm and common tension patterns that could lead to injury.  Sports massage therapy has many benefits, reducing muscle soreness, recovery time, preventing and treating athletic injuries and helping to enhance performance. For true care of the body the smallest amount of care can create a whole new, incredible possibility. Sports massage helps athletes learn about their bodies and they will notice the changes in their training and the effect the choices they make have on their bodies. Sports massage is about education and injury prevention.                                                                                       

The Hypnosis Option

The first steps towards better health, better performance, better living. Get what you want straight in your mind.

Cissie Pryor first developed an interest in hypnosis while working as a nurse at a psychiatric in-patient facility during the 1980’s. After formalizing her training, she was accepted into the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (1985).

During the course of her practice, Cissie discovered that many clients had a “hypnosis phobia,” which prevented clients from fully realizing the benefits of hypnotherapy. As a result of this discovery, Cissie prepares each client in a relaxing, enjoyable manner, allowing even the most fearful clients to respond and “let go.”

What you will discover:

¨How hypnosis increases and improves feelings of wellness and security.

¨How to overcome phobias to learning.

¨How to use hypnosis for stress reduction, pain control, improving memory recall.

Many people also work with Cissie to lose weight, excel at sports, and stopping smoking.

"Tennessee School of Massage was very helpful in helping me complete my continuing education needs.  Besides providing a comprehensive class, I was also given excellent information on the massage community in the Memphis area.  I look forward to continuing to work with Tennessee School of Massage"

Elizabeth Chambliss LMT, FL

I enjoyed the self-paced structure of the Law and Ethics classes (at Tennessee School of Massage).  Cissie Pryor did a wonderful job of answering our questions and thoroughly covered the information.  Cissie was patient and professional.  The courses were very affordable and i will continue to take my required classes here (Tennessee School of Massage)...

Kealoha Reange lyn Taylor, LMT

I highly recommend (Tennessee School of Massage) and Cissie Pryor and staff for (massage school) continuing education credits.  Her classes are very organized and informative and the presentation is clear and professional.  Questions are encouraged and answered with a clear explanation.  Materials is also presented with some entertainment value to keep the classes interesting!

Kristi Privett, LMT

I really enjoyed the "Law and Ethics" continuing education classes at Tennessee School of Massage.  The classes were very educational and informative.  The instructor, Cissie Pryor, was Great; Professional and very accurate.  Both classes were conducted in a timely manner.  I will definitely take classes here in the future.  Thanks a lot!

Tracey Clayton LMT

SPA-MASSAGE

If you think that spas are fat farms, or pamper parlors for the rich and famous, take another look.  It’s easy to be confused about spas.  Checking out your local phone book under the heading of “Spas” we find ads for hot tubs, health resorts, even  hotel amenities.  Spa owners, big and small, recognize the potential for growth in the wellness industry, and massage is the most popular “spa service” in the spa world.  The spa environment is what sets the massage style.  Each spa has its theme and signature treatment.  Massage therapists are a part of a working team that services a variety of client needs.  What is the spa “experience”?  Here are some important suggestions for getting your “spa massage”.                                                    

1)  The room environment- The massage room should be a retreat from the real world and its disrupting tensions.  It should be warm or cool enough to be comfortable in bare skin.  The lights should be soft. The noise should be eliminated or barely noticeable, except for soothing music.  Music should be optional; sometimes, quiet can help to focus inward and fully experience what is happening to your body.                               

2)  Turn off cell phones.  Once a treatment begins, a phone or other interruptions, destroy the concentrated mood you want to create and maintain.                                                 

3) The table you are lying on should be comfortable and you should adjust your body for comfort. The table may be heated and a bolster under the knee will take strain from your back.  Clean sheets, towels should provide privacy and allow you to feel secure.

4)  Fragrance in the air is often a spa’s signature.  Most spas select aromas carefully however, if you have allergies to a particular family of smells, let the staff know.  Massage oils come in both scented and unscented so let the therapist’s know if you have a preference. 

5)  Wear loose and comfortable clothes to and from your spa massage, you want the relaxation to continue once you leave ,and often you may not feel up to putting on form fitting garments.  Always wear clothing that will not be ruined by massage oils, preferably cotton, fabrics you can wash.                                     

WHEN NOT TO GET A SPA MASSAGE                                        

 It is wise to postpone a spa massage when you are experiencing any of the following:

1) nausea

2) fever

3) a bacterial or viral infection, such as pneumonia or flu

4) open wounds

5) recent surgeries

6) heart  conditions

7) during cancer therapies.   

It is sometimes tempting to think a good massage may “make me feel better” when your under the weather.  This is usually a false notion as underlying medical conditions could worsen making massage prohibitive.  The sick client should definitely be left in the hands of a professional doctor.                                               

In this fast paced, high-tech world, it is easy to get “out of touch”—literally without the stimulation and nourishment of skin contact, we suffer mentally and physically and our resistance to disease is lowered.  Spa massage is one way to escape and be pampered.                                                           

FINDING A SPA MASSAGE – Memphis, TN

There is a tremendous broad market of spas to experience.  Word of mouth is by far the most popular way.  Spa Finder and ISPA offer both information and education about spa massage.  Whatever resource used, a spa massage can be a positive, healthful experience.                                              

REIKI                                                                                               

Reiki , a Japanese system of energy healing was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui.  Reiki is not massage therapy, but often massage therapists learn Reiki .  There are training levels that lead up to a Reiki Master.   Massage therapists often will combine Reiki therapy and their massage patterns to increase healing results.   Reiki is practiced in different ways.  The Reiki healing system is based on oriental and Indian beliefs that include energy centers in the body known as chakras.   There are seven major chakra centers in the body.   Imbalances in these centers may indicate potential health problems.  In the hands of a Reiki practitioner, problem areas may feel cool, “full” or warm.   Clients may already hold discomfort and can tell the practitioner where more work is needed.   Energy healing has been used world wide for thousands of years.  Reiki treatments are one hundred percent safe; they do not incur any side effects or injuries.   Clients describe different sensations.   Many feel deeply relaxed, warm, some feel a gentle tingling.  Energy work involves simple touching rather than stroking.   Reiki practitioners may choose to use non-touch.   The therapist always uses both hands, either merely resting them in specific places, or rhythmically moving them across the body.   These movements are designed to release obstructions to the free flow of energy through the body, allowing the person to return to a healthy energy state.                                            

HISTORY OF ENERGY WORK                                                           

In looking back, the underlying principle of Asian bodywork as well as those in the Middle East, and ancient India, all the traditions believe in a subtle form of life energy that permeates the body and gives it health, and the understanding that disease is a result of obstruction to the flow of energy.   Through modern physiology we can see that these seven chakras correspond exactly to the seven main nerve ganglia which emanate from the spinal column.  The Japanese practice of Reiki –rei ,meaning spiritual wisdom and ki, energy- developed in the early 20^th century making it a relatively new form of energy work.   All the principles are based on energy flows along a pathway in the body.   Certain points (chakras or meridians) control corresponding areas of the body.   Reiki practitioners take classes to achieve “ attunement” so they can properly work with these energy pathways thus effecting the client’s energy.  Different skill levels, divide the practitioners into three categories, level one is Reiki practitioner, level two is a Reiki practitioner two, and the third level is Master Reiki.                                                       

WHAT TO EXPECT                                                                                 

Reiki treatments generally begin at the head and work through the seven different chakras.   The hand placements are in a pattern that coincides with the seven major chakras or energy centers of the physical body.   The energy of healing is sent through the channels of the practitioner into the client.   During this treatment you will remain in your clothing, there is no need for skin contact because the energy field emanates beyond our bodies.   Treatments vary in length of time depending on the practitioner.   It is commonly used for stress disorders, pain management and is being researched in numerous diseases including cancer.   Depending on the client and the illness being treated you may see results immediately or over a period of extended time.  Clients need to be sure they are seeing a certified Reiki practitioner.   Energy work isn’t something you have to believe in and anyone open to the idea of receiving these treatments may want to themselves study Reiki.     

Why  Infant Massage??? 

Nature begins infant massage before the baby leaves the womb.  The womb caresses, surrounds him/her with warmth, and as he/she develops, the womb contracts and rhythmically squeezes and pushes and massively stimulates the unborn’s skin and organ systems.  For the human infant, the contractions of labor provide some of the same type of preparation for the functioning of the internal organs, as early licking of newborns, does for animals.

Massaging babies enhances the bond between parent & infant, and the father’s experience of gentle contact, one he often misses, is enhanced by an  infant massage routine.  Infant massage reduces tension, fussiness, congestion and colic.  It provides gentle exercise and stretching of the baby’s muscles and helps to develop a healthy, happy and stress free personality in the baby.

BENEFITS  

Wrapping the baby in a blanket mimics in-utero conditions, allowing them to feel comfort and security. Our culture is very fast paced and babies need those around to slow their pace so there is a healthy atmosphere for their growth and development.  Colic, often results from a highly sensitive system, infant massage helps these children relax and moves the gas through the intestines.  Stress is the primary cause of many digestive disturbances, and during the massage infants may relieve gas. The more massage the infant receives the more healing of gastric problems.  Sleep disturbances are also addressed by soothing the muscle tugs that accompany bone grow and restless infants find peace from erratic sleep patterns.  Infant massage slows the heart rate and the infant breathes more evenly, allowing the infant to rest more fully.

SETTING THE SCENE  

For the results to occur, you need to create a soothing, non-stimulating environment. Warm the room and wrap the infant in a blanket, thus giving them a sense of boundaries similar to those the infant experienced in utero.  Talk to the infant and play gentle relaxing music or sounds.  Use a warm olive oil, safe, if baby puts its fingers in his mouth.  It takes about 2-3 tablespoons.  Start very slowly and calmly, massage with a moderate pressure to avoid tickling the infant.  Watch the infant, he will give feedback and will give you signs that he is not comfortable. Infants will usually make eye contact when they feel connected and will coo and often drift into a sleep as they enjoy the massage.  Treating the infant with respect will get you the best results.  Approach the child by name, use the term massage each time so he can make a connection. Observe the child’s response.  An upset baby, a baby looking away or avoiding your gaze, or pushing away, frowning, or crying is a baby not enjoying the massage and should not be receiving one at that particular time.  Wait it out, the benefit and the gift of infant massage can correct the birth trauma and the under lying fear of touch.  You get past their fears by respectfully acknowledging their feelings of insecurity.  Introduce different aspects of the massage one stimulation at a time.  Using a gradual progression, the infant can accommodate a new sensory stimulation.                                                                          

 The greatest service you can do for a baby is to nurture loving touch.  Babies listen with their skin, they listen as their mothers and fathers listen to them. It is better for human development if infants are surrounded by a state of peace and what better way than parents learning the art and care of infant massage.                                                                     

ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE—A MODIFIED VERSION OF ACUPUNCTURE 

 Acupressure is a form of massage that replaces the use of needles with massage techniques.  Acupressure is a light application of pressure applied for 3-5 seconds. The therapist uses their thumbs, index fingers, middle fingers, palms, as required on an individual basis.  The purpose of this massage is to prevent and modify the perception of pain or create bodily harmony which contributes to good health. Acupressure is an ancient healing art.  Finger pressure is used on key points to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities.  It encourages the release of muscular tension, increased circulation of blood, and the flow of the body’s vital life force (chi) simply by pressing these special points.  Like acupuncture, acupressure accesses the energy of the body through the points and meridian pathways-to influence the health and wellbeing of a person.  Acupressure views the state of the whole body and symptoms expressed are seen as a total view of the health and welling being of that individual.  If you treat a person’s back pain you relieve the pain in the local area and can reestablish the feeling of wellbeing over the entire body. If there is no longer back pain there will be a decreasing stress and strain in other areas of the body and the mental stress will be decreased as well.

ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE 

Used to stimulate physical structures of the body, such as the muscles, circulation, lymphatic (immune system), nervous system, it is primary purpose is to balance the flow of vital energy or the life force. Acupressure stimulates entire sequences or series of connected points all over the body, treating the body like a super highway and releasing blocked areas that may lead to further pain and illness.  Acupressure is a great preventive therapy as well as a treatment for existing problems.   It is useful for all individuals with or without pain.  It can be done through clothing, sitting or lying on a massage table.                                                                                                  

WHAT TO EXPECT                                                                                                                   

If a client is seated in a chair the acupressure massage will focus on the neck, upper and outer shoulders, and upper back between the shoulders, areas that often are tense from prolonged desk work or travel.  If a client is lying down the focus will be over areas of discomfort or areas of concern.   The amount of pressure and the correct sequence and location of the acupressure points will determine how beneficial the treatment.  The therapist will move from light rubbing to soft kneading which will “milk” the muscles and prepare the acupressure points.  Areas where pressure is applied directly will use a steady pressing that calms and relaxes hyper tense nerves.  Tapping rhythmically with hands and fingers also help to trigger acupressure points and help nerves and muscles relax.                                                                                                                                           

ACUPRESSURE STIMULATES ISOLATED POINTS OR COMBINATIONS OF POINTS TO TREAT PARTICULAR DISORDERS. 

 The ranges of disorders are broad and many psychological problems (stress) can be associated with physical manifestations of disease, making acupressure a easy choice for anyone wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.                                                                               

CLIENT ASSESSMENTS – WHERE DO WE BEGIN                                                                                  

Acupressure massage will depend on 1) the background of the complaint,2) specific symptoms, and how long these symptoms have been going on, 3)are they getting better or worse,4) what are the possible causes.  The personal history is also important, include past ailments, surgeries, drugs, injuries, traumatic emotional experiences.                                                   

CHECKLIST FOR SCHEDULING A SESSION                                                                                 1) Wear comfortable clothing.   Clothing should be loose and non-binding.                                      

2) Determine what you want from the session. Having an idea will enable the therapist to focus on what your expectations are.         

3) Let the therapist know if you prefer deep or mild pressure.                                                         

4) Plan enough time to relax after the session.  Find out how much time the session will last and schedule extra time, preferably enough time to deeply relax. This will help the body to further balance itself.                                                                                                      

5) Never eat a big meal before an acupressure session.  When the stomach is full, it is difficult for energy to flow through it.  If you need to eat, do so no closer than one hour, and eat lightly.  Avoid alcoholic beverages.                                                                                                                               

6) Avoid any treatment when a fever is present.                                                                                              

THE STUDY AND TREATMENT OF ACUPRESSURE IS A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT BRANCH OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE                                                                                Acupressure treatment is based on science and is a valid medical therapy.  Oriental medical philosophy treats individuals instead of masses and the symptoms of the disease are interpreted on the basis of the patient’s total conditions. Acupressure is defining the causes of sickness both internal and external.  The application of this therapy will identify the points, the energy flow patterns and a well design, well organized treatment for improved health.  Acupressure will give their treatments power and importance in the health care and massage industries.

HOT STONE MASSAGE

The integration of heated and chilled stones in massage therapy has become widely appreciated and accepted within the bodywork industry.  Hot stones become the extension of therapist’s hands and rely on the therapist’s knowledge and the client’s trust to be used properly as a healing tool.  The art of hot stone therapy is used in different ways with different body therapies.  In the practice of Ayurveda, stone therapy is connected to the earth element.  Ayurveda connects all healing to one of the five great elements.  “The stones of the earth are the bones of the great earth mother”.  By introducing stone massage the therapist helps to “ground” the energies for healing.  Reiki and hot stone massage combine dense and subtle forms of therapy.  Reiki stone therapy integrates heated stones over specific areas known as “chakras” under and around the body in a specific sequence.  During a Reiki stone treatment, the client is fully clothed and each stone is carefully “attuned” with selected Reiki symbols that have an affinity for each body part.  Hot stones combined with aromatherapy are a perfect union.  Essential oils are absorbed readily into the lymph and blood vessels to permeate every cell in the body.  Consequently, using goal specific oils, with deep pressure of heated, textured stones, glide along the body creating dramatic and profound results.  Hot stones are also useful in reflexology and placement of large, heated stones upon and underneath the body can open and release areas of congestion.  Stone Thai massage uses gentle, rhythmic rocking, deep compression, range of motion, yogic stretching and herbal compresses to integrate the healing powers of these two equal ancient body therapies.  Stone and compression therapy uses heated stones, and sandbags.  The sandbag compresses and initiates the relaxation response.  After the compression is removed, the body feels light and weightless-the hot stones melt the tension away-as it stretches and clears the body’s congestion.  Hot stones are also used in deep tissue and sports massage.  This requires the therapist to use an enormous amount of focus to stay tuned with the client’s pain threshold and the muscle’s texture. 

PRECAUTIONS:

• People who suffer from obesity, heart disease, varicose veins, or broken capillaries should check with a doctor before undergoing stone therapy.                                                       
• Clients with eczema, rashes, acne, psoriasis, or other skin abnormalities should probably not do stone therapy until their skin is clear.                                                                            
• Care should be used in clients with osteoporosis, ruptured, herniated, deteriorated disks.                                                       
• Avoid hot stones on clients experiencing menopausal symptoms.                                                                                
• Children, pregnant women and the elderly should be treated with less extreme temperatures, and more gentle pressure.        
• Avoid areas that are numb or clients on medication that may de-sensitize their body.                                                                    

• Clients with seizure disorders may need to check with their M.D. before receiving a hot stone therapy if their medications cause skin hypersensitivity.                                                        

• Avoid hot stones if taking antibiotics, accutane, or other medications that may cause hypersensitivity to heat on the skin.