I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

[Abby Berlin]

I have been out of school for almost a year (I did do an internship while in school though). I have only ever done spa massage in a professional setting. I know somebody who has a lot of influence with a physical therapist who says that she could perhaps get me some work there. The thing is I don't know what it's like working at an office like that. I feel like I might be rusty on all the knowledge needed pertaining to that sort of environment.

How long would I work on somebody? Is it just on their specific areas? What skills/techniques should I be great with? Is there a workshop, book, DVD...etc that would be sufficient in getting me back up to speed since school and beyond?

Thanks.

 

[cam can help]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

Wow- I can't answer your questions, but it sounds like a great opportunity for you. I'm sure that even if you started out "rusty", you'd pick up/learn a LOT while working there!

 

[Rachel <3]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

I know somebody who has a lot of influence with a physical therapist who says that she could perhaps get me some work there. The thing is I don't know what it's like working at an office like that. I feel like I might be rusty on all the knowledge needed pertaining to that sort of environment.

It would be a good opportunity if you are interested in that type of work.

I'd suggest to ask to shadow someone in the clinic for a month or so, even if you don't get offered/or take a job... just to get some new info and a feel for that type of environment.

 

[John T]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

That's an interesting idea, thanks. I'll see what I can do about that. It definately would be nice experience with no strings attached. I am interested in that work. I love spa work but I always get a nice satisfying feeling after helping someone with specific problems. I would love to do both and I can't see why not. I guess since I'm new to the field I happen to have so many curiousities in the different fields.

 

[traveller]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

LOL - I think that you would need to get an interview FIRST to see if this would be a good fit.

In our area PT's do not hire MT's- They hire PTA's (physical therapy assistants).
(There is some competition here in that PT's do not want MT's to do therapeutic work and have lobbied to get some restrictive wording written into our Massage Licensing bill - not a good thing.)

My thought is that this is the type of position they are looking to fill (PTA) and you would work under the PT's direction - supervising and assisting in prescribed exercises.

If the PT clinic wants to offer relaxation massage to the clients then you probably have a good shot.
Otherwise you would need training in Orthopedic Massage and/or something like Cranio-Sacral Therapy.
PT's and DC's bill out in units for insurance - 15minute increments. Typical sessions when I worked for a DC were 15-30min area specific.

 

[dew1glass]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

LOL - I think that you would need to get an interview FIRST to see if this would be a good fit.

Agreed. Interview see if the clinic has the right atmosphere for you. Are the other staff welcoming of you? Do the patients seem to be happy? What is their reason for wanting to hire a MT?

If the PT clinic wants to offer relaxation massage to the clients then you probably have a good shot.
Otherwise you would need training in Orthopedic Massage and/or something like Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

Myofascial Release, in particular the John Barnes Approach, might also be a good fit. Many PTs and PTAs, as well as MTs are trained in his work. I have a MT friend who is actually going back to college to become a PTA. She's seriously thinking about taking MFR to make her even more of an asset to a PT clinic.

 

[TerminallyPretty]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

LOL - I think that you would need to get an interview FIRST to see if this would be a good fit.

Agreed. Interview see if the clinic has the right atmosphere for you. Are the other staff welcoming of you? Do the patients seem to be happy? What is their reason for wanting to hire a MT?

If the PT clinic wants to offer relaxation massage to the clients then you probably have a good shot.
Otherwise you would need training in Orthopedic Massage and/or something like Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

Myofascial Release, in particular the John Barnes Approach, might also be a good fit. Many PTs and PTAs, as well as MTs are trained in his work. I have a MT friend who is actually going back to college to become a PTA. She's seriously thinking about taking MFR to make her even more of an asset to a PT clinic.

Ummmm... better suss out the PT clinic and learn their attitudes towards various types of bodywork. Some absolutely LOATHE John Barnes MFR and Cranio-sacral Therapy. The more you know, the better you can prepare.

 

[Draya]

I now have a connection to PT who hires MTs.

Ummmm... better suss out the PT clinic and learn their attitudes towards various types of bodywork. Some absolutely LOATHE John Barnes MFR and Cranio-sacral Therapy. The more you know, the better you can prepare.

I Totally agree - a LOT of them HATE that MT's do Orthopedic Massage too. Again - and it may just be in our area - the PT's have a kind of "territorial" attitude and do not want MT's working on "their" patients.

My feeling is that if you are a massage therapist then do THAT work - unless you want to be a PT or PTA - then use it as a stepping stone.

I LOVE the freedom of being a massage therapist!