At last!

[JasonE]

In the USA, massage and bodywork certification requirements vary by state, county, or even by municipality (as in MN). This leaves very large loopholes that permit unqualified and potentially dangerous individuals to work as therapists. The highest uniform standard of certification in the USA is NCTMB (National Certification Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) status, as opposed to lesser (and often misrepresented) LMT, CMT, DMT, etc. standards. In general, a nationally certified practitioner is more likely to be competent and committed to professional excellence than the average practitioner.

Yesterday I learned that I passed the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork! :) Taking the exam and retaining the certification require a significant commitment of money, time, and ongoing professional development. Attaining the cert is only the beginning, and I look forward to deepening my understanding of bodywork as I continue to improve as a therapist.

For more info on NCTMB practitioners, go to:
https://www.ncbtmb.com/consumers_guide.htm

[Coach Bentz]

Congratulations, Jason! It takes more than a little energy to study for that test.

Has its focus narrowed? When i took it in '03, they were still throwing in stray questions about acupuncture meridians and concepts from other systems, like polarity therapy. Interesting to have them test you on how broad your training is. (My favorite question from my test I can't post, not because I fear retribution from NCTMB, but I'm afraid Jarlo will read it and hurt himself laughing! :D )

[Kathryn Woodall]

Congratulations, Jason!

[Chuck Kechter]

Congratulations Jason! Well done!

[JasonE]

Thanks for the congrats, everyone! It feels good to share this with you all!:)


Congratulations, Jason! It takes more than a little energy to study for that test.

Has its focus narrowed? When i took it in '03, they were still throwing in stray questions about acupuncture meridians and concepts from other systems, like polarity therapy. Interesting to have them test you on how broad your training is. (My favorite question from my test I can't post, not because I fear retribution from NCTMB, but I'm afraid Jarlo will read it and hurt himself laughing! :D )

There are currently two tests available, the NCETM (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage) and the NCETMB (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage AND Bodywork). The NCETM focuses strictly on massage therapy as based upon (generally) western principles.

The NCETMB also includes testing on material based upon principles found in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and so forth. This version has been around longer and is more well known, plus it covers a broader range of treatment modalities. If someone prefers to use TCM, Ayurveda, or energy-based methods, this is the version to take. I do not currently utilize such methods in my practice, but it seemed more challenging, and I learned much in the process of preparing.

[vvvooo]

Congratulations, Jason!

[Coach Simon]

Congratulations Jason!

[TonyB]

Congrats Jason! Time, money, and effort well spent!

[JasonE]

Thanks, guys! :)

Now that I've got that accomplished, I am getting registered for advanced training in additional therapeutic modalities. There are a number of methods I plan to study, and it has been hard to choose which one to pursue first. This August I will take an intensive course in Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening taught by Aaron Mattes (www.stretchingusa.com (http://www.stretchingusa.com)). AIS is a powerful approach widely used by trainers and bodyworkers all over the world, and complements CST very well.

[JayBell]

Thanks, guys! :)

Now that I've got that accomplished, I am getting registered for advanced training in additional therapeutic modalities. There are a number of methods I plan to study, and it has been hard to choose which one to pursue first. This August I will take an intensive course in Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening taught by Aaron Mattes (www.stretchingusa.com (http://www.stretchingusa.com)). AIS is a powerful approach widely used by trainers and bodyworkers all over the world, and complements CST very well.

What other continued ed are you planning on doing, Jason?

[JasonE]

My short list includes Neuro-Muscular Therapy (NMT), Positional Release, Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage... :) That ought to take me... oh, about 4-8 years, but they complement one another very well, and that may speed things along. My professional library is already growing.

[JayBell]

My short list includes Neuro-Muscular Therapy (NMT), Positional Release, Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage... :) That ought to take me... oh, about 4-8 years, but they complement one another very well, and that may speed things along. My professional library is already growing.

hehe...your list and my list are almost identical ;) Well done on the national cert!

[Joseph David]

Jason,
Congatulations on expanding your career.
If you plan on focusing on structral bodywork, I would put Strain Counter Strain and Muscle Energy Technique at the top of the list. With those tools you can solve 90% of structral issues. If you really want to be ahead of the curve, learn to use muscle testing and clear reactive patterns.
Good luck!!
Next time we are at a seminar we should make time to exchange bodywork:)

[JasonE]

Jay - Sounds like you and I are on a very similar page. Right now I'm reading through some of Dr. Leon Chaitow's works and wishing I had a larger fraction of his knowledge. :) I'll probably never be an osteopath, but most of his published material on bodywork is within my grasp anyway.

Oh yeah, I forgot to include Strain Counter Strain in my list. Thanks for the reminder, Joseph! :) And yeah, I'd love to exchange some bodywork when opportunity allows. Your skills are excellent, and I would love to discuss your particular approach in more detail now that I have a better grasp of bodywork in general.

[JayBell]

Jason,
Congatulations on expanding your career.
If you plan on focusing on structral bodywork, I would put Strain Counter Strain and Muscle Energy Technique at the top of the list. With those tools you can solve 90% of structral issues. If you really want to be ahead of the curve, learn to use muscle testing and clear reactive patterns.
Good luck!!
Next time we are at a seminar we should make time to exchange bodywork:)

Good to know, Joseph. That's exactly the line of work I'm getting in to now, so that helps volumes!