Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: As the student clinic coordinator, what key things do you focus on to ensure students have a successful and meaningful experience? 

Katelyn: For me, the biggest thing is finding what motivates and excites the students. I love watching people grow more confident with their flow; each student is very different. Tuning in to support everyone individually is essential for their continued enjoyment in pursuing success as they see it. 

BWS: What do you find most fulfilling about teaching the Therapeutic Massage series at Body Wisdom? 

Katelyn: Working with students so early in the program, I can watch them overcome their hesitations while trying something new. They get excited about what they are learning and how much more is yet to be incorporated into the journey ahead. I also get to learn from them. As a perpetual student drawn to massage for the ever-expanding library of knowledge, learning from my students is a gift and a privilege that motivates me. 

BWS: How does the student clinic benefit the students and the local community, and what are your favorite moments from working with the public through the clinic?

Katelyn: The clinic is crucial for students to grow their confidence and refine their practice. Likewise, it benefits the community as we can provide affordable services. I love interacting with clients who are radiant with gratitude and excited to rebook with that student before they graduate or follow that student as they get licensed. One of my weekly clients has been with me since my time at the student clinic. 

BWS: Your work with MS Moments sounds incredibly rewarding. Can you tell us more about that partnership and how massage therapy supports individuals with MS? 

Katelyn: MS Moments is a non-profit organization founded in Des Moines. One of the many services they offer to those they support is messages. They provide for approximately 240 families but have recently had to halt services for the rest of the year due to hardship. Being blessed as I am to have extraordinary clients and offering to match any donations, we raised enough money in a single week for me to continue supporting all my MS Moments people until the organization makes its anticipated return in early 2025. I have been working with most of these clients for over a year. It was difficult news to hear that we might have to halt services. They are all unique, but the common factor is their appreciation for having a massage as an assistive service and for its relief and solidarity.

BWS: You also work alongside other Body Wisdom graduates in a 3-room office with 5 therapists. How does that community impact your daily practice, and what’s it like collaborating with fellow alumni? 

Katelyn: After graduation, I sought a space to rent a room and start my practice. Over time, I rented out with two therapists who did not attend Body Wisdom. The difference was evident in how they approached the profession. They both seemed to be less grounded or refined. They also seemed more interested in how I could help their business than providing the space for me to expand my own. I wanted to create a space where other LMTs starting their practice could have a safe and supportive environment. I am grateful to work with fantastic individuals I already knew and trusted before getting into business together. We all support one another; there is no competition, and we are equals. I was drawn to this profession because of the potential freedom and work-life balance that can be created. I want that same thing for everyone working out of my space. We are empowered to do our own thing and share insights with one another to keep growing within the profession together. 

BWS: Teaching at Body Wisdom: How do you ensure your students are well-prepared for their careers after completing the Therapeutic Massage series? 

Katelyn: I believe it is vital for students to understand the guidelines of ethics and professionalism. From there, they must really work to create their own vision. They must maintain enthusiasm and ensure that body mechanics are maintained and self-care has a dedicated regimen.

BWS: Outside of massage therapy, gardening is one of your hobbies. How did you get started with that, and how does it help you unwind? 

Katelyn: Gardening for me sprouted from a love of being outside and a fascination with watching the world around me provide its own bounty if adequately encouraged. My grandmother had a garden when I was very young before she and my grandfather moved to Arizona. My memories are vague, but what stands out is how happy she was tending to it and the pride she exuded when taking others through it to see what was thriving. I also credit my love for food with pushing me to start gardening; 95% of what I grow is edible. I served in the food industry for over a decade and worked for local companies that took great care to source from the community. Again, it comes back to empowerment; I try to cultivate that in myself so to lead by example and find others looking to do the same.  

BWS: Do you find any similarities between gardening and massage therapy regarding the care and nurturing involved?

Katelyn: Intention, patience, and diligence run deep in both! Education and collaboration are indispensable.  

BWS: What do you enjoy most about balancing your teaching, clinical, and personal life, and how do you stay grounded amidst everything? 

Katelyn: Serving others fuels me to continue going and growing. My first interest in massage was self-empowerment, knowing my body well to maintain it better. The next step was to share that with clients. Getting to work with students brings it full circle for me.  I learn from my clients and my students. Those lessons keep gratitude as a guiding factor for me. Feeling like peace and abundance allows me to dedicate time to home life, where I can stay grounded with a blend of solitude and intimate pack life. That adds balance to how social my practice and work for the clinic have made me.

BWS: Is there a particular massage technique or tool you’ve discovered through your work or teaching that you find incredibly impactful?

Katelyn: Myofascial Release is gentle and can still make the most significant impact. That speaks to me personally and spiritually, so using it professionally makes things shine. Also, weighted tuning forks are a favorite for self-care and select clients. 

BWS: Looking Forward: What are you most excited about in your role at Body Wisdom in the coming year, whether in the classroom or the student clinic? 

Katelyn: I’m excited to continue refining the materials we present to students. There is room for growth each time the classes are taught, and the students help us find that new angle. I love collaborating with colleagues, students, and CE classmates.

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving, and what role do you hope Body Wisdom plays in that future?

Katelyn: I see the potential for brand-new and advanced modalities. Classes like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Death Doula Certification are exciting growth for the school and the industry.  Schools like Body Wisdom also create the standard of elevated professional care massage can provide. So much has happened in the last 50 years; the next 10-20 years promise to be just as evolutionary if we come together with that goal.  I’m here to keep raising the standard of what the public can expect from Massage Therapists within the greater healthcare spectrum. 

Katelyn, thanks so much for sitting down with us today.

Body Wisdom School

BWS: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved with Body Wisdom Massage School? 

A: I started in the restaurant business about 17 years ago and trained as a professional chef in New York City. I worked in restaurants and other establishments for a personal chef company in Des Moines. I had a client who lived off 54th St. One day when I was driving to their house going up 86th St, I looked over. I saw the sign “Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School.” This was significant because, over the six months before that, multiple people had told me I needed to go to massage therapy school just out of the blue. Well, I can take a hint from the Universe and the next person, so I did a little research about Body Wisdom, and on December 22nd, I popped in on my lunch break and talked to G for about half an hour. She gave me all the information and was very kind, and I said I needed to make sure I could manage it financially and I would get in touch when I had my ducks in a row. I left, and she never expected to see me again. 3 months later, I had things sorted out, I called the school and made arrangements to sign up, and on March 22nd, I started classes. I went to school at night, worked full-time during the day, and made it work. It was an excellent learning, growing, and expanding experience, as my personal experiences with bodywork were pretty limited at that time. I met some charming people in the different courses I took, and all of the teachers I experienced were highly skilled, passionate professional therapists who did their very best to instill their experience and knowledge in their students. 

I’ve been a full-time therapist since April 2017, and then in 2019, Ali reached out and asked if I’d be interested in teaching, as my name had come up a couple of times. After training with Adam(the prior instructor), I was honored to be asked. I’ve been teaching Clinical Sports and Orthopedic Massage since 2020 and enjoy it immensely. It’s a very theory-heavy course, but it’s also a lot of fun. I try my very best to teach it in an applied-sciences way, it’s also chock-full of great techniques and we also do a lot of hands-on.

In 2021, I filled in teaching the Myofascial Release class, which I do the most in my practice, and I’ll be returning to teach that course again this November(2024) and into the foreseeable future. I love Myofascial Release; it’s a potent technique that applies to almost every client. In my experience, the fascial system is an undertreated aspect of human physiology, and it’s amazing how much benefit the client can receive when someone finally treats the right thing. I also find the principles of the technique itself to carry over into other areas of one’s life, if you want them to, and it’s a very transforming technique to learn and practice. 

   Last summer, Ali asked me if I would be interested in helping to develop and then teaching a course on Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM). I agreed, even though I’d never really been that interested in using tools in massage, per se. I trained with Hot & Cold Stones and Bamboo with Dianna Berry, but that was about the extent of it. However, I try to be open-minded about everything, and I’m always up for something new. I also thought it would dovetail in nicely with Orthopedic and Myofascial Release since there are aspects of both in IASTM. 

BWS: For those who are unfamiliar with IASTM, can you explain it and how it differs from other massage techniques?

Jillian: It’s essentially what the acronym says, ”Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.” Stainless steel tools are applied to the body in specific ways, with variations in scraping and pressing motions mostly, to mobilize and open the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, subcutaneous layers, and fascia. Its main difference from the more traditional hands-on techniques therapists are familiar with is the use of stainless steel tools. It’s an excellent technique for saving the therapist’s hands and body because the tool creates some of the pressure and increases the mechanical leverage produced. More effect for the client with less physical work for the therapist, which most therapists will agree is good if you want a long, effective, and pleasant career for yourself. It also provides great feedback on the state of the client’s tissues and, in some ways, is more sensitive even than manual tissue palpation when you get used to it.  

BWS: What are some of the critical benefits of IASTM for clients?

Jillian: For the client, it produces quite a pain-relieving effect in soft tissue, particularly connective tissue, much more quickly than other techniques seem to. There are also considerable circulatory effects in releasing stagnation in the tissues, opening space around structures, and decompressing joints, which is very effective and beneficial for the client. There also seem to be some positive effects on bio-energy circulation and transfer. For the practitioner, it’s a great way to release tissues that have resisted other bodywork methods, mainly if you use it as an opening, finishing, or adjunct technique to different types of bodywork.

BWS: Can you share a success story or a particularly memorable experience you’ve had using IASTM?

Jillian: The most memorable experience I’ve had with IASTM was actually from treating myself. I’ve had some trouble off and on for the last 10 years or so, with my left Serratus Anterior muscle locking up and putting pressure on my Long Thoracic Nerve. It is tiresome, to say the least since it locks up my shoulder and makes my neck and hand uncomfortable. I picked up my boomerang tool in a fit of pique and decided, “What the heck! Let’s try this sucker out and see if I can get SOMETHING moving!” So I scraped the dickens out of my left rib cage, up into my axilla, and down my left arm. I could tell something happened afterward, and since it felt beneficial, I went to bed. When I woke up the next day, and by the time I went to work that afternoon, the pain and pressure in my torso, shoulder, hand, and neck were gone. I have had no trouble with it since then, probably 8 or 9 months ago. It’s a good technique. 

BWS: How do you envision incorporating IASTM into your practice, and for what clients or conditions do you find most effective?

Jillian: I like to use it as an adjunct technique for my more athletic clientele and a speed-up-the-process technique with my Myofascial Release clients, as it provides me with another way into the client’s tissues. I find it’s well worth taking the 5 minutes to treat a problem area with IASTM, create some space in the tissue matrix and relieve symptoms to an extent, then go in and treat deeper and slower with Myofascial Release or other techniques to give the client a more lasting result and/or take us down to the next layer of their tissue dysfunction. I also find it blends beautifully with Thai massage and Acupressure since the type of tissue mobilization positively affects the conductivity of meridians/sen lines in the body and makes pressure point techniques more effective. It’s also great for chronic connective dysfunction, plantar and palmar surface issues, etc.  I also self-treat a lot with it. I’ve had some tibial torsion in my right lower leg, and I’ve noticed that I can improve the tracking of my right patella and leg stride when I treat myself with IASTM. I hope to eventually resolve the issue entirely and save my knee and ankle much trouble and pain further down the line.  

BWS: How do you see students who complete your IASTM course using this modality in their practices?

Jillian:  Frequently, I hope. All kidding aside, it’s an excellent technique for clients with all sorts of issues. You can do this on anybody if the skin integrity is excellent and appropriate precautions are utilized.  I hope that even if it takes some time to feel entirely comfortable with the tools, students who complete the course will at least self-treat, as the self-treatment aspects cannot be overemphasized. It’s a great way to get the feel of the tools if you need to get more comfortable treating clients, minimize injury by keeping your tissues open, speed recovery if you do get injured, and generally keep yourself feeling great as a therapist so you can provide outstanding care and assist your clients in their journeys. 

BWS: Are there any particular tips or advice you would give students new to IASTM who want to integrate it into their services?

Jillian: Work on yourself. “Don’t do anything to anyone you haven’t experienced or don’t do to yourself.” AND “Let the tool do the work, so less is more in terms of pressure and time in a specific area. “

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving with the integration of modalities like IASTM?

Jillian: I hope to see more mainstream integration of massage therapy and manual bodywork within Physical Therapy and conventional Western Medicine. Hands-on therapies are not valued by Western Medicine in the way that they could, or should, be, exceptionally since even if we cannot “fix” the problem, we can generally provide some symptom relief, and we don’t harm or injure that is not something that most aspects of conventional medicine and therapy can say. 
I hope that the adoption of IASTM and other more medically perceived therapies opens the door for a wider acceptance of qualified bodyworkers to operate more in the beginning stages of assessment, care, and treatment rather than the “when everything else has failed, and now I’m so desperate for relief I’ll try anything” stage which is when we typically see people. Speaking for myself, I can do a lot more for the client if I can catch them in the first stages of their dysfunction before they’ve developed tons of compensation patterns, fascial bracing, habitually held pain, etc. 

BWS: What are your hopes for the future of IASTM and its impact on the massage therapy community?

Jillian: I hope the technique becomes more widely known in the community of hands-on therapists for its effective technique. I freely admit to having been a bit of a skeptic, maybe a prominent skeptic, about how good a tool-based modality could actually be. It turns out it is pretty darn good and effective. I also hope that therapists understand the need to get properly trained in a modality before offering it because incomplete information is, at best, unhelpful to the client and, at worst, could be physically injurious. Incomplete information or training is also harmful to the reputation of a technique. It puts people off receiving something that could make a massive difference in their state of health and being. Whatever modality you are using, please get the proper education, understand why you’re doing whatever you’re doing, and thoroughly understand any health and safety considerations for the sake of the client, your practice, and yourself. 

BWS: Is there anything else you’d like to share about IASTM, your teaching approach, or your experiences at Body Wisdom Massage School?

Jillian: I’d like to say that I’m always honored to teach a class of whatever modality. I truly enjoy meeting students at Body Wisdom and being part of their journey. My goal is always to provide and facilitate the type of experience I was privileged to enjoy as a student at Body Wisdom, and I’m grateful to Ali for allowing me to be part of that. 

Also, I am so grateful for a piece of advice I got when I was just starting out in the world: “You’ll know you’re in the right job if you like what you do so much that you would do it for free.” I can honestly say that that’s entirely true. I like what I do so much that I’d do it for nothing. 

I hope the students who come through Body Wisdom enter their practices feeling that same way and stay feeling that way. If my fellow teachers and I do our jobs properly, they will have a better chance of attaining that goal. 

Best of luck to all my fellow massage therapists,

IASTM 16-hr CE Course Oct 7-8, 2024
Please reserve your spot now and join us on this transformative journey!
Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890
or G.Kelley@bodywisdomschool.com

Jillian Peet

Course Details:
https://bodywisdomschool.com/academic-programs/electives/instrument-assisted-soft-tissue-mobilization/

As massage therapists, we constantly seek ways to enhance our practice, improve client outcomes, and broaden our skill sets. One powerful tool gaining traction in the therapeutic world is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). 

I became aware of this technique in January 2019 from an article in Massage Magazine, but it was only after I saw my body’s fantastic results that I took notice!  When I could completely cure my Plantar Fasciitis in only three self-applied treatments, I knew we had to bring this modality to Body Wisdom Massage School students and grads.  We are the first massage school in the USA to teach IASTM, and our first 16-hour IASTM CE Course will be held in early October.  If you haven’t yet explored this technique, now might be the perfect time to consider how it can complement your existing massage therapy practice.

What is IASTM:
IASTM stands for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. This technique involves using specialized tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, adhesions, and scar tissue within the body’s soft tissues. The tools, typically made of stainless steel, are designed to help the therapist apply targeted pressure and mobilization to specific areas, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment.

The Benefits of IASTM:
Incorporating IASTM into your massage therapy practice offers numerous benefits, both for you as a therapist and for your clients:

1. Enhanced Precision and Efficiency: The tools used in IASTM allow for more precise assessment and targeting of problematic areas. This means you can work more efficiently, potentially reducing the physical strain on your hands and body. The scanning and assessment strokes with IASTM tools are thought to be over 30X more sensitive than palpating with your hands, similar to when a doctor uses a stethoscope to amplify the feedback from the body. During the assessment, the therapist and the client can feel the abnormal gritty, sand-like, restrictive collagen fibers vibrating through the IASTM instrument.

2. Improved Client Outcomes: IASTM has been shown to help treat chronic conditions such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and IT band syndrome. By breaking down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, clients often experience quicker and more sustained relief from pain and improved range of motion. In my experience, the results can be very dramatic!

3. Versatility: IASTM can be integrated with various massage techniques, including deep tissue, sports massage, and even gentle relaxation therapies. This versatility allows you to tailor treatments to each client’s specific needs.

4. Professional Growth: Learning and mastering IASTM can set you apart in a competitive field. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and willingness to adopt innovative methods to enhance client care.

How IASTM Works:

The process of IASTM involves several key steps:

1. Assessment: Before treatment begins, a thorough assessment is conducted to identify areas of restriction or dysfunction. This can involve both visual and palpation/scanning techniques with IASTM tools.

2. Application: Using the IASTM tools, the therapist applies controlled pressure to the superficial fascia of the affected tissues. This helps to break up the disorderly collagen matrix between fascial layers, promoting more glide between adjacent structures. IASTM also helps initiate a healing response by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

3. Treatment Techniques: IASTM includes various techniques, including sweeping, fanning, brushing, and scooping. Each technique targets different tissue depths and types of restrictions. Most treatments for targeted body areas take only 3-5 minutes, so they’re very efficient and convenient to add to any massage treatment protocol.

4. After Care: Recommendations for stretching and staying hydrated.

Getting Started with IASTM:
If you want to incorporate IASTM into your practice, Body Wisdom Massage School has a 16-hour CE Course that will give you the knowledge and tools to get started.  IASTM is particularly well suited for therapists doing injury work with their clients.  A solid understanding of anatomy and physiology is required and is a prerequisite for Body Wisdom’s IASTM course.

What NOT to do:
There are a lot of harmful and even dangerous techniques on display on social media. You don’t want to pick up a spoon, butter knife, or even a legit IASTM tool and start scraping around without proper training and knowledge. I know of immediately eight absolute (red flag) and seven relative (yellow flag) contraindications. With the appropriate training, it’s a powerful and very safe technique. Get trained. Be safe!

IASTM is a valuable addition to any massage therapy practice. By enhancing your ability to treat soft tissue dysfunction and providing clients with improved outcomes, you expand your professional toolkit and demonstrate your commitment to delivering the best possible care. So, why not explore IASTM and see how it can elevate your practice to new heights?

Please reserve your spot now and join us as one of the first Massage Therapists to employ this new technique!

Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890
or G.Kelley@bodywisdomschool.com

The Importance of Self-Care
As a massage therapist, caring for yourself is as vital as caring for your clients. The profession is physically and mentally demanding, requiring a robust self-care regimen to maintain balance and prevent burnout. The dual stress of managing a business or career and the physical exertion of providing massages can be overwhelming. Emphasizing self-care demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional well-being, helping you stay centered and stress-free.

Leading by Example
In the wellness industry, you are a beacon of health for your clients. They observe your habits and behaviors, seeking inspiration for their wellness journeys. Imagine the negative impact on your practice if clients see you engaging in unhealthy habits or appearing stressed and frazzled. Self-care enhances your well-being, reinforces your credibility, and sets a positive example for those you serve.

Self-Care: A Pillar of Professional Success
Effective self-care is foundational to the success of your massage therapy practice. Poor body mechanics or physical exhaustion can lead to injuries that may significantly disrupt your business. By prioritizing self-care, you ensure your ability to meet the physical demands of your work and maintain a thriving practice. A well-maintained self-care routine empowers you to deliver exceptional service while safeguarding your health.

On-the-Job Wellness:
• Body Mechanics: Consistently use proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury. Regularly assess and refine your techniques.

• Healthy Nutrition: Fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Hydrate adequately to support overall health.

• Scheduled Breaks: Incorporate short, restful breaks into your schedule to relax and recharge. These moments of downtime help mitigate stress and maintain focus.

Off-the-Job Wellness

• Balanced Diet and Exercise: Commit to a balanced diet and regular physical activity. These habits contribute to your overall well-being and physical resilience. Social Connections: Spend quality time with family and friends to foster emotional health and a sense of community.

• Personal Relaxation: Treat yourself to massages and other relaxation therapies. These activities enhance your well-being and provide insights into the client experience.

Comprehensive Self-Care Strategies

1. Regular Exercise: Incorporate activities like yoga, swimming, or strength training to stay fit and prevent injuries.

2. Proper Body Mechanics: Maintain correct posture and techniques during sessions to avoid strain.

3. Stretching: Regular stretching routines keep your muscles flexible and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

4. Healthy Eating: A nutrient-rich diet supports your energy and overall health.

5. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially after giving massages, to help flush out toxins.

6. Rest: Prioritize adequate sleep and rest to allow your body to recover.

7. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and enhance mental clarity.

8. Receiving Massage Therapy: Regularly get massages to relieve muscle tension and gain perspective on the client experience.

9. Ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize physical strain.

10. Time Management: Avoid overbooking and schedule breaks to prevent burnout.

11. Emotional Support: Seek support from colleagues, friends, or a therapist for the emotional aspects of your work.

12. Continuing Education: Keep up with the latest techniques and self-care strategies through ongoing education.

13. Creative Outlets: Engage in hobbies and creative activities to relax and rejuvenate.

14. Professional Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

15. Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to healthcare professionals help monitor and address any health concerns.

Integrating these self-care strategies into your routine allows you to maintain your well-being and continue providing high-quality care to your clients. Remember, self-care is key to being a successful and effective massage therapist.

For information on full program massage courses and CE Courses

Contact G. Kelly M-F 9-5PM at 515-727-4890
or G.Kelley@bodywisdomschool.com