We had such an amazing response to our blog entry that we decided to start this forum. Feel free to post any questions you have about our school, curriculum, massage therapy as a profession, health, diet, etc. Thank you so much for your interest in our school as well as learning about and educating others about massage therapy. Lorie

How long does it take to finish massage school? ~Elaine

Thanks for your question Elaine. Here are the basics:

DAY PROGRAM

Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Students can graduate in 22 weeks.This time frame takes into account a one week break and five excused absences.

Cost for this program including supplies is $5495.00

NIGHT PROGRAM

Monday-Thursday from 5:30 pm -10:30 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am - Noon.

Students can graduate in 24 weeks.This time frame takes into account a one week break and five excused absences.

Cost for this program including supplies is $5495.00

ACCELERATED PROGRAM

Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm.

Students can graduate in 12.5 weeks.

Cost for this program including supplies is $5995.00

FINANCIAL LOANS AVAILABLE

TSTM has been approved by Sallie Mae to be part of their Smart Loan Option program. These loans are available for all of our courses (massage therapy and reflexology). Call 1-888-271-5543 or visit them online at Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan to apply. If you have tried getting a loan through Sallie Mae or another financial institution, but were unable to borrow, we may be able to help you. Please contact our school's owner, George Sampsel, to see if you qualify: 865-588-7878 ext 18.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

18 years old High school diploma or GED An interview and completed application A signed enrollment agreement No previous crime conviction

Comment by wesley stringfield on December 05, 2011 - 10:18 AM

I've looked at other massage schools in Tennessee, and they offer business classes relating to massage therapy towards the end of the course so that one looking to start their own business of massage will know what to do and what choices are the right ones to start their own business. My question: Does TSTM offer these business classes as well?

Our Director's answer: In regards to this question: I've looked at other massage schools in Tennessee, and they offer business classes relating to massage therapy towards the end of the course so that one looking to start their own business of massage will know what to do and what choices are the right ones to start their own business. My question: Does TSTM offer these business classes as well?

We have our students go through a business/marketing plan. In this assignment students create a mission statement, design a business floor plan, make an equipment list, obtain insurance quotes for both malpractice and liability, obtain advertising quotes from both newspapers and magazines, create a 6 month and 1 year budget for all expenses. They also learn how to fill out an employment application, sample credit application, business license application, lease agreement, w-4, create an employee evaluation form and TN Massage Board Establishment License Application. We have had several successful graduates to open their own business. The owners of C & M Massage, Head to Toe and numerous others are all graduates from TSTM. We hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me directly: lorieann@tennesseeschoolofmassage.com Thanks for your interest in Massage therapy and our school!!

Comment by Ken on November 10, 2011 - 11:13 AM

I have horrible headaches almost everyday. What can I do to help stop them?

Our Director's response:


Ken there are several things you can do to help with your headaches. Look at your diet and try to cut down on excess sugar, salt and caffeine. Make sure your body is hydrated. So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.Receiving regular massage is another way to help.

For immediate relief try applying pressure to a popular acupressure point:

Hand acupressure point (Li 4):

Time needed: 2-3 minutes

Benefits: A major acupressure point to relieve general head and face pain, e.g. headache, toothache, sinus pain.

How: The point is located on both hands, about 3-4cm (1.5 inches) in from the edge of the webbing between your thumbs and index fingers. Put your left thumb on the right hand point and your left index finger on the other (palm) side of the webbing to create a pinching technique. Squeeze and massage the point in very small circular movements for 1-2 minutes. Repeat on the other hand.

Tips: Press and knead these points anytime you have pain in your head or face; close your eyes and focus on the points as you press them.

Note for female clients:Not to be pressed during pregnancy (particularly in last trimester) as it can stimulate uterine contractions.

Good luck with getting rid of those headaches! Our student clinic is now open in the mornings, Tue and Thur evenings: 865-588-2324

In regards to this question: Dear Lorie, I am currently a student of massage therapy and was wondering if there were any online reference material, either subscription or even better-free, that you would recommend to students to assist in our learning? Thank you in advance!

Thanks for asking Danyl! You will find tons and tons of online help and information about massage therapy. I'm a huge fan of following massage therapy and bodywork educators: Gil Hedley, Thomas Myers, Eric Dalton and the list goes on. They all have informative blogs you can read. I'm also a fan of Massage Magazine and Massage Today's website. You can also learn tons from Massagenerd.com. If you have $ to spend you can subscribe to Primapictures.com or invest in numerous iPad/iPhone anatomy apps. I hope this information helps!

A student recently asked me if arrector pili muscles were striated or non-striated (thanks Paige for helping me learn while you learn too). I had to dig around around and this is what I found:

The arrector pili muscle is a microscopic band of striated muscle tissue connecting the hair follicle to the dermis. When the arrector pili muscle is stimulated, usually due to cold or fright, it contracts and causes the hair to stand on end, i.e. become more perpendicular to the skin surface, forming goose pimples.

Unlike the hair, which is ectodermal in origin, the arrector pili muscle is a true dermal structure, deriving from embryonic mesoderm. Hair follicles in the scalp are grouped, forming well-defined anatomic structures known as follicular units, which are composed of several terminal hairs, the associated sebaceous glands and the arrector pili muscles. Recognition of these follicular units have allowed for successful and esthetically pleasing, 'natural-looking' hair transplants.

Reference: Richard Lee, M.D.

In regards to this question: Dear Lorie, I am currently a student of massage therapy and was wondering if there were any online reference material, either subscription or even better-free, that you would recommend to students to assist in our learning? Thank you in advance!

Thanks for asking Danyl! You will find tons and tons of online help and information about massage therapy. I'm a huge fan of following massage therapy and bodywork educators: Gil Hedley, Thomas Myers, Eric Dalton and the list goes on. They all have informative blogs you can read. I'm also a fan of Massage Magazine and Massage Today's website. You can also learn tons from Massagenerd.com. If you have $ to spend you can subscribe to Primapictures.com or invest in numerous iPad/iPhone anatomy apps. I hope this information helps!

Regarding Lynda's question: I was just wondering.....is 49 yrs of age too old to start a career as a LMT

Lynda we have had students and graduates of all ages come through our program. We teach you the proper body mechanics that enable you to work smarter, not harder. Our method of teaching Swedish massage teaches you to use gravity to your advantage and lean on your client, never push. We also teach you several different ways to find what type of routine works best for you. We use several tools to help you preserve the longevity of your career. Thank you so very much for asking your question. I'm sure there are others who were seeking the same answer!!

Lorie

Question from Sara D. on December 14th, 2011: I've been suffering from SAD all of my life. can massage help me feel better?

Sara, I'm so sorry to hear that you suffer from this disease. I think you are wise to seek help by utilizing the benefits of massage therapy. Here's a few:

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
Reduces mental stress
Promotes better sleep
Calms a bad temper
Induces mental relaxation
Improves concentration

Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy
Reduces anxiety
Enhances self-image
Provides a feeling of well-being
Promotes greater creative expression

I hope these examples help you find hope. Be sure to always consult your primary care physician before changing your health regimen.