Page 203 - Massage Therapy School Program
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Presentation Outline: Self-Care Strategies
Introduction: This presentation will help therapists increase their professional longevity and achieve a higher level of health and fitness through stretching and strength training exercises. This presentation will also show therapists how to perform massage therapy treatments more effectively and easily.
Slide Notes and discussion questions
Self-Care Strategies – Presentation Outline
1.
Self-Care Strategies for the Massage Therapist, developed for Performance Health by Teresa M. Matthews LMT, CPT
2.
As health care professionals, we take care of others and tend to put ourselves on the “back burner.” The objective of this session is to understand the importance of taking care of ourselves to prevent burn out and help ensure a long and successful career. We’ll also cover the subject of using a topical analgesic for pain relief. View introduction video.
3.
In order to bring the body back to balance (Homeostasis), we will lengthen our tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles.
4.
A daily self-care routine can help massage therapists prevent injury and burnout, and maintain a long, healthy and successful career.
5.
In looking at the body as a whole, one must understand there are five aspects of fitness to consider.
Muscle Strength/Endurance
Flexibility/Stretching
Cardio
Balance
Body Composition
6.
Before we stretch, a warm up is necessary. Stretching alone is not a warm up.
7.
As with any exercise program, the stretches and strengthening movements in this presentation should be conducted after clearance by a medical professional. Proceed at your own pace; respect your personal limits.
8.
Before we begin, we need to warm the muscles. Jog in place for approximately three minutes to get the blood flowing and the body warm.
9.
Moving in the transverse plane, look to the right and then to the left. Then move in the coronal plane, dropping your right ear to your right shoulder. Repeat on opposite side (dropping your left ear to your left shoulder).
10.
Posterior neck stretch. Start in a neutral position—ears above shoulders. Drop chin to chest without moving shoulders or back forward. Exhale as you drop your chin.
©January 2013, P05507, Rev. 1
